How to Tell if a Tattoo Shop is Clean

This video discusses the topic of cleanliness in tattoo shops and includes some common things to look out for or ask about if this is a concern of yours as a prospective tattoo client.
Included in the video are some tips for you to consider regarding evaluating how clean a tattoo shop is, as well as some tattoo etiquette advice so that you don't offend your tattoo artist when you are asking about these sort of things. Please keep in mind that in a lot of places there is no standardized system for tattoo shop cleanliness and that some professional tattooers may have differing opinions about what things are important and what the level of cleanliness should be. This is not a black and white issue and these are just my personal opinions as a professional tattooer of 8 years at the time of this recording.
I hope this helps to make your experience a safer one and gives you some peace of mind of cleanliness in tattoo shops is your concern. Thanks for watching!
For tattoo inquires, visit www.jameswithe...
To keep up with my latest tattoo work, follow @jameswitheetattoo on instagram.
Check out the other artists at my shop by visiting darkhorsetatto...

[@kaylatiffani4326]

I love how you’re so willing to EDUCATE clients rather make them feel stupid for not knowing the in’s & outs of tattoos and artists. I feel like that’s something this industry lacks, so it’s refreshing to see this

[@louiselim7547]

it's been a minute... glad you're back.

[@17ay17ream]

Agreed! The tattoo shop I go to always smells like a hospital & the bathroom is always clean. Shoutout to Stingray Body Art in Allston, Massachusetts.

[@brittanyrose1271]

The shop that’s my favorite has a public bathroom. It’s extremely clean and kept. But the artist like to joke around and they will tell u the light is a clapper (It’s not). They will turn the music down in the shop to see if the client really does clap or if they find the switch on the wall. 🤣🤣

[@J3rryswinger]

That’s a good one haha

[@Kpop_Metalhead]

We know you're extremely busy running a shop, living your life, & creating beautiful tattoos! However we are definitely happy to see you back! Welcome back!

[@suga8160]

This topic is so important and I fully agree that if your instincts tell you something is wrong don’t do it. The shop I go to smells like anti bacterial. I love walking into the shop I go to it feels like I am coming home and I know I will walk out happy and with a new tattoo. Love Moving Art

[@noangel1087]

There are some that are so blinded by the idea of getting a tattoo that they don't consider such things; another great video

[@sarahf2042]

dude you're so legit. much respect for your knowledge and attitude

[@wraithblack8248]

Though I have been getting tattooed every two weeks for a year and just now stumbled across your channel last week, I appreciate the effort and information you are giving. You actually have made me understand the process better, and maybe a better customer. Thank you for the time you put into each episode!

[@jbgaters]

It’s good to know that this level of detail is taken into consideration when it comes to disinfecting, especially at a tattoo shop. I’ll see you soon James!

[@bloodsord9]

Thank you! I pride myself on being super clean and very safe, so it kind of pisses me off when tattooers don't care about the safety of their clients, themselves and their family. The more we educate people, the safer our industry will be

[@RodneyAndMeVideos]

This was something I didn't really think about before but makes so much sense. Thank you!

[@neverlovedher]

I met you in NY for that convention and it was an honor, take your time we appreciate all the hard work and videos man!

[@JamesWithee]

Nice to meet u too man. I'll be back in NY for the empire state expo in July 🗽

[@amyfallon5132]

Glad you're back at it. But glad you've been doing you. Italy is friggin awesome. I hope you and your girlfriend had fun. Thanks for the video.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for watching! Yeah Italy is so beautiful. The food is amazing too

[@TheKometsvball14]

Yay, you’re back! And with a good topic too. :)

[@tblub.9270]

You’re so knowledgeable and you’ve made me feel prepared for my session. Thank you for this video!

[@Cass63450]

Nice to have you back on KZbin! Hope you got some rest out of your vacation. All the best from Germany!

[@CoyKoi57]

So glad you're back. I love your practical approach to your topics and that you are genuinely you. No BS, just good info.

[@Remnants_]

So important! It definitely helps to have a little bit of interest and knowledge in these kinds of hygiene standards, to pick out the little details when entering a shop. There's also the element of knowing your artist is reputable, you kind of touched on; they're not going to jeopardise their clients health and therefore their career by not meeting these standards.

[@heatherbaker3903]

LOVE your videos! You give good information in a way everyone can understand and appreciate. Love your work.

[@ranj09]

Woww! I'm so Glad I stumbled upon your channel. I was looking for some information on First time tattoo's. You are an Encyclopedia of Tattoo Knowledge! Also , can you please make a video on how safe it is to get Tattoos done during this Covid situation? Keep the videos coming!! Cheers!

[@mariamirabelaforsea3393]

Very happy that you are back and can't wait for new uploads. Thank you for all he videos that you do!

[@dabrownDanny]

You're hilarious bro. Definitely going into a tattoo shop with a black light and my white jacket and my goggles on.

[@nelly928478]

Your videos are awesome! Very informative for beginner and experienced people getting tattoos! I’ve learned so much from your channel.

[@Maija1902]

Great to have you back! Really dope info not just for first timers....

[@cynthiaduncombe9103]

Thank you for your videos. They have been very informative and helpful. I do not have a tattoo yet but an looking to get one. I am clueless in this process and your videos help a lot. Thank you!

[@peachesnmulder]

This is totally legit. I got pink eye from a pillow at a shop. It didn't have a pillowcase and I should have known better.

[@brandonderosiers842]

A pillow shouldn't even really be in a shop lol

[@alexthomas6602]

The pillow at my tattoo place is covered in a plastic bag that they change out

[@jaygarza9567]

Pillows and Tattoo shops,, go together like drinking milk while eating sourkroat..

[@joshua9856]

Mr. Withee is back!!! Amazing information to take in!!

[@FoxglovedLove]

I missed your videos. I respect your dedication to making good videos.

[@diannafly6433]

Glad to see a new video from you! Love your content.

[@pimpshack81]

Your content is awesome 🤘🤘🤘

[@theunderground5577]

Great to have you back!

[@alexp72525]

Im getting a tattoo during this pandemic so this advice is very helpful to me thanks

[@teak7832]

Nice to see you upload! I have 2 questions tho, if you dont mind. 1. How do you feel about artists smoking weed outside the shop while it's open? Particularly next to an entrance for clients 2. Do people really use lighters to spread the tattoo needles apart before a tattoo? I went to one artist once who did that and not only did it hurt more than any other tattoo I've ever gotten (the needles felt dull, like it was tearing my skin apart with a butterknife), it healed like ass, too. I've never been 100% convinced he didn't re-use those needles

[@airframer120]

Teak K they should set up their machine in front of you with brand new unopened needle..

[@teak7832]

@@airframer120 that uhhhhh doesnt answer the question though

[@nickj12]

Glad you’re back. This was a lot of useful information.

[@KRO-222]

Nice to see you back! Great video as always. 😊 ETA: wow, you’ve been busy, no wonder it’s been a while since you posted!

[@tmccabe72]

Welcome back!! Can't wait for you to revisit the city of Brotherly LOVE and Sisterly AFFECTION!😄😄

[@delelelele_whooop6194]

Glad to have you back

[@gregi2042]

Great video man, I learned a lot from this. In the image you posted of an example of a cleaning room, I see there is a Crest ultrasonic cleaner on the counter. Is that the brand ultrasonic cleaner you guys currently use in your shop? Or do you use another brand? And if so, how do you like it

[@JayKughan]

Sall' good man. Glad you're back. Hope you had a great trip & tanx for the time & effort that goes into getting these videos out 🙏 mad props for your attention to detail. Rock on bub! 🤘

[@VNM2023]

Glad your back!!!

[@SP.Family]

Thanks for the great vid! Good to see you back👍😁

[@adamjustus3766]

Wondering what happened to you! Good to see you're back doing the vids. Great meeting ya @ motorcity! How'd your girlfriends tattoo from Phil Garcia turn out?

[@mariazaragoza9181]

Ah James is back!! xoxo also question, is normal for tattoos to be itchy or sensitive after months of having it done? Thanks!

[@JamesWithee]

Yeah it's pretty normal. I'll talk about it in a q & a video

[@mariazaragoza9181]

@@JamesWithee okay good thank you!!

[@blazegirl74]

Great video! Glad you're back.

[@JustClaribel]

I hosted a tattoo party and the artist was so unbelievably professional and clean (his name is CJ Ugarte, please check him out!) that he will likely be doing my sleeve. I didn’t even doubt him a little bit

[@carlagarcia7743]

Glad you're back!

[@galinaioffe2250]

It depends on where on a client body the tattoo was placed so if it's like a back of their thigh, it will touch your chair or couch without intention

[@TheSynapz]

Great and important vid! I did an appointment for my first tattoo end of july, but now I am worried about it cause I am working outside most of the time and can only have 4 days off work before I have to work again. wearing a longsleeve wouldn't be a problem but if the sleeve is rubbing on the tattoo it will get damaged or even worse getting infected. any suggestions? maybe you can do a vid about getting a tattoo during summer :)

[@mirandafoster-lugo2507]

been waiting for a video from you! 😆👍🏻

[@bflydiva1]

This is good information but what if you already paid your deposit? In times like this many tattoo artists are doing consultation online or via phone.

[@brandonkristoff8106]

I have little bumps on my upper arm does that affect getting a tattoo in that area at all?

[@kylebanks13]

I know it's a little late but I have the same bumps your talking about and it didn't affect mine

[@omarjunior5497]

Yo James can you make a video of you providing insight based on your experience with tattooing people that has ectezma/psoriasis

[@tammyrusso4340]

Glad you’re back! 👊

[@soleneptune9498]

It's been a minuteeee welcome back

[@airframer120]

Damn that’s a good perceptions.. didn’t really pay attention to that I’m more worried on work station. I just realize my artist wear slipper n shorts all the time but then again he’s an islander and do poly works n I also grew up wearing that shit in Hawaii 😂 it might be weird for others but not to me...well he wears apron n mask so I guess I’m good 🤣

[@federicogarufi479]

Cheers from Italy man. Do you know if American tattoo laws are about the same in Europe?

[@dominipsabe]

Where do you usually go to buy cavicide or metricide?

[@jokerz9616]

Got it, always go to wash room👌

[@ambi8822]

welcome back!

[@Oangulo6952]

Bruh...your videos are Dope!!! Don't get it twisted. 💯

[@FSM866]

Hey James, serious question for ya. I've been planning on getting a full back piece from an artist that has 20 yrs experience and does great work. I've been following his Instagram and noticed some of the photos and videos he posts shows a bath towel covering the table for back tattoos and some arm tattoos. Is this something I should be concerned about as far as cleanliness? My back won't be touching that towel, but something about that just makes me feel a bit uneasy. Am I being too germophobic here? He wears an apron and gloves, so seems pretty sanitary otherwise. Thanks in advance.

[@Mimi127]

Ayy he's back

[@galinaioffe2250]

What tubes do you use??

[@senormofeta6726]

Thanks James!

[@king_ejohn5850]

Hey man, where are you located? How can I set up an appointment ?

[@ssartworks7396]

Make sure you show up at the shop clean also, don't go for a tattoo after work, party or a day out.

[@TheMagnificentSarah]

My artist didnt shave my skin before the tattoo!? Am I going to get an infection 😕 or ingrown hairs? It's on my shoulder and I'm not hairy but it's pretty peach fuzzy back there 😂.

[@thomasackerly2410]

Can TAT shop only pay cash instead of CC is this legitimate or not

[@TheCrybabyOtaku]

Love your videos dude

[@toshacurren9898]

Where I get my tattoos is directly next to a donut shop and it smells incredible 24/7

[@TattoosLovers]

When i'm in the tattoo store i always check if everything's clean , and if i don't see them spraying alcohol on the seat i won't get my tattoos done in their seat and their tattooing machine if i see it's isn't clean too i won't use that store , i'm a very clean guy 100% and how they organize their stuff and if they don't do it before they are done with the previous customer i won't use that tattoo guy / tattoo lady lmfao lmao lol yolo & i will check the needle's as well if they state on the packaging it's sterilize & it's unopen before i get my tattoo done but if the tattoo artist open infront of me it's alright and i will check too if they are wearing both gloves , in singapore the tattoo shop that i go to doesn't have any loo . Wow i don't clean their stuff i only pay attentions to my surroundings .@ 11.01 mins yeah your fucking right lol lmfao lmao yolo . Heyy James Withee thank you for explaining it clear and loud damn fuck me you made me your big fan all the way from Singapore .

[@kendrickstarr]

you've been gone for a while. nice to have another vid

[@tristanphillips911]

What if you had a organ transplant,would you be able to ask them if you tell them that your a organ recipient?

[@pangkouxiong1244]

Went to a shop in CA where you could see smoke in the shop and I was coughing nonstop from the weed smell. Is that like okay in CA??

[@hectorsoto8805]

Tbh bro it’s cali everyone now a days smokes last 2 tattoos shops I’ve been to have had actual bongs in the waiting room

[@CarminaVillamizarBeautyDiva]

Great video!!

[@danielp2412]

This mane cool asf😂💯

[@ayoubhumran9806]

I honestly am looking for an amazing tribal tattoo shop do you know any good places in LA it's my first time

[@aaronseaton2456]

Hey James, any plans to come to NJ/NY? Would really like to schedule with you to get some work done

[@JamesWithee]

I'll be in nyc in July for the empire state expo. I'm booked the whole time though. I'm out there a couple times a year. If u make it to the show stop by the booth and maybe we figure out when we can tattoo u

[@aaronseaton2456]

James Withee I’ll be there! I’m hopeful we can work something out!

[@OliverQueen1974]

I was always told that a tattoo studio should be as clean as an operating theatre when you walk in, during the actual tattoo process itself with regular change of gloves, follow cross contamination rules, clean up any spillage immediately, changing gloves, changing cord covers if touched with the "dirty" hand, change gloves, etc. It should be a doddle for studios to operate fully still in this pandemic as they should have been cleaning to the same COVID regulations required for tattoo studios way before COVID was even born within the bat & pangolin that it originated from! There is no excuse for not having a surgically clean work area.

[@ylanlaus8000]

James thank you. 8:48 😃

[@sarastrange5282]

I've been to many shops with very "familiar" artists and where as the shop looked clean and legit but the bathroom on the other hand was no so tidy and I feel it's cuz they probably don't have an assistant or receptionist to take care of that kinda stuff and I don't know many artists who would scrub a toilet 😪

[@JamesWithee]

Every artist in my shop scrubs the toilet, including myself

[@sarastrange5282]

@@JamesWithee That's really nice to hear, it's reassuring to hear that artists will do that themselves, it really does make a difference

[@blazebaby89]

Good stuff xx

[@hadassahgrace5]

Is it weird to want to see the needle opened? Because that is super huge for cleanliness

[@1uckyl3mark]

A truly clean professional tattoo artist shouldn't have an attitude when you ask to see the cleanliness of their work area.

[@destinee9903]

Can you do an update with new equipment. The artist doesn't have this at all.

[@destinee9903]

The throw away tube is way different its looks plastic.

[@RichardWolfe79]

“It shouldn’t smell like a fuckin dead body” 🤣

[@J3rryswinger]

“All loosey goosey and sloppy-like” hahahahahha

[@uffu2490]

As an aspiring tattoo artist, one thing I’m focusing on is cleanliness and organization. Would you eat in a restaurant that has a dirty kitchen? Absolutely not. Your clients are placing their lives in your hands so you better keep a shop clean.

[@Annjellybby]

You rock love ur vids

[@FA79967]

Bro one simple question is it dangerous in general to do a tattoo ??

[@thrifteddrip7442]

My tattoo shop that I go to is honestly more clean than our fucking emergency room hospital. Always super clean, smells fresh and clean.

[@mashae2382]

Do you think it’s fine to politely ask for tattoo artists to let you know what safety procedures they use? People have very strong & diverse safety ends/tendencies (on both sides) & I think as long as you’re being friendly about it, you should feel free to authentically communicate about even the specifics/basics of what safety procedures the tattoo artists use.

[@sophiewoodman6301]

I do the bathroom thing when I go into restaurants because if the toilets aren't clean then the kitchen most likely isn't clean either.

[@TojaiiJordan]

I'm 13 I was looking at like how not to get a tattoo not infected and how to take care of it.....! I wanna get one at 14 just trying to be prepared but have to get permission!!

[@Highlos]

What a goat 🐐

[@Timesend]

I find the healing process the most uncomfortable with tattoos

[@sircapt2570]

Im healing now, and I agree. It's kind of stressful

[@hectorsoto8805]

It’s not that bad unless you work a warehouse job or outside job

[@potatius6421]

yeah nah, if someone has a non-disposable needle-thingy just leave.

[@anisahabdullah8438]

Um my tattoo artist used his bare unwashed finger to rub disinfect on my skin….

[@zakkattakkable]

don't ask "hey can I check out your tattoo setup to make sure its clean" you don't want to do that. WHAT!!!!?????!!!? why are tattoo artist so offended when u ask if it's clean? UM?!>!

[@zakkattakkable]

Im trying not to get hepatitis