Every Tattooist wants to be able to prove their worth – and legitimacy – whether that be through excellent ratings online, or positive word of mouth advertisement. When potential customers are seeking out a place to get their next ink, it isn’t just quality of artist that they look for. Safety and hygiene are both paramount in the tattoo process too. In the same way you would avoid a restaurant rated 1 for hygiene, the same applies to a tattoo parlour. This is where the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme comes in handy. And this rating can make or break the business.
What is the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme?
The Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme, or THRS for short, is a voluntary scheme run by local authorities around the UK with the aim of improving and visibly ranking the standards of tattooists with regards to their hygiene and cleanliness.
See also: 13 Essential Waste Management Tips for your Tattoo Parlour
According to research by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers, as many as 93% of people claim they would be influenced by the rating scheme before having a tattoo – that’s a lot of potential custom judging just how hygienic your premises are.
Whilst the aim of the scheme is primarily to rank the standards of tattooists hygiene, it also serves to inform the public about hygiene standards, as well as drive up the overall standards in the tattoo industry, by creating more competition to be the most hygienic. Much like other industries, customers choosing their parlours based on hygiene will encourage other tattooists to up their game.
As a Tattooist, what do you need to know?
Applying for the scheme
Since the scheme launched it has been a voluntary process. You can opt in to the scheme so long as your local authority is taking part. A growing number of councils are seeing this as a way of improving an industry that has seen huge increase in demand over a short period of time.
Finding an application form: Because the scheme is specific to each local council, there isn’t an easy one-stop location for application forms. However,, a quick Google search will send you on the right path:
The rating
Once you’ve submitted an application, you will be subjected to a programmed inspection shortly after. The result of this will be in the form of a rating, as well as a certificate and window sticker detailing your rating.
This rating is only applicable to tattooing procedures in your studio – this means if you offer piercing or other cosmetic procedures, the THRS rating is not valid or representative of these services although a good rating for your tattooing procedure reflects well on your other services, and your parlour.
Here is an example from Gloucester Council of the rules of the scheme, which may vary by local authority: [Online PDF Link]
Your studio will fall into one of the following four categories:
- 1. Needs improvement
- 2. Satisfactory
- 3. Good
- 4. Very Good
It isn’t enough to pass the inspection just once – your studio will be re-rated on a set basis, which may vary by council.
The cost
As with the running of the scheme itself, the costs for applying for the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme varies per local authority. It is important to check with your individual local authority regarding the running of the scheme and the cost in your area. For many areas, the inspection is free of charge. Yet, because each council is responsible for their own undertaking of the scheme, it is difficult to put a concrete figure on.
If you are worried about the hygiene of your tattoo studio, Direct365 are here to help. Our online tattoo studio hub gives details on everything you need to ensure your studio is compliant. If you want to chat to someone, though, you can fill out the form below for more insight.
