The Top 5 Best Gloves for Tattoo Artists

What separates an artist from a scratcher is not talent, it’s hygiene.

As tattoo artists, you’ll etch your creativity into the skin, which will return the favour with bloodborne pathogens. Alongside autoclaves and disinfectants, the use of gloves stands out as a crucial barrier against infection and a testament to a professional workspace.

In this guide we’ll cover the best gloves to use and how each style is versatile in their own unique way.

Gloves: The Unsung Heroes of Tattoos

At TattoosWizard we consider them trusted sidekicks.

After all, can you imagine trying to tattoo without gloves? Nope, neither can I.

But it’s not just about safety. Sporting gloves shows we’re serious about health regulations, and nothing screams “professional” louder than a pair of clean, snug-fitting gloves.

It builds trust, boosts our studio’s reputation, and lets our clients know they’re in safe, capable hands.

In this guide we’ll go over what type of gloves to hear, why and we’ll include several illustrations made by our team of artists.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gloves

Choosing the right gloves for tattooing involves several key considerations beyond size.

Artists need to:

• Ensure the gloves are hypoallergenic to avoid skin reactions
• Prioritize a perfect fit for detailed work
• Guarantee comfort for long sessions
• Select materials that offer both durability and high tactile sensitivity

It’s essential to select gloves that feel like a second skin, allowing for precision without compromising on safety.

While affordability is important, keep in mind that it should not overshadow the need for quality and safety.

Types of Gloves Used by Tattoo Artists

Latex Gloves

Renowned for their exceptional comfort and high tactile sensitivity, latex gloves allow artists to feel their tools and the skin they are working on with great precision. This can enhance the control over the tattooing process, leading to more detailed and accurate artwork. However, the major downside is the potential for allergic reactions. Latex allergies can be mild to severe, affecting both the tattoo artist and their clients, which is a significant consideration when choosing gloves.

Pros:

• High Tactile Sensitivity: Latex gloves offer unparalleled feel and dexterity, allowing tattoo artists to work with great precision and control.
• Comfort: They are known for their flexibility and comfort, making them suitable for long tattoo sessions without causing hand fatigue.

Con:

• Allergy Risk: Latex can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, posing a health risk to both the tattoo artist and their clients.

Vinyl Gloves

As a cost-effective option, vinyl gloves are attractive for studios looking to manage expenses. However, they generally offer less protection and durability than both latex and nitrile gloves. Vinyl gloves are prone to tearing and provide a lower level of sensitivity and comfort. They can be used for tasks that require less precision and exposure to hazards, such as cleaning the studio or handling non-contaminated materials. Despite their limitations, they remain a viable option for certain non-invasive procedures or for individuals with allergies to both latex and nitrile.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Vinyl gloves are generally more affordable than their nitrile and latex counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option for tasks requiring less precision.
• Latex-Free: They provide a safe alternative for individuals with latex allergies, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

Con:

• Lower Protection and Durability: Vinyl offers less protection against punctures and chemicals and are more prone to tearing, making them less suitable for tasks that require high levels of durability and protection.
• Tight and irritating: Personally I find these the most annoying to use. I hate the way my hands feel afterwards too.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves have gained popularity in the tattoo industry due to their hypoallergenic nature, making them a safe choice for individuals with latex allergies. Beyond their allergy-friendly composition, they boast superior resistance to punctures compared to latex and vinyl gloves. This is particularly beneficial in a tattoo setting where the risk of needle sticks and exposure to potentially infectious materials is higher. Nitrile gloves also offer a good level of tactile sensitivity, though some artists might find them slightly less flexible than latex gloves.

Because of all the upsides of this material, nitrile gloves are our top pick for tattoo artists.

Pros:

• Allergy-Friendly: Nitrile gloves are latex-free, making them a safe option for people with latex allergies.
• Puncture Resistance: They offer superior resistance to punctures and chemicals, providing a higher level of protection against potential hazards.

Con:

• Less Flexibility: While they provide good tactile sensitivity, nitrile gloves can sometimes be less flexible than latex gloves, potentially affecting the ease of intricate work.

Top Glove Picks for Tattoo Artists

Inspire – Nitrile Gloves

Inspire Black Nitrile Gloves are highly praised by tattoo artists for their exceptional durability and tactile sensitivity, essential for intricate tattoo work. Their robust nitrile material provides superior protection against rips and punctures, ensuring sessions continue smoothly without interruptions, while textured fingertips enhance grip for precise needle control.

Additionally, their latex-free composition makes them a safe choice for artists and clients with allergies. However, some users report inconsistent sizing and susceptibility to splitting under minimal pressure, highlighting a potential issue with fit and reliability in certain batches. Despite this, the gloves offer a snug fit and the versatility needed in a tattoo studio setting, striking a balance between functionality and protection.

Pros:

• Exceptional Durability and Protection: Inspire Black Nitrile Gloves offer strong resistance against rips and punctures, ensuring tattoo artists can work confidently without interruption.
• Superior Tactile Sensitivity: With textured fingertips, these gloves provide excellent grip and precise needle control, crucial for detailed tattooing work.

Con:

• Inconsistent Sizing: Users have reported variations in fit within the same size category, which can lead to discomfort and hinder the artist’s ability to work effectively.

Our Rating: 8.0/10.0

Comfy Package – Nitrile Gloves

The Comfy Package Black Nitrile Disposable Gloves are our top pick for tattoo artists, lauded for their robust construction and functionality. Designed with a 6 Mil. thickness, these gloves offer exceptional durability and chemical resistance, making them perfect for handling inks and cleaning solutions in the studio.

Their textured, touch-friendly surface ensures a secure grip on tattoo equipment, while also being compatible with touch screens, enhancing their versatility. Powder and latex-free, they cater to professionals seeking comfort without the risk of allergic reactions. Furthermore, their ultra-durable waterproof material withstands extensive stretching without tearing, ensuring reliable protection session after session.

Pros:

• Exceptional Durability: Strong enough to resist punctures from sharp objects, ensuring safety during intricate tattooing tasks.
• No Residue and High Tactility: Leaves no residue upon removal, offering excellent dexterity and tactile feel for detailed work.

Con:

• Inconsistency in Thickness: Despite being advertised as 6 Mil. thick, some users have reported them to feel thinner than expected, raising concerns about the accuracy of thickness specifications.

Our Rating: 9.5/10.0

GLOVEWORKS – Nitrile Gloves

The GLOVEWORKS Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves stand out in the tattoo industry for their robust chemical resistance and sleek professional design. Offering superior barrier protection against various inks and cleaning agents, these gloves are a reliable choice for tattoo artists looking for safety and cleanliness. The black color not only maintains a clean and professional appearance by concealing ink and stains but also adds a touch of style to the artist’s toolkit. While the gloves are celebrated for their practicality and versatility, suitable for an array of tasks beyond tattooing, some artists have expressed concerns over inconsistency in quality, with reports of varying thickness and durability between batches posing a potential challenge for those relying on a uniform standard for protection.

Pros:

• Chemical Resistance: Exceptionally resistant to a wide range of tattooing inks and cleaning chemicals, providing comprehensive hand protection during sessions.
• Professional Appearance: The sleek black design conceals stains and maintains a professional look throughout tattoo sessions.

Con:

• Inconsistency in Quality: Some users report variations in thickness and durability, leading to concerns over reliability and protection in demanding tattooing environments.

Our Rating: 8.5/10.0

ForPro Professional Collection – Nitrile Gloves

The ForPro Professional Collection Disposable Nitrile Gloves are highly regarded by tattoo artists for their exceptional fit and versatile functionality, making them a staple in studios where chemical resistance and hygiene are paramount.

Their powder-free, latex-free composition addresses the needs of artists and clients with sensitivities, ensuring a comfortable and safe tattooing experience. Additionally, the gloves’ food-safe certification offers a unique advantage, allowing artists to maintain cleanliness even during breaks in lengthy sessions.

Pros:

• Superior Fit and Comfort: These gloves are designed to fit snugly, providing a comfortable, second-skin feel that allows for unrestricted movement and precision during tattooing.
• Chemical Resistance and Versatility: Ideal for tattoo studios that use a variety of cleaning and sterilization chemicals, offering peace of mind regarding protection and versatility for various tasks beyond tattooing.

Con:

• Potential Allergic Reactions: Despite being marketed as latex-free, there have been reports of severe allergic reactions, suggesting possible inconsistencies in the manufacturing process or material composition that could pose health risks to sensitive individuals.

Our Rating: 8.0/10.0

Microflex MidKnight – Nitrile Gloves

The Microflex MidKnight MK-296 Disposable Nitrile Gloves are highly valued by tattoo artists for their robust design and functionality. Offering full texture for a secure grip, these gloves are ideal for maintaining precision in both wet and dry tattooing environments.

Their distinctive black color not only looks professional but also effectively masks ink stains and blood, keeping the artist’s hands clean throughout the process. Available in a wide range of sizes, they cater to every artist’s fit preference, ensuring comfort during long tattoo sessions.

Pros:

1. Professional Aesthetics: The black color provides a sleek look while hiding stains, maintaining a clean appearance.
2. Secure Grip: Fully textured design enhances grip on tattoo equipment, ensuring steady hand movements.

Con:

1. Durability Issues: Some users have reported gloves tearing easily, either straight out of the box or while being put on, raising concerns about their reliability for continuous use in tattooing.

Our Rating: 9.0/10.0

Best Practices for Glove Usage in Tattooing

Adhering to best practices for glove usage is crucial in the tattooing process, ensuring both the safety of the artist and the client. Artists must be diligent in changing gloves regularly, a critical step that cannot be overlooked. This practice is particularly important when an artist needs to interact with anything outside the tattooing zone, such as handling equipment, touching door handles, or using a phone, as it prevents the transfer of contaminants back to the client or the tattooing area.

Moreover, the disposal of gloves plays a significant role in maintaining a hygienic studio environment. Used gloves must be discarded in a proper biohazard container immediately after removal to avoid any health risks they might pose. This routine not only upholds a sterile workspace but also contributes to the overall cleanliness and safety standards of the studio. By following these guidelines, tattoo artists can ensure a safe, efficient, and professional tattooing environment, reflecting their commitment to the highest standards of hygiene and care.

Caring for Hands While Frequently Using Gloves

Frequent glove use in tattooing can cause skin irritation and dryness, impacting an artist’s performance. To counteract this, adopting a hand care regimen is essential.

Moisturizing with intensive, non-greasy hand creams before and after wearing gloves helps maintain skin hydration. Choosing gloves with a softer lining and taking short breaks to let the skin breathe are also beneficial.

For more severe skin issues, products specifically formulated for sensitive skin may be required. By taking these steps, tattoo artists can keep their hands in optimal condition, ensuring their artistry remains unaffected.

Conclusion

While the artistic part of the tattooing process usually gets most of the attention, safety and hygiene measures can never be overlooked.

It is a vital part of every studio’s well-being ensuring that every tool applied to the delicate art of tattooing is playing its part at its highest level of performance.

By following these tips and choosing the best brands on our list, you can guarantee a long lasting life of studio safety and the well earned reputation it provides.