Getting a tattoo is a big decision, whether it’s your first or your tenth. For many people in Buffalo, a tattoo is more than just ink. It’s a personal statement, a memory, or a work of art that stays with you. But what’s often overlooked is how much the tattoo shop itself matters. The right shop can make your experience positive and safe, while the wrong one can lead to regret or even health issues.

As summer rolls into Buffalo, tattoo shops tend to get busier. With more people getting inked during this season, it’s easy to feel rushed or overwhelmed when picking a place. Before jumping in, it helps to know what to avoid. There are clear warning signs that can help you steer clear of a bad experience.

Lack of Cleanliness and Hygiene

One of the most obvious signs of a problem is a dirty shop. Cleanliness is not just about keeping things looking nice. In a tattoo shop, it directly ties to your safety. Artists deal with needles, blood, and skin, so there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to cleaning.

Here are some signs of poor hygiene:

• Dirty or sticky floors near the tattoo stations
• Garbage cans that are uncovered or overflowing
• Equipment lying around unwrapped or not covered
• Tools not pulled from sealed, sterilized packaging
• Artists not wearing gloves or switching them between tasks

If you walk into a shop and it feels unclean, trust your instincts. Think about how you’d react if your doctor’s office looked the same way. A clean shop is the foundation of staying safe during and after your session. It lowers the risk of infection and helps your tattoo heal properly.

Unprofessional or Unfriendly Staff

How you are treated the moment you walk in reflects a lot about the place. Getting a tattoo is personal, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. Whether it’s about the artist’s background, the design, or how the process works, you deserve respectful answers.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Staff who act annoyed or disinterested
• Artists who duck your questions or give vague responses
• Employees who rush you or seem irritated if you’re taking your time

Your experience begins long before the needle hits the skin. If the people in the shop make you feel like a bother, that energy might carry through the session. A welcoming, respectful crew helps ease your nerves and makes sure communication stays open. If that vibe isn’t there, it’s okay to walk out and find a space where you feel supported.

Lack of Proper Credentials and Licensing

Always make sure your tattoo artist is licensed and working in a shop that’s up to code. In Buffalo, local tattoo shops are expected to meet clear licensing and health standards. Shops and artists should never hesitate to show you their paperwork.

Be on the lookout for:

• Licenses clearly posted in the shop, for both the artist and the business
• Evidence that the artist has taken bloodborne pathogen training
• An open and honest response when you ask about certifications

Skipping this step can put you at risk. Unlicensed shops may not go through regular health inspections or require proper safety training. It’s not just about trust—it’s about knowing your health won’t be put on the line for the sake of convenience. Legitimate artists appreciate informed clients and won’t be bothered by your questions.

Unclear or Poorly Maintained Portfolios

A strong portfolio is one of the best tools for choosing the right artist. It gives you a real glimpse of their style and skill level. If an artist has a weak or hard-to-follow portfolio, it raises a lot of questions.

Here’s what to check for:

• Sharp, well-lit photos that clearly show the finished design
• A mix of styles like black and gray, fine lines, color work, etc.
• Pictures showing healed tattoos, not just fresh ink
• A consistent level of detail and line work across all examples

Beware of images that look overly edited or are poorly lit. Some artists may post filtered Instagram shots that don’t reflect what the tattoo looks like in real life. Always ask to see unfiltered examples or physical prints if available. A strong artist will want you to fully understand what they can offer.

Using Unsafe Equipment or Techniques

Every tattoo session should start with clean, safe equipment. If you notice anything that feels questionable—say something. Professional artists take their setups seriously and will explain tools and procedures if you ask.

Here are clear indicators of safe practices:

• Needles and tubes opened in front of you from sealed pouches
• Artists putting on fresh gloves after touching non-sterile items
• Ink caps laid out so there’s no chance of cross-contamination
• Sterile setups for each client, including separate, marked containers for used tools
• No sign of ink being reused or poured back into bottles

If an artist skips these steps or gets defensive when asked about safety, find another shop. Your health isn’t something to take lightly. The right shop will happily explain their process and make you feel secure throughout the experience.

Keep These Signs in Mind Before You Book

The tattoo shop you choose plays a huge role in how your tattoo turns out and how your skin heals. Dirty tools, bad attitudes, or poor communication can ruin what should be an exciting process. You deserve a shop that takes every detail seriously, from hygiene to design to how they treat you as a guest and client.

A good artist isn’t just skilled with ink—they’re also willing to answer questions and guide you through the process. When you feel at ease, everything from consultation to healing becomes better. Avoid cutting corners. Take your time, trust your instincts, and go with a shop that respects the art form and your well-being. Lucky Deville Tattoo Co is committed to making each experience safe, respectful, and unforgettable.

Choosing the right space is key to ensuring you get both safe and beautiful art that you’ll love for years to come. Feel confident exploring Buffalo tattoo shops by trusting Lucky Deville Tattoo Co, where our experienced artists focus on creating high-quality tattoos while putting your safety first.