you can tattoo over self-harm scars — but how, when, and why you do it matters. At GRIM, we’ve worked with a lot of people reclaiming their skin after self-harm. And we treat that process with the same gravity we’d give to sacred art — because that’s exactly what it is. Tattooing over scars isn’t just technical; it’s emotional.

If you’ve ever worried that you might need to disclose your HIV or AIDS status before getting tattooed, here’s the truth: in both Canada and the United States, it’s illegal for tattoo artists to ask.

Research has shown that certain tattoo inks can contain bacteria, particularly if they’re not manufactured or stored properly.