This document provides information about tattoos and piercings, including how to choose designs and locations, health risks, and proper care. It discusses choosing a reputable tattoo or piercing studio and ensuring clean equipment. Healing times for various piercing locations are listed, ranging from 4-6 weeks for ear lobes to over a year for some cartilage piercings. Proper aftercare involves cleaning and moisturizing tattoos or using saline for piercings until fully healed.

1. Durham InkTattoos and Body PiercingsMaking Informed Decisions Office of Health Education and PromotionHealth ServicesUniversity of New Hampshirewww.unh.edu/health-servicesFacebook/Twitter: UNHHealth

2. Tattoos

3. Choosing a TattooStep 1: Pick a Tattoo Design Choose a tattoo that fits your personality.

4. Discuss size and color with the artist.

5. Learn all you can about tattoos before actually getting inked.

6. Remember that a tattoo is permanent .

7. Try a temporary tattoo before getting a permanent one. Step 2: Pick a Good Location For Your Tattoo Different spots have different levels of pain.

8. Choose the spot carefully: hands, face and neck are seen by everyone.Choosing a TattooStep 3: Choose A Good Tattoo Studio Make sure that the equipment is clean and new.

9. Sterile needles should be taken from an a clave bag in front of you.

10. Check artist’s certifications.

11. Fresh ink should be poured into a small cup just for you.

12. Take the time to shop around. Check out many different artists.

13. Know the Health Risks Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS