Getting a tattoo isn’t just about choosing artwork—it’s about trusting the person holding the machine and the space where it all happens. And if we’re being honest, not all tattoo shops hold themselves to the same standard of care.

At Inkvictus Studios in Raleigh, NC, we believe your safety should never be a question mark. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or your fiftieth, you deserve a studio that takes health, hygiene, and transparency seriously. So let’s break down what safe tattooing actually looks like—and how to tell if your artist is doing it right.

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Why Tattoo Safety Matters More Than You Think

Tattoos might feel routine now, but they’re still a medical procedure in every sense—your skin is being opened, ink is being inserted, and healing takes time. That means hygiene is non-negotiable. Proper sterilization prevents everything from skin infections to bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

We know that’s heavy—but that’s exactly why we treat every appointment with the same care and respect you’d expect from a medical setting.

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What to Look For: Tattoo Sterilization Best Practices

These are not just recommendations. These are baseline standards—the bare minimum every professional tattoo studio should be meeting. Here’s what to expect:

1. New Gloves Every Time

Your artist should put on a brand-new pair of disposable gloves before touching anything—especially before setting up their station or starting your tattoo. If they adjust something non-sterile mid-session, they should change gloves again. Every time.

2. Sealed Needles + Tubes

Always make sure your artist opens your needle and tube setup in front of you, straight from a sealed and sterile package. If they’re already laid out when you arrive or seem reused—leave. Immediately.

At Inkvictus, this is tattooing 101.

3. Single-Use Ink Containers

Your ink should be poured fresh into a new, disposable container just for you. No double-dipping. No reusing. Ever. Ew.

4. A Clean, Clinical Environment

The shop should feel clean, organized, and thoughtfully arranged—more like a treatment space than a hangout. Sterile equipment should never be near used supplies, and surfaces should be disinfected before and after every session.

Take a look around. If it doesn’t look clean, it probably isn’t.

5. Professionalism Without Ego

Your artist should welcome questions—about sterilization, training, or experience. If they act annoyed or defensive when you ask about their process, that’s a red flag. Professionals don’t hide things. We explain them.

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What Sets Inkvictus Apart

We’ve built Inkvictus to be different on purpose. Not just a tattoo, piercings, and esthetics studio. A safe space—for clients, artists, and the people who love them.

Here’s how we take things a step further:

• Licensing & Oversight: We comply with all state and local health regulations—and then some. Our team stays up to date on sanitation protocols and is trained on bloodborne pathogen safety. (Did you know we’re actively standing next to Julie VonHaefen as try to enhance tattoo regulations in NC?)
• Ongoing Education: Our artists are constantly refining their practices, learning from medical tattoo professionals and health experts to keep evolving.
• Real Accountability: We don’t just say we’re safe. We back it up with systems, protocols, and a clear chain of responsibility—so nothing gets missed.

Whether you’re booking a custom body piece, a cosmetic tattoo, or a delicate piercing, your health is protected every step of the way.

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FAQ: Tattoo Safety in Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Chapel Hill

❓ Are tattoo shops regulated in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, getting permitted to tattoo costs $300 and involves answering a few basic questions—like the required alcohol percentage in disinfectants or whether it’s safe to tattoo someone with yellow skin (also known as jaundice—and no, it’s not).

There’s no required training. No portfolio review. No real check on whether someone can actually tattoo safely. So yes, someone can be “legal” and still be doing things completely wrong.

At Inkvictus, we believe that safety takes more than passing a quiz. We’ve built a space grounded in real education, sterile practices, and a deep respect for your health—and your skin.

❓ What’s the most important thing to ask before getting a tattoo?

Ask your artist:

• Where did you learn to tattoo?
• How do you sterilize your equipment?
• Can I see your permit?

The answers should come confidently and clearly—without hesitation or attitude.

❓ Is it safe to get tattooed during cold/flu season or with a weakened immune system?

You should always consult with a doctor if you’re immunocompromised, but in general, a clean and sterile environment greatly reduces the risk of infection. We’re happy to walk you through our process or reschedule if needed—your health comes first.

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You Shouldn’t Have to Ask for Clean

Here’s the hard truth: Not every studio takes safety as seriously as they should. And honestly? That’s part of what drives us.

You shouldn’t have to fight for transparency or wonder if your artist is cutting corners to save time or money. You deserve a space where safety is second nature and your comfort is a priority. That’s what we’ve created here—and we’re proud of that.

So if you’re searching for a safe tattoo studio in Raleigh, or coming from Durham, Cary, or Chapel Hill and want an experience that puts your health first—Inkvictus is your place.

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Final Thoughts:

Getting tattooed or pierced is an intimate experience—and you should feel safe, respected, and fully informed from start to finish. We’ve always believed that when people are taken care of, everything else falls into place.

Want to see it for yourself? You’re always welcome to come by, ask questions, or take a look around before booking. No pressure. Feel free to book a complimentary consult, we’d love to have you.

Because to us, that’s the only way that matters.

okay, love you, byeeee.

xo, Natascha Fuchs

Ready to book with a team that takes your safety seriously? Book Now or Contact Us—we’d love to take care of you.