Is a tattoo artist required to display their hygiene certification?

We have found no legislation requiring them to display it on the wall or show it to you. What is mandatory is to have it: training in hygiene and health standards, followed by a declaration of business activity to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), as outlined by Service Public. Since the decree of 5 March 2024, it is the Regional Health Agency (ARS) that issues a certificate valid for five years. Tattoo artists trained before this reform may still hold a certificate until they bring their credentials up to date. In practice, a professional operating within the law has no reason to hide it, and many show it without being asked. Check that the name matches the person who will be tattooing you, not just the studio manager. A tattoo artist who evades the question, changes the subject or promises to send it later is already giving you an answer. They are not breaking the law by remaining silent, but that does not mean you are obliged to entrust your skin to them.

Is a small portfolio necessarily a bad sign?

No. A tattoo artist just starting out is bound to have a more modest portfolio, and everyone had to start somewhere. What should raise a red flag isn’t the quantity, but whether it can be verified. A vague portfolio, with inconsistencies from one photo to the next, clearly made up of images found elsewhere, or containing no photos of healed tattoos, raises questions. Photos taken straight after the session are always flattering: the ink looks vibrant, the skin is taut, and the lighting is carefully arranged. It’s only a few weeks or months later that you can see whether the lines remain sharp and the solid colours hold up. So ask to see healed tattoos, and ask specific questions about two or three pieces: when, where, and how long they took. A tattoo artist who has genuinely done these tattoos will answer without hesitation, and will often be happy to show you other photos from the same project. Anyone who remains vague about the origin of their images deserves your full mistrust.

Should the equipment be opened in front of the customer?

No legislation stipulates this word for word, yet it is one of the simplest measures to follow. The decree of 11 March 2009 requires that needles be sterile and single-use, for every session and for every client. Seeing them taken out of their sealed packaging is the only way for you to verify this for yourself. The tattoo artist must also wear single-use gloves, which must be changed between clients and at least every two hours during the same session, according to Service Public. They prepare the area to be tattooed with an antiseptic. A reputable professional does all this as a matter of course, often explaining what they are doing without you having to ask. If you arrive and everything is already unpacked on the work surface, ask the question calmly. If you don’t receive a clear answer, you have every right to walk out. A tattoo session involves piercing the skin; it’s not a haircut.

What should you do if you’ve already paid a deposit to an unreliable tattoo parlour?

Firstly, don’t feel obliged to get a tattoo just to avoid losing your money. Your health is worth more than a deposit, and no amount of money justifies going under the needle if you have serious doubts about hygiene. Secondly, check what is written on the receipt or in the booking terms and conditions. Legally speaking, a sum paid in advance has different implications depending on whether it is a deposit or a down payment; if nothing is specified, it is generally considered a down payment, which you forfeit if you cancel. You can still calmly ask for a refund or a postponement, explaining your reasons. Some professionals will agree to this. If you have noticed a genuine hygiene issue or an unregistered tattoo artist, you can also report this to your local Regional Health Agency. And next time, make sure you check everything thoroughly before paying anything: that is the whole point of this article.

Is a tattoo artist who refuses to answer questions about hygiene a risk?

This refusal alone does not necessarily indicate an immediate danger, but it is one of the most telling signs. A trained professional regards hygiene questions as perfectly legitimate, because they follow these rules every day and are rather proud of doing so. They will happily explain how they sterilise their equipment, why they change their gloves, and how they clean their studio between clients. Often, they’ll even bring it up before you’ve even asked. Conversely, an irritated, mocking or evasive reaction to a simple question, along the lines of ‘who do you take me for?’, should give you pause for thought. It’s not that you’re being a nuisance; it’s that the answer is missing. You’re entrusting your skin to this person for a procedure that involves piercing it: providing clear answers is part of the service. If the conversation makes you feel uncomfortable from the outset, trust that instinct and look elsewhere.

What does a studio that complies with hygiene regulations look like?

According to Service Public, tattoos must be carried out exclusively in a room dedicated to this activity. This room is thoroughly cleaned every day, and all surfaces used are cleaned and disinfected between each client. In practical terms, look for a workspace separate from the reception area, smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces, a tidy workstation, clearly identifiable single-use equipment, and a level of cleanliness that is obvious at first glance. Information on risks and aftercare must be displayed prominently on the premises. Conversely, a tattoo done in a flat, on a kitchen table or between the sofa and the television does not comply with these rules, however talented the person may be. A nicely decorated setting is not enough either: beautiful plants and a good playlist are no substitute for a dedicated studio. Trust what you see, not the atmosphere.

Is the pressure to book quickly always a bad sign?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. A good tattoo artist knows that getting a tattoo is a permanent decision, and will give you time to think it over, compare options and come back with any questions you may have. They generally have enough clients to mean they don’t need to pressure anyone into a decision. Excessive pressure, a ‘today only’ offer, a discount conditional on immediate payment, or a slot that miraculously becomes available if you pay now are all sales tactics, not a sign of professionalism. This sort of pressure is mainly designed to prevent you from taking your time to compare options. There is one exception: some highly sought-after tattoo artists open bookings for a short period, and slots fill up quickly. But in this case, the urgency stems from demand, not from sales talk, and the tattoo artist isn’t pressuring you personally. If you feel you’re being pushed, take your time.

7 warning signs to look out for before choosing a tattoo artist

Q: Does a low price always mean a bad tattoo artist?

Not automatically. A tattoo artist just starting out may charge lower prices whilst building up their client base, and this isn’t a problem in itself, provided they are properly trained, registered and work in compliant premises. What should raise a red flag is a price that is significantly lower than all others for a comparable design, without a clear explanation. A tattoo artist who complies with regulations pays for training, premises with a dedicated tattoo room, single-use needles and a sterilisation protocol. These costs don’t just disappear. When the price is rock-bottom, savings are being made somewhere, and it’s rarely on the décor. The best approach is to cross-check this factor against the other red flags mentioned in this article: hygiene certification, the condition of the premises, equipment displayed in full view, and a verifiable portfolio. If everything else is beyond reproach, a low price may be good news. If other red flags are raised at the same time, walk away without a second thought.

There are seven warning signs that should make you leave a tattoo parlour before your session. We learnt this the hard way: three co-founders, three first tattoos, three touch-ups (a perfect score, in the wrong category).

Here they are: equipment that’s already been opened and out of your sight, no trace of hygiene certification, a portfolio that can’t be verified, a rock-bottom price, pressure to book quickly, premises that aren’t a proper tattoo studio, and no questions about your health. A single serious red flag is enough to walk away. So are several minor red flags taken together.

Quentin, one of our team, chose his first tattoo artist on Instagram: lots of followers, tattooed celebrities. He thought that was a guarantee of quality. The result: a botched tattoo, poor healing, and a touch-up by another tattoo artist costing around a hundred euros. The number of followers does not appear in any of the seven lines below. This is not an oversight.

1. The equipment is prepared out of your sight

The first thing you should do when you arrive is to check where the equipment comes from. The decree of 11 March 2009 on good hygiene practices requires sterile, single-use needles to be used for every session and for every client. There is no rule stating that they must be unpacked in front of you. But this is the only way for you to check that they are new.

According to Service Public, tattoo artists must also:

remove jewellery before sanitising your hands;
wear disposable gloves, which must be changed between clients and at least every two hours;
prepare the area to be tattooed with an antiseptic;
Follow a protocol for sterilising equipment.

If everything is already laid out when you sit down, calmly ask why. If you don’t get a clear answer, you have the right to get up and leave. A tattoo goes through the skin: this is no time to be polite at the expense of your health.

2. The hygiene certification is still nowhere to be found

In France, tattooing requires training in hygiene and health standards, including a practical component, and registration with the Regional Health Agency (ARS). Since the decree of 5 March 2024, the ARS has been responsible for issuing a certificate, valid for five years. Tattoo artists trained before this reform may still hold a certificate until they bring their qualifications up to date.

We haven’t found any legislation requiring this document to be displayed on the wall. However, a qualified professional will show it to you without hesitation if you ask. Check that the name is that of the person who will be tattooing you, not just the manager’s. Another tip: some Regional Health Agencies (ARS), such as the one for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, publish a list of registered professionals who have agreed to be included. Not being on the list doesn’t prove anything. Being on it is reassuring.

Answers that should set alarm bells ringing: “I’ve got it at home”, “I’ll send it to you”, “everyone knows I’ve been a tattoo artist for ten years”. Experience is no substitute for compulsory training. A ‘scratcher’, someone who tattoos without having undergone an apprenticeship or formal training, may have a talent for drawing. They cannot hold any certification.

3. It is impossible to verify the portfolio

A good portfolio showcases several pieces in the artist’s signature style, with consistent linework from one piece to the next, and, above all, healed tattoos, photographed weeks or months after the session.

A look back at Quentin’s case. An account with a large following may belong to an excellent tattoo artist. It may also belong to someone with a real flair for lighting and staging. Photos taken straight after the tattoo is done always look good. Those taken once the tattoo has fully healed reveal the truth.

Things to watch out for:

blurry photos or photos of very inconsistent quality from one piece to the next;
images that appear to have been taken from elsewhere;
No photos of healed tattoos;
A tattoo artist who is unable to tell the story behind their own designs.

Ask specific questions about two or three designs. Someone who has actually done them will answer without hesitation.

4. The price is unusually low

A price that is significantly lower than all the others for a comparable design is not a good deal. It raises questions. A fully qualified tattoo artist pays for their training, a studio with a dedicated room, single-use needles and a sterilisation protocol. These costs don’t just disappear.

When prices are rock-bottom, savings are made somewhere. At best, it’s at the expense of the experience. At worst, it’s at the expense of hygiene or tax compliance. And touch-ups never come with a discount code: for us, it cost around a hundred euros each time. Our guide to tattoo prices explains what makes up a standard quote, so you can spot any suspicious discrepancies.

5. You’re being pressured to book or pay

A good tattoo artist knows that a tattoo is permanent. They’ll give you time to think it over, compare options and come back with any questions you may have. They usually have enough clients to mean they don’t need to pressure anyone.

Be wary of phrases such as “offer valid today only”, “discount if you pay now” or “a slot has just become available, but you must confirm within the hour”. This is sales talk, not a sign of reliability. The only exception is highly sought-after tattoo artists who open bookings for a short period. In such cases, the urgency stems from the waiting list, not from a salesperson.

6. The premises are not a proper tattoo studio

Service Public is clear: tattoos must only be carried out in a dedicated room, which is decontaminated daily, with surfaces cleaned and disinfected between each client. Information on risks and aftercare must be displayed prominently in the room.

A living room, a kitchen table or a corner of a bedroom do not meet these criteria, however talented the person may be. Léo, one of our team, had a tattoo done at home by someone who’d only just bought their machine. Same result as Quentin, same touch-up. (We’ve done it. We don’t recommend it.)

A nice interior isn’t enough either: houseplants and a good playlist don’t sterilise anything. Take a look for yourself:

a workspace separate from the reception area;
smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces;
a tidy, uncluttered workspace;
Visibly tidy without having to look too hard.

7. Nobody asks you any questions about your health

Before the session, the tattoo artist must inform you, amongst other things, of the risks of infection and allergic reactions, and of any contraindications to be aware of depending on your state of health or any treatments you are undergoing, as detailed by Service Public.

This isn’t just a matter of curiosity. The French National Health Service lists the people most at risk of complications: those with diabetes, kidney failure, a weakened immune system, blood clotting disorders, an allergy to a substance used in the process, or a skin condition. It also advises against getting a tattoo whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. If this applies to you, it is up to your doctor to decide.

A responsible tattoo artist will therefore discuss these matters before switching on their machine. Anyone who doesn’t ask any questions doesn’t realise the risks involved, for both you and them.

And what do the positive signs look like?

Because an article about warning signs can quickly make you paranoid, here’s the flip side. A reputable tattoo artist is often someone who:

shows you their certification without you having to ask;
He lays out his equipment in front of you and explains what he’s doing, sometimes with a touch of pride;
Ask questions about your design, your health and your skin before discussing prices;
will tell you no if your idea won’t stand the test of time, or if it isn’t their style, and will refer you to a colleague;
provides you with a written aftercare sheet and remains available should you have any queries whilst the tattoo is healing;
It provides a clear quote, setting out what’s included, without pressuring you to sign up.

The final positive sign is the simplest: you come out of the consultation having learnt something. If, on top of that, you feel like going back, you can stop reading this article.

What should you do if a mark appears during a session?

It’s a bit trickier, but you’re under no obligation to go ahead. Ask the question that’s worrying you, calmly: where does this equipment come from, where’s the certification, why haven’t the gloves been changed? A trained professional will never take offence at this sort of question, at any time.

If the answer doesn’t put your mind at rest, or if the person becomes evasive or irritated, politely end the appointment. Even if you’ve already paid a deposit. It’s better to have an awkward moment than an infection, or a tattoo that you’ll have to have redone.

Any genuine hygiene concerns can be reported to your local ARS. And if your skin reacts badly after the session, you can report an adverse reaction via the official reporting portal.

Is a single signal enough to get started?

It depends on the artist. A beginner might have a modest portfolio with nothing to hide, and a reasonable price is no crime. However, equipment that’s already been opened without explanation or a missing certificate are enough to make you walk away. Three such warning signs in the same studio, too: at that point, it’s no longer just bad luck.

The most effective approach involves three steps: visit the studio before booking, ask any questions you may have without hesitation, and don’t just walk into the first place you come across for the sake of convenience (Hippolyte tried it out for us). Our guide to choosing your first tattoo and our method for finding a tattoo artist in Paris set out the full process in detail.

Find out more

We created Tat’s It so that no one else would have to learn these seven signs the hard way, as we did, through a series of touch-ups. On the app, you’ll find only certified tattoo artists, with their portfolios, whom you can message before booking. It’s 100 per cent free: the links are just below.

An idea, a tattoo, Tat’s It.