Permanent tattoos, precautions, hygiene, safety

Forget the free tattoos you got out of bubble gum wrappers when you were a teenager. You need a bit more than a pretty piece of paper to get yourself properly tattooed! For a real tattoo, a permanent design is traced by inserting pigments under the skin with a fine needle that comes into contact with your flesh and blood.

This is why there's a risk of contamination and infection. We all know that prevention is better than cure, but with tattoo parlours springing up everywhere and some unqualified people passing themselves off as tattoo artists, a bit of vigilance is required. 

- Avoid tattooist-thieves: at parties, at fairs, on the beach, etc.
- Ask the right questions: 
Does the tattooist use single-use needles and do they come in sterilised packaging?
Have the tools and material been properly sterilised?
Does the tattooist wear disposable medical gloves?
- After you get your tattoo, listen carefully to the tattooist's advice so that it heals as quickly as possible and if you have any doubts, contact your doctor. 

For more information, visit the Tattoo Club of Great Britain website: www.tattoo.co.uk