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| (Photo credit: Tracy Lee) |
If you are thinking
of getting a tattoo or body piercing then you need to consider the
health implications of getting such a body modification. Make sure
that you do your research first, that research should be done in
person, go along to a piercing parlor or tattoo studio and talk to
the owner. Ask them about the needles that they use, for example are
they disposable or are they reused, and if they are used more than
once, then ask them about their sterilization process. You may want
to look elsewhere if they do use needles, as even if they are
sterilized you have to ask yourself if it is worth running the risk
of contamination, after all it is your body and your health.
Once you are
satisfied that this particular tattoo artist or piercer adheres to
the correct sanitary processes then you should ask to see some
examples of their previous work, as any half decent tattooist or
piercer will have a portfolio of their work. If they do not have one
or they are less than enthusiastic about showing you their work then
be concerned, as they may have done some less than fantastic work
previously. The better tattoo artists and piercers will more often
than not be members of a professional association or organizations,
and will have the documents to prove it.
Another thing to consider
is, do they provide a leaflet detailing the after care instructions?
Do not settle for being told verbally about what to do after you have
left their parlor. If you have a list to follow then you are more
likely to follow the instructions instead of forgetting to do what
the artist or piercer told you to do before you left.
Ask for proof that they
have done work for previous satisfied customers by asking to see some
references, ask if they have a list of names and contact details for
referee’s. To conclude, make sure
that any needles used are opened in front of you, as needles that
have been opened without you seeing should be considered
contaminated. Body modification is serious, so treat it as such.
