Tattoos seem to be more popular every day. With more and more tattoo afficionados turning to tattoo portraiture, Spacelocker investigates some of the prickly questions about getting a tattoo.
What is a tattoo, anyway?
Tattoos, also called skin illustrations or body art, result when colored ink is injected into small holes made a deep layer of the skin. Today most tattoos are applied with an electric tattoo machine, which has needles that rapidly puncture the skin with an up-and-down motion.
Where do they come from?
Archaeologists have found tattoos on Egyptian and Nubian mummies dating from about 4000 years ago. Classical authors mention ancient Greeks, Germans, Gauls, Thracians, and Britons all sporting tattoos. But the growth of Christianity forbade tattooing in Europe, so it was embraced by convicts, criminals, and pirates.
Tattooing continued in the Middle East and other parts of the world. However, until recently, tattoos are relatively unknown in populations with the dark skin color and in most of China.
Does it hurt?
Of course it hurts. Needles are rapidly piercing your skin! Some say it’s more like a vibration than a deep pain. Some say the sharp sensation from needles used for outlining a design hurts more than the needles used to shade the design. Some use a local anesthetic.
And removing a tattoo hurts even more; costs more too, so make sure that tattoo’s for you.
What else?
Tattoos, like the stuff you post in the internet, are forever; regard tattoos as permanent. Whatever picture or design you decide on, be ready to live with it for the rest of your life. Tattoos don't always come off easily. Attempts to remove them may result in scarring, skin thickening, discoloration, or other problems.
Be sure you're not allergic to tattoo inks or dyes. If you are, your body could react adversely to them.
Is tattooing safe?
Tattooing is safe when proper sterilization and infection control standards are used. Anything that comes in contact with blood / body fluids must be either disposed of after one use or sterilized. Needles and other equipment used for tattoos or body piercing that are not sterilized or disinfected, or are used inappropriately among clients, increase the risk for transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Infection can be passed by reusing needles or dye and poor sterilization practices and techniques. If a tattoo artist pricks the back of his hand with a needle to determine if it's sharp enough, run. Scarring, swelling, infections, discharges, skin thickening, allergic reactions, and other complications may occur if procedures are done incorrectly or the skin is not cared for properly.
Should I take precautions?
You bet you should! And ask questions!
First of all get yourself immunized against tetanus and hepatitis B.
Does the tattoo parlor use disposable needles?
Is the tattoo parlor?
Does the tattoo parlor use disposable inks?
Never tattoo yourself and don’t let your friends do it. Deal with an experienced parlor only.
How does the parlor prevent the spread of infectious diseases? Tattoo artists should wear surgical gloves to keep a germ-free environment near your skin.
How are needles and inks used? Reputed and experienced tattoo parlors always use new needles and inks for each tattoo.
Make sure that the artist unwraps the needle in front of you.
Every ink used in your tattoo should be poured into a small cup specifically for your tattoo. Any leftover ink should be thrown away after your tattoo is finished.
How do I care for tattoos?
Always make sure you take good care of your skin afterward. Follow the tattoo artist’s instructions and recommendations. Keep the area clean and moisturized to help your skin heal faster and to reduce the chance of scarring or infection.
If you experience any signs of infection, contact your health care practitioner immediately.
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