Thailand is a popular destination for tattoo enthusiasts, with a wide variety of designs from modern fine-line tattoo studios to traditional Sak Yant tattooing. However, hygiene, professionalism, and safety are paramount to a great design and an affordable price.
[image: avoid the following things while getting a tattoo in Phuket]
Whether in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or the islands, it is good to know what to look for to prevent problems in a studio. To get the best bamboo tattoo in Phuket, you must hire a professional tattoo artist.
1. The Needle Is Not Opened in Front of You
One of the most obvious indications of a substandard tattoo piece is that the artist is using a needle or cartridge that has been opened.
In professional studios, single-use or new and sterile injection needles or cartridges should be used for each client. The artist should open the package in front of you just before the procedure is performed.
Be cautious if:
- Needles rest on workstation without being held with a gloved hand.
- The packaging seems to be damaged or open.
- The artist doesn’t want you to see the sterile packaging.
- Disposable products seem to be used more than once.
Ask, “Is the needle new and single-use?”
A professional artist should be at ease answering.
2. No Evidence of Proper Sterilization
Sterilization should be used with reusable equipment that can come in contact with blood or body fluids. A good studio should have well-established hygiene protocols and, if reusable equipment is being used, suitable sterilization equipment, such as an autoclave.
An autoclave is a device that can sterilize items that can withstand the pressure of steam.
Look for:
- A tidy and tidied workspace
- Sterile instruments that are packaged for use
- Appropriate sharps disposal containers
- Gloves and other protective barriers
- Good instructions for cleaning
- An autoclave that is used with reusable instruments
If the studio seems dirty, disorganized, or untidy in terms of sterilization, leave.
3. Dirty Work Surfaces
Tattoos should be done in clean conditions, not just in terms of needles, but the entire process.
Use disposable barriers as needed and properly disinfect work surfaces. Frequently touched equipment such as bottles, machines, cords, and others should be managed to prevent cross-contamination.
A pretty studio doesn’t necessarily equal a healthy studio! Inquire about the artist and his process, not just the decoration.
4. Wrong use of gloves
Gloves don’t necessarily make tattooing hygienic.
A fresh pair of gloves should be worn by the artist and changed if contaminated. If the hands are touching any phones, doors, wallets, or other potentially contaminated objects and then returning to the tattooing with the same pair of gloves, it is a huge red flag.
Observe client movement during the session. Once you visit a tattoo studio in Phuket, Thailand, getting a tattoo will become much easier.
5. Are there any suspicious “Monk Blessing” experiences?
While the art of tatted on the hands is a traditional practice with deep cultural and spiritual meanings, tourists need to be aware of the possibility of staged or misleading experiences known as “monk blessing.
Red flags include:
- The guarantee of “supernatural protection” was made.
- The urge to pay in order to get a fancy blessing package
- Ambiguous statements about the role of the practitioner
- Celebrations that have little cultural context and are geared toward the tourist.
- Poor hygiene being made “traditional”
If you are looking for Sak Yant, you should find out about the tradition and the practitioner before you select a hotel, taxi service, or street.
6. The Artist Rushes You
Before working on your design, placement, size, expectations, and aftercare, a trusted artist should discuss it with you.
Be cautious if someone:
- Influences you to begin right away
- Does not accept reasonable changes to the design
- Fails to describe the process
- Makes unrealistic promises
- Focuses entirely on getting paid
Quality Tattoo Experience includes a professional consultation.
A Few Tips to Consider Before Your Appointment
- Before you buy, come to the studio and see what we are like.
- Read recent reviews and photos.
- Inquire about the disposal of needles and cartridges.
- Check that aftercare instructions have been given.
- Don’t simply pick something because it is cheap.
- If you are feeling pressured and/or uncomfortable, do not get tattooed.
- Try to reschedule the session if you are ill, dehydrated, or sunburned.
Thailand has a fantastic tattoo culture, but beautiful designs don’t come with the price of neglecting to pay attention to hygiene. Please visit the studio, ask questions, and watch how the artist works.
The most obvious warning sign is if the studio is unable to prove that they practice professional hygiene; then do not get tattooed there.
Just a few minutes of research prior to your appointment can help to ensure that your Thai tattooing trip is a memorable one for the right reasons.
