A NBC 5 Investigates Consumer Unit review of state inspection reports reveals safety concerns at some Dallas-Fort Worth tattoo studios with unsanitary conditions and unlicensed studios topping the list of issues.
There also were complaints of diseases and infections, individuals illegally tattooing in their homes and several shops tattooing minors without adult consent.
While the Texas Health and Safety Code chapter on tattooing calls for studio inspections, it does not specify how often. NBC 5’s three-month investigation showed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the agency that oversees the program, only checks tattoo studios after getting a complaint, but it’s not doing regular inspections.
That has some tattoo studio owners raising concerns about customer safety.
"There are a lot of people out there doing a lot of unsafe, unclean things, and it would be really nice if they weren’t allowed to do it,” said Josh Hall, who has owned J. Hall and Company Gentleman Tattooers in Dallas for nearly two years.
Hall, a paramedic turned tattoo artist, is among those calling for more state oversight of tattoo studios, similar to the nail salon business, which requires shop inspections once every two years.
"I wish that they were regulated as much as nail salons or barber shops. It’d be nice. We could get rid of a lot of the riffraff," said Hall.
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NBC 5 Investigates Consumer Unit requested nearly three years of DSHS inspection reports from January 2012 through August 2014 for North Texas tattoo studios.
In 2012, a reported case of hepatitis prompted an inspection at a Dallas shop where major sterilization problems were found. That same inspector also noted unsanitary conditions at a Fort Worth studio after an infection complaint.
The records show cases like these all over the Metroplex from Arlington to Mesquite to McKinney. In most cases when an inspector found a violation the state only issued a warning letter asking the shop to clean up and correct problems. NBC 5’s review of the reports found no evidence inspectors returned to verify studio owners made those corrections.
The NBC 5 Investigates Consumer Unit also learned the state rarely levied any fines. From 2010-2014, DSHS collected just $4,225 in fines from tattoo shops statewide, according to spokesman Chris Van Deusen.
When NBC 5 first asked DSHS about inspections Van Deusen said: “We’d like to average inspections once every two years or so.”
But NBC 5 crunched the numbers of inspections per year compared to the number of licensed tattoo studios, and when they didn’t add up so we went back to the DSHS.
“Until recently, we had only one inspector in the Arlington office covering six programs: tattooing, body piercing, tanning, bedding, abusable volatile chemicals and hazardous products. Because of that, we were not doing routine inspections, focusing instead on complaint investigations,” said Van Deusen. “Following the last legislative session, we evaluated our regulatory programs and decided to reallocate resources to add inspectors for tattooing.”
Van Deusen said there are now two more inspectors working in Arlington who will focus solely on tattoo studios.
“Our goal is to inspect tattoo studios annually, though we may not get there in this first year,” he said.
The findings of the NBC 5 Investigates Consumer Unit concerned State Sen. Royce West, who sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.
”There should be a standard and we should make certain that standard is adhered to, and it should be done through an inspection process,” said West.
He said he’ll consider looking into the matter.
But the Chair of Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee, State Sen. Charles Schwertner, declined to answer our questions.
"They’re creating the laws. They need to enforce their laws and do their own due diligence to assure the safety of the people going in,” said Cia Bond, executive director of Metroplex Medical Foundation.
Bond runs the D-Tag Tattoo Removal program for the foundation. It helps teens leaving gangs, those coming out of prison and individuals entering the military get rid of unwanted tattoos in exchange for community service.
The program is nearly two decades old and Dallas dermatologist Rebecca Euwer has been there since the beginning, working with Bond, and donating time to remove tattoos with a laser.
Together, Bond and Euwer have seen the industry evolve and grow with little oversight.
“I think the consumer needs to be more engaged in finding out the hygiene standards of the shop,” Euwer said.
Euwer believes when done properly, tattoos can be safe. But when done improperly, they can lead to diseases like hepatitis B and C, infection and allergic reaction. That’s why it’s important for customer to ask questions when they go to a tattoo artist in a studio.
“If they don't want to answer them, leave. Go to another shop,” said Euwer. “Because the people who take pride in their work, they’re more than happy to answer those questions.”
Ask about an artist’s training and look at his portfolio. Check out the studio’s sanitation equipment. Have the artist open the package of sterilized tools in front of you and ask about aftercare.
“I just don't believe that when you're dealing with blood and human health that you can ever be too strict, said Terry Mayo, owner of Cat Tattoo in Addison.
Several years ago, North Texan Melissa Cook got a flower tattoo on her arm from a friend of a friend in his Oklahoma home.
“I didn't necessarily know I wasn't getting the best care,” said Cook.
A few years later she spent $500 to fix it.
“Knowing what you are getting into and knowing what the end product should be before you get started out is crucial otherwise you’ll pay for something twice,” said Cook.
Also, keep in mind customers should expect to pay more in a studio that practices proper safety techniques. But that’s money well spent said Euwer.
"If they’re going above and beyond for your health protection, spending an extra few dollars for that tattoo is worth it as opposed to medical bills you may be spending if you were to get hepatitis,” said Dr. Euwer. “This is not an area to pinch pennies. You want to go with high standards because your health is on the line here."
“You can’t put a price on permanent,” added Cook.
