Tattoos: Precautions to be taken before launching

The first step is to know if you want to make a temporary or permanent tattoo.

The temporary tattoo does not penetrate the epidermis but is deposited on the skin. The ephemeral ink used falls into the category of cosmetic products. The pattern usually remains on the skin for a little less than a month.

The permanent tattoo is made with an indelible dye which is inserted under the skin with a needle: permanent tattooing lasts a lifetime!

The choice of tattoo artist

The choice of the professional performing the act is important.

The points of care that you must be careful about before going to a tattoo parlor are the following:

• make sure that the tattoo artist has a declaration of activity issued by the Regional Health Agency (RHA);
• the tattoo must be carried out in a room reserved exclusively for this purpose, and disinfected after each client;
• it is essential for the professional to follow the rules of hygiene, check that he washes his hands well and that the gloves he uses are for single use, as is the needle. The area to be tattooed must be disinfected beforehand;
• before performing the tattoo, the tattoo artist must explain the risks you are exposed to;
• risk information must be displayed in the exhibition and sent to you in writing.

If these practices are not followed, it is recommended to find another professional.

Temporary tattoos

Although temporary tattooing is less risky than permanent tattooing, it should not take place lightly.

Use caution when offering dark ink tattoos and avoid temporary black henna tattoos. To intensify the black henna color, para-phenylenediamine (PPD) can sometimes be used. It is a dangerous product that causes allergies and can lead to medical intervention or even hospitalization. The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) recalls that "this ingredient is prohibited in cosmetic products other than hair dyes".

What to do in case of complications?

Once you have had your tattoo you should look out for any signs of side effects.

Permanent tattoos present several risks, such as:

• an infectious risk: in particular if the tattoo area has not been disinfected beforehand;
• an allergic risk: some inks used may cause reactions such as itching and swelling, or even eczema;
• before getting a tattoo, talk to your doctor, especially if you have a skin lesion, disease or medical treatment.