Professional tattoo artists give an immediate and firm no to clients who are “high,” regardless of the substance involved. Studios define impairment broadly, encompassing alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs, as they compromise the safety and quality of the procedure. This universal refusal is rooted in legal obligations, significant physiological risks, and detriment to the final artwork.
Professional Standards and Refusal of Service
Tattoo artists refuse service to clients showing signs of impairment primarily because the client cannot provide legally binding informed consent. A tattoo is a medical-aesthetic procedure requiring a signed waiver and a clear understanding of the permanence and risks involved. If a client is intoxicated, any consent given is legally compromised and invalid.
The inability to legally consent places the entire liability for the procedure on the artist and the studio. If the client regrets the artwork or experiences complications, they could argue they were not in a sound state of mind to make a permanent decision. This risk is unacceptable for any licensed professional.
Studio policies protect the business and the client, often including the right to refuse service without penalty if a client appears to be under the influence. Artists are trained to recognize signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, poor coordination, or the smell of alcohol, and will typically reschedule the appointment immediately. This practice maintains professional standards and adheres to local health and business regulations.
How Intoxication Affects the Body and the Procedure
Introducing intoxicating substances before a tattoo session creates physical complications that make the artist’s work difficult. Alcohol, often used to dull pain, is a potent vasodilator and blood thinner. This widens blood vessels and reduces the blood’s ability to clot effectively.
Excessive bleeding results during the tattooing process, which compromises the ability to implant ink properly. Increased blood flow pushes the ink out of the fresh puncture wounds, leading to dilution and poor saturation. The excess fluid also obscures the artist’s stencil and sightline, making it difficult to execute clean lines and precise detail.
Intoxication also impacts a client’s ability to remain still and manage pain. While some substances might offer a brief initial dulling effect, they often lead to restlessness, fidgeting, or increased skin sensitivity as the effects fluctuate. This lack of cooperation forces the artist to work longer, which can result in a more traumatic skin injury and a significantly less comfortable experience for the client.
Alcohol acts as a diuretic and causes dehydration, which adversely affects skin elasticity and health. Dehydration and systemic stress from substances can compromise the immune system, slowing the initial healing response. Compromised immune function increases the susceptibility to infection, undermining the healing process and risking the final appearance of the tattoo.
The Long-Term Cost to Artwork and Satisfaction
The consequences of getting tattooed while impaired extend beyond the chair, permanently affecting the quality of the artwork and client satisfaction. Impaired judgment can lead to impulsive decisions regarding the design, size, or placement of the tattoo. What seems like a clever idea in the moment is frequently a source of regret once the client is sober.
The physiological effects, particularly excessive bleeding, cause permanent damage to the artwork’s quality. When ink is diluted and pushed out by blood, the tattoo heals with significant ink fallout, leading to patchy color, blurred edges, and lines that appear faded or “blown out.” This compromised saturation means the piece will require extensive and costly touch-ups, or a full cover-up or removal.
Clients who are intoxicated are less likely to retain and follow the aftercare instructions provided by the artist. Proper aftercare is necessary for the first few weeks to ensure the tattoo heals correctly and retains its vibrancy. Forgetting to apply ointment, clean the area, or avoiding swimming can ruin the healing process, resulting in scarring or uneven pigment retention.