WHAT IS A BARGAIN TATTOO?
When getting a bargain tattoo, there are a few things to remember. The very first thing….you get what you pay for. There’s probably no greater truth to this than when referring to tattoos. A $10 burger at a mom and pop place might be better than a $100 entree at a fancy restaurant. That won’t be a true simile to tattoo shops.
QUALITY
Quality not quantity. It cannot be said enough. Some people have one $500 tattoo, others may have 10 $50 tattoos. Guaranteed that $500 tattoo is far more impressive, unique, and has bragging rights. Who cares about another $50 poorly done infinity symbol on someone’s wrist? Or a slapdash American Traditional swallow done with bad coloring on your chest? Those types of tattoos are everywhere.
If you are going to spend the money and decide to get something permanently put on your body, isn’t it worth spending the most you can reasonably afford to get it done right? If you have to save up, then save up. There’s no rule stating that you have to rush to get a tattoo. Instant gratification isn’t always the best option. Getting a tattoo designed specifically and uniquely for you will make you far happier in the long run. Incidentally, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo does offer financing.
Pertaining to this subject, the quality of materials being used is also a factor. With a bargain tattoo, you may be dealing with an “artist” that is using a very cheap tattoo machine, cheap needle cartridges and low quality inks. Lower quality inks are not regulated, have a higher chance of contaminants and will likely have a greater chance to fade out. This will lead to a more probable need for a cover-up or touch-up, which in the end will still end up costing more money.
Most of the time when you are visiting a lower end bargain studio, you are dealing with unskilled or poorly trained “artists”. This will not only give you a less than desirable tattoo outcome, but due to lack of knowledge, you risk getting a tattoo blowout. A blowout occurs when a tattoo artist presses too hard or the length of the needle is too long and they tattoo past the layer of dermis and into the fatty tissue. When this happens, the ink does not stay in one spot, it spreads around and often resembles a bruise.
SAFETY AND SANITATION
When dealing with a shop that does bargain tattoos, one of the biggest concerns is cleanliness and safety. Most states have general rules, guidelines, and regulations per their local Health Departments regarding the sanitation and safety practices of tattoo shops. However, unless a client reports a problem to the Health Department, very often these lower end shops have a tendency to let their standards slip, or they may have never implemented them in the first place.
In a higher quality studio, such as Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, not only are the safety and sanitation standards met and maintained, but often exceeded. All of the artists are first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogens certified. Before a client is brought in to get their tattoo, the artist will clean, sanitize and cover everything in preparation for the tattoo. After they are finished with that client, the artist will repeat this process for the next client. At the end of the day, they break down and clean their equipment and work areas. This is done each and every time to insure client safety.
In the bargain shop, you have a greater risk of infection due to unsanitary conditions of both the shop itself, the equipment and even the “artist”. Poor aftercare treatment and instructions can also lead to safety issues. Some locations still use outdated methods like using vaseline to cover the tattoo, which is bad for healing. It actually slows the healing process.
THE TRUTH
The cold hard truth is the vast majority of bargain shops, aka “scratcher” shops, are not worth the risk. You’ll likely get a tattoo you regret either due to poor quality or how boring/common it is. You also have a greater chance of a blowout due to an unskilled “artist” using subpar equipment or complications attributed to poor sanitary conditions and bad aftercare. It’s simply not worth it to save a few bucks on something you are getting permanently put on your body.
To read more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo’s standards, click the button below for our article on why you should choose us for your next tattoo!
To read more about tattoo aftercare, click the button below to read our article about the do’s and don’t regarding aftercare!