Think before you ink: Know the risks

Although tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in China, the practice is unregulated. No licenses or certificates are required to open a parlor, which means it's hard to guarantee the rights and safety of customers.

Tattooing breaks the skin, so infections and other complications are always a concern. The dyes, especially red, green, yellow and blue, can cause allergic skin reactions that can even occur several years after a tattoo has been completed. Skin infections are also likely and can result in redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like discharge.

If the needle or other parts of the equipment have been contaminated with infected blood, there is a risk of contracting a range of diseases that are carried in the blood, including tetanus and hepatitis B and C. Tattoos can also lead to keloids, raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.