-->

• Tattoos are a form of art where images are created on a person's body by inserting colored ink beneath the surface of the skin using sterilized needles. There are many different methods of creating tattoos, some of which have been around for thousands of years.National Geographic: Tattoo: Pigments of Imagination

• Fast Facts

  1. Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of artNational Geographic: Tattoo: Pigments of Imagination
  2. All societies and communities have practiced tattooingNational Geographic: Tattoo: Pigments of Imagination
  3. Tahitian word "tatu" means "to mark"Design Boom: History of Tattoos
  4. Polynesian word "tatao" means "to tap"Design Boom: History of Tattoos
  5. The first electronic tattoo machine was invented by Samuel O'Reilly in 1890National Geographic: Tattoo: Pigments of Imagination
  6. By 2000, about 15% of the American population had at least one tattoo http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_fa...

• Health Risks

  There are health risks associated with getting a tattoo as well as applying one. Because the process uses needles, there is contact with blood under the surface of the skin. This creates an environment for the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Modern tattoo shops are required by law to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the staff and customers.How Stuff Works: How Tattoos Work

• Before Getting a Tattoo

  1. Visit the shop.
  2. Ask the artist to see a portfolio.
  3. Ask to see proof they are approved by the health board.
  4. Make sure you are confident in your artist's abilities
  5. Ensure you are not having second thoughts
  6. If anything doesn't seem right, leave immediately!

• UV Tattoos

  UV tattooing is a relatively new form of tattooing. The ink is mixed with a UV-Reactive particle, causing it to glow under a black light. It can be visible or invisible under normal light, dependent on the ink it is mixed with. These are highly popular with the rave culture, and the ink is still very controversial.

• Tattoo Laws

  Tattoo laws vary by state, province, and country. In Canada, a person can legally be tattooed at the age of 16 with parental consent, or 18 without parental consent. In the US, most states require you to be 18 to have a tattoo, regardless of parental consent, with the exception of Illinois and South Carolina which require a person to be 21 to have a tattoo. Some states will allow a minor to have a tattoo, but only with parental permission and with a parent present during application. In these states, minimum age is often undefined. Regardless of the age laws, many artists will chose not to follow the laws, and only tattoo older clients. Some feel uncomfortable tattooing minors. Any artist that will tattoo a minor WITHOUT parental consent should be avoided at all costs.

• Homemade Tattoos

  Homemade tattoos are often done by minors who would otherwise be unable to get a tattoo legally. They carry many risks and are considered bad practice. They are often creating with un-professional equipment such as a needle or knife and pen ink instead of a tattoo machine and tattoo ink. Homemade tattoos carry more risk than professional tattoos because they are often applied in an unsanitary manner and the inks are not blood-safe which can lead to infections and blood poisoning. You should always consult a professional when considering a tattoo.

• Tattoo Pain

  There are many varying opinions of the pain associated with tattoos by many different people. To generalize, bonier areas tend to hurt more; this includes the ribcage, chest, feet, and head. Other sensitive areas are also painful; the face, hands, inner arm, and genitalia. Less painful places are those with fatty tissues or thick skin, such as outer arms, calves, buttocks, and shoulders. A great resource is located here. http://users.zoominternet.net/~rayvin/DoesItHurt.html

• Unusual and Experimental Tattoos

  As always in the Body Mod Industry, people are trying to come up with new and exciting ways to be tattooed. Eyeball tattooing is still in the early stages but is being practiced regularly but extreme body-modder. Fingernail tattooing is also becoming common as a way to maintain an even, long lasting color for those who can't wear Nail polish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i3ecLvIa_8&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxg7vh1X4fshttp://inventorspot.com/articles/worlds_first_eyeball_tattoo_12158http://tattoo.about.com/b/2007/11/11/fingernail-tattoos-are-they-real.htmhttp://www.tattooblog.org/entry/make-a-fashion-statement-with-nail-tattoos/http://www.peterjoyes.com/fingernail.html

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Henna Tattoos | Art | Artists | Painting | Tattooing | Drawing | Miami Ink | LA Ink | Kat Von D | Chris Garver | Tattoo Removal | Angelina Jolie Tattoos | Eyeball Tattoo | How to Get Rid of Tattoos | Kimberley Vlaminck | Body Piercings | Mr. CooL ICE | Brad Pitt Tattoos | Tooth Tattoos | Ambigram | LA Ink Reviews | How to Take Care of a Tattoo | How to Take Care of a Piercing

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page