7 Things to Look For in a Tattoo Shop
When it comes to getting a tattoo, choosing the right tattoo shop is just as important as selecting the design itself. After all, you want to ensure you're in a safe and professional environment where talented artists can bring your vision to life. Here are several things to look for in a good tattoo shop:
1. Cleanliness and Hygiene
A clean and hygienic environment is non-negotiable when it comes to tattoo shops. Most states and counties have minimum health standards for tattoo shops, but honestly, do you want a tattoo shop that does just the minimum of what is required or do you want a shop that goes above and beyond the standards? Some simple things to look for:
Are gloves being worn while cleaning and tattooing?
Are gloves being changed when they become dirty?
Are cell phones being touched during the tattoo process? (This is a BIG no-no!)
Does the staff appear to be clean and well-groomed?
Is the shop clean? (Floors, windows, counters, rugs, chairs, bathroom, EVERYTHING!
If the shop isn’t clean. Don’t feel pressured to stay at the shop. There is a reason why cleanliness is #1 on my list!
2. Professionalism and Friendliness
From the moment you walk in the door, you should feel welcomed and respected by the staff. Look for a shop where the artists and staff are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to answer any questions you may have about the tattooing process. Are the staff at the shop making dirty jokes? What kind of music are they playing? Is this an environment you want to be in? More than once, I have heard from clients, “I really like this or that artist, but I didn’t feel like they even wanted me there.” You should be getting your tattoos from a shop and an artist who values and cares about you as a person at a base level.
3. Quality of Work
Take the time to research the artists working at the shop and review their social media accounts. Look for artists whose style aligns with the design you have in mind, and pay attention to the quality and consistency of their work. Make sure you are confident with the artist you would like to work with based on their portfolio.
4. Licensing and Certification
Before getting a tattoo, ensure the shop and its artists are properly licensed and certified by local health authorities. This ensures they adhere to industry standards and regulations, including proper sanitation practices and safety protocols. Certifications and licensing should be hung in a conspicuous location for all to see. Also, a few certifications (here in Ohio) need to be renewed yearly. If you don’t see any certifications posted publicly, do not feel bad about asking the artist to see a copy of their certifications.
5. Client Reviews, Recommendations, Testimonials and Community Reputation
One of the best ways to gauge the reputation of a tattoo shop is by reading client reviews and seeking recommendations from friends or family members who have been tattooed there before. A great place to start is a Google search; a professional tattoo business should have a Google profile and client reviews attached to it. Pay attention to feedback about the overall experience, the quality of the tattoos, and the professionalism of the staff. Every client that gets tattooed is a walking billboard for the artist, good or bad. The best way to learn about what a tattoo shop is all about is by getting firsthand feedback from former clients.
6. Aftercare Support
Getting a tattoo is just the first step; proper aftercare is essential for ensuring that your tattoo heals correctly and looks its best. Look for a shop that provides thorough aftercare instructions and is willing to answer any questions you may have about caring for your new tattoo. A good tattoo shop should provide you with written aftercare instructions, the artist's contact information for aftercare questions, and healing ointment for aftercare use.
7. Follow-up Care
Find out if the shop offers follow-up care or touch-up services for your tattoo, should you need them in the future. A good tattoo shop will offer a free touch-up of their tattoos for any issues that may arise. A shop that stands behind its work and offers support even after the tattoo is completed demonstrates a commitment to client satisfaction.
By taking the time to research and choose the right tattoo shop, you can ensure that you have a positive and memorable tattooing experience that results in a beautiful piece of body art that you'll cherish for years to come.
