Tattooing guidance

Tattooing procedure

Measures required, include:

• Consent forms (recommended photo ID)
• Medical questionnaire completed
• After care advice given (recommended in written form)
• Working surfaces- type/ability to clean, walls - washable and floors well sealed
• Procedures for cleaning working surfaces with a hypochlorite based solution or sanitiser
• Designated wash hand basin for operators use only
• Liquid dispensed soap
• Hot and cold running water
• Disposable paper towels and foot operated towel discard bin
• Suitable couch/chair(s) arm/leg rests with washable surfaces
• Disposable vinyl/nitrile gloves (latex should be avoided as they can cause latex allergy problems)
• Procedures for cleaning client’s skin e.g. Dettol/Isopropyl alcohol
• Trigger spray bottles clearly labelled and plastic covered (renewed between clients)
• Disposable razors for shaving skin
• Stencil application procedure
• Disposable single use spatulas for Vaseline application
• Pre-sterilized single use needles
• Pre-sterilized grips and tips (if not pouched, they should be stored in a clean sealed container and used quickly)
• Tattoo motors/clipcords covered with plastic, elastic bands used on tattoo motors (all renewed between clients)
• Disposable ink caps (new set for each client)
• Disposable tissue for wiping the skin
• Dressing/cling film for application after tattoo
• Sharps box and clinical waste contract
• Deep sink with hot and cold water for washing instruments
• Procedures for cleaning tips and grips (detergent and lumen brush, rinsed, put in ultrasonic bath and then autoclaved)
• Ultrasonic tank
• Autoclave sterilisation procedures and record/maintenance sheets (including daily/weekly checks, annual calibration for temperature and written scheme of examination under Pressure Systems Safety Regs)
• Body fluid spill kit (disposable aprons, gloves, cloths, plastic bags and hypochlorite based solution)
• First Aid
• Training
• Hepatitis B vaccinated

Aftercare advice

The advice contained on this page is for general information only. Derby City Council cannot be held responsible for any complication arising from having a tattoo or the aftercare of the procedure.

Listen to what your tattooist says initially.

1. remove dressing after a minimum of 6 hours
2. wash with warm water and use a mild, unperfumed soap
3. rinse and pat dry with your own soft clean towel
4. apply suitable (or recommended) antiseptic cream sparingly
5. do not re-cover or bandage

Then, until tattoo has healed:

1. wash tattoo gently at least twice daily using mild un-perfumed soap and pat dry with your own clean towel
2. apply antiseptic cream after each wash
3. continue for at least 10 days

• Do not pick scab or touch tattoo
• Do not cover tattoo with bandages or plasters
• Do not wear tight clothing. Cotton clothes are best
• Do not soak tattoo, have prolonged showers or go swimming
• Do not use Vaseline or perfumed soap and creams
• Do not allow scab or healing tattoo to become too dry. Apply un-perfumed lotion sparingly and frequently
• Do not use a sauna or steam room
• Avoid excess sweating, physical activity or contact sports
• Avoid the sun. Use high SPF sunblock. Do not use a sunbed
• Avoid dirt, grease, oil, chemicals, pets etc
• Do not take advice from friends. If you have problems, talk to your tattooist or doctor