Although tattoo parties have been around a long time, they have recently become popular among students.

The concept of tattoo parties is very similar to regular parties. However, at a tattoo party, the host hires a tattoo artist who will tattoo interested partygoers.

The idea of tattoo parties was conceived after tattoos were banned in states and people did not want to travel to other states where tattooing was legal.

Senior Sumiya Yates has hosted tattoo parties in the past.

“I’ve had three or four tattoo parties and usually around 40 or more people come to my parties,” said Yates. “I only have one tattoo artist at each party, so usually 20 or 30 people can get tattooed at each party, but I am thinking about having another party with two artists so that more people can get tattoos.”

Although tattoo parties seem like enjoyable experiences, many people believe that they are dangerous and question the safety in regards to the sanitation of the needles used on skin. Yates understands the concerns of skeptics.

“I don’t think that people really have negative outlooks on the party but some people do wonder why I have them and if they are safe and sanitary.”

Yates ensures that the tattoo parties she hosts are in fact sterile and the people who she hires are professional tattoo artists, not inexperienced or unqualified individuals. There are no risks of getting a tattoo at a party like hers.

“They are very safe and sanitary,” said Yates. “I hire someone from a parlor, not just some random person that doesn’t have a license.”

There are numerous reasons that students prefer getting inked at tattoo parties than at a specialized tattoo parlor.

For one, the cost of the tattoos is cheaper compared to the cost of a tattoo at a local tattoo parlor.

Furthermore, the host of the tattoo party often receives a special discount for hosting. To up the incentive, minors under the age of 18 are permitted to get inked at a tattoo party. Normally, minors would not be allowed to get a tattoo until they become 18 or have parental consent.

“It helps the artist get recognized and make quick money,” said junior Kaitlin Chittenden, who received her first tattoo at a party. “When you get it done at a party it just means the cost of your tattoo will be significantly cheaper. It’s definitely way more convenient for teenagers.”