Tattooing is very safe when done under the right conditions, and using the right materials and hygiene standards. The next section will explore how these rules and standards can change depending on where you are currently, but in this section we'll focus on the important basics.

Some of the most important safety basics include:

• The artist should be professionally licensed
• The tattoo shop should use new materials and clean equipment
• The tattoo artist should always wear plastic gloves
• The tattooing surface should have a clean, water-proof layer
• Ink should be in individual cups
• The shop should be clean
• The shop should have a blood-borne pathogens certificate

Under these proper conditions, health risks are properly controlled and rarely occur.

All the tattooing equipment should be sterile and cleaned with an autoclave. Some equipment, like gloves, masks and needles, should be new and properly disposed of after each use.

If the tattoo shop doesn't seem clean or you're worried about your health, don't get a tattoo there.