Tattooing is an invasive and intimate procedure, the results of which will last the rest of your life. The tattoo shop you chose will impact not only the tattoo itself, but also your experience while getting the tattoo. The best tattoo shop is one that is safe, clean and comfortable. Here are a few things to consider when picking out the best tattoo shop.
Licensing- the tattoo shop and its artist(s) should be properly licensed by the state’s health department with licenses (and expiration dates) being prominently displayed for clients. This tells you that the tattoo shop has at least met the minimum requirements of the health department and that the artists know how to prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens and disease.
Cleanliness- this should go without saying, but a great tattoo shop must be clean. Think of a tattoo shop as you would a doctor’s or dental office- tattoo shops should be held to the same level of cleanliness! The tattoo area should be sterile. There should be a handwashing station nearby that is only used by the tattoo artist. Disposable nitrile gloves should always be worn by the artist. There should be no carpeting in the tattoo area as it is impossible to keep sanitary.
Transparency- Tattoo shops should be fully transparent about their cleaning practices. You should not be made to feel afraid or uncomfortable about asking questions such as how the tattoo area is cleaned or whether the shop is all-disposable or autoclave. If the tattoo shop is annoyed at these types of questions, take your business elsewhere.
Organization- great tattoo shops are highly organized. Tattoo supplies should never be stored in a messy or haphazard way and should always be stored separately from other items such as food or cleaning supplies.
Sobriety- tattoo artists (and clients!) must be sober while tattooing, no exceptions. Tattooing while intoxicated is dangerous and unprofessional. Drawing straight lines is hard enough when you're sober, so your artist should definitely be sober when tattooing.
Vibe- you should feel comfortable in the best tattoo shop for you! Tattooing can be a painful experience and so you should look for a tattoo shop that is as comfortable as possible. Some tattoos can take all day or even require multiple sessions, so you want to pick a tattoo shop where you enjoy the space. Check out the ambience of the tattoo shop during your consultation and pay attention to how you feel. Is it welcoming? Is it crowded? Is there loud music or chatter? If you prefer a quiet atmosphere where you can relax or value your privacy, the best tattoo shop for you may be a one-on-one private studio as opposed to a tattoo shop with lots of tattoo chairs in a small space.