Getting a tattoo - the procedure

• The tattooist will first wash his or her hands.
  
  
• The to-be-tattooed area on your body will be cleaned and disinfected.
  
  
• The tattooist will put on clean, fresh gloves (and possibly a surgical mask).
  
  
• The tattooist will explain the sterilization procedure to you and open up the single-use, sterilized equipment (such as needles, etc.).
  
  
• Using the tattoo machine (with a sterile, single-use needle attached), the tattooist will begin drawing an outline of the tattoo under your skin.
  
  
• The outline will be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water.
  
  
• Sterile, thicker needles will be installed on the tattoo machine, and the tattooist will start shading the design.
  
  
• Any blood will be removed by a sterile, disposable cloth or towel.
  
  
• When finished, the area, now sporting a finished tattoo, will be cleaned once again and a bandage will be applied.