You’ve found the design, you’ve found the shop, but something doesn’t feel right? Your instincts are probably right. Hygiene in tattooing is not a luxury, it’s a matter of health. Before you sit down in the chair, check out these 5 warning signs (Red Flags)
- No Gloves = No Tattoo: The artist must wear new gloves before touching anything (tools, ink, or you). If they pick up their phone and then touch you without changing gloves, leave.
- The “Mysterious” Needle: The needle must be sealed in sterile packaging and opened IN FRONT OF YOU. If the needle is already on the machine when you enter, do not do this.
- Dirty Space: If you see dust on the shelves, discarded papers on the floor, or stains on the chair, imagine what is happening with the tools you cannot see.
- Pressure: A professional respects your concerns. If they pressure you to do something you don’t want to do or tell you, “Come on, it doesn’t hurt,” that’s a sign of disrespect.
- No portfolio: If they don’t have photos of their own work (healed) or if the photos appear to have been downloaded from Google, they are hiding something.
At SkinForge, all verified artists strictly adhere to hygiene protocols. Don’t gamble with your health for a few euros less.