Tattoos became the rage and continued to gain prominence among youth. The craze of getting a tattoo is all-consuming. Once you have a tattoo, you cannot help but notice it everywhere. However, along with the sheer beauty of a tattoo come to the plentiful horror stories of tattoos gone wrong. Sure, tattoo removal and cover-ups are now a convenient option, but the prospect of divorce should not determine a marriage, right? Conducting thorough research before looking for tattoo shops near me, you can avoid all of the red flags.
1. Ask Your Friends
There is nothing better than being able to see a healed tattoo in person. This is the best telltale sign of a successful and sanitary tattoo procedure. Ask your friends and find out if anyone has recently been tattooed or has a favorite tattoo shop. If the tattoo of your friend has caught your attention, enquire about their experience. More than looking for tattoo shops near me consider the comfort and welcoming feel offered. Remember, a tattoo is forever so it is not only important that the artist is skilled at their craft, but that they also behave in a professional and hospitable manner.
2. Do Some Online Research
Today, reviews and videos offer the best and the most informed perspective. There are close to thousands of testimonials for each of the tattoo shops. While you do not need to read each, do scour through superficially to gauge the most common red flags. Alongside, you can also scan the scores of photos of finished tattoos. This goes without saying, but avoid tattoo shops that are visibly dirty and have unusual smells emanating from the confines. Do not choose a shop with negative reviews discussing reused needles, hidden portfolios, or incidents of pressurizing and bullying.
Forced business or oddly unfavorable tattoo artists can prove to be distasteful for many. Good tattoo parlors and the artists helming them should be approachable and open to whatever concern you are dealing with. However, highly recognized tattoo artists will always put their suggestions vocal, and professionally. If you feel the artist is imposing their opinion on you, do consider retracing your steps in the direction of a friendlier parlor.
3. Scan the Portfolio of the Artist
After you have searched for a tattoo shop near me, scan the portfolio of the tattoo artist at the helm of the parlor. With the Internet, doing this research has become increasingly easy. Tattoo styles cover an extensive range from Sailor Jerry to Neo-traditional and everything in-between. If you want bold colors, make sure the artist you contact is not strictly practicing black work. Knowing a few artists’ terms for tattoos is also important. Some artists prefer to only book flash while others prefer custom pieces. An artist may only want to work on specific projects, like large-scale pieces rather than smaller tattoos, and knowing that beforehand will save you both a lot of time.
4. Scan the Interiors of the Tattoo Shop
Assuming you have searched for tattoo shops near me. You like the look, reviews, and portfolio of the artist, and you book a consultation with them. When you enter the tattoo shop, do not sit down directly to get inked. Once inside the shop, do a thorough recce of the interiors. The interiors must be spotless and well maintained. Check if the room looks well lit. If you spot needles scattered about and stains all over the place, these are red flags and you should proceed at your own risk.
Every legitimate tattoo parlor needs equipment, including a tattoo bed, sterilized needles, sterilized ink, gloves, and other tools. All of these elements are worth looking at. While you have a look at the hygiene standards of the equipment, also have a look at the licenses and certificates of the tattoo artist at the helm of the parlor. It helps boost your confidence about a place if you know they only hire qualified and trained artists.