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Hygiene and safety in the studio

Clean working practices aren't an extra in tattooing – they are the baseline. Here's what we pay attention to, from single-use materials to EU-compliant inks, and what to look for in any studio.

Why hygiene matters so much in tattooing

During tattooing, the needle enters the skin thousands of times. To make sure no germs get into the skin, every step has to be hygienically clean. That's why tattoo studios in Germany are subject to hygiene regulations, and the local health authority can check that they comply. For a good tattoo studio, though, hygiene isn't a box-ticking exercise – it's part of the craft.

What we do at every appointment

This is what tattoo studio hygiene looks like with us in practice:

  • Single-use needles: needle cartridges come sterile-packed and single-use. We open them in front of you and then dispose of them after your session.
  • Gloves: the artist wears disposable gloves and changes them whenever they touch anything outside the work area.
  • Barrier film: the machine, cables, bottles and work surfaces are covered with single-use film, which we replace after every appointment.
  • Disinfection: we disinfect the couch, trays and surfaces before every session and then again afterwards.
  • Inks: every colour goes into its own single-use ink cap. We also only work with tattoo inks that meet the requirements of the EU's REACH chemicals regulation.
  • Skin preparation: before tattooing, we clean and disinfect the area and shave it with a single-use razor if needed.

How to recognise a clean studio

Wherever you get tattooed, there are a few things you can check yourself. For example, the workstation looks tidy and clean, the artist opens the needles in front of you, and single-use materials go in the bin after the session. Also feel free to ask which inks the studio uses and how it cleans its surfaces. A good tattoo studio will answer these questions openly – there are no secrets when it comes to hygiene.

Before your appointment: your health

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, take blood thinners, or have allergies or a skin condition, please mention it before your appointment – and if in doubt, check with your doctor.

Your part afterwards

Tattoo studio hygiene doesn't end at the door. After your session, it's your turn: with clean hands, gentle cleaning and the right aftercare, you help your tattoo heal well. Our aftercare guide walks you through every step.