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Step 1
Ask close friends or family members who have tattoos what tattoo artist they recommend.
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Step 2
Find the tattoo parlor that got the most positive references from friends and family members with tattoos. Or, do a little online research yourself: Yelp.com is a great site with user reviews of different establishments in your area. These reviews are as good as word-of-mouth advice from a friend.
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Step 3
Go to the tattoo parlor and check out the place and the artist for yourself. Do the artists use gloves? What do their work stations look like? Is the shop clean? The environment of the shop will have a direct influence on how safe it is to get a tat there.
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Step 4
Request to speak with the tattoo artist that you're thinking of going with and have him show you other examples of their work. If examples cannot be produced this might not be a safe or smart place to get a tattoo. Look for experience.
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Step 5
See how the tattoo artists treat their needles. Sterile needles will come in packages that are sealed and the seal is not broken until just before the tattoo artist begins to work on your tattoo.
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Step 6
Tell the tattoo artist why you are asking questions about policy and procedure to help him understand you want to get a safe tattoo and he will be more inclined to give you the information you need to feel comfortable.
