It is not advisable to perform your own body art unless you are trained to do so. By tattooing yourself, you could infect yourself with HIV, hepatitis B and C and cause other complications.
So make sure you use a professional tattoo artist. A professional will:
- Always use sterile needles in peel-away packages.
- Use special non-toxic skin dyes or pigments. Other inks such as pen and photocopying ink are toxic and must not be used.
- Use new disposable ink caps to hold the tattooing ink.
- Use only fresh ink. Sharing ink is like sharing dirty needles. Ask if the ink caps and ink are thrown away after each use.
- Clean the skin they are going to tattoo with soap and water, and then a skin antiseptic.
- Use a new disposable razor if they need to shave you.
- Send you home with written instructions on how to look after your tattoo while it heals.
- Not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Infection can ruin your new artwork!
- Avoid alcohol and drugs before being tattooed. Alcohol thins your blood and can interfere with the ink. Drugs of any kind alter thinking patterns and decision-making.
- Tell the artist if you are allergic to metal, petroleum-based products and/or iodine.
- Make sure a sterile non-stick bandage covers your new tattoo when you leave.
- Follow the aftercare instructions.
- If the tattooed area becomes red, swollen or tender or if pus develops, you may have an infection. See your doctor immediately.
- If you must touch your tattoo, wash your hands first.
- Remember, tattoos can take up to six weeks to heal.
Aftercare for your new tattoo:
- Keep it covered with a sterile, non-stick bandage for two to 12 hours.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before you touch it.
- Wet the gauze thoroughly before you remove the bandage.
- Wash your new tattoo with mild non-perfumed soap, then rinse and gently pat dry. Apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day for the first five days.
- If a rash develops, stop using the antibiotic ointment.
- After five days, stop using the antibiotic ointment and use a cream-based moisturizer to keep the tattoo moist.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for four weeks. Newly tattooed skin is more sensitive to sunlight. Always protect the tattooed area with at least a 30 SPF waterproof sunscreen.
- Avoid swimming, taking hot baths and soaking in a hot tub until the tattoo is completely healed.
- If an infection develops, consult your family doctor immediately.
Please call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700 to report any establishment(s) you feel lacks sanitary conditions or is performing unsafe services.
Please print 'Choosing A Safe Tattoo' (Acrobat PDF document 64 KB) checklist to help you make your decision!
