Congratulations! You’ve chosen your first tattoo. However, do you have any idea on how to spot a professional tattoo shop? If your answer is no, then please read on.  This easy-to-follow guide will give you pointers on how to choose a good tattoo shop. By the time you finish reading this guide, you are one stop away from being a whiz on choosing that right tattoo shop that can surpass your expectations.

Where to Start

Searching for a reputable tattoo shop can be a tricky business.  You should first browse the internet because it is the richest resource for anything that needs to be researched. Most reputable tattoo shops have their own websites where you can view their artwork. However, don’t simply look and be fooled by the designs. You should check if the tattoo shop is licensed to do this kind of work. Reputable tattoo shops will always include their license and permit details on their website facts. You should only deal with licensed tattoo shops who boast of their highly skilled artists. If you stumble across unlicensed tattoo businesses, better move on. Your experience of getting a tattoo may end in tears if you deal with these unlicensed establishments.

If you have a friend who is a tattoo fanatic, even better! He or she will be able to point you in the right direction. Remember: a good friend is your best critique in the entire process.

Visit the Tattoo Shop

Through surfing the Net or getting a recommendation from a friend, you can easily choose a few good tattoo shops located in your area. This is the point where you check out the cleanliness of the shop and equipment used. It also gives you the opportunity to check their qualifications in person.

If the tattoo shop is recommended by your friend, it will make your ground work a lot easier. However, it is still best to investigate by yourself as each experience is always different from everyone else’s.

Check Out the Hygiene… and Question the Procedure

When you arrive at the tattoo shop, observe the surroundings and the level of maintenance. If the shop resembles a dump site, the chances are the artists do not take hygiene seriously and are more likely to reuse needles. This means that you may face a greater risk of infection. Make excuses and leave immediately.

If the shop is impeccably clean, you’re a step closer to getting your dream tattoo. If you viewed the portfolio online, it won’t hurt to view it again as you will get a better idea which artist you want and which design will look good on you. If possible, talk to the artists whose artwork you admire so much. If you have a picture or a sketch of your desired tattoo, even better! That way, you’re more likely to get exactly what you want.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their sterilization techniques. It would be a good idea to ask about whether they use gloves, clean water, clean ink, their attitude toward using needles, and any other relevant info you need to know about. A good tattoo shop will never reuse needles even if they’re sterilized. If the practicing shop passes these questions with flying colors, you’re onto a winner.

Good Customer Service

Receiving top-notch service and even building a trusting relationship with your artist is also important when choosing a tattoo shop. A good artist is always courteous and will make sure that you are not suffering from too much unnecessary pain. Communication between you and the artist is crucial in order to achieve the best possible results and experience. If you manage to get this kind of relationship, it’s Mission Accomplished!

However, if you weren’t successful with finding a good tattoo shop in your area, why don’t you expand your search? Look at several tattoo magazines and mark your favorite artist and give them a call or drop them an email. Remember: travel should never be an issue if you’re in pursuit of that perfect tattoo.