Tattooing is considered a high-risk personal appearance procedure. This means that it carries some risk and is permanent in nature.

When you get a tattoo you are taking some risk of injury or infection and can expect the results of the tattoo to be permanent in nature.

Legal Age

State regulations vary about many issues but there is one issue that they all agree on; you MUST be at least 18 years of age to get a tattoo in Australia or in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone to supply tattoo services to a person under the age of 18 even with parental permission. A licensed tattoo professional puts their business at risk by providing a service to a person under the age of 18.

Health Industry Regulations

All states have Health Industry Regulations pertaining to the body art industry. The body art industry includes the tattooing and piercing industries. Some finer details may vary from state to state but the basic requirements and responsibilities are the same, as tattooing can transmit disease and infection it is considered a high risk activity. You should never seek services from a non-licenced tattoo business.

What should I expect when I go to get a tattoo?

• An environment that is free from alcohol, people under the age of 18 and illicit drugs of any kind.
• The premises should be clean and provide washing and toilet facilities.
• The tattooist should be able to answer questions about their experience, licences and infection control procedures.
• The tattooist and any assisting staff should wash their hands thoroughly and wear rubber medical gloves.
• You should be asked questions to ensure you don’t have any underlying medical issues that mean you shouldn’t be tattooed.
• The risks of the procedure should be explained to you.
• Healing times and post care treatment should be explained before the procedure.
• New needles and steralized equipment should be opened in front of you before the procedure.
• The site for your tattoo should be cleaned and steralized.
• If at any time the procedure is interrupted the artist should wash their hands again and apply new gloves.

Privacy

Not all tattoo businesses can provide private treatment rooms. If you require privacy you need to speak to the business beforehand and make sure this is available. Some businesses supply female tattoo artists but once again, this won’t be available in all businesses so check first if you prefer a female artist.

When you get your tattoo you should feel comfortable with your surroundings and feel happy with the level of cleanliness and professionalism. You are going to experience pain to a certain degree so you should feel that you can communicate with the tattoo artist freely and openly.