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As an owner of a tattoo shop and someone who loves getting them I have learned that there are very few risks with getting the tattoo itself. The best way to avoid getting a bad tattoo is to shop around and really look at the shop, it's sterilization method, the artist and their work. This is a life long decision and it is important to know what you are getting. If you are getting a tattoo from someone in a garage with a ghetto machine the chances of getting a bad tattoo is likely. Tattoos get infected if you don't take care of them properly. A tattoo is a thousand little scratches with ink, you need to put ointment on it for at least the first two days and lotion after that. I was reading article 1 and I have no idea what shops she has been in but I have never seen printer ink being used and if so than your crazy for even stepping foot in the door in the first place. I have seen many people come in and haggle with the price of a tattoo and walk out because it was too expensive. The saying goes "you get what you pay for". It costs the artist at least $40.00 to set up for every tattoo, that is just the needles, the ink, gloves, wrap, etc.

The best advice I can give anybody who is afraid of any risks of getting a tattoo is:
1. Go to a reputable tattoo shop
2. Speak with the artists
3. Make sure they listen to what YOU want. "remember you are paying them and they should give you what you want"
4. Ask to see the sterilization method and equipment. They should have an ultra-sonic cleaner and an up to standard autoclave.
5. Make sure their needles are one time use only. "I have seen shops autoclave their needles to cut costs, this makes the needles dull and your tattoo will have blow-outs, not to mention it is not completely sterile".
6. Look around and see if the shop is clean, it should be clean just like a doctors office if not cleaner. They should being using Madacide to clean all surfaces.
7. Look at the inks, You can make your own ink. If you do it right it is better. Some of the ink you buy for tattoos does have little plastic pieces in it. That is normal it is the stuff sold for tattoos but can cause a reaction.
8.Remember you get what you pay for, you want cheap than that is what you are going to get "CHEAP" unprofessional work that you will not be happy with.
9. As far as infection goes: when you walk out of that shop and you don't take care of the tattoo than that is you own fault. The tattooist should tell you how to care for it and if you don't follow their instructions than that is your fault. Don;t blame the tattooist for what you didn't do.

If you follow those simple basic tips than you should get a beautiful tattoo that you are happy with. If you get one out of a garage than you are just dumb for getting one their anyways.

Learn more about this author, Lynsey Ertl.
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