Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme

What Is the scheme?

The Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme (THRS) is a voluntary scheme that helps improve hygiene standards in tattoo studios across Hartlepool. It also helps customers choose a tattooist who meets high standards of cleanliness and safety.

We launched our scheme on 1 April 2014, becoming the first council in England to do so.

Why it matters

The scheme aims to:

• inform the public about hygiene standards at tattoo studios
• encourage best practice across the industry
• reduce the risk of infection and disease from tattooing

How it works

Studios that join the scheme are inspected by us. Based on the inspection, they receive a hygiene rating:

• 4 - Very Good
• 3 - Good
• 2 - Satisfactory
• 1 - Needs Improvement

Studios can display their rating as a certificate and window sticker.

How to join

Participation is voluntary. Tattoo studios must apply to join the scheme. After inspection, they will receive a rating and be listed on our website.

The premises will be re-rated on a programmed basis, but may be re-rated before the programmed inspection visit at the request of the operator of the premises and at our discretion.

Find a rated studio

The following premises have been rated in Hartlepool: