Absolute compliance with health and hygiene requirements is a crucial part of the practice of the tattoo or permanent makeup master. This includes everything from regular medical commission visits to the creation of microbiological-safe conditions for clients.
Fortunately, manufacturers of medical products and accessories for tattoo and tattoo have taken care of the latter: barrier protection for tattoo machines and other equipment greatly simplifies the routine of the masters and increases the level of health safety.
Why is it important to use barrier protection?
However, when the electrical equipment for tattoos and tattoo came to replace the mechanical one, the question arose: how to disinfect tools that are extremely sensitive to contact with liquids? It was also impossible to replace the deodorants with heat treatment - plastic or rubber parts of machines, power units, etc. will quickly become unsuitable.
The solution was as simple as it was effective: to isolate the working parts of the equipment from contact with biological materials. This method has found a lot of «side» and very pleasant effects.
Increase in the service life of power equipment
The deodorants have a fairly aggressive action - actually this helps them to fight against pathogens. But regular treatment of tattoo machines, clip-cords, power units and so on by such solutions will also be devastating: components of disinfectants will slowly but surely change the properties of plastic and make it more loose, provoke corrosion processes of metals. The electrical part of the equipment is particularly affected: even a small amount of liquid inside can completely disable the equipment. Barrier protection, excluding the impact of bio-materials on both external and internal parts of cars, power units and so on. , allows to reduce the detreatment to a minimum: it is enough to wipe the contact parts of the machine, table surfaces and so on, without the need to soak everything in disinfectants.
Economy
This applies to the optimization of both time and cost. Modern barrier protection means that you can do without a long disinfection procedure with impregnation in the solution or sterilization. It is enough to replace the used disposable bandage for tattoo-machine on new, and also «update» protection for other tools and equipment, and you can start working.
In addition, sleeves for tattoo pens and wires, disposable sheets and napkins and other barrier products are quite cheap, and do not increase the cost of the session. And in the conversion of time that saves the master, freed from the need to «manually» process equipment, they even make work more cost-effective.
Increase customer confidence
Against the background of high competition among tattoo artists, it is the one who provides its clients with the highest quality services that wins. The concept of quality includes, among others, the comfort of the client during the session. Anyone who defines the environment around him as safe, feels more relaxed, he has a lower stress level and accordingly he evaluates such conditions as comfortable.
In addition, the understanding that for the duration of the entire tattoo session it is protected from infection, eliminates the psychogenic increase of pain sensitivity in the client, and makes even the minimum doses of anesthetics more effective.
Types of protection for tattoo artist
In essence, barrier protection is anything that creates a barrier between the master/client and potentially infected surfaces. Therefore, this type of accessories are considered:
- Gloves. This is a mandatory element of barrier protection, which prevents the hands of the master from contact with blood, plasma and paint, and thus prevents infection.
- Masks. They protect the airway of the master from inhalation of aerosols, paint particles and possible infectious agents. They also prevent the infection of the master and client with airborne infections.
- Aprons and jackets. They protect the clothes of the master from the entry of paint and biological fluids. Disposable aprons made of polyethylene or reusable from waterproof materials - the most preferred option, since they do not pass liquids and, accordingly, do not allow material to be soaked and isolate the skin of the master even during the longest and «dirty» session.
- Disposable napkins and sheets. The use of disposable napkins and sheets at work and at the customer helps prevent table and chair surface contamination, as well as provides an additional level of protection for the customer.
- Protective covers for equipment. Disposable protective covers for cars, cables, pedals and other tools, winding for machine tattoo etc. prevent the contamination of paint and biological liquids. The polyethylene covers are easy to put on and remove, providing a quick and effective way of protecting equipment.
- Barrier films and tapes. They are used to cover surfaces that may be contaminated during operation. These films are easily removed and replaced, allowing to maintain the cleanliness of the working area.
- Containers for used equipment and materials. Special containers for the safe disposal of needles and other disposable tools and accessories prevent the risk of cuts or skin contact with potentially infected surfaces. These boxes should be strong, puncture resistant and leak-proof.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
When applying a tattoo or a barrier protection provides a host of benefits:
- Barrier protection significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, both for the client and the master.
- The use of disposable diapers, sheets and covers for equipment helps to keep the workplace clean by preventing surface contamination with paint and other substances.
- The gloves protect the skin of the craftsman from irritation and allergic reactions that can be caused by contact with paint, disinfectants and other chemicals.
- The use of barrier protection demonstrates a high level of professionalism and care for the health of customers. This helps build trust and a positive reputation for the tattoo artist or salon.
- Compliance with sanitary standards. In all civilized countries, there are strict sanitary regulations and rules governing the activities of tattoo salons and beauty salons. Using barrier protection helps the craftsmen to meet these requirements and avoid legal problems.
- Barrier protection provides customers with additional comfort and confidence in the safety of the procedure.
But barrier protection also has a number of shortcomings. None of them is significant, but some aspects of the use of such funds should be considered.
- The purchase of disposable gloves, masks, aprons, diapers and other barrier protection means additional financial costs. The cost is well compensated by saving time and effort of the master, but still, the cost of such means should be put in the budget.
- The use of a large number of disposable materials creates a problem with waste disposal. This requires a system of collection and disposal, which can be labour-intensive and costly.
- Gloves and other protective equipment can restrict the movements of the master, reducing tactile sensations and accuracy. This may require time to adapt and upgrade.
- Some materials used in barrier protection, such as latex, can cause allergic reactions in masters and clients. In such cases, alternative hypoallergenic materials should be used, which may be more expensive.
- The mass use of disposable materials has a negative impact on the environment due to the increase in plastic waste. This requires the search for environmentally sound alternatives and the implementation of practices to reduce the environmental footprint.
The use of gloves reduces finger sensitivity, which can complicate detailed work and require additional time to adapt the wizard to new conditions.
What to consider when choosing barrier protection?
Choosing gloves, masks, barrier protection on the clip cord or power pack etc., consider the most important factors.
- Materials. They must be high quality and be resistant to damage, tears and puncture.
- Certification. Products must meet standards and have the necessary quality certificates that confirm their safety and effectiveness.
- Dimensions and seating. Gloves, aprons and other barrier protection elements shall be of the appropriate size and provide a comfortable seating position. This is especially important for gloves, which should be tight to relieve the hand but not restrict movement.
- Elasticity and flexibility. This applies not only to gloves, which should not interfere with the work of the master, but also other means. Winding or covers on the power equipment, which are sufficiently plastic, do not prevent moving the power unit, installing the pedal in a convenient position, etc.
When choosing barrier protection it will be useful to pay attention to the reviews of other masters and recommendations of professional communities. Also do not ignore the test phase: check the selected gloves, windings and etc. in real working conditions to understand which tools are most convenient and effective in your particular case.
What products should I choose?
Experienced craftsmen have already formed their own top barrier protection means, which fully meet the requirements of the specialist and the requirements for workplace hygiene. But for those who are just starting their career in the art of permanent makeup, it will be useful to know about the most important products that will help protect against infections and add work comfort. These include the following:
- Disposable protection for machines and wires. It is a PVC sleeve that is easy to put on and take off from equipment.
- Self-adhesive barrier protection for equipment. It easily attaches to furniture, equipment and other items in need of protection, and ensures a tight fit without air pockets. And also easily removed, leaving no glue traces.
- Bandage bandages for holders. The elastic bandage is tight and soft on the holder, making it especially soft and comfortable to hold in the hand of the wearer. In addition, such protection reduces vibration of the tattoo machine, which adds precision to the movements of the master.
- Spray-Batt Protection. PVC film allows you to comfortably use spray-batter in the process of applying tattoo or tattoo, and not worry about transferring biobased materials from the client’s skin to the container.
Also add convenience in operation holder for roll barrier protection - for bandage bandages, disposable sleeves or self-adhesive film. And do not forget about personal protective equipment - disposable masks, gloves, aprons or robes.
We wish you a comfortable and safe work, but also a pleasure for you and your clients!