Dominican Republic— Tattoo scenes & cities

According to an article by Jorge Báez published by Diario Libre on 15 October 2017 in Santo Domingo, tattooing is no longer seen as the preserve of criminals and cult members, nor as a sailors' accessory. Michel Pantaleón, owner of the Canoa Tattoo studio, believes Dominican society's view has evolved considerably, although taboos remain. In his view, women are the most uninhibited when getting tattooed, while men are more conservative and discreet about placement.

In the same article, Michel Pantaleón argues that the public bodies responsible for hygiene, including the Ministry of Public Health, are not interested in the measures or regulations the sector would need; according to the article, studio owners therefore take their own hygiene measures, and Pantaleón says he buys disposable needles and grips. The article also mentions the Asociación Nacional de Dermografistas y Anilladores Dominicanos (ANDAD), formed to defend the rights of tattooists and their clients.