Tattooing and body piercing are safe when done by professionals who are careful to protect their customers from infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV).
 
However, infections are possible through unsafe body art practices. If you are thinking of getting a piercing or a tattoo, there are some things
to consider.

When choosing an artist, try to get a referral from a trusted friend. Visit several shops before you make your decision. Talk to the artists and check out their portfolios. To reduce your risk of infection, make sure:
  • New needles are used every time.
  • Aftercare instructions are provided.
  • New latex gloves are used.
  • New ink is used and poured into new disposable cups.
  • New jewellery is used.
  • The shop is licensed and the artist is experienced.
If you are going to tattoo or body pierce yourself or someone else, it is important to follow the same precautions:
  • Don’t share needles (or anything else you could use as a needles such as guitar strings, stapes, or threads) or tattoo guns.
  • If you must share a tattoo gun, it should be completely cleaned with bleach and rinsed with water. It is not 100% guaranteed to kill HIV, and its believed that bleaching DOES NOT kill HCV, but its safer
    than doing nothing.
  • Don’t share inks and don’t put used ink back in the bottle.
  • Always wear latex gloves when tattooing or piercing someone else.
(Source: “Safe Body Art” brochure developed by The AIDS Network)