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Tattooists
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus which affects your liver.
It spreads through blood-to-blood contact, including through tattoos with unsterilised equipment.
It often does not have any symptoms so the best way to know if you’ve been at risk is to get a test.
Free NHS testing is available to anyone over 18 in England.
If someone is positive they will be given a simple course of tablets to cure the virus.
Had a tattoo in a potentially unsafe setting (home tattoo, tattoo in prison or tattoo abroad)? Order a free and confidential NHS at home test kit
Hepatitis C & Tattooing: Know the Risks
While professional tattoo shops should follow strict safety standards, home tattooing, having a tattoo abroad in unsterile conditions, or in prison can increase your risk of hepatitis C infection if proper precautions aren’t taken.
How hepatitis C spreads:
- Reusing or sharing needles
- Using unsanitised tattoo machines, ink, or surfaces can spread the virus
- Without proper hygiene, blood-to-blood contact can occur during the tattooing process
There are lots of other ways hepatitis C can spread:
How to reduce your risk if you’re home tattooing:
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Choose a Professional Tattoo Artist: Ensure your artist is licensed and follows health and safety regulations.
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Use Sterile Equipment: Make sure needles, ink, and tools are new or sterilised for each use.
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Clean Work Area: Ensure the tattoo area is disinfected before starting.
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Never Share Tattoo Tools: Do not reuse needles, ink, or any equipment that touches the skin or blood.
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Aftercare is Key: Follow aftercare instructions carefully to prevent infection.
Worried or want support?
You can contact the Hepatitis C Trust on their confidential phone number: 020 7089 6221