Tattoo Hygiene What characterizes a good tattoo artist?

Customers should have a close look in advance
More and more people get tattooed. No wonder, because the colorful pictures on the skin are today much more accepted than a few years ago. Meanwhile, it is almost "normal" to have a tattoo. In view of the high demand, the number of tattoo artists is increasing, in almost every major city there is at least one tattoo parlor. But how can you tell if this is a serious store? The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) gives important tips on what interested should pay attention.

Tattooing involves health risks
Whether stars, flowers or fantasy motifs: tattoos are still a mass trend. Accordingly, there is a tattoo parlor on almost every corner, where customers can usually get not only colorful skin ornaments, but also piercings. Interested parties are therefore often spoiled for choice and are unsure which tattoo artists to turn to. Above all, it is important that the tattoo is carried out by a qualified person, emphasizes the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). Because the "stinging" of the subject can not only be very unpleasant, but also brings with it health risks. Thus, the dyes of tattooing agents can cause allergic reactions or non-sterile needles a bacterial infection.

In a reputable tattoo studio, strict attention is paid to hygiene and only work with fresh disposable gloves and needles. Likewise, customers are informed in advance about risks. (Image: belyjmishka / fotolia.com)

Pay attention to disposable gloves and fresh needles
When choosing should therefore be looked at the hygiene, advises the BVL. For example, be aware that the tattooist wears fresh disposable gloves and uses disposable packaging for paints and sterile (non-distilled) water for dilution, according to the expert's tip. It is equally important that the workplace is clean and the staff looks well-groomed. Equipment and instruments such as needles, paper towels, razors and swabs for skin injuries should only be used as disposable material. A serious tattoo artist, who takes his customers seriously, does not tattoo on the first visit, but only after thorough consultation on risks and health aspects.

Do not let tattoos sting on vacation
Spontaneous tattoos on holiday should be better avoided. Because it comes for example To allergic skin reactions due to dirty work, under certain circumstances, the journey home must be started earlier than planned. The preferred tattoo parlor should be able to provide evidence of a trade license, but customers should remember that "tattoo artist" is not an official training profession, the bureau points out. Accordingly, the use of the name is also subject to no restriction, so that in principle anyone can call it.

To be on the safe side, customers should confirm in writing that the color of the tattoo complies with the regulations. According to the German Tanning Agents Ordinance, which came into effect on May 1, 2009 in Germany, dyes whose health safety is not without reason can no longer be used for tattooing. These include azo dyes and para-phenylenediamine (PPD), informs the BVL. (No)