Why aren’t tattoo and piercing services legally standardized?

Tattoo and piercing services have become increasingly popular and mainstream in recent years, with millions of people around the world choosing to modify their bodies in these ways. Despite the growing demand, tattoo and piercing services remain largely unregulated in many areas. While some health and safety guidelines exist, they are often inconsistent and vary widely across regions. This lack of legal standardization raises important questions about consumer safety, the professionalism of artists, and the potential health risks associated with these procedures.

1. Inconsistent Regulations Across Regions

• United States: In the U.S., tattoo and piercing regulations are often determined at the local level, meaning rules can vary widely between cities, states, and counties. In some places, tattoo artists must be licensed by health departments, while in others, there are no specific licensing requirements.
• United Kingdom: In the UK, local authorities oversee tattoo and piercing businesses, and while there are guidelines for hygiene and safety, they are not always consistently enforced.
• Other Countries: Many countries have minimal or no regulations for tattoo and piercing businesses. This inconsistency makes it difficult for consumers to know what level of care to expect when visiting a tattoo or piercing studio.

2. Lack of National or Global Standards

• While some organizations, such as the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) in the U.S. and The Tattooist’s Association in the UK, offer best practices and voluntary standards, there is no universal legal framework that governs the industry worldwide.
• This lack of a single governing body or standard means that tattoo artists and piercers may follow different training programs, hygiene protocols, and safety procedures, depending on where they are located.

3. Health and Safety Concerns

• The lack of standardization poses serious health risks, as improper techniques, unsanitary equipment, and poor hygiene practices can lead to infections, allergic reactions, and other complications.
• Infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted if needles or equipment are not sterilized correctly, and poor aftercare advice can also lead to scarring or other issues.
• Unfortunately, without universal regulations in place, the risk of such problems increases in areas with poorly enforced or absent standards.

4. Training and Certification Variability

• Tattoo and piercing artists typically learn their craft through apprenticeships, but the duration and quality of training can vary greatly.
• Some regions require tattoo artists to complete a certain number of hours of training or an apprenticeship under a licensed professional before practicing, while others have no formal requirements.
• Without standardized training or certification programs, there is no guarantee that all artists possess the same level of skill or knowledge about health risks and safety protocols.

5. Economic and Cultural Factors

• The lack of standardization in tattoo and piercing services can also be attributed to economic and cultural factors. In many countries, body modification is still considered a niche or alternative practice, and as such, the industry may not be as closely regulated as other sectors like healthcare or food services.
• Additionally, the tattoo and piercing industry is often self-regulated, with artists and studios setting their own standards, making it harder for governments to implement and enforce laws.

6. Consumer Protection and Rights

• Consumers who undergo tattoos or piercings without legal protection in place may find it difficult to seek recourse if something goes wrong.
• In the absence of standardized regulations, it can be challenging for consumers to hold artists or studios accountable for negligent or harmful practices.
• This lack of consumer protection raises concerns about the rights of individuals who suffer adverse effects from poorly performed procedures, such as infections or scarring.

7. Calls for Regulation and Change

• Regulations would ensure consistent hygiene practices: Establishing clear rules would prevent studios from using contaminated or unsanitary equipment, reducing the risk of infections and other health issues.
• Licensing and certification: Implementing standardized training programs and certification processes would ensure that all tattoo and piercing artists have the skills and knowledge needed to perform their work safely.
• Better consumer protection: With consistent regulations, consumers would have a clearer understanding of their rights and could more easily hold service providers accountable for damages or injuries caused by poor practices.

Example

Scenario:

• A person in a city with little to no regulation on tattoo services visits a local studio to get a tattoo. The artist uses unsterilized needles, leading to a severe infection. The person suffers a significant infection and needs to seek medical treatment, including a round of antibiotics and potentially surgery to remove the infected tissue. The customer is unsure whether they can hold the studio accountable because there are no clear hygiene or safety regulations in place in their area.

Steps to Take:

• Seek Medical Treatment: The person should immediately consult a healthcare provider to treat the infection.
• Document the Incident: Keep a record of the medical treatment, including photographs of the injury and a doctor’s report that links the infection to the tattoo procedure.
• Contact the Studio: The consumer should contact the studio to report the incident and request a refund or compensation for medical expenses.
• File a Complaint: If the studio refuses to provide compensation, the individual may need to file a complaint with local health authorities or pursue a legal case based on negligence.
• Advocate for Change: If the issue is widespread in their area, the consumer could advocate for the establishment of local regulations to ensure tattoo and piercing studios follow hygiene standards and safety protocols.