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Getting a tattoo is rooted in self expression. Here’s a hygiene and safety checklist that you must take note of before getting inked.
When you get a tattoo, prioritize safety as much as the design.
Tattoos were once the badge of the bold, but in India, the ink has seeped into everyday expression and personal branding. From anniversary dates to deities and spontaneous artistic impulses, the skin now doubles as a diary. Yet, beneath this surge of self-expression lies a worrying gap: a lack of awareness around basic hygiene and safety.
A tattoo is more than an aesthetic choice. It is a carefully conducted procedure that requires the same hygiene and care as any other type of skin treatment. The rise of professional tattoo studios in India has brought more attention to hygiene and proper artistic practices. Still, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference. This includes sterile equipment, single-use needles, clean workstations, and artists who follow strict hygiene protocols – not just for your safety, but theirs too.
Sunny Bhanushali, Founder, Aliens Tattoo, says, “Cleanliness and hygiene are paramount to responsible tattooing. Your health can never be compromised for a tattoo. From disinfected workstations to quality products, each step should be monitored and transparent. As artists, our responsibility goes beyond design and creativity; it includes the assurance that every client leaves not only with an amazing tattoo but also with the confidence that they were taken care of with safety in mind.”
Amidst the rise in tattoos in India, Bhanushali has shared a guide that encapsulates everything a client should remember before getting a tattoo, especially in terms of hygiene and safety.
What to Look for Before You Get a Tattoo
Pre-Tattoo Research
Research the studio thoroughly – Look for visible cleanliness. A reputable studio will openly communicate its sanitation protocols. Verify that items touching the skin, such as armrests and chairs, are covered with protective plastic or wraps and replaced for every client.
Check how tools are sterilised – Every needle used during the session should be single-use and unwrapped in front of you. If the studio uses reusable tools, they must be sterilised using a medical-grade autoclave. There should be no compromise here.
Consent and documentation – A professional studio will ask you to complete a consent form and provide a basic health declaration. This is done to ensure you are informed and prepared, and it also protects both parties.
Trust your gut – If anything feels unhygienic, uncomfortable, or suspicious, do not proceed. Your health is far more important than rushing into a decision.
During the Tattoo Process
Ensure a fresh setup – Watch carefully as your artist sets up. Needles, ink caps, gloves, and razors should all be new and handled with sterile technique.
Hand hygiene by the tattoo artist – The artist should always wear gloves and change them if they touch anything non-sterile. Good hand hygiene is a strong indicator of professionalism and care. If the artist takes a break during your session, they must sanitise again and change gloves before continuing.
Post-Tattoo Aftercare
Follow instructions strictly – The artist will guide you on how to care for your tattoo. This usually involves cleaning it gently with a mild, unscented soap, applying a recommended ointment, and avoiding picking or scratching.
Avoid risky exposure – Stay away from pools, gyms, saunas, or direct sunlight for two weeks after getting tattooed. Excess moisture or UV rays can interfere with healing.
Watch for warning signs – It could be an early sign of infection if you notice unusual redness, swelling, oozing, or intense itching that persists beyond a few days. Seek immediate medical attention.
When it comes to tattoos, your safety standards should be just as lasting as the ink. Before you sit in the chair, take the time to ask questions, assess the setup, and make an informed choice. When hygiene is valued as highly as creativity, you walk away with more than just a beautiful tattoo – you carry it with confidence and peace of mind.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
