• Tattoo Shop Environment
• Sterilization
• Professionalism
• Caution
• Picking Your Design
• Placement Of Design
• Choice Of Artist
• Paying The Price
• Tattoo Safety Advice
• Piercing Aftercare

A proper environment should consist of a clean, hygienic atmosphere. A swap meet, nightclub or someones' house is not an acceptable environment to get work done. All surfaces that could possibly come into contact with bodily fluids, such as tattoo chairs, table, work surfaces and workstation should be made of a nonporous material. Floors must be tiled not carpeted. This guards against the harboring of bacteria and allows surfaces to be cleaned with a hard surface disinfectant.

The ONLY acceptable means of sterilization in the tattoo & piercing community is by Autoclave or by Gamma Sterilization. An ultrasonic cleaner is a MUST! There is no excuse for a studio not to have an ultrasonic available to all its' employees at all times. Only ultrasonically cleaned and then sterilized instruments should be used. All Autoclave bags have a distinguishing mark on the backside that will turn a dark color when the item inside is sterile. Ask your artist to show this to you. Products used during your tattoo or piercing should be single use and disposed of immediately in a bio-hazardous container. The tattoo studio should also have a contract with a medical waste disposal facility to dispose of all contaminated waste, and be able to provide certification upon request. Ours hangs on the outside of our Bio-hazardous room.

There is no such thing as a "Professional" Tattooist that works out of his/her home. A tattooist or piercer claiming to be "Licensed" should be questioned, as there is currently no licensing process for these professions in the state of Arizona. Remember, it is your body, do not supply it to just anyone claiming to be a tattooist or piercer. Do your research. Trust your instinct. Peace of mind is the most important thing to consider. If something seems odd, ask your tattooist or piercer to explain it. If you are not completely satisfied with your tattooist, piercer or the environment, do not get worked on there. Your artist should be sober, clean, calm, well informed and have the highest standard of personal hygiene. Tattooist and piercers should be ethical and concerned for the welfare of their client. A competent tattooist or piercer must be capable of performing the procedure without the assistance of anyone. Finally, your artist should give you detailed aftercare instructions on how to care for your specific tattoo or piercing.

A little caution and common sense can go a long way in helping you enjoy your tattoo or piercing. If you are tattooed and/or pierced correctly and take proper care of it, risk of infection is diminished. Water can be a breeding ground for bacteria therefore; swimming in any body of water (i.e., lakes, streams, beaches, pools, rivers, bathtubs, etc.) should be avoided during the healing period. Handling fresh tattoos or piercings, such as rubbing or scratching with dirty hands puts unwanted dirt and bacteria into the skin, leading to possible infection. For best possible tattoo or piercing experience, you should be physically clean and well rested, be well hydrated and eat an hour or so before getting tattooed or pierced. A good attitude and a focused state of mind will help immensely. Do not attempt to get tattooed or pierced under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This makes it more uncomfortable and an ethical shop will not work on you. Listen to your tattooist or piercer. They will guide you through your procedure and make it as quick and painless as possible. Inform your tattooist or piercer of any medical conditions you may have and do not get tattooed or have your navel pierced if you believe you are pregnant! If you believe you are having problems with your tattoo or piercing, do not hesitate to contact your tattooist, piercer or medical doctor.

Choose what you like! You have to live with your tattoo for the rest of your life. Discuss size and color with your artist to achieve the look you want. Sometimes it is better to leave artistic aspects of your tattoo up to the wisdom and experience of your chosen artist.

Give the location of the tattoo considerable thought. It is there forever. If your concerns are for the sensation and level of discomfort involved, your artist can discuss these aspects with you.

The subject is probably the most personal of all aspects of receiving a tattoo, find the artist that fulfills your needs art-wise as well as in professionalism, price and last but not least personality. All should make you feel comfortable and not as if your are being pressured into getting something you don't want or paying for something out of your range.

Absolutely don't shop around for the "best price" This is a trade in which you should see examples of the artists' work and question their knowledge. All professional tattooists' should have a portfolio out at all times, to show his or her talent with pride. This is not a trade to be bartered with. You pay a price for time and expertise.

• Always insist that you see your tattooist remove a new needle and tube setup from a sealed, sterilized envelope immediately prior to your tattoo.
• Always make sure your artist puts on a new pair of disposable gloves before setting up tubes, needles and ink supply.
• Satisfy yourself that the shop furnishings and tattooists and piercers are clean and orderly in appearance, much like a medical facility.
• Feel free to question the tattooist or piercer as to any of his/her sterile procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe them at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo or piercing field.
• If the tattooist or piercer is a qualified professional, they will have no problem complying with the standards above and beyond these simple guidelines.
• If the artist, piercer or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a professional establishment.

Oral Piercings (lip, cheek, tongue, etc): Your piercing may swell for 1-3 weeks. Take ibuprofen, suck on ice, drink very cold water to help aid in reducing inflammation. For the first 3 weeks rinse your mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash (Biotene, Crest Pro-Health, Tech2000) after anything that enters your mouth aside from bottled water. The outside of your mouth around the piercing should be cleaned twice a day with an antibacterial soap and H2Ocean. It is important not to intake alcohol, or consume tobacco products for the initial healing period to avoid irritating your piercing severely. For your initial healing period avoid oral sex, or open mouth kissing. After 3-6 weeks have your piercer replace your jewelry with a shorter piece. This is important as it will aid in the remaining heal time for your piercing, as well as help to prevent gum erosion/tooth damage or further discomfort.

DO NOT: Use Alcohol, Peroxide, Hibiclens, Betadine, or any petroleum based product such as Bacitracin or Neosporin. AND DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS! If you have any concerns, please contact your piercer via the info listed on the opposite side of this card.

General Piercings (ears, septum, nostril, navel, surface, nipple, etc.): In the shower wash your piercing, jewelry, and surrounding area once a day with a gentle anti-bacterial soap. Be sure to clean the entire area, and rinse the soap off thoroughly. After shower, clean the piercing and jewelry with a liberal application of H2Ocean using a q-tip. Use the q-tip to gently wipe away any dried “crusty” material or blood. Do this 2 to 3 times a day. Do not rinse H2Ocean off.

Male & Female Genital Piercings: Follow the same instructions as stated above. Be very careful in applying anti-bacterial soap as this may cause irritation to the urethra, and vaginal opening. For piercings that are transurethral (pass through the urinary tract), or near the urethra, your urine will cleanse the piercing.

Disclaimer: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considering a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Be aware, however, that many doctors and dentists do not have specific training or experience regarding piercing, and may not be educated on how to best assist you. IF you do get an infection, the jewelry should be left in, so that the infection may drain. IF the jewelry is removed, the holes may close and result in an abscess. Always contact your piercer if anything seems abnormal or if you have any concerns.