Dubai’s Safest Tattoo Checklist (2025)

HAZIM ALNAOURY
Oct 21
3 min read

How to Choose the Best DHA-Licensed Studio

Short truth: Tattoos live in your body for life. In Dubai, the only smart choice is a DHA-licensed professional working inside a DHA-licensed healthcare facility. Use this checklist to book confidently and avoid risky setups.

✅ 1) Verify Legitimacy First

🔎 Artist license: Ask for the DHA License/Unique ID and verify on Sheryan.
🏥 Facility license: Confirm the clinic is active in the DHA registry.
🧾 Paper trail: Consent form, medical history, aftercare sheet, and documented incident protocol.

🧼 2) Infection-Control Standards (Non-Negotiable)

🧷 Single-use needles/cartridges opened in front of you; proper sharps disposal.
♨️ Sterilization: Autoclave (where applicable) with spore-test logs; medical-grade surface disinfection.
🧪 Traceable pigments: Labeled inks with lot numbers/MSDS; never decanted “mystery” bottles.
🧤 Barriers: New gloves; wrapped machines, clip/power cords, and work surfaces.
🚪 Clinical room: Dedicated procedure room—not a home, hotel room, salon backroom, or pop-up.

🎓 3) Artist Credentials That Matter

🗂️ Experience: Healed results (not just fresh photos), multiple skin tones, complex placements.
🩺 Screening: Checks meds, allergies (esp. reds), keloids, autoimmune issues.
🧭 Judgment: Knows when to patch-test, reschedule, or refer.

🧾 4) Pre-Procedure Briefing (What Top Clinics Do)

🧠 Informed consent: Risks, alternatives, aftercare—explained and signed.
📍 Placement longevity: Sun/friction zones considered; scale and line weight adjusted.
🧴 Aftercare kit: Clear written steps + contact if concerns arise.

💳 5) Price Transparency (Why “Too Cheap” = Risk)

📦 Includes: Artwork time, sterile consumables, clinical setup, aftercare support.
🚫 Red flag: Unlabeled inks, skipped sterilization, no documentation to “save cost.”

🚩 6) Red Flags — Walk Away Immediately

❌ Not found in DHA registry (artist or facility) or refuses to show licenses.
🏚️ Home/hotel/flat studios, mobile visits, event pop-ups.
😬 No consent/medical history, cash-only, dismissive about aftercare.
🧫 Reused needles, no autoclave logs, unlabeled/decanted inks.

☠️ Dangerous Places to Get a Tattoo (Avoid)

Any tattoo shop without a DHA facility license.
Home studios / apartments / villas.
Hotel rooms / short-term rentals / pop-ups.
Mobile artists offering house calls.
Salons/barbers not licensed as a DHA healthcare facility for non-surgical cosmetic services.

📩 Copy-Ready Booking Script

“Hi, before I book: Please share your DHA facility license and the artist’s DHA License/Unique ID for verification. Do you document single-use needles, autoclave spore tests, and pigment lot/MSDS? Will I receive written consent and aftercare? Could I see healed photos of similar work on my skin tone?”

🗓️ Day-Of Checklist

🪪 Bring ID; eat a light meal; hydrate.
👕 Wear clothing that exposes the area and stays clean.
👀 Watch the new needle opened; surfaces wrapped; inks logged; sign consent.

🩹 Aftercare (First 14 Days)

🔄 Follow written steps exactly; no pools/saunas; minimize sweat/friction and sun.
⚠️ Warning signs: spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, pus, fever → contact the clinic/seek care promptly.
📸 Send clear photos to the clinic if anything looks off.

FAQ

Tattoo Checklist. Is it legal to get tattoos in Dubai? Yes—when performed by a DHA-licensed professional inside a DHA-licensed healthcare facility.

Can I get a tattoo in a salon, apartment, or hotel room?No. Those environments lack clinical infection-control oversight.

How do I verify the shop and the artist?Use DHA Sheryan for both the facility and the professional.

Why are some places cheaper?Low prices can mean unlabeled inks, skipped sterilization, and no documentation—not worth the risk.

Do I need a patch test?If you have allergy history (esp. reds) or sensitive skin, ask for a spot/patch test first.

Can I work out or swim after?Avoid pools/saunas and minimize sweat/friction until the surface is healed per aftercare. CTA (Clinic-Safe)

Book a Clinical Consultation Huzz Ink Laser Clinics — Emirates Hills 📞 +971 50 877 5993 · 🕒 Appointments only (10:00–18:00, daily) 🌐 www.huzzink.com

Bottom line: Pick DHA-licensed clinic + DHA-licensed professional. Technique and hygiene—not just “art”—determine how your tattoo heals and how long it stays safe.