inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
mosquito-borne diseases affect up to 700 million people each year. learn more
powered by: valneva canada inc.

top of the page

tattoo and piercing safety

overview

if you are thinking about having a tattoo or body piercing, go to a reputable studio. look for or ask about the following:

  • is it clean?
    • the entire studio, including the washroom, should be clean.
  • do the tattoo or piercing artists follow these steps to prevent infection?
    • wash their hands before putting on new, disposable gloves.
    • clean the client's skin properly with iodine or alcohol before the procedure.
    • for tattoos, they use sterile equipment, new needles, and disposable single-use ink cups for each tattoo. and they use sterile water to dilute ink or rinse needles during tattooing.
    • for body piercing, they use sterile needles that are only used once.
  • what type of training does the person doing the tattooing or piercing have?
  • is a piercing gun used to do the procedure?

    • do not have any kind of piercing done with a piercing gun. these instruments increase your risk of infection because they cannot be sterilized between procedures.

  • what kind of jewellery is used for the piercing?
    • for a new piercing, use non-allergenic jewellery made of material such as surgical steel, gold, or titanium.
    • do not use nickel or brass-plated jewellery.
    • choose jewellery that has not been used or worn or that has been sterilized.

credits

current as of: november 16, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

advertisement