Tatts and piercings are really popular at the moment. They make a strong statement about who you are, can have some real meaning and significance to you, and we can’t lie – they can look awesome! But with this Thursday being World Hepatitis Day what sort of stuff do you need to consider before getting one?

Where do I go?

It can be daunting to try and find a good place to go to get a tattoo or piercing, but there are a few different methods to finding a good studio.

First, try and shop around rather than choose the first place you see. As well as comparing prices, find somewhere where the staff are friendly and answer all your questions. Ask if they are licensed parlour and ask to see the certificate. It can also be good to contact your local government offices to find out which parlours are licensed with them.

Try talking to friends as well. If you have any friends who have a tattoo or piercing, ask them where they had it done and whether or not it was a good experience. If you like the work and your friend recommends them, that’s a good place to start.

Additionally, you should ask if the studio offers an aftercare service where you can come back if you have any problems, and if they have a portfolio of personal work that they’ve done so you can see what other people’s tattoos have looked like.

When can I get a tattoo or piercing?

The laws differ from state to state. In WA, you can’t get a tattoo until you’re 18, unless your parents consent. With piercing, it’s that you can get your ears pierced at 16 (or younger with parental consent), any non-intimate area like your bellybutton, eyebrow or lip at 18 (or younger with parental consent), and intimate body piercings you can only get when your 18.

What should I consider before getting a tattoo or piercing?

Before you get a tattoo or piercing, make sure that you take the following steps:

• Make sure you’re as healthy as possible. The healthier you are, the quicker you’ll heal – plus, it’ll lower the risk that your new tattoo or piercing will get infected.
• Don’t drink any alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. It might be tempting to do a shot to calm the nerves, but it increases the bleeding during your tattoo. Instead, talk to your tattoo artist or piercer about numbing gels and painkillers you can take.
• Always start small with your first tattoo or piercing – don’t get an entire half sleeve in a sitting or four piercings all at once!
• If you have any allergies let your tattoo artist know, so they can do a patch test with the dyes to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
• Make sure you’re happy with the design you want and have given yourself enough time to think about it. Tattoos can be removed, but it’s expensive and hurts heaps!

Getting a safe Tattoo Video

This video features an interview with a professional tattoo artist giving some first hand advice.

Are there any risks?

Typically, no. It really depends on where you go. Backyard tatts and piercings (which are done at people’s houses, usually using supplies they get off the internet) carry a big risk because there’s no guarantee the person tattooing you has any idea of the safe sterilisation procedures. This means you could get a really nasty infection, or even contract Hepatitis C, which is a viral disease which causes serious damage to your liver.

Going to a professional licensed tattoo artist or piercer is the safest way to get your tattoo or piercing, because they should be aware of the Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures in WA, or something similar in other states.

Hep C – You Don’t Wanna Mess With Me

This great is a great intro into Hep C and what to watch out for.

How do I look after a new tattoo or piercing?

There’s heaps of good info on a WA government site called Get The Facts, especially around how to look after a new tattoo, how to look after a new piercing and how long tatts and piercings take to heal. You should also be able to get a lot of information out of your tattoo artist or piercer about aftercare as well.

More Information

Check out www.tuneinnotout.com for more videos on Hepatitis C and detailed factsheet.

Tattoo and Piercing Posters

Do you like the posters featured in this blog – download full size versions  here

This post was written by the YEP Crew, a group of young people who aim to address the issue of STIs and BBVs in the community by actively engaging with young people and encouraging them to make safer and informed choices.

Thank you to Student Edge for supporting the development of this blog through the provision on a rather fantastic Goodie Bag.

Becoming a Youth Content Producer

Would you like to see you blog feature here? Check out our Be Involved page for how too.