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Ink safely: What are the safety protocols followed by tattoo studios in Wellington?

We all love a bit of self-expression, right? But when it comes to tattoos, there’s a fine line between a stylish statement and a walking biohazard. Nobody wants a trendy tattoo with a side of tetanus.

So, before you set foot into any tattoo studio in Wellington, let’s talk about the hygiene protocols. There are even age restrictions, actually, but we’ve already covered those here.

Today, we’ll focus on the health and safety measures the studios take for all customers. These should help you understand how they minimise risk.

Hand hygiene

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When tattoo artists wash their hands thoroughly before and after every tattoo session, they significantly reduce the risk of spreading harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

This practice helps safeguard both you and the artist from potential infections. The use of antibacterial soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers ensures that any germs on the artist’s hands are eradicated before they come into contact with your skin or the tattooing equipment.

Protective gloves

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Tattoos involve needles piercing through the skin, which sounds like a potential playground for germs and infections, right? Absolutely! That’s why reputable tattoo studios take protective gloves seriously. 

They prevent the spread of nasty bacteria, viruses, and even those infamous bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV. They’re also changed between each client, sometimes even during a session, especially if there’s contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. 

Autoclaving

Ever wondered how those shiny tattoo tools stay so sparkling clean? Well, it’s through a full-on steam cleaning session in an autoclave. This high-tech pressure cooker blasts tattoo equipment with superheated steam, obliterating any lingering bacteria, viruses, or spores. 

You can consider it a deep clean on a microbial level. Needles, tubes, grips – they all get a one-way ticket to a steamy sauna, ensuring they’re squeaky-clean and safe for your next ink adventure. 

After all, when you’re getting a tattoo, those needles are breaking your skin, creating tiny openings for germs. The autoclave ensures those openings stay germ-free, keeping your tattoo experience focused on the art, not an unexpected infection.

Disposable equipment

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Ever heard people say, “Sharing is caring?” 

Well, when it comes to tattoo needles and ink caps, studios have a different motto: “Sharing is scarring!” That’s why disposable equipment is the golden rule of tattoo hygiene. 

Nobody wants a pre-loved needle or a communal ink cup, thank you very much! Instead, each client gets a fresh, clean set of tools for their tattoo journey, ensuring a safe and hygienic experience.

So, next time you see your tattoo artist unwrapping a fresh set of tools, give them a nod of approval for their dedication to your safety. Because, when it comes to tattoos, a little bit of selfishness goes a long way.

Sterile water

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Water in its natural state can be a bit of a party for microorganisms like Legionella, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacteria. These little critters can cause some serious havoc on your skin, especially when a needle is involved. 

That’s where sterile water comes in as the superhero of the tattoo world. It no longer has bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This makes it perfect for rinsing needles, diluting inks, and cleaning your tattooed skin.