How to Tell the Good from the Bad Tattoo Parlours

There is, most definitely, a difference between tattoo parlours aside from the costs of their services.

In an era full of "instant gratification," some people simply go to the nearest tattoo parlour once they decide they want a tattoo.

The problem comes in when a person may have several tattoo parlours conveniently located in their neighborhood. Which to choose?

Hopefully, you have done some homework on what type of tattoo you want and difference between designs, their meanings, and the placement of your tattoo. You probably have your tattoo envisioned in your mind and have sketches or photos to show to a tattoo artist.

However, not every tattoo artist can capture the tattoo you envision in your mind. Not only are prices different from tattoo parlour to tattoo parlour, but so is the quality of a tattoo from tattoo artist to tattoo artist.

So, what do you look for to determine if a tattoo parlour is 'good' or 'bad' and fits your needs?

In order to tell the difference between tattoo parlours, presented here are guidelines that establish what makes a good or excellent tattoo parlour.

A Good Tattoo Parlour has Been in Business for Awhile

Shy away from tattoo parlours that have been in business for just a short time unless you personally know the ownership and the tattoo artist(s).

A tattoo parlour that has had an established clientele will also most likely be able to show you a portfolio of the tattoos that have been created on past customers, along with any testimonials or newspaper/magazine reviews.

Cleanliness is the #1 Priority in a Reputable Tattoo Parlour

Clean means sanitary. Just because the floors reception areas look spotless does mean the equipment is sterilized to or above standards set by the National Tattoo Association, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and regulations of the tattoo parlour is in.

Keep in mind that a good tattoo parlour may be higher-priced in part due to paying employees to take the time to sterilize equipment and sterilization equipment themselves.

Rule of thumb: the more sanitary a tattoo parlour is, the less risk of infection to tattoo customers as well as to tattoo artists.

A Top Quality Tattoo Parlour Employs Top-Notch Tattoo Artists

A good tattoo parlour will protect its reputation. This also means that the owners and management go to great lengths to insure quality work.

Top tattoo artists vie for positions at top tattoo parlours just as a hair stylist yearns to work at a high-end salon..

A tattoo parlour may charge higher prices because of the quality of workmanship and creations of their tattoo artists. As with hair salons, profits are divided between the tattoo artists according to the policies of the tattoo salon and its ownership.

A tattoo artist who is employed by a higher-end tattoo parlour will ALWAYS sterilized his/her hands, wear gloves, use clean, new needles, and also swab the area of skin being worked on with disinfectant.

Remember that tattoo artists are tipped.

Tattoo Parlour to Tattoo Parlour Costs

In general, the larger the tattoo and more color of ink that is used also has a bearing on the cost.

Keep in mind that costs associated with an infection aren't worth paying less if you can pay more for your tattoo done at the more expensive tattoo parlour that:

1. Adheres to strict sanitation rules and procedures

2. Employs top-notch tattoo artists.

3. Is established with a long list of satisfied customers.

4. Does everything to make you feel comfortable and design the tattoo of your dreams.

5. Keeps individual records of all clients who have had tattoos done at their tattoo parlour.