Is it Safe to get a Tattoo?
Welcome! My name is SIMON Vadelma — I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. In today’s episode, I want to talk about one of the most important things in the tattoo industry: Is it actually safe to get a tattoo? The short answer is — yes, absolutely. When it’s done the right way, in a licensed STUDIO and by a professional of course. So today, I’ll share with you how we make sure of that at Vadelma Tattoo, what “safety” really means in our work, and how you can prepare to make your tattoo experience smooth and comfortable.
PRINTS
You’re listening. You’re watching. But are you supporting? Please visit our art print STORE where you’ll find Natalie’s original artwork – limited edition, museum-quality art prints. In one size only – by design – like in the real paintings.
A Bit of Perspective
Tattooing has come a long way. Most historians agree that modern tattooing began in 1891, with Samuel O’Reilly’s invention of the first electric tattoo machine – to be clear he owned the first patent for a tattoo machine – there were even earlier trials with electric machines. But the tattoo industry we know today—with hygiene standards, safety protocols, and government licenses—really took shape from the 1970s onward. So now It has been more than 50 years of constant development—everything from TECHNIQUES and hygienic protocols to ink ingredients—to achieve the high-end standards we have now. And it’s still evolving. Tattoos aren’t standing still, that’s for sure.
Modern studios need to follow strict hygiene protocols approved by national health organizations. For example, in the Netherlands, this is overseen by the GGD, the Dutch Health Service. This means our studio, our procedures, and our equipment are regularly inspected to meet professional standards. That’s a good thing—there’s no room for unsafe practices when a third-party institution is involved. Professional tattoo studios of today maintain very, very high hygiene standards.
How We Make Tattooing Safe
In addition to following the standards set by national health and safety authorities, we follow hygiene protocols similar to those used in medical environments: clean hands, disinfection, single-use equipment, and common sense.
For example:
- Every needle we use is pre-sterilized, single-use, and individually packaged.
- After your tattoo session, the used needle is immediately disposed of in a certified sharps container — nothing is ever reused.
- All work surfaces are covered with single-use plastic barriers, which are replaced after each client.
- We always wear disposable gloves and organize our workspace to prevent cross-contamination.
- Every surface and tool is disinfected before and after each session.
To maintain maximum safety, ONLY the client and the tattoo artists are allowed in the tattooing area. This helps ensure both a sterile environment and a calm atmosphere, so we encourage everyone to come alone for their session. Basically, anything that touches your skin is disposable and used only for you.
Tattoo Ink Safety in the EU
The European Union is known for its thorough regulations — and that’s a good thing when it comes to tattoo safety. The EU regularly updates its laws to ensure that tattoo inks and pigments meet strict health standards. The latest major update from January 2022 was the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Under REACH, tattoo inks sold in the EU must comply with strict limits on heavy metals, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and certain preservatives and dyes. The goal is to ensure pigment purity and reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Tattoo INK safety in the EU has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to these regulations. Even older tattoos remain safe — the previous standards were already high — so there’s no reason to worry if your tattoo was done years ago.
It’s Not Just About the Rules
For us and Vadelma Tattoo -, hygiene and safety aren’t just procedures—they’re also a way to show respect for the person in the chair. When you get tattooed at Vadelma, you’re trusting us with your body and your story. That’s beautiful and we take that seriously. A clean studio and calm environment are the foundation of that trust. Before we begin, we always check that your skin is healthy and that you’re feeling well. We don’t tattoo over wounds, eczema, sunburn, or if you’re unwell.
Basically, we aim to do that check before you even come for the session — typically when we are exchanging emails or DM’S It would be unproductive for both sides – to discover conditions that might prevent you from getting a tattoo only once you’re in the studio. Sharing those useful information is one of the reasons why I run this podcast and we have such detailed FAQ and blog on our website. In the very first FAQ on our website there is the most important information about the tattoo process in a pill – if you would read only this – then anyway you are on the safe side. Being prepared ensures the session goes smoothly. If there’s anything relevant to your tattoo process, please always share it with us prior to the session. We’ll discuss potential solutions together.
Aftercare = Safety Continued
Once your tattoo is done, safety continues in your hands. We provide clear, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions, available on our website and discussed directly in the studio. But the process doesn’t end at the studio door. Then, it is Your turn to take good care of Your new tattoo! Healing time and aftercare are part of the process – equally important as the tattooing itself. Initial HEALING typically takes around 4 weeks, but full skin recovery can take up to 6–8 weeks. Proper care helps your tattoo heal beautifully, prevents infection, and keeps your new piece looking its best. Please don’t underestimate the aftercare protocols. And what if, after the full healing process, your tattoo still needs some ink? Even when everything is done correctly, that can happen – in the end we are working on skin. Don’t worry—simply contact us, send a picture, and we’ll arrange a follow-up session, widely known as a TOUCH UPS .
Closing Thoughts
>>So—is it safe to get a tattoo? After this podcast, I hope you’re convinced that it is very safe when done by someone who knows what to do. When you choose the right artist, getting a tattoo is not only safe—it’s also one of the most positive and empowering art experiences you can have. At Vadelma Tattoo, we combine creativity with care, precision with passion, and we make sure you always leave the studio with a beautiful tattoo—safely.
Thanks so much for listening and watching. Have a good day—and have fun!
Welcome! My name is SIMON Vadelma — I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. In today’s episode, I want to talk about one of the most important things in the tattoo industry: Is it actually safe to get a tattoo? The short answer is — yes, absolutely. When it’s done the right way, in a licensed STUDIO and by a professional of course. So today, I’ll share with you how we make sure of that at Vadelma Tattoo, what “safety” really means in our work, and how you can prepare to make your tattoo experience smooth and comfortable.
PRINTS
You’re listening. You’re watching. But are you supporting? Please visit our art print STORE where you’ll find Natalie’s original artwork – limited edition, museum-quality art prints. In one size only – by design – like in the real paintings.
A Bit of Perspective
Tattooing has come a long way. Most historians agree that modern tattooing began in 1891, with Samuel O’Reilly’s invention of the first electric tattoo machine – to be clear he owned the first patent for a tattoo machine – there were even earlier trials with electric machines. But the tattoo industry we know today—with hygiene standards, safety protocols, and government licenses—really took shape from the 1970s onward. So now It has been more than 50 years of constant development—everything from TECHNIQUES and hygienic protocols to ink ingredients—to achieve the high-end standards we have now. And it’s still evolving. Tattoos aren’t standing still, that’s for sure.
Modern studios need to follow strict hygiene protocols approved by national health organizations. For example, in the Netherlands, this is overseen by the GGD, the Dutch Health Service. This means our studio, our procedures, and our equipment are regularly inspected to meet professional standards. That’s a good thing—there’s no room for unsafe practices when a third-party institution is involved. Professional tattoo studios of today maintain very, very high hygiene standards.
How We Make Tattooing Safe
In addition to following the standards set by national health and safety authorities, we follow hygiene protocols similar to those used in medical environments: clean hands, disinfection, single-use equipment, and common sense.
For example:
- Every needle we use is pre-sterilized, single-use, and individually packaged.
- After your tattoo session, the used needle is immediately disposed of in a certified sharps container — nothing is ever reused.
- All work surfaces are covered with single-use plastic barriers, which are replaced after each client.
- We always wear disposable gloves and organize our workspace to prevent cross-contamination.
- Every surface and tool is disinfected before and after each session.
To maintain maximum safety, ONLY the client and the tattoo artists are allowed in the tattooing area. This helps ensure both a sterile environment and a calm atmosphere, so we encourage everyone to come alone for their session. Basically, anything that touches your skin is disposable and used only for you.
Tattoo Ink Safety in the EU
The European Union is known for its thorough regulations — and that’s a good thing when it comes to tattoo safety. The EU regularly updates its laws to ensure that tattoo inks and pigments meet strict health standards. The latest major update from January 2022 was the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Under REACH, tattoo inks sold in the EU must comply with strict limits on heavy metals, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and certain preservatives and dyes. The goal is to ensure pigment purity and reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Tattoo INK safety in the EU has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to these regulations. Even older tattoos remain safe — the previous standards were already high — so there’s no reason to worry if your tattoo was done years ago.
It’s Not Just About the Rules
For us and Vadelma Tattoo -, hygiene and safety aren’t just procedures—they’re also a way to show respect for the person in the chair. When you get tattooed at Vadelma, you’re trusting us with your body and your story. That’s beautiful and we take that seriously. A clean studio and calm environment are the foundation of that trust. Before we begin, we always check that your skin is healthy and that you’re feeling well. We don’t tattoo over wounds, eczema, sunburn, or if you’re unwell.
Basically, we aim to do that check before you even come for the session — typically when we are exchanging emails or DM’S It would be unproductive for both sides – to discover conditions that might prevent you from getting a tattoo only once you’re in the studio. Sharing those useful information is one of the reasons why I run this podcast and we have such detailed FAQ and blog on our website. In the very first FAQ on our website there is the most important information about the tattoo process in a pill – if you would read only this – then anyway you are on the safe side. Being prepared ensures the session goes smoothly. If there’s anything relevant to your tattoo process, please always share it with us prior to the session. We’ll discuss potential solutions together.
Aftercare = Safety Continued
Once your tattoo is done, safety continues in your hands. We provide clear, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions, available on our website and discussed directly in the studio. But the process doesn’t end at the studio door. Then, it is Your turn to take good care of Your new tattoo! Healing time and aftercare are part of the process – equally important as the tattooing itself. Initial HEALING typically takes around 4 weeks, but full skin recovery can take up to 6–8 weeks. Proper care helps your tattoo heal beautifully, prevents infection, and keeps your new piece looking its best. Please don’t underestimate the aftercare protocols. And what if, after the full healing process, your tattoo still needs some ink? Even when everything is done correctly, that can happen – in the end we are working on skin. Don’t worry—simply contact us, send a picture, and we’ll arrange a follow-up session, widely known as a TOUCH UPS .
Closing Thoughts
>>So—is it safe to get a tattoo? After this podcast, I hope you’re convinced that it is very safe when done by someone who knows what to do. When you choose the right artist, getting a tattoo is not only safe—it’s also one of the most positive and empowering art experiences you can have. At Vadelma Tattoo, we combine creativity with care, precision with passion, and we make sure you always leave the studio with a beautiful tattoo—safely.
Thanks so much for listening and watching. Have a good day—and have fun!
