When you are sitting in the tattoo chair, you believe that the needle penetrating through your skin is safe and sterile. But what would happen when the cartridge containing that needle is in motion and in a manner, much to the contrary of your safety?

It is a social service advertisement to anybody who has ink--or is going to have ink. Not all tattoo cartridges are made out of the same stuff, and the distinction between a safe tattoo and a nightmare of cross-contamination at night is often a very small and very unseen element: the safety membrane. Look for online shops where you can buy quality tattoo guns and accessories.

What's Wrong with Cheap Cartridges?

Most of the industry of tattooing has moved out of the old days of bar-and-tube systems to the cartridge systems that are disposable. They are safe, convenient, and when made properly, extremely safe. The most important safety aspect is an inner membrane or a barrier that will be placed between the needle chamber and the grip of the tattoo machine.

This is how it works without that membrane or a poorly-made one;

a.  Backflow

When tattooing, there is a natural movement of ink, blood, and tissue fluid up the needle. The membrane halts that fluid in a quality cartridge.

b.  Cross-Contamination

In inexpensive knock-off cartridges, sold on unregulated markets, the companies went to the extent of not providing a real barrier. In its absence, contaminated fluid will be able to pass back through the machine grip, and in case the machine grip is reused (or not sterilized), it may be exposed to infectious materials by the subsequent client.

c.  The Visual Lie

There are a lot of fake cartridges that resemble the authoritative brands. They are packaged in branded boxes with similar logos. You do not even have to look at them in order to tell that they are dangerous.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

You are entitled to know what is entering your body. The first step to building trust with your artist is to ask the right questions.

On the eve of your next meeting, request your artist:

1.  Does your cartridge contain a safety membrane that is patented?

2.  To be a professional artist who is safety conscious, the artist will:

3.  Are fully aware of what brand and type of cartridge they are on.

4.  Provide the safety features of their equipment.

5.  Encourage your inquiry as an indicator of a learned client.

When they stutter, evade, or appear to be perplexed with regards to their own provisions, take note of that as a red flag.

Safety Tips You Must Follow

1.  Watch the Opening: Opening reputable cartridges before your eyes, one after another. In case the artist is drawing out of an already opened bag or a jar of loose cartridges, inquire as to the reason.

2.  Seek Brand Names: Only use familiar brand names, such as Cheyenne, Kwadron, FK Irons, or T-Tech. Such companies put a lot of money into membrane technology.

3.  Trust Your Gut: When a studio has low prices and claims to provide budget pricing, it should question what type of supplies they are utilizing in order to get that low cost price. Consult with an expert before choosing the best tattoo cartridges in Australia.

4.  Aftercare Red Flags: When your healing process is more painful, hot, or infected, report it. New laws are based on reporting to trace hazardous products.

The first barrier to cross-contamination is that little silicone or plastic piece in a tattoo cartridge. Manufacturers, who omit it to penny press, roll the dice with your life.

You are to have safety, but not shortcuts. Ask the question. Know your artist. And never buy cheap equipment when it comes to body art that is here to stay.