About Tattoo Fever

No Pain .. no Gain?

Anyone with prominent tattoos will have been asked the question more than once, and however many times they have answered the question keeps coming. Does it hurt? The true answer to the question is that it does, but not all that much. It feels like being scratched a little bit, it feels a little bit hot, but it is not agony and in general is not enough to put most people off getting a second tattoo, should they want one. During the course of the average day there are a few of us who will go through more pain and think nothing of it. 
 
If the pain is too much to bear, then this is for one of two reasons : 
 
Firstly, it is possible that you could either be prone to pain when getting a tattoo or Secondly the tattooist is less than talented. 
<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; float: right; margin: 1em; width: 250px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://businesson.mobi/tattoofever" target="_blank"><img alt="PAIN Knuckle Tattoo 11-23-09 IMG_9890" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4130166044_fd6b2c9a26_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; display: block;" width="240" /></a>Image by <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10506540@N07/4130166044">stevendepolo</a> via Flickr</div> 
Most tattooists, however, are more than talented enough to know how to minimise pain and suffering, and will also have the job done as quickly as possible so that the suffering ends quickly. If you do take a painkilling injection or treat the area with anaesthetic cream beforehand, there is a real danger of swelling the skin, which will make any resultant tattoo look bad anyway. 
 
The fact is that if getting a tattoo is too painful, or the thought of the pain is too much to bear, then tattoos probably are not for you. It doesn’t make you a wimp or anything, it just suggests that you should find another way to adorn yourself. :-) 
 
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No Pain .. no Gain?

Anyone with prominent tattoos will have been asked the question more than once, and however many times they have answered the question keeps...

9:14 PM

Disappearing Tattoos

<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; float: right; margin: 1em; width: 310px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Jaipuri_tribal_hand_tattoo.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img alt="A tribal hand tattoo in a market in Jaipur, India." height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Jaipuri_tribal_hand_tattoo.jpg/300px-Jaipuri_tribal_hand_tattoo.jpg" style="border: medium none; display: block;" width="300" /></a>Image via <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Jaipuri_tribal_hand_tattoo.jpg">Wikipedia</a></div> 
Perhaps the most identifying characteristic of a tattoo is its permanence. Think about it; every time you mention finally getting that tattoo you’ve been on the fence about for years, someone always chimes up and reminds you that you won’t be able to take if off if you ever change your mind. So, for fear of regret and not wanting to hear any “I told you so” declarations from family and friends, you have thus far carried on with your life as an inkless individual. But that perfect tat design is always in the back of your mind isn’t it? 
 
Well stay tuned, because what you’re about to read will shatter everything you know about body art and might be just the thing you need to hear to finally get that tattoo out of your mind and onto your skin. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have developed a special tattoo ink that can be totally and painlessly removed with no scarring. 
 
First, understand that the coloring currently used in tattooing is not really ink, but various pigmenting agents ground up and mixed with a carrier solution. The solution serves a couple of functions: to sterilize the pigments and make them smoother and easier to work with. Though these inks fall into the category of things that could be regulated by the FDA, they are not. Ink venders don’t even necessarily have to disclose the contents of their products. Their have been reports of carcinogens and other contaminants that can poison the body and even be fatal. 
 
The new ink is the first ever such substance approved especially for tattooing. The color is enclosed in tiny particles that are designed to contain it forever. So a tattoo done in this manner can be permanent if you want in to. However, if you should decide that everyone else was right and you wish you hadn’t got the tattoo, it can be easily removed. The pigments carrying particles can be broken down through a simple, painless process and the color harmlessly absorbed and flushed out of the body. 
 
The there are a few choices of procedures for removing conventional tattoos, but they are pricey and painful. For example, one method uses a saline scrub to literally scrub away the layers of your skin until all the ink is washed away. There is another similar option that uses a material that works very much like sand paper. Even laser surgery is not risk free. It’s expensive and you may have to do it more than once. It even leaves a scar that’s basically shaped like the very design you’re so desperately trying to get rid of, so instead of having an unwanted tattoo that people are always asking about, now thy can ask how you got such an unusual scar. 
 
None of these methods are fool proof. All of them carry some risk and will not completely remove every trace of the offending body art. You will have traces of pigment left, if not a noticeable outline. If your tattoo is comprised of several different hues, it may require a separate treatment for each one. Unlike the new ink which dissolves completely with no scarring or residual pigmentation. 
 
Those involved in the tattoo industry like the idea of a clean ink, but are skeptical about it being temporary. They believe body art is a sacred tradition, made so by in part by the fact that it lasts forever. They also feel that taking away the consequences will crowd their ranks with people who aren’t serious about their art. The new ink is not expected to be on the market for another couple of years. 
 
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Disappearing Tattoos

Image via Wikipedia Perhaps the most identifying characteristic of a tattoo is its permanence. Think about it; every time you mention final...

6:28 AM

Celebrities Love Tattoos !

It is not really surprising to learn that many celebrities love tattoos, nor is it surprising that those who are in the public eye and in the media have quite a significant influence on the American population's fascination with tattoos. The stars have tattoos, so all of their fans want tattoos also. For celebrities, age is not a factor; older stars as well as the younger ones have them. We know all of these people-- but how much do we know about what unique styles of artwork they have? 
 
One of America's most longtime popular movie stars, Robert DeNiro, has appeared in movies sporting numerous tattoos. Whether or not his fans realize that they are only accessories for his films, the fact is in real life Robert DeNiro has only one tattoo, that of a black panther. Another actor who shows off many tattoos in his movies is Johnny Depp; all of his, however, are real. Bruce Willis also has a few tattoos; most notably the symbol of his movie "Die Hard." 
 
Tattoos have long been in style with musicians. Former teen idol Justin Timberlake has a guardian angel, amongst others. Rapper Eminem has more tattoos than can be counted, including his daughter's name and his own. The wording on Keith Urban's wrist, "Omni Vincit Amor" is Latin for 'Love Conquers All;' he also has an eagle on one arm. 
 
Some sports celebrities also go for tattoos. Michael Jordan has his fraternity symbol tattooed above his heart, while Dennis Rodman is a virtual canvas of artwork. 
 
Not to be outdone, many female stars also show various degrees of artwork. Young actress Drew Barrymore is essentially a canvas full of tattoos; it is said that she created most of the designs herself. Reese Witherspoon is more subtle, wearing only one small star tattoo which is rarely visible. Pamela Anderson has a variety of tattoos also, the most notable being the word 'Mommy' on one finger, which reportedly used to read 'Tommy.' Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has five stars to represent each member of her family, her husband's initials, and the traditional Jewish phrase 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.' 
<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; float: right; margin: 1em; width: 250px;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9495733@N05/1770981178" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Posh neck tattoo" height="157" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/1770981178_60242e4e73_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; display: block;" width="240" /></a>Image by <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9495733@N05/1770981178">Wha'ppen</a> via Flickr</div> 
Some of today's supermodels also sport tattoos. Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Stephanie Seymour all have these permanent forms of fashion accessories. Most supermodels who opt for tattoos show fewer and smaller designs than celebrities in other fields. 
 
While many celebrities have had tattoos for a very long time, the popularity of tattoos amongst stars has been increasing, both in the number of celebrities who have them and the number of tattoos that they have. A very few have only one tattoo; more and more are taking on a large number of tattoos as well as more and more visible tattoos, using skin as a canvas for nearly unlimited varieties of permanent artwork. 
 
As celebrities show off their tattoos, and this is picked up by the media, it presents an ever-increasing influence for their fans, especially amongst the younger generation, to want to do likewise. As with anything else that stars do in the public eye, their influence with tattoos helps this form of artwork become more widespread, more popular, and more acceptable to most of the American population in general.

Celebrities Love Tattoos !

It is not really surprising to learn that many celebrities love tattoos, nor is it surprising that those who are in the public eye and in th...

6:18 PM

Generational Trends in Tattooing

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25678284@N03/3774341860"><img alt="Paper Cranes [30/07/09]" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3774341860_480e5793f1_m.jpg" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="159" /></a>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25678284@N03/3774341860">KayVee.INC</a> via Flickr Time passes, and with it the fads and trends that accompany each decade revolve in and out of the background. However, they say that everything old becomes new again, and that often becomes obvious as our kids start showing up in our old, thrift store cast offs thinking they are the next big thing. The same is true of body art. Just like blue jeans, tattoo styles have changed through the years, but they are still a classic staple. Let’s explore the generational trends in tattooing. There’s nothing good about war, though it’s a necessary evil. World War II was fairly popular, as wars go and there was no shortage of men lining up to enlist. The Lady Luck tattoo was widespread among the military men. She was beautiful, and appeared in all stages of dress, surrounded by lucky talismans like four leaf clovers, eight balls and rabbit’s feet. She was believed to bring luck to the wearer, and who needs luck if not a soldier on his way to war? The Lady Luck was not particular to any one branch of the military. Generally speaking, service tattoos mark an entire generation, whether it’s bluebirds on the chest of a sailor, an anchor on his forearm, or Simper Fi on the shoulder of a marine, they’re a proud symbol of his service. Today’s armed forces still participate in the rich tradition of military tattooing, but due to the chronological gaps between wars that the current generation has been blessed with, the military no longer makes up as significant a part of the population as it has in times past. Previous generations held tattoos at a distance and perpetuated the stigma associated with them. Body art (it probably wasn’t widely considered art back then) was somewhat taboo for mainstream society. Tattoos were only for certain groups of people, like bikers, tramps and convicts. So, it’s probable that more risqué designs, like nude or topless women were done more often, because the people getting them were already outcast, and didn’t have to conform to social politeness because no one really expected it of them anyhow. While nude tattoos definitely still happen, more and more people are opting for more modest and less visible body art. This trend is probably supported by the fact that tattooing isn’t confined to such specific segments of the population. Today, there’s a host of doctors, lawyers, accountants and other professionals who want to get their ink done, but don’t want to risk hindering their employment options, or need to comply with a dress code or a particular image. In the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990s" title="1990s" rel="wikipedia">1990s</a> and early 2000s, tribal tattoos reached the height of their popularity. Contrary to popular belief, theirs really nothing ethnically significant about such designs, other than they are loosely inspired by the elaborate tattooing practiced by the people of the Polynesian islands. Tribal tattoos are characterized by heavy, bold black lines in patterns that often feature prominent jagged points. There was a time when women didn’t ever get tattooed, especially nice, respectable ones. My, how times have changed. Not only do ladies get inked, but all kinds of ladies get inked. The lower-back tattoo has been an overly popular choice for ladies in the last few years. Girls chose designs ranging from the ultra feminine butterfly, or a dainty little flower, all the way to heavy Celtic knots and more. Every tattoo makes a statement; the lower-back tat says “I’m still following the crowd, just the alternative one.” There are a lot of things that cause a rift between the younger generation and the older one. Often the one doesn’t understand where the other is coming from. The clothes are different, the music has changed, but tattoos are a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap. <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/9989e83a-4ebe-43f8-99bd-dc55e95854b4/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9989e83a-4ebe-43f8-99bd-dc55e95854b4" style="border: medium none ; float: right;" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></div>

Generational Trends in Tattooing

Image by KayVee.INC via Flickr Time passes, and with it the fads and trends that accompany each decade revolve in and out of the background...

5:51 AM

How You Can Make Your Temporary Tattoos Look Real

You like the idea of getting a tattoo, but are not too sure you want one on your skin forever. You have tried the henna tattoos before, and so now you would like to try another non-permanent option. So, you have decided to try something that has been popular with kids for many years: you want to get a temporary tattoo. 
<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lower_leg_Tattoo.jpg"><img alt="Artistic tattoo on lower leg" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Lower_leg_Tattoo.jpg/300px-Lower_leg_Tattoo.jpg" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" width="300" /></a>Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lower_leg_Tattoo.jpg">Wikipedia</a> 
About Temporary Tattoos 
 
It used to be that temporary tattoos were things that you could get out of a vending machine at the grocery store. While this is still true, you can also now get temporary tattoos that really look as if they could be real. 
 
If you have never gotten a temporary tattoo before, they are very easy to apply. Sometimes temporary tattoos come in a sheet, while other times they come separately. Either way, cut the design so that is the only part of the tattoo that remains, with none of the sheet particles on it. 
 
The next thing you need to do is take off the plastic that is on the top of the tattoo. This is something that some people forget to do, and they move right on to the next step, thus ruining the tattoo. 
 
When the plastic has been removed, the next thing you need to do is place the tattoo on the area that you would like to have it be on. At this time, you should also have a wet sponge available. Once you have found a place for the temporary tattoo and placed it on the skin, take the wet sponge and wet the tattoo so that it is completely damp. 
 
Next, slowly slide the damp backing off, and the result should be a very realistic looking temporary tattoo! However, it should be noted that the less expensive the temporary tattoo, the more likely that it will quickly fade, so make sure you enjoy showing it off while it lasts! 
 
There are many benefits to having temporary tattoos as opposed to real ones. The most notable thing is that they are much easier to remove and are thus safer. Indeed, soap and water is much easier than lasers! 
 
For more information on temporary tattoos, all you need to do is search the internet. There are a variety of different websites that offer them for sale. They are relatively inexpensive, and they are, most of all, fun. You are sure to find the right temporary tattoo with the proper research. 
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How You Can Make Your Temporary Tattoos Look Real

You like the idea of getting a tattoo, but are not too sure you want one on your skin forever. You have tried the henna tattoos before, and ...

8:35 AM

Henna Tattooing

Are you thinking of getting inked, but not sure you’re ready for the commitment? Consider a henna tattoo. It’s the best way to avoid permanent ink with out looking like you whimped out. 
 
The tall shrub like henna plant grows in dry, arid climates. Much of the world’s henna supply comes from Egypt, Sudan and India, but it’s cultivated in some African and Middle Eastern countries as well. In Pakistan, the plant tends to be known as “Mendhi.” The plant is ground into powder and made into a paste that will temporarily stain the skin. 
 
Leaves are harvested from the plant just as the pink and cream-colored buds start to bloom. The flowers are can be used for perfume, and the leaves are hung to dry. It’s important to keep them out of direct light. Allowing them to air dry in semidarkness will preserve their skin-staining qualities. 
 
The paste consists of the powder and a substance usually referred to as a “developer.” Hot water is by far the most common developer. Some henna artists swear by additives such as lemon juice, various kinds of tea and certain essential oils 
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U5bHlTk6GYiwgdB0a5QkZmutMI3aN1fKdqjqoWrFL9AqjJPlSewSL0KOsjkz2zhF1vD7kgfFZ3hGNhsdR7G3v9OcnhU1Bod5U6lSYYVI5big0wLse7mwN0XDncQ653f0zEfKpjQIXpQ/s1600-h/the-art-of-tattoo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449254097068595250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U5bHlTk6GYiwgdB0a5QkZmutMI3aN1fKdqjqoWrFL9AqjJPlSewSL0KOsjkz2zhF1vD7kgfFZ3hGNhsdR7G3v9OcnhU1Bod5U6lSYYVI5big0wLse7mwN0XDncQ653f0zEfKpjQIXpQ/s320/the-art-of-tattoo.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a> 
Henna will start staining the skin upon the initial contact, as well as any soft surface it comes in contact with, so it’s important to protect the work area and make sure the paste goes exactly where you mean for it to. 
 
The paste should set on the skin for about two hours after design is fully applied. Carefully brush the dried paste off of the skin without rubbing. The design should be an orange color. Don’t panic. The color is not finished developing. It should keep evolving for the next 12 to 48 hours depending on skin type. 
 
It’s of utmost importance that the new tattoo doesn’t get wet in the first 12 hours. The water will automatically stop the color development. Aftercare of the fresh henna tattoo is very similar to that of a regular under skin ink tattoo. Avoid soaking in the bath, and use only mild soap. Be careful to keep it clean and make sure to pat the area dry rather than rubbing. 
 
The art of henna application is typically practiced by females, or at least there is very little documentation that proves otherwise. Henna tattoos are traditionally applied to the hands, including the fingernails, and the feet for ceremonies and celebrations such as weddings and festivals, especially religious ceremonies. 
 
The earliest documented use of henna as body art dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Mummies uncovered in archeological digs have revealed signs of henna use, not only on the hands and feet, but as a hair dye and possibly even a conditioner. There is evidence that pharaohs were often hennaed and that specifically hennaed hands may have been perceived as a status symbol among the ancients, signifying prosperity. In other parts of the world where henna application is popular, it’s used without respect to social or economic boundaries. Peasants are just as likely to be tattooed as royals. 
 
Henna crosses many diverse cultural boundaries, but application techniques have stayed pretty much the same. The artwork may vary depending on the formality of the event. Tattoos worn for every-day decoration won’t be as ordinate as those for special occasions. The popularity of various designs changes from one geographical region to the next. 
 
For example, the dominant style in Arabia is large, flowery design covering the palm, in addition to the back of the hand. This design tends to leave more unadorned skin showing than some alternative styles. Fine-lined, intricate paisley patterns are popular in northern India. These designs usually only cover the palm and leave very little skin uncovered. 
 
Henna is a permanent dye. It only fades because of the natural regeneration of the skin. The typically tattoo lasts about 10 to 15 days. The fading process is affected by the tattoos placement on the skin and the lifestyle of its wearer.

Henna Tattooing

Are you thinking of getting inked, but not sure you’re ready for the commitment? Consider a henna tattoo. It’s the best way to avoid permane...

8:27 AM

Health Risks in Tattooing

Of course it’s exciting, but getting a new tattoo is something to take very seriously. People get caught up in choosing the placement and design, which shouldn’t be underestimated, because it’s going to be on your body full time, everywhere you go, for the rest of your life. However, your first consideration should be the fact that you’re about to undergo a invasive procedure that is going to break your skin and insert a foreign substance. No matter how careful you are and how clean the shop is, things can still go wrong. In the tattooing process, a needle connected to tubes of dye pierces the skin repeatedly, inserting tiny ink droplets. The process causes a small amount of bleeding, and there may be redness and swelling of the area that should disappear in two or three weeks. This is an expected side effect of the tattooing process. However, several complications can result from tattooing: infection, removal problems, allergic reactions, granulomas, keloids and MRI complications. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K_5DNHeKQ3BpQFIt2sEsbrjgnOAMQvylTAWUx3q4_FURT8FVILS33lThVEgcU6-zRyb1adwWZGT6uIcDn1Ega4-HOmCGDGRo9iBBOv_KkBrMSc2Bl9XzF77q7O0yPQNxG11aCc8HNpA/s1600-h/tattoo-design-17.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449153263194892434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K_5DNHeKQ3BpQFIt2sEsbrjgnOAMQvylTAWUx3q4_FURT8FVILS33lThVEgcU6-zRyb1adwWZGT6uIcDn1Ega4-HOmCGDGRo9iBBOv_KkBrMSc2Bl9XzF77q7O0yPQNxG11aCc8HNpA/s320/tattoo-design-17.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" /></a> Tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases if not sterilized properly. It is extremely important that all tattooing equipment is clean and sterilized before use. Even if the needles have not been used, the most conscientious tattoo artist cannot thoroughly sterilize older tattoo guns. The design of older equipment makes full sterilization impossible, which can contaminate the needle. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract a number of diseases, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, tetanus, tuberculosis and HIV. In addition, you must care for the tattooed area properly during the first week to avoid bacterial infections. Redness, warmth, swelling and drainage are all common signs of an infection. Some skin infections resist antibiotics and can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections and necrotizing fasciitis. Allergic reactions to tattoos are relatively rare, but the concentrated tattoo pigments can cause a reaction. These can be very dangerous, because the damaging pigments are often hard to remove. Cadmium sulfide in some yellow tattoos can cause reactions when they are exposed to sunlight. Phototoxic reactions normally appear as swelling and redness around the tattoo site. This can also occur in red tattoos, because cadmium sulfide is added to brighten red tattoo pigment. Occasionally, people develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for many years. Red pigment is the main cause, but green and blue pigments can also cause late reactions. Granulomas are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment. Some pigment colors are more likely to cause granulomas than others; red, green, blue and purple pigment tattoos are most often associated with granulomatous reactions. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin, and tattooing is a form of trauma. However, keloids occur more frequently after tattoo removal for all but those most prone to keloid formation. Occasionally, tattoos can react poorly during other medical procedures. Some people have experienced swelling or burning around tattooed areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tattoos may also interfere with the quality of the image. This is most common when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes an MRI on their eyes. Although mascara produces a similar effect, it can be removed easily. Similarly, items related to tattooing often cause complications even when the tattoos themselves do not. Many tattoo artists use latex gloves, which can cause a reaction for those allergic to latex. Similarly, tattoos carry a risk of anaphylactic shock in those who are susceptible, but this reaction is very rare otherwise.

Health Risks in Tattooing

Of course it’s exciting, but getting a new tattoo is something to take very seriously. People get caught up in choosing the placement and de...

1:55 AM