Tattoos & Piercing

Think tattoos are sexy? You're not alone! Many guys are getting ink.

Like the idea of being pierced? A P.A. perhaps? Nipples?

Man guys love their tattoos and piercings. Unfortunately, not everyone who
gets tattooed or pierced does it safely - and that spells trouble!

If you're thinking about getting tattooed, pay attention to some basic safety
information and . . .

Do it Right!

Did you know?

• HIV can be transmitted through sharing or re-using needles for tattooing
  and piercing.
• Hepatitis B and C can be spread through non-sterile (unclean) tattooing
  and piercing.
• You have the right to have your questions answered fully and to see a portfolio
  of the tattoo artist's or piercer's work.
• Tattoos and piercings require diligent aftercare to prevent infections.
• Tattoo removal is painful, expensive, difficult and not always successful!

Choosing a Tattoo Artist or Piercer

Shop around

If you were designing your home, would you let anyone do it? No, you would
probably find someone with talent whose ideas about style fit well with your
own tastes. Well, think about tattooing or piercing your body as a home renovation!

Talk to a variety of tattoo artists/piercers and ask to take a look at their
portfolios. All reputable tattoo artists will have developed a portfolio of
their work. Piercers should also have photographic examples of their work.

All tattoo artist and piercer should be able to provide you with detailed information
about aftercare. This is information on how to care for your tattoo or piercing
after you have it done. Ask for this information up-front; don't wait until
after the work is done to find out they don't have information on aftercare.
Good aftercare is critical to prevent infection!

The Good Parlour

Universal Precautions

Make sure that whatever tattoo or piercing shop you choose follows universal
precautions. Following universal precautions means that the barrier between
you, the artist and the equipment being used is always as sterile (germ free)
as possible. Universal precautions protect both you and the tattoo artist/piercer.

• New ink must be used for each tattooing client.
  
• Needles for tattooing/piercing and piercing jewelry must be new and sterilized
  using an autoclave. An autoclave is a machine used by hospitals to sterilize
  surgical equipment. If they don't have and use an autoclave, start walkin'!
  


• All surfaces in the shop are clean. The tattooing and piercing areas are
  sterlized with a betadine or bleach solution before and after each tattooing/piercing
  session.
  
  
• The tattoo artists and piercers always wear new latex gloves for each client.
  
  
• If the piercer or tattoo artist needs to break from working on you (to answer
  the phone, have a smoke break, etc.), he or she always puts on new latex gloves
  before starting again.
  
  
• All disposable equipment is thrown out after each use, including ink, needles,
  gloves, paper towels, gauze, razors, etc.
  
  
• Using universal precautious means that there is no need to reveal your HIV
  or Hepatitis status to the tattoo artist or piercer and they should never
  ask.

Remember!

Shop around, ask the right questions and expect high standards. Your health
and satisfaction matter!

Tattoos and Piercing first appeared as Tattoo You!
in the Winter, 2002 issue of Men's Briefs, the newsletter of the Men's
Wellness Program. If you are on Vancouver Island and would like to subscribe
(free) to Men's Briefs, contact us!