The Best Tattoo Gloves - Gloves Buying Guide
Tattoos have been around across cultures for centuries, and although tattoo culture has been looked down upon in the previous generations, they've amplified in popularity nowadays and are seen as a social norm.
In fact, the prevalence of tattoos has increased from 5 to 40% in adults in the United States over the last two decades, with many getting their first tattoo between the ages of 16-20.
With this rise in popularity and the increasing number of tattoo shops, sharing photos of bad tattoo art or 'tattoos gone wrong' has become a huge trend on social media. There's typically some form of anxiety when you head to your tattoo session as a result, before placing trust in a professional tattoo artist that will be permanently altering your skin.
There are other concerns for those who want to get tattooed should be worried about, and one major concern is the tattoo artist's hygiene!
Why Should Tattoo Artists Wear Gloves?
One of the most vital steps of hygiene in a tattoo shop is making sure the artists are wearing gloves. Tattoo artists need to wear gloves for several reasons, but one of the most important ones is to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.
During a tattooing session, the chosen design punctures the skin with needles dipped in ink at a rapid pace, creating an open wound that can easily become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other harmful microorganisms like blood-borne pathogens.
This is one of the biggest risks that both the artists and the clients face, where accidental exposure to blood, a highly potential scenario when the artist is not wearing gloves, could contract diseases like hepatitis B or others that could lead to lifelong health complications. This is a very real possibility and should be taken very seriously, as 1-5% of those who get a tattoo in the US experience tattoo-related skin infections!
Wearing tattoo gloves also helps to protect the artist's hands from exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and substances, such as ink stains and cleaning solutions that could irritate the skin. The artist should be especially careful about wearing gloves if there are any cuts on their skin.
A bonus result of wearing gloves: clients will instantly feel safe at the studio, seeing that the artists are taking the proper precautions and have the safety of their customers in mind as a priority. If you're a tattoo artist that is struggling and still starting out, definitely do not skimp on cleansers, disinfectants, and of course critically, disposable gloves for tattooing!
What are the Best Gloves for Tattooing?
By far, black nitrile gloves are the tattoo gloves of choice for professional tattoo artists, due to the fact that they are medical grade gloves, and for their dexterity and durability. Other benefits include:
1. Non-Allergenic
They are made from synthetic rubber, which is free from latex proteins that can cause allergic reactions in some people. This makes them the superior option for those who are sensitive and allergic to latex gloves.
2. Durable
They are very durable and have strong puncture resistance, which means they are less likely to tear or puncture during the tattooing process. This is the very factor that protects the client from blood-borne pathogens.
3. Good Grip
Tattoo artists need to be extremely specific when applying ink to the skin, given that the design they are tracing (or even freehanding in some cases) will be a permanent addition to their client's skin, which means they need a good grip when handling tattoo equipment. Most tattoo gloves are powder free, which is why Nitrile gloves tend to be the most popular gloves in the tattoo industry.
4. Dexterous
Tattoo artists sometimes spend hours hunched over their client's skin on a large and intricate design, which means they require gloves that allow for finger mobility and dexterity so that their hands are moving at an optimal level, which is exactly what puncture resistant nitrile gloves offer!
Why Choose Black Gloves for Tattooing?
The fact that tattoo artists prefer black gloves over others is no random coincidence! Black tattoo gloves are the most popular, due to the fact that black hides stains from the ink pouring out of the needle.
They're also easy to spot when contrasted against most backgrounds, which ensures that no used gloves end up near ink cups or equipment, although in general it is advised that you dispose of them as soon as you are done with the tattoo. Finally, they honestly just look good and professional!
Vinyl Gloves
If you find yourself in a financial pinch, a nice and cheaper alternative to black nitrile gloves are vinyl gloves, usually a favorite in beauty salons and spas. They are also non-allergenic and powder free, although not as durable as nitrile tattoo gloves, but are better than nothing.
WellBefore and You
If you're looking for the best tattoo gloves, WellBefore has got you covered. We offer the artist's favorite black nitrile gloves on our website, available in other colors too! Be sure to look out for disposable nitrile gloves that are powder-free gloves and fit your hand size. We carry a wide range of sizes for you to choose from! For the smaller budget, shopping for bulk nitrile gloves is also an option with better prices and can be easily stored in a budding tattoo studio.