Tattoo Artist – Necessary Things to Ask

Tattoos have been there for a very long time but in the last two decades, they have become very popular. Whether to get a tattoo or not is a big decision. According to the History of Tattoos, 17% of those who have tattoos regret having them. So unless you want to spend a lot of money on laser tattoo removal, there is no turning back. But if you have decided to get inked, you shouldn’t take it lightly. You must feel comfortable with your tattoo artist.

Below are some questions you should ask when looking for the best tattoo artist in Miami.

How much experience do you have?

Though experience is not always a guarantee for skill, it can be an evaluation criterion for the tattoo artist’s credibility and reliability. Ask your tattoo artist how long he or she has been into the business.

Do you have a license?

The best tattoo artist in Miami will always be certified. A licensed tattoo artist means that the person is well-trained or has cleared an exam in different aspects of responsible tattooing and is able to provide safe tattoo sessions.

Make sure that the tattoo artist or tattoo shop you are engaging with properly displays their certificates and permits and that they are up to date.

What ingredients do you use in the ink?

Tattoo ink, which is currently not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is made up of colorants and carriers. Colorants are pigments that provide the color while carriers (also called diluents) are liquids that are used to transfer colorants from the needle to your skin.

To avoid infections, allergies, and hazardous substances, ask your prospective tattoo artist for the ingredients in the ink that would be used for your tattoo. You can even ask for the brand of ink for specific colors and then do your own research on the ingredients in them.

There are many brands of ink and the ones that are the most cost-effective or the most vibrant may not be the most sterile. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have had several patients who developed severe dermatological complications after being tattooed in shops that did not use sterile inks.

Is your tattoo equipment sterile?

Cleanliness is a must in any tattoo shop and sanitization ensures that. Ask whether, for every client, the tattoo artist uses a new set of needles. The ink should also be placed in new containers or trays.

The tattoo artist should always wear gloves while tattooing and replace those gloves with a new set after each break to reduce the risk of infections. They should also use a heat sterilization machine (autoclave) to clean non-disposable tools and manually disinfect items like sinks every time they are used.

The best tattoo artist in Miami should be able to show you that their needles are all pre-packaged in sterile packs.

What practice do you follow for blood disposal?

Ask if the tattoo artist follows the safety rules in the disposal of blood and other potentially biohazardous waste. If you find a tattoo artist who has needles in the trash can, you should stay away from that place. Professional tattoo artists will have a sharps container on hand.

Do you use drugs?

It is not possible for a person to work properly if s/he is on drugs. Though it may be a tough question to ask someone you barely know, however, you should be straightforward and ask if they use drugs to avoid any mishaps and to prevent a substandard tattoo from being delivered.

What aftercare instructions do you provide?

Tattoo artists should use first aid methods to clean and bandage your tattoo. They should also provide you with information about the proper healing routine and what you need and don’t need to do. Ask your prospective tattoo artist about what instructions they provide.

Conclusion

While asking these sensitive questions, if you care to be polite and non-confrontational, your queries will be better received and this will enable you to find the best tattoo artist in Miami.

Just remember it’s your skin that is going to be needed and you cannot remain shy while getting into a costly and risky venture.