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Tattoos have become more popular these days than any other time in history. What a change from the years when they were used mainly by sailors, outlaws, and biker gangs! Now they are a popular body decoration for many people including teens and women. And it's no longer just anchors, skulls, autos and battleships anymore. Now you can choose from books containing thousands of designs or design your own logo to express your individuality. If you're in the market for a tattoo, there are a few things you need to know before you roll up your sleeve.
So What Exactly Is a Tattoo?
A tattoo is a small puncture wound deep in your skin that's filled with ink of one or more colours. Your skin is disinfected and penetrated with a needle that injects ink into the skin to create a design. Tattoos
are permanent since the ink isn't injected into the surface layers or epidermis of the skin. Because the epidermis is continuously worn off and replaced, the ink must be inserted deeper into the dermis of the skin which is the second layer of the skin. The dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is essentially permanent. This also makes it difficult (and painful) to remove.
While tattoos used to be done manually, today most tattoo shops use a tattoo machine. A tattoo machine is a handheld electric instrument that uses a tube and needle system. A sterilized needle is attached to tubes that contain the ink. A foot switch turns on the machine which moves the needle in and out while driving the ink about 3 millimeters into your skin.
Most reputable tattoo artists know just how deep to drive the needle into your skin. If they don't go deep enough it will produce a ragged tattoo, and going too deep can cause bleeding and intense pain. The whole process can take several hours depending on the size and design chosen.
The Deciding Process
Before you make your decison talk to other people who have had tattoes to hear their experiences. Look at the qaulity of the work and do some thinking about the right design for you and which tattooist to choose.
Remember that this is going to be a part of you forever. What might appeal to you now may not in 20 or 40 years. Even if you love your tattoo, others may not. Offensive or vulgar visible tattoes may negatively
affect job prospects in white-collar jobs or law enforcement forces. Think twice about group or gang symbols that will stay with you long after you have lost interest in the group. It's probably not wise to have
your boyfriends name engraved on your chest. If you break up, the next boyfriend will not be too pleased.
If you are not sure of the design you want, try some temporary tattoes like transfers that can be
washed off in time.
Picking a Design
You can rely on the books of Flash that the tattooist will have on hand. These pre-existing designs are produced by professional designers and can be seen in the tattoo shop. Look through these to get ideas because
you might wish to modify a design. If you want something unique or a combination of designs, some tatooists do custom dsesigns and are artists in their own right. Ask to see photos of some of their original work.
Have him make a few sketches for you. If you like his ideas and his work and trust him, he may be able to come upwith something unique for you. A third way is to have a custom design done just for you by an artistic
acquaintance.
Finding a Tattoist
The best way is to talk to people who have tattoos. Then visit a few shops and chat with a few tatooists. Ask to see their portfolio of photos of their work. Take a look around to see if the place is clean and well
organized. A messy shop may mean lax health standards or a careless tatooist. Make sure you can see sterilization equipment and that used needles are properly disposed of in a sharps box. Watch him doing a tattoo to
make sure he wears gloves. Leftover inks should not be reused on someone else. Once you find someone you trust and are comfortable with who works in a clean shop, don't haggle with the price. Be prepared to pay
the going rate and make sure you know the cost before he begins. You are paying for his expertise and experience.
STYLEBUZZ PHOTO GALLERIES: TATOOS
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