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[K-StateFry]

Well I would think most tattoo parlors nowadays are safe and do sterilize their equipment so as not to infect anyone with anykind of bacteria, obviously something you would worry about alot is HIV, but I've heard the needles are not hollow so the amount of fluid that could possibly be transfered wouldn't be enough to transmit HIV.
I would be a little more worried about maybe tetanus(which you could just make sure you have had your tetanus shot updated) and maybe some types of hepatitis.
Another thing would maybe be allergic reactions, which is rare I would think, albeit could still be a very serious problem.
God forbid you go to the cleanliest of parlors and still go into anaphylactic shock or something.

If I were to go and get one, I would reasearch it and know what the regualtions are and what the parlor should know to do and what not to do.
For one, I doubt they're aloud to give a tattoo to minors without parental consent or to anyone who has consumed alcohol recently, because that would thin the blood and could cause more bleeding during the procedure.

I've only heard a little about the procedure from the few of my friends that have gotten tattoos so I don't know alot about how It's done. I assume they use titanium dioxide or something like that and I've heard some have a machine with multiple needles that punches throught the epidermis like 100 times a minute to fill the skin with the dye.

If and when you go in, I would look for biohazard containers where they would put  needles and things and ask if they have something called an autoclave, which is a pressurized device that helps achieve sterilization.

Also, something easy to realize whether they are safe and do things correctly, make sure the needle(s) they are going to use on you come out of an unopened package.

Like I said, I've never been, just offering my opinion on what I would do to make sure I came out healthy. With an awesome tattoo of course, make sure you get that as well.

[TigerLily013]

Tattoos for me are something I want to do when I have a lot of funds available. My main idea for a tattoo is look up the chinese or japanese symbols of "Tiger" and "Lily" with maybe perhaps written versions of the numbers "Zero" and "Thirteen". It's weird, but I always thought about that. Of course I haven't decided either. I did think about a tama tattoo, but can't decide which one.

[Elana]

To add to what K-Statefry said in his (very interesting!) post, I feel like a good policy is to find the one tattoo parlour in your local city that's the most well-known. I know there's one in Toronto with a recognizeable name that's been around for a long time and sponsors events and things. I figure any business that's been around for a long time, especially if it's in the body art business, must gain its reputation and success by producing good quality art and have a clean track record. It might be more expensive than the average place, but I think it's well worth it for the sake of your health and satisfaction.

My boyfriend's brother has so many tattoos that these days he just says he has one, because they've all converged together to cover his whole body. I would definitely take his advice about where to go. He has been to tattoo conventions and stuff. It's a whole culture, and anyone who's a part of it will be able to recommend a good place to go.

[K-StateFry]

To add to what K-Statefry said in his (very interesting!) post, I feel like a good policy is to find the one tattoo parlour in your local city that's the most well-known. I know there's one in Toronto with a recognizeable name that's been around for a long time and sponsors events and things. I figure any business that's been around for a long time, especially if it's in the body art business, must gain its reputation and success by producing good quality art and have a clean track record. It might be more expensive than the average place, but I think it's well worth it for the sake of your health and satisfaction.

My boyfriend's brother has so many tattoos that these days he just says he has one, because they've all converged together to cover his whole body. I would definitely take his advice about where to go. He has been to tattoo conventions and stuff. It's a whole culture, and anyone who's a part of it will be able to recommend a good place to go.

Heh, was a bit long wasn't it?
Hope no one fell asleep reading it, lol.

And what you said was probably the best advice of all. If it's popular and has been in the buisness a long time, you know they must be very safe and clean place.Of course good with tattoos as well, people wouldn't keep going there if it wasn't. 

[Mimitchi]

Naa it wasn't a bit too long, I enjoyed every word. Safety and advice are two things that can never be written too much of

I'm really enjoying this thread, it's all wonderful advice. ^.^

[snickerdoodle]

good info 

For one, I doubt they're aloud to give a tattoo to minors without parental consent or to anyone who has consumed alcohol recently, because that would thin the blood and could cause more bleeding during the procedure.

  I guess the stereotype of the drunken sailor comes to mind where he wanders in with his shipmates on shore leave and gets a tattoo of MOM or ROSIE on his arm.

This info gives it a much better dimension because so much has changed. I wonder if they don't check medical background and present medications as well.

[CaffeineChick05]

Okay, sorry it took me so long to reply, Mimitchi. Here's the 411:

When you get a tattoo, they always start off by doing an outline of it, (almost always in black). Then, depending on what you want or have gotten, they fill it in with color from their. Most of the time, they can fill it in with color on the spot, unless you have gotten something thats really big and elaborate, in which case a lot of people opt to get it filled in later, mainly because it can be very expensive, or due to their having sensitive skin.
And as far as the pain goes, it all just depends on where you get it. Honestly, its really not that bad at all, its not like you see a giant needle poking into you're skin. You really cant even see the needle on the tattoo gun, so you're fear of needles need not apply!

I dont know what part of Washington you live in Mimitchi, but I went to Alibi tattoos down here in Vancouver, and they were all great, it was a really clean shop. The way I choose a place to go, was by looking up all the tattoo parlors in the area online, and reading customer feedback. I figured I would learn from other people's experiences

On a last note, tattoos are really addictive!!
Hehe, I just got another one yesterday....I left my phone in my bedroom, but Ill post pics soon!

[CBM]

I don't have any tattoos, but my uncle has both of his arms covered, and I've also seen shows about it on tv.

The machine they use doesn't even look like a needle so fear of needle shouldn't even be an issue, like CaffeineChick said.

I think most places in business for more than a few months are going to be safe. Just use common sense like anything else and it should come out fine. I'm not sure, but I'd think most tattoo artists would have a portfolio of their work that they'd let you look at so you can get an idea of their skill level and whatnot. I'm also sure the people that work at the place would be glad to show you and around and show you the procedures for keeping everything clean.

Anyway, I hope I was able to help somehow.

[Jiro]

I've never think of getting one, lol!
but I have a teacher who has a tattoo all over his body
so at school he usually wear long sleeves
most of the student already knew it was there, but he wouldnt let them see, lol
he's afraid if the principle knew this
but he moved to Bali last year, he was the best teacher I've ever had~

oh btw. the only tattoo I've ever gotten is only a Spray Tattoo which last for like 2 weeks

[Mimitchi]

Thanks for all the great information CaffeineChick and CBM, that was all very helpful, gave me lots to think about.

Glad to hear the machine doesn't look like something evil from a cartoon with a gigantic 24 foot needle 

I'm in the tri-cities area, so I'm not tooo far. I honestly haven't seen many in this area, but yes definitely research on the companies reputation will be a consideration if I do end up doing this.

Now to still figure out what I want