GREAT FALLS — Montanans love their ink. With more than two dozen tattoo shops in Great Falls alone, the state’s appetite for body art is clear.
Yet the rules governing tattooing here can be surprisingly simple, leaving questions about best practices and safety.
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A Booming Industry
According to a 2022 survey by the National Tattoo Association, Montana ranks among the top 15 states in the country for the number of tattoo shops per capita — with more than 2.5 shops for every 10,000 residents.
Local artists say the state’s strong outdoors culture and laid-back vibe contribute to the rising demand for ink.
Ink Shrink, a new parlor in Great Falls, is just getting ready to open.
“I filled out the application; I’m just waiting to get everything set up,” says tattoo artist Kahly Connel.
Meanwhile, established shops like Alpha Tattoo have been serving clients for years.
Navigating Montana’s Regulations
Unlike some states with highly detailed requirements, Montana’s regulations are fairly straightforward — but not as strict as many assume.
- Artist Licensing: Tattoo artists must obtain a license from the state, primarily by taking a bloodborne pathogen class and passing a sanitation quiz.
- Shop Inspection: Health department officials conduct an on-site inspection to ensure compliance with cleanliness and sterilization standards.
- Varying County Rules: “The licensing in Montana kind of varies throughout every single county,” explains Alpha Tattoo owner Stefan Gotze. “Some counties are more stringent, which generally correlates with lower rates of bloodborne diseases.”
Still, there’s room for improvement.
“You can just go ahead and open [a tattoo shop], whether they have a medical background, actual apprenticeship training, or no training at all,” Gotze adds.
Why It Matters: Health and Safety
Public health data indicates that HIV and hepatitis C rates have been rising in certain regions of Montana.
Although not all cases relate to tattooing, poor hygiene and unsanitary practices in any environment where needles are used can contribute to the spread of blood-borne diseases.
“HIV and hepatitis C in our region is actually skyrocketing,” Gotze warns. “This can be mirrored with the amount of shops being opened without really being checked.”
Choosing a Safe Shop
So how can you find a reputable parlor?
- Cleanliness: “The first thing I look for whenever I go into a shop is the cleanliness,” Connel says. “How an artist holds themselves, how they present themselves—customer service matters.”
- Atmosphere: “As soon as you walk into a shop, you should take into consideration the atmosphere,” Gotze notes. “If it’s dirty or disorganized, that’s a red flag.”
- Ask Questions: Reputable artists welcome inquiries about their training, sterilization procedures, and licensing.
Looking Ahead
While Montana’s current regulations lean on basic licensing and occasional inspections, new legal standards are likely on the horizon.
“There are new rules coming soon, but the details are still being sorted out,” Connel says.
In the meantime, conscientious artists and shop owners are working to elevate industry standards and educate the public about safe tattoo practices.
“I’m hoping to help the industry in this town change,” Gotze says, reflecting on his own efforts to collaborate with health officials.
For Montanans eager to add fresh ink, the message is simple: Do your homework, check for cleanliness, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
By choosing reputable, well-trained artists, you can enjoy your new tattoo with confidence —a nd help keep Montana’s thriving tattoo scene as safe and vibrant as it is creative.
Thank you to Alpha Tattoo and Ink Shrink for agreeing to be interviewed for this story.
