IS IT SAFE TO GET A TATTOO IN BALI?

YOUR GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS
Many travelers ask, “Are Bali tattoos safe?” While Bali has a vibrant tattoo culture, safety standards can vary wildly between street-side stalls and professional studios. At Fine Line Tattoo Canggu, we eliminate the guesswork by adhering to strict international safety protocols.
If you are wondering, “are tattoos safe in Bali?”, here is how we ensure your health and your art are protected.
International Safety Standards & Policies
We don’t just follow local trends; we operate under a rigorous International Safety Standard. Our studio is designed to mimic the hygiene levels of top-tier shops in Australia, Europe, and the USA. our artist used to work in different countries so we know what we are talking about.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: Every surface is barrier-protected with medical-grade film.
- Sterilization: Our workspace is deep-cleaned between every single session using hospital-grade disinfectants.
100% Disposable Consumables
To answer the question “Are tattoos in Bali safe?”, you must look at the equipment. We maintain a zero-reuse policy.
- Single-Use Needles: We use only premium, EO-gas sterilized disposable needle cartridges. They are opened right in front of you and disposed of in biohazard sharps containers immediately after use.
- Disposable Supplies: From ink cups and razors to table covers and gloves, everything that touches your skin is brand new and discarded after one use.
Vegan Inks (Made in USA)
The quality of ink is a major concern for those looking for the safest tattoo shops near me. We use world-renowned, International Standard Vegan Inks imported directly from the USA (including brands like Allegory, Eternal).
- No Heavy Metals: Our inks are non-toxic and skin-friendly.
- Long-Lasting Results: High-quality pigments mean your tattoo stays vibrant and heals beautifully in the tropical climate.
A Clean Inner Space
Bali’s streets can be dusty and unhygienic. To maintain a sterile environment, we treat our studio like a medical facility.
Why we ask you to remove your shoes: By keeping outside footwear at the door, we prevent bacteria and contaminants from entering our procedure zones. This ensures the floor and air quality remain pristine for your session.
OUR STUDIO OVERVIEW
OUR PROFESSIONAL SETUP
CONCLUSION: ARE TATTOOS SAFE IN BALI?
Yes—provided you choose a studio that prioritizes hygiene over everything else. If you are looking for the safest tattoo experience in Bali, we invite you to visit our studio, inspect our setup, and see our standards in action.
Ready for a safe, world-class tattoo?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TATTOO SAFETY IN BALI
How do I know if a Bali tattoo shop is hygienic?
Look for these “red flags” versus “green flags”:
Green Flags: Artists open new, disposable needles in front of you, all surfaces (including chairs and bottles) are wrapped in protective film, and the studio smells clean and professional.
Red Flags: Reusable tubes, a dusty environment, or artists not wearing fresh gloves. At our studio, we take pride in our 100% disposable policy—if it touches your skin, it is discarded immediately after your session.
Can I go swimming after getting a tattoo in Bali?
We strongly advise against swimming in the ocean or pools for at least 2 weeks after your session. Bali’s tropical waters contain bacteria that can cause infections in a fresh tattoo. To help with the humid climate, we provide high-quality medical-grade aftercare film (Second Skin) to protect your new art from the elements during the initial healing phase.
What kind of ink is used in Bali?
While some local shops may use cheaper, unbranded inks, we use only International Standard Vegan Inks made in the USA. These inks are globally recognized for their safety, vibrancy, and hypoallergenic properties, ensuring your tattoo heals perfectly without the risks associated with low-quality pigments.
Why do I have to take my shoes off at the studio?
Shoes Off: We ask all clients to remove their footwear at the entrance. This prevents outside bacteria and street contaminants from entering our procedure areas, keeping the floors as clean as a medical facility.
Clean Clothes Only: To further reduce the risk of cross-contamination, we kindly ask that you come to your appointment in fresh, clean clothes. We request that clients do not come straight from the beach or active tours. Sand, saltwater, and sweat can carry bacteria that compromise the sterility of our environment.
Ready to book your safe tattoo experience?
If you’re still searching for the safest tattoo shops near you while in Bali, come by for a free consultation. We’ll show you our sterilization setup and help you design your next piece with total peace of mind.
Getting a tattoo with a fresh tan or sunburn
One of the most common questions we get is: “Can I get a tattoo if I have a sunburn?” The short answer is no. For a tattoo to be safe and heal correctly, the skin must be healthy.
The Risk: Sunburned skin is damaged, peeling, and extra sensitive. Tattooing over it can cause excessive bleeding, poor ink saturation, and a much higher risk of infection.
Our Policy: If you have a fresh sunburn in the area you want tattooed, we will ask you to wait until the skin has fully healed. We prioritize your safety and the quality of your tattoo over a quick booking.
Tip: Schedule your tattoo for the beginning of your Bali trip before you spend too much time at the beach!
Sun exposure after your session
The Bali sun is incredibly strong, and UV rays are the “number one enemy” of a new tattoo.
Immediate Care: You must keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 14 days. Sun exposure on a fresh tattoo can cause “sun scarring,” fading, and painful inflammation.
Long-term Protection: Once fully healed, always apply a high SPF sunscreen to your tattoo to keep the colors vibrant. We provide medical-grade protective film that acts as a physical barrier during the first few days of healing.
Sports & Physical Activities after tattoo
We know Bali is an active destination, but your body needs rest to heal a new tattoo.
Sweat & Bacteria: Engaging in heavy sports, gym sessions, or yoga immediately after a tattoo is risky. Sweat can carry bacteria into the open wound, and excessive stretching of the skin can distort the fresh ink.
Contact Sports: Avoid any activity where your tattoo might be bumped, scratched, or rubbed.
The “Golden Rule”: Give your body 3 to 5 days of rest before returning to light exercise. Avoid surfing or swimming (pools and ocean) for at least 2 weeks to prevent infection from water-borne bacteria.
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