Tattoos: an act not to be taken lightly

The tattoo is not a trivial act. It can be a source of disappointment that it is better to prevent than to cure… Service-public.fr therefore tells us the rules to observe if you don’t want to regret anything.

To begin, you must already know what type of tattoo you want: temporary or permanent? For the first, the ink does not penetrate the epidermis and the tattoo remains on the skin for about a month. For the second, the dye used is introduced under the skin and is indelible: it therefore lasts a lifetime! The latter can, in certain cases and only with a doctor, be removed but with a risk of scarring.

Choosing the right tattoo artist

For your health, the first point that should not be overlooked is the choice of tattoo artist. And for that, you have to be vigilant on several points:

• the tattoo must be done in a room exclusively reserved for this purpose, and disinfected after each client. This reduces the risk of infection;
• compliance with hygiene rules is essential on the part of the professional: check that he washes his hands well, that he disinfects the area well beforehand and that the gloves and the needle he uses are for single use ;
• before making the tattoo, the tattoo artist must explain the risks to which you expose yourself;
• the information concerning the risks must be displayed in the living room, but also be sent to you in writing;
• you have to make sure that the tattoo artist has a declaration of activityissued by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of the region of exercise.

If this is not the case, it is strongly advised to change tattoo artists.

Permanent tattoo: possible side effects

If you decide to take the plunge, watch carefully for the occurrence of adverse effects, such as an infection at the tattoo site (redness, swelling, etc.) or an allergic reaction (itching, eczema, etc.). Be careful, more serious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted during tattooing, if hygiene rules are not followed correctly. If in doubt, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

Moreover, if it is your child who wishes to be tattooed: tattoo artists do not have the right to tattoo minors without the written authorization of parents or guardians. And this document must be kept for 3 years by the professional.

Risk-free temporary tattoos

Also be careful with temporary tattoos. Even if they present less risk than permanent tattoos, it is necessary to remain attentive, in particular when the ink used is dark, as in black henna which it is advisable to avoid.

Indeed, it happens that para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a product that is not natural (unlike pure auburn-colored henna), is used to make henna darker. But it can cause severe allergiesas mentioned ameli.fr (the website of health insurance). Moreover, the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) recalls that “ this ingredient is prohibited in cosmetic products other than hair dyes “. So be careful with this ingredient, especially if you order the product on the internet.