Did you know that tattoo and piercing shops in New Brunswick are not regulated or inspected. That doesn’t mean we don’t have some great shops with some awesome artists… We do! However, it does mean buyer beware!

Go Shopping

Before you get a tattoo or a piercing done it’s important to check out a bunch of different places and decide which one is best for you.

Here are some things that you should look for:

• Do they always use new, packaged, and sterilized needles and tubes?
• Do they use fresh ink dispensers and disposable “ink caps” for each person?
• Do they wear new gloves for every client?
• Do they sterilize everything in an autoclave – a machine that uses very hot water to clean all the reusable equipment such as clamps?
• Do they give you an aftercare sheet with information on how to care for your body art?
• Ask them how many previous clients have had infections.
• Professional tattoo and body art shops should not have carpet in the area where they tattoo. Surfaces should be made of things that can easily be wiped down (glass, tile, stainless steel, leather…)
• Have you seen the artists portfolio? Do you like their style?

Piercings

• Stud guns are not safe. Many stud guns cannot be sterilized at all.
• Does the piercer use jewellery made of surgical grade stainless steel?

Tattoos

• Don’t stay out in the sun for too long until your tattoo is healed (about a month)
• If you get an infection or allergic reaction to the ink or jewellery, go see your doctor.
• Don’t go in swimming pools and hot tubs for at least one week

Trust Your Instincts

You should feel comfortable talking to the artist and asking any questions you may have. If you feel uncomfortable, leave and find a different artist. After all, it’s your money and your body – don’t settle! You’re going going to be wearing that piece for a long time!

Caring For Your New Body Art

• Alcohol swabs shouldn’t be used to clean a piercing because they wipe away newly healed skin and encourage infection. Instead, use a salt-water solution.
• Wash your hands before you touch your piercing and try to clean it with anti-bacterial soap and water at lease twice a day for the first two weeks.
• A small amount of ‘crust’ formed around the pierce is expected for some time.
• Do not pick any scabs or crusts that form.
• Don’t perform oral sex until your tongue piercing is completely healed.
• Don’t go in swimming pools and hot tubs for at least one week.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for at least one week.
• Depending on the piercing, healing can take a long time. Do not change jewelry until any tenderness has gone away.