Water plays a crucial role in the tattooing process, from cleaning the skin to diluting inks and washing away excess pigment and blood. However, the type of water used and its safety are often debated within the tattoo community. Let’s delve into the considerations surrounding water for tattoos, drawing on insights from an infection control nurse to ensure best practices for hygiene and client safety.
When it comes to sterile environments, such as surgical settings, the gold standard is always sterile water. However, in tattooing, achieving and maintaining sterility with water presents practical challenges. While sterile water is ideal, simply pouring it into a non-sterile container, like a rinse cup, immediately compromises its sterility. Unless you are autoclaving your rinse cups every time, the water effectively becomes non-sterile once poured.
Distilled water is another option frequently discussed. Many believe it to be superior to tap water due to its purification process. Distillation removes minerals and impurities, but it’s essential to understand that distilled water is not inherently sterile. It is typically bottled in non-sterile conditions. The minerals removed by distillation are not the primary culprits in tattoo infections; bacterial contamination is the main concern. Therefore, distilled water, in terms of sterility, offers no significant advantage over tap water in a typical tattoo setting.
The real concern with tap water lies not in the water itself after treatment at a plant, but in its journey through plumbing systems. Pipes can harbor bacteria and contaminants, introducing potential risks. This contamination potential is a valid reason for some tattoo artists to avoid tap water altogether. However, it’s important to consider the context of hygiene practices already in place. Most tattoo artists routinely use soap solutions, often containing alcohol, when wiping during the tattoo process. Using tap water in conjunction with a disinfectant soap is arguably similar in risk profile to everyday activities like brushing your teeth with tap water when you have minor gum abrasions. Green soap, a common cleaning agent in tattooing, typically contains around 30% alcohol, providing a level of disinfection with each wipe.
According to an infection control nurse’s perspective, while sterile water is paramount in surgical environments, both distilled and tap water can be considered acceptable in tattooing when consistently used with a soap solution during the procedure. The emphasis should always be on erring on the side of cleanliness. Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that initial skin preparation with alcohol is only effective until the stencil is applied. Therefore, maintaining hygiene extends to stencil solutions, petroleum jelly, transfer paper, and all materials coming into contact with the prepared skin area.
In conclusion, while the debate around the “best” water for tattoos continues, focusing on overall hygiene and employing disinfectant solutions throughout the tattoo process is paramount. Whether choosing distilled or tap water, prioritizing cleanliness and considering all potential sources of contamination, beyond just the water itself, are key to ensuring client safety and the integrity of your “Water Tattoos”—and all tattoo work. Always prioritize the cleanest possible approach in every step of the tattooing process.
