Finding the right tattoo studio is a crucial step in your quest for the perfect tattoo. The 'right' tattoo parlor means a clean and safe tatoo parlor.

Does the tattoo studio have a license? Not all states or localities require studios to be licensed, but finding one with the proper license where required is a good idea. Health inspections are needed in many places now. Ask to see the latest certificate of inspection.

Ask your tattoo artist about the procedures of hygiene and saftey in the parlor. Watch them at work and see if they follow the proper steps. Any disposable materials (needles, gloves, ink caps) must be changed between clients, and the used ones disposed of. The old needles should be placed in a sharps container.

The autoclave must be used to sterilize eqipment between clients, and countertops and other surface areas should be cleaned with a disinfectant. Any areas that might be touched with contaminated gloves during the procedure must be wrapped in clear plastic to avoid the spread of germs.

If the shop does not follow the correct procedures of hygiene, or if it looks unclean in any way, move on to the next place.

If the place is clean and safe, look at the flash on the walls. All tattoo parlors should have 'flash,' or drawings of tattoo designs, displayed as advertisements of what they do. If you don't see anything you like, you may want to look elsewhere. Some people specialize in specific types of designs, and they might not have much experience and expertise with what you want.

For more information on this, see the FAQ in this section about finding the right artist.

Above all, don't be in such a hurry that you rush to get a tattoo that you won't really love. Love the design, love the results, and love the fact that you got it done safely!