(this is a reprint of an article I wrote in response to an online column "What makes a good tattoo kit?")

What is a good tattoo kit? That is a contradiction in terms. No ‘kit’ is a good idea…tattooing is a body invasive procedure that must be done in a controlled, clean atmosphere under the strictest of standards of disinfection and sterilization. Are there tooth pulling kits? Pap smear kits? No…and why? Because these body invasive procedures belong in the hands of trained professionals who have been schooled in the prevention of disease transmission.

Is there a beginners Electrician kit out there? No? Would one consider going to Home Depot or Lowes and buying up some wire and proceed to hook up their house? Naaa. Call 911 before proceeding!

The common thread is that these professions are skilled professions…schooling, apprenticeships, etc are the only correct route to achieve proper technique.; Improper technique and lack of sterilization knowledge can lead only to the spread of blood borne pathogens such as Hep B/C, HPV, etc. It’s not a simple cure of a shot of penicillin anymore…Hepatitis can be life altering if not life threatening. Hawaii leads the nation in per capita cases of Hep and liver cancer from the complications of Hep. Not a statistic we should be proud of.

If you are interested in a career in tattooing do it right. Talk to your tattooer (you ARE tattooed, right?) and ask about the training and the background needed. As with any skilled profession you will learn at many levels: art, technical, medical, social before you can think to call yourself a tattooer.;

While it may not be illegal to buy or own tattoo equipment it IS illegal to tattoo without a license or tattoo with a license outside of an inspected, licensed studio. $5000 worth of illegal PER OFFENSE. (tattoo 10 people...10 x $5000=ouch.)

Tattoo kits are pure amatuer fodder...no self-respecting tattooer would be caught using the cheap, shoddy machines provided in kits. A few needle sets, a few tubes, a box of gloves....if it weren't so serious it really would be funny.

As a side note the companies my husband and I purchase our equipment from demand proof of professional status (business license, proper permits) before they will sell to anyone. I commend their stand.

A licensed tattooer working in a licensed facility with proper tools of the trade.

As I stated in a prior column just because it is not illegal to sell equipment to untrained, unlicensed individuals that does not make it right. Vendors online or in retail settings who sell to anyone just for profit need to review the statistics of the spread of hepatitis and realize their role in that epidemic.

It is morally irresponsible to think that buying a kit, poking a few holes in pals while contaminating yourself, your home, your family and your friends makes you a tattooer. Do it right. Take the time, get the training. Your health and quite possibly your life depend upon it.