1) Home Tattoos Are Unlicensed
The practice of tattooing has always had inherent risks for personal and public health, and as a result, most states have adopted laws governing the profession. These licenses ensure that you are receiving your tattoo from a recognized professional and that you’re receiving it in a licensed location so that you have recourse for any damages caused by unlicensed practitioners and unsanitary practices. In fact, according to subject matter expert attorney Mark Theoharis, tattooing without a license is illegal, and if someone without a license gives you a tattoo (even if it’s free), they have committed a crime. Though there may seem to be a legal loophole for those giving themselves a tattoo, the primary danger is the inability to seek legal restitution for any damages caused to you during or following the home tattoo process.
2) Risk of Bloodborne Pathogens, Infections, and Allergic Reactions for Home Tattooing
Bloodborne Pathogens or BBPs can occur during the tattoo process with the risk of contracting a virus when your skin is punctured and exposed because of the open wound. The more common and dangerous viruses are HIV, Hepatitis B, and C, and these viruses have permanent life-altering effects including some side effects that cannot be cured i.e. death. More often though, the open wounds caused by tattooing may cause skin infections because of germs, which can produce side effects like redness, swelling, pain, fever, and nausea. Beyond these, the use of poor-quality tattooing equipment or inks may cause unintended scarring and inflammation that affect your tattoo's visual appeal or you may suffer from an allergic reaction due to ink poisoning with symptoms like high fever, sweats, chills, and shakes. In many cases, the risks of pathogens, infections, and allergic reactions, are also closely related to unsanitary environments. It goes without saying that the danger of home tattoos may be to your personal health, with short and long-term illness as a possible detriment.
3) DIY Tattoo Blowout
Though it may sound like a party, diy tattoo blowout is a common mistake made by untrained tattooers. Tattoo blowout occurs when the ink blows out under the skin because the tattoo needle has gone too deep. The effect is a permanent blurry tattoo line that makes you wish you had gone to a professional tattoo artist. Another effect is keloids, which is scar tissue that makes your tattoo look like it is raised above your skin. The main danger here is that you’ll have a permanent reminder of the artistry and excellence you could have enjoyed with the help of the best tattoo artists. No one wants to look at a bad tattoo for the rest of their life, much less have unattractive scarring. The good news is you can always visit your favorite tattoo shop for a cover-up tattoo.