Tattoo tips

Information about safety, techniques, pain, removal, temporary tattoos, and some facts about tattooing among US adults

You’ve researched the history and cultural significance of tattooing. You’ve determined which message you want to show the world and whether, upon deep consideration, a tattoo is the best way for you to do so. You’ve chosen an image and you’re itching to hit the tattoo parlor and get your ink. But first consider these tips and consult the following resources:

* Research the tattoo shop or artist you want to go to. If your country or state have established safety and permit procedures, be sure to choose a licensed shop (for US, see here). Where tattoo shops are not inspected, be extra vigilant and inspect before you act.

* Educate yourself about the techniques, the pain of getting a tattoo, as well as after care and potential complications. You can find more information here.

* Research the procedures for removing a tattoo: laser treatment, dermabrasion, salabrasion, scarification… Realize that these are as painful and expensive as they sound, and not always successful. Read more here.

* Test-drive a tattoo: try out your chosen image, its effect on your family and friends, and its appeal after a period of time, by having it applied with a temporary airbrush or with henna. Less permanent inks and techniques are being developed and will soon hit the market.

* If you haven’t reached the legal age, know that no good tattoo artist will give you a tattoo. If one is prepared to give you one anyway, think twice: do you want a tattoo from someone who is prepared to break the law? Can he be sanitary and safe? Can he be a good artist?

Some tattoo facts from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (telephone survey of 253 women and 247 men, conducted in 2004 published in 2006):

* In the U.S., almost one out of four adults (24 percent) between 18 and 50 has at least one tattoo.
* Of all US adults between 18 and 29, a whopping 36 percent or one in three, has at least one tattoo.
* Nearly two-thirds of those who have tattoos got them before they turned 24.
* 13 percent of the respondents in the survey had problems with healing.
* None of the respondents had a tattoo removed, but 17 percent has considered it.


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