Tattoos

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.

Getting tattoos are restricted to adults, typically 18 and above, though laws do vary in some areas as low as 16 or as high as 21. ID is usually required for proof of age, and those under 18 (where the law allows) require a parent's permission. Check the laws in your area if you are unsure.

Tattoos are permanent and do not naturally disappear on their own, though after some time they do blur and fade slightly if they are not cared for properly. Removing a tattoo is possible with laser sessions or surgery, though there is usually some remnant evidence left on the skin in form of a light outline or scarring.

As tattooing is often done do show one's uniqueness, designs and locations vary greatly and almost anything imaginable has been tattooed. Unusual locations such as eyes, teeth, tongue, and fingernails are slowly gaining popularity as locations on the body to be tattooed.

National Geographic: Tattoo: Pigments of Imagination

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. Always ensure shops have the proper safety credentials before getting a tattoo. How Stuff Works: How Tattoos Work

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. Consider your design - you will have it for the rest of your life
6. Ensure you are not having second thoughts
7. If anything doesn't seem right, leave immediately!

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.

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

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.

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. Homemade tattoos are often created with unprofessional 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.

As always in the body modification industry, people are trying to come up with new and exciting ways to push the boundaries of tattooing. Eyeball tattooing is still in the early stages but is being practiced regularly by extreme body-modders. Fingernail tattooing is also becoming common as a way to maintain an even, long lasting color for those who can't wear nail polish. Other experimental tattoos include tongue and palette tattoos. 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

A very famous picture of the back art belonging to the very tattooed Angelina Jolie. She has a lower back, or "half back" piece, accompanied by a "shoulder piece".

The a very creative black and white "mask" tattoo on the outer forearm of a man. This would be referred to as a "forearm piece" or a "partial sleeve".

A red phoenix tattoo on the right ribcage of a man. This would be referred to as a "ribcage piece".

A variety of colourful tattoos on the upper arms, shoulders, upper back, and sides of a young women. This amount of coverage on the upper arm is often called a "quarter sleeve" tattoo, accompanied by the "half back" work on her upper back.

A trail of stars leading down the neck and upper back of singing superstar Rihanna. Since Rihanna got this tattoo, it has been repeatedly copied by fans all over the world.