Working in America as a Tattoo Artist

The tattoo industry is thriving in the United States: today, about 30% of the adult population has at least one tattoo, with a peak of 40% among those aged 18 to 34.

Tattoo artists who want to work in the USA can open a studio with an E2 Investor visa. However, it's important to know and follow the hygiene regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration to tattoo safely and protect your business.

In the last 20 years, there has been an increase in recalls of contaminated tattoo inks, prompting the FDA to issue a guide with suggestions for manufacturers, distributors, and tattoo artists. Although considered a cosmetic product in the USA, tattoo pigment is injected below the skin barrier and can pose a higher risk to the consumer.

FDA Guidelines for Opening a Tattoo Shop in the United States

The set of recommendations from the FDA also targets tattoo artists. The regulations cover various aspects of the production and use of tattoo inks, the primary material for any tattoo shop:

• Testing inks and components: inks and their components (pigments, water, etc.) must be tested for the presence of microbes or purchased from suppliers who conduct these tests;
• Ensuring the safety of the production process: ensure that the ink production process does not contaminate the final product (for example, through proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment);
• Ensure proper sterilization of the finished product;
• Verify that cleaning and sterilization methods do not adulterate the ink;
• Corrective measures: prevent the distribution of any final product found to contain harmful microorganisms for consumers.

Many tattoo artists in America are aware of the danger and have already taken steps to prevent contamination. Before using new batches of ink, some artists and tattoo shops conduct their own tests or request proof of testing from suppliers. The tattoo artist can also re-sterilize the inks in an autoclave.

Why It’s Important to Follow FDA Guidelines

The Food and Drug Administration regulations are an essential reference to ensure the safety and quality of products and, consequently, to protect the health of American consumers. From the perspective of a tattoo artist who wants to work in America, following these guidelines safeguards the business by preventing infections that can result from contaminated inks (the most severe can lead to life-threatening complications like septicemia) and can cause a tattoo studio to close.

Being FDA compliant also allows you to work in accordance with regulations and ensure the success of your business.

FDA Compliance for Tattoo Inks in the United States

Tattoo inks are undergoing regulation. With the enactment of MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act), the first real regulation of pigments for tattoo artists in the United States is likely to arrive.