YES! The tattoo shops in the Netherlands are opening again!
YES! Tattoo shops in the Netherlands are reopening!
Last update: February 24, 2021
Last Tuesday evening at 7 PM. With a steaming plate of dinner on our laps, we sat in front of the TV for Mark Rutte's update.
What would he say this time? Would tattoo shops remain closed even longer? Or would they be allowed to open soon, or even very soon, under strict conditions? We fervently hoped for the latter.
7:30 PM. Yes! Good news! From Wednesday, March 3, tattoo shops are allowed to reopen. We are incredibly happy for all tattoo artists, who can now conclude one of the hardest (business-wise and emotionally) periods of their lives. Truly great!
Tattoo shops in Belgium had already received the good news of reopening earlier. They can start working on March 1. Just like in the Netherlands, under strict conditions. For example, tattoos must be done with an open window or door, unless a CO2 meter is present. Let's hope the weather stays that nice ;-)
Many professional tattoo artists and piercers work according to a fixed Corona protocol. In the Netherlands, you can find these, for example, at the Dutch Branch Organization Tattoo Art.
COVID-19 does change things a bit
We all understand that we can't immediately go back to how things were before the Corona outbreak. That's not a problem, it's logical. Nobody wants a relapse of the Corona virus, which might put us back at square one. So, let's take a moment to pause!
Below is a summary of what will be different from the beginning of March compared to before the Corona outbreak:
- Tattoo appointments are made online or by phone only
- Just walking into a studio is no longer possible. You now really need to make an appointment in advance
- Wearing a mask is mandatory when getting a tattoo
- Ask about the preferences/requirements of the tattoo shop. They will indicate what type of mask you should wear (surgical/non-surgical). There's a good chance a tattoo studio will provide a surgical mask
- Don't be surprised if your tattoo artist wears a face shield while tattooing
- Paying with cash is no longer a given. See how your tattoo artist handles this
- Whether you can bring someone to your tattoo session is also not always certain. Check this before you leave home
PLEASE NOTE: You can no longer just walk into a tattoo studio to buy your tattoo or piercing aftercare. Prepare for aftercare online!
Are you concerned about hygiene in tattoo studios? No need! Check out our blog on tattoo hygiene in Corona times.
I'm not sure what kind of face mask or cover to choose. What types are there?
We understand that. You hear enough about it, and we know that you are obliged to wear them on public transport from June 1. In Belgium, that has been the case since May 4. But which one you actually need is left a bit in the middle. We've investigated it for you, and there are two types: medical and non-medical.
Medical face masks
Medical face masks and covers are worn in hospitals to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider. They come in various sizes and fits. Because there are still too few of these masks available, they should only be used by people working in healthcare.
Non-medical face masks
Non-medical face masks have been used by some tattoo artists since the outbreak of SARS and the Mexican Flu. So, for several years already. Homemade cotton masks are also allowed. Because these work a bit less effectively than medical masks, you should wash them regularly at 60 degrees. That way, you get the most out of them. But, there are also ones where you can insert your own filter, making their effectiveness much better. And if you suffer from hay fever: these masks block pollen. Also handy!
Tattoo artists haven't been idle
The artistic blood flows where it can. To keep the tattoo fire burning, quite a few tattoo artists have taken on a project where they could express their creativity. And not only that, they also help others with it. A typical case of 'killing two birds with one stone'. Check the social media accounts of various artists and see what beautiful artworks they have created. And support them!
Flashy fashion face masks
Thanks to these tattoo fashion trendsetters, flashy face masks are now available for purchase. A mandatory 'thing' for those who travel by public transport. And let's be honest; if you have to (or want to) wear one, it might as well be a bit hip, right?
Last year we already reported that there are various artists who have made cool face masks. A few artists that stand out for us are CF Tattoo Studio and Tattoo Cirk. Both make very cool face masks in the style they prefer to work in. Not only for adults, but you can also find them for kids. Tattoo Cirk is even a specialist in this.
If you want to see more of their work, check out their Facebook page. And if you want to order such a cool item? Don't wait too long, because there is already quite a run on these things.
Face masks from CF Tattoo Studio
Do you know any other artists who have turned face masks into a fashion item? Let us know!
Will your wish finally come true and will you soon get a new tattoo?
Then read our blog How to prepare for your first tattoo?
This way you know exactly what you should and shouldn't do beforehand. After the session, it's important to take good care of your new tattoo. How to do that and which tattoo aftercare products you can best use, you can also read in this blog.
📅 This blog first appeared on May 11, 2020