You Must Check 2 Things Before Getting a Tattoo in Saskatoon | Studio Hon’s Safety Guide
“Your friend might be a great artist—but are they the right artist for your tattoo?”
Why This Matters More Than You Think
In a city like Saskatoon, where everyone seems to know everyone, getting a tattoo often feels like a casual decision. Maybe your childhood friend just opened a shop downtown, or your coworker’s cousin is a tattoo artist who offers you a discount.
That kind of trust feels natural in a small city—it’s built on years of familiarity, shared stories, and friendship. But when it comes to tattoos, familiarity doesn’t always equal compatibility.
Tattoos are permanent. They are expressions of who you are, but they also demand precision, hygiene, and artistry. Even the most talented artist can’t master every style, and not every studio upholds the same level of professionalism or cleanliness.
That’s why before you get inked in Saskatoon, there are two things you absolutely must check first:
- Does your artist specialise in your tattoo style?
- Does the shop maintain proper hygiene and have trustworthy reviews?
Let’s break down why these two factors can make or break your tattoo experience.
1️⃣ Check if Your Artist Specialises in Your Tattoo Style
Saskatoon is full of talented artists, but no one—no matter how gifted—can be a master of every style. Just as writers have different voices, tattoo artists have unique visual languages.
Style Matters More Than You Think
Every artist develops a “signature.” Some excel at fine line and minimalist designs. Others shine in traditional or neo-traditional work. Some specialise in realism, while others focus on geometric or illustrative tattoos.
Trying to get a realism piece from an artist who primarily does bold linework is like asking a watercolor painter to draw comic art—it might work, but it won’t look its best.
That’s why choosing the right artist means choosing the right style match.
Friendship vs. Fit
In a tight-knit city like Saskatoon, people often get tattooed by friends. There’s comfort in familiarity—you know them, you trust them, you want to support them. But tattoos require more than comfort; they require alignment.
Your friend might be amazing at traditional tattoos, but if you’re dreaming of a soft, delicate floral piece, it’s okay to admit that your visions don’t match. Supporting friends doesn’t mean sacrificing your own satisfaction.
How to Check if the Style Fits
- Look at their portfolio. Most Saskatoon artists showcase their work on Instagram or their studio website. Study their linework, shading, and colour use.
- Ask direct questions. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you often do this style?” or “Can I see examples of similar work?”
- Compare consistency. A good artist’s portfolio will show repeatable results, not one-off experiments.
At Studio Hon, we often meet clients who bring in references from another style entirely. During consultations, we help them assess whether the concept fits our artist’s strengths—or, if not, refer them to another specialist in Saskatoon who can do it justice.
That’s because good tattooing isn’t about ego—it’s about honesty.
“Just because someone can hold a tattoo machine doesn’t mean they can—or should—do every style.”
Choosing an artist who truly aligns with your vision ensures your tattoo will age beautifully and represent your story authentically.
2️⃣ Read Google Reviews — They Tell the Real Story
Gone are the days when you had to rely on word-of-mouth alone.
In 2025, Google Reviews are one of the most powerful tools clients have—and the smartest clients are using them.
Why Reviews Matter
Think about it: you’re about to let someone puncture your skin with needles thousands of times. Hygiene, professionalism, and trust are non-negotiable.
Reviews reveal what really happens after the consultation and during the procedure—when no one is watching but the client and the artist.
Real Issues Reported in Saskatoon
When we looked through Saskatoon tattoo shop reviews, we found both amazing experiences and shocking stories. Some positive reviews praised studios for professionalism, clear aftercare guidance, and sterile environments.
But there were also red flags—like these:
- Artists not wearing gloves while working on open skin.
- Artists touching their face or wiping their nose during a session, then returning to tattooing without sanitising or changing gloves.
- Studios where equipment wasn’t properly wrapped or disinfected.
These aren’t minor mistakes. They are serious hygiene breaches that can lead to infections, allergic reactions, or even bloodborne illnesses.
Saskatoon may be a smaller city, but that doesn’t mean you should lower your expectations. Tattoo safety is not a luxury—it’s a standard.
How to Read Reviews Effectively
When checking reviews, don’t just look at star ratings. Dive deeper:
- Scan for patterns. One bad review could be a fluke—but ten similar ones signal a real issue.
- Look for how shops respond. A professional studio will always respond calmly and offer solutions, not defensiveness.
- Read recent feedback. Conditions change over time. Focus on reviews from the past year.
You can learn more from honest reviews than from any promotional post.
At Studio Hon, we take pride in our Google Reviews—not because they’re “marketing,” but because they represent real people’s experiences. Every comment helps us refine our craft and reinforce what we stand for: cleanliness, empathy, and excellence.
What Hygiene Should Look Like
If you’ve never been in a professional tattoo environment before, here’s what to expect:
- Disposable gloves and needles used once per client.
- Proper machine coverings to prevent cross-contamination.
- Single-use ink caps and razors.
- Disinfection of all surfaces before and after every session.
At Studio Hon, we treat our setup like a medical environment. You’ll always see our artist washing hands, changing gloves multiple times, and explaining what’s happening along the way. We want clients to feel safe, informed, and respected.
Remember: a tattoo shop that takes shortcuts with hygiene doesn’t deserve your skin—or your trust.
Why These Two Steps Matter
Checking an artist’s style and a shop’s hygiene may sound simple, but together, they define your tattoo experience.
- The wrong artist can leave you disappointed with a design that doesn’t feel like “you.”
- The wrong shop can leave you with more than regret—it can leave you with scars or health issues.
Both of these are entirely preventable if you take a few minutes to research.
Your tattoo isn’t just art; it’s a collaboration between your story, your artist’s skill, and the shop’s integrity. And in a place like Saskatoon, where community trust runs deep, it’s more important than ever to choose wisely.
What Makes Studio Hon Different
At Studio Hon, we’ve built our reputation around one word: respect—for the craft, the client, and the community.
- We specialise in fine line, minimalist, and floral designs, with a focus on detail and balance.
- We maintain medical-grade hygiene standards, exceeding provincial requirements.
- We prioritise education—guiding clients through every step, from design concept to aftercare.
- And we believe in honesty over sales. If your design is better suited to another artist, we’ll tell you.
Because at the end of the day, Studio Hon is not just about tattoos—it’s about trust.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Ink Proudly
Before you get a tattoo in Saskatoon, take the time to do two simple things:
✅ Find the artist whose style truly matches your vision.
✅ Read the Google Reviews to ensure their shop is safe, clean, and professional.
It sounds basic—but these two checks could save you from a lifetime of regret.
Your tattoo is a lifelong companion. It deserves the care, precision, and professionalism of an artist who understands both the art and the responsibility behind it.
👉 At Studio Hon, we’re always here to offer advice—even if you don’t book with us.
If you’d like expert guidance on your design or want to learn what makes a shop truly safe, visit us anytime. Your story deserves to be told beautifully—and safely.
📍 Address: 227 2 Ave S, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1K8
📞 Phone: (306) 653-5561
Instagram: @studiohon_
Also, you can ask us any questions about tattoos, aftercare and everything by clicking the link below.