Resources
Free primary sources from government agencies, public health bodies, medical organizations and the main professional piercing association. Sitlist isn't affiliated with any of them.
![Pen-and-ink engraving by W.A. Rogers, dated [1889?], of a tattooer working on a seated customer's arm in a small studio](/assets/img/rogers-professor-1889-1200.webp)
Not legal or medical advice. These are official sources to read yourself. Federal OSHA covers employers with employees; booth renters, state-plan states and local health departments can differ, so check with yours.
Finding your local rules
Licensing and hygiene rules for tattoo and piercing are set by states, counties and cities.
- USA.gov: find your state health department
- NACCHO directory of local health departments
- NEHA Body Art Model Code and Annex (model code many jurisdictions draw on)
- APP: regulations and legislation
Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA)
- 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (full text)
- Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention (OSHA topic page)
- Bloodborne Pathogens: General Guidance, with OSHA's fact sheets and FAQ
- OSHA: bloodborne pathogens standards and interpretations
- Fact sheet: OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (PDF)
- OSHA Hazard Communication (chemical labels and safety data sheets)
Infection control and hepatitis (CDC)
Disinfectants (EPA)
- List D: registered antimicrobial products effective against HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus
- Selected EPA-registered disinfectants (all lists)
Tattoo ink safety, recalls and reporting (FDA)
- Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup
- Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Fact Sheet
- Think Before You Ink: Tattoo Safety
- Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts (search "tattoo")
- MedWatch: report a bad reaction or problem product
- How to report a cosmetic-related complaint (includes tattoo inks)
- Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA)
Piercing: Association of Professional Piercers (APP)
The APP is a nonprofit for piercers. Its public brochures and guides are free.
- APP home
- Find an APP member piercer (member directory)
- Picking your piercer
- Suggested aftercare for body piercings
- Oral piercing aftercare
- Aftercare for minors
- Free downloadable aftercare brochure
- Library of publications (all brochures)
- Jewelry for initial piercings (material standards)
- Jewelry for healed piercings
- Body Jewelry Verification Program
- Stretching
- Troubleshooting (for you and your healthcare provider)
- Piercing guns
- Piercing FAQ
- Know your rights as a client
Aftercare and health
General guidance from medical organizations. Follow your artist's or piercer's instructions, and see a doctor if you think something is wrong.
- American Academy of Dermatology: tattoos
- American Academy of Dermatology: how to care for a new piercing
- American Red Cross: blood donation eligibility (includes tattoos and piercings)
Sitlist app resources
- The Sitlist app is in development / coming soon. Join the waitlist to hear when it's ready.
- The Sitlist Monthly: free monthly newsletter on tattoo and piercing laws, trends and news
- Featured Tattoo Artist and Featured Piercer: nominate someone
Your state and local health department sets the licensing and hygiene rules for tattoo and piercing businesses where you work, and they are often stricter than federal rules. Links checked 3 November 2026.