- impact-of-covid-on-the-tattoo-industry - Impact of COVID on the Tattoo Industry
- are-tattoo-shops-closed-for-coronavirus-and-why-it-varies - Are Tattoo Shops Closed for Coronavirus and Why It Varies
- tattoo-shop-restrictions-across-states-and-countries - Tattoo Shop Restrictions Across States and Countries
- real-shop-story-adapting-during-the-pandemic - Real Shop Story: Adapting During the Pandemic
- safety-measures-and-new-norms-in-tattoo-shops - Safety Measures and New Norms in Tattoo Shops
- how-to-find-open-and-safe-shops-today - How to Find Open and Safe Shops Today
1. Impact of COVID on the Tattoo Industry
The outbreak of COVID-19 reshaped countless industries—but few were hit as directly and visibly as body art. The early days of the pandemic left many asking, are tattoo shops closed for coronavirus? With close-contact services paused indefinitely, artists and shop owners were forced to adapt quickly—or close entirely. Some never reopened.
As governments raced to contain transmission, body modification studios, salons, and similar businesses were deemed high risk due to their hands-on nature. Health departments shut down non-essential services across major cities, leading to mass cancellations, delayed appointments, and widespread financial uncertainty.
2. Are Tattoo Shops Closed for Coronavirus and Why It Varies
2.1. It Depends on Location and Timeline
The answer to “are tattoo shops closed for coronavirus” heavily depends on when and where you're asking. In early 2020, nearly all tattoo parlors across North America and Europe were forced to close under emergency lockdowns. But by mid-2021, most had resumed services—with restrictions in place.
2.2. Temporary Closures and Reopenings
Many areas adopted a "phased reopening" plan. Tattoo studios were among the last categories to receive clearance—especially in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London. Meanwhile, smaller towns with lower case numbers reopened sooner but often under strict regulation.
3. Tattoo Shop Restrictions Across States and Countries
3.1. United States
In the U.S., regulations varied by state. States like Texas reopened tattoo shops with mask mandates and limited clients per day, while others like California kept them shut until fall 2020. Health inspections and licensing renewals were also temporarily suspended or restructured in some jurisdictions.
3.2. Europe and Asia
In countries like Italy and Spain, tattoo shops faced prolonged closures followed by staggered openings with health checks, air filtration requirements, and mandatory appointments. South Korea allowed quicker reopening, relying on aggressive testing and contact tracing to minimize outbreaks in tattoo parlors and beauty salons.
4. Real Shop Story: Adapting During the Pandemic
4.1. Inked Up Dolls Studio – How They Pivoted
When lockdown orders hit in spring 2020, Inked Up Dolls had to cancel over 70 appointments in one week. Rather than fold, the shop started an online merchandise line featuring tattoo-inspired apparel and custom print designs. They used their downtime to renovate the space, install medical-grade sanitization tools, and build out contactless payment systems.
4.2. Staying Connected with Clients
Through social media livestreams and digital consultations, Inked Up Dolls kept their artists visible and engaged. Once local guidelines allowed limited appointments again, loyal clients returned—with many saying they appreciated the studio's transparent safety updates and continued communication.
5. Safety Measures and New Norms in Tattoo Shops
5.1. Health Checks and PPE
Many studios now require temperature checks at the door, masks for both artists and clients, and gloves worn throughout the session. Some even request negative COVID test results for large, multi-hour projects.
5.2. Cleaning and Ventilation Standards
Frequent surface sanitizing, medical-grade disinfectants, and HEPA filtration systems are quickly becoming industry standard. Studios that demonstrate these practices often earn better reviews and more bookings in this post-COVID environment.
5.3. Appointment-Only Operations
Walk-ins have largely been replaced with strict appointment-only systems to limit foot traffic. Artists often schedule buffer times between clients to clean and air out the room, adding a layer of protection and professionalism.
6. How to Find Open and Safe Shops Today
6.1. Use Local Health and Business Registries
Check your city or county’s business reopening tracker for real-time updates on shop statuses. Many health departments maintain searchable lists of businesses currently operating under approved health protocols.
6.2. Read Customer Reviews and Look for Transparency
When researching where to get a tattoo now, read reviews that mention cleanliness, mask use, and client limits. Shops like Inked Up Dolls are often praised for communicating clearly about safety, giving first-timers and returning clients alike peace of mind.
6.3. Ask for Virtual Consultations
Many shops now offer virtual consultations to discuss design, placement, and pricing—allowing you to prep comfortably from home before stepping into the studio. It’s one more way the tattoo world is adapting to meet both safety and artistic expectations.
