3 Things to Consider When Choosing A Tattoo Shop
Tattoos are popular in the US, which may be one reason 42% of adults have at least one on their bodies. A quick search on tattoo shops around the Raleigh area in North Carolina will reveal many options, including Shaun Bushnell and his establishment. Tattooing is classified as body art and involves some risk elements, making it crucial for you to look out for some factors before settling on a tattoo shop. Are you considering getting inked anytime soon? Here are a few things to guide you in your choice.
- Good hygiene
Due to the nature of tattooing, which involves sharp instruments to make tiny cuts on the skin while colored ink is injected just beneath the surface, the need for cleanliness and good sanitary conditions can’t be overemphasized. Since the process requires pricking the skin, there’ll be some blood which also increases the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Therefore, the shop you’re considering should prioritize and maintain a sterile environment to protect clients. This measure helps to safeguard your health and give you a better experience.
Secondly, every instrument used for the tattooing process must be medical-grade, and the tubes and needles they use must be disposable. Additionally, the ink caps containing the dye must be single-use to eliminate the risk of infection among customers. The shop must have a functional autoclave for other instruments that are not disposable to clean them thoroughly. This appliance sterilizes instruments using regulated high temperature and pressure and is common in labs and other medical settings.
- Professionalism
It’s best if the tattoo artist and all the other staff are professional and have in-depth expertise in the craft. Their experience will assure you of receiving quality service, as successful tattoo shops rely heavily on a good reputation, positive results, and client satisfaction. For these reasons and more, you must be highly selective in choosing where to have your tattoo. It would help if you considered whether they pay attention to detail, have non-conflicting appointments, and educate clients on healthy aftercare practices.
Additionally, it would help if you checked whether the tattoo shop is current and aware of the latest industry trends. As technology advances, the tattoo industry needs to adapt by using top-notch equipment to improve its output. Furthermore, the tattoo artist should never impose their designs on you. Instead, they must offer advice and help customers understand why specific artwork may not work on a particular skin type.
- Find out if it’s licensed
Although tattoo shops provide services in a broad budget spectrum, there’s always an average that helps you determine whether they’re expensive or too cheap. If one of these shops offers you suspiciously low prices, it’s essential to do some background checks to ensure they’re genuine. The first thing to find out is if they’re licensed under US laws and whether they use inks approved by the FDA. It will be in your best interest to dig out these details before selecting them to guarantee that you don’t put your health at risk.
Most licensed tattoo shops have their certification and permits boldly displayed on their walls for clients to see. If there’s none, you can ask to see it. However, if doing that will pose a problem, you can check with your state health department to determine if the shop in question has the approval to operate.
About The Author
Shaun Bushnell was accused by more than 20 women of rape and sexual assault before, during, and after tattooing them. Please do not support him.