Although tattooing has enjoyed quite a recent revival, the art of putting ink to body is an ancient tradition. In over 4000 years, tattooing has slipped in and out of style but never totally disappeared. During some time periods, only church leaders or royal family members were allowed tattoos. At other times, tattoos became symbols of social deviance and a way of artistically flipping the bird at those who considered such practices to be crass.
In the United States, tattooing became popular during the Civil War. In 1846, Martin Hildenbrandt, a German immigrant, opened a tattoo shop in Boston, establishing himself as the first professional tattooist in the New World.
Hildebrandt crossed back and forth between the Grant/Lee battle lines to do body art for soldiers of the Union and the Confederacy. “He could tattoo the emblems of both sides and did a roaring trade,” noted George Burchett in his 1958 “Memoirs of a Tattooist.” Needless to say, Hildebrandt was one of the few individuals able to cross battle lines with little to no grief.
Tattoos have continued to be popular with military members. Many sailors returned from duty especially following World War II sporting body art. Most dock cities had tattoo parlours which catered to military members who often had “Lady Luck,” the American Eagle or some art piece reflecting their branch or unit etched on a shoulder or forearm.
Since dock areas and portions of town often frequented by military members on leave tend to appeal to a rather randy crowd and often a high percentage of social deviants and criminals, tattoos became associated with the criminal community. Carnival workers also found body art appealing, so that further made tattooing a social taboo in more conservative circles for a period of time.
The recent upsurge in tattooing kicked off in the 1960s with bikers, swingers, and flower children and is enjoying a rebirth currently especially with the college crowd, professional athletes, and in the African-American community. Current estimates are that one in seven individuals or about 43 million North Americans have one or more tattoos, and the numbers of continuing to grow.
Today, many stars from various high profile fields sport tattoos. Drew Barrymore, Kelly Osbourne (and dad Ozzy), Johnny Depp, Eminem, Pamela Anderson, Cher, Roseanne Barr, Dennis Rodman, Allen Iverson, and Julius Peppers are all inked to various degrees.
Tattoo Process
Tattooing processes have varied over the centuries, and new techniques are frequently introduced.
Early tattoo artists often rubbed ink into scratched skin while some pricked ink through skin layers with sharpened bones. Other artists made skin punctures and used colored thread to push color into the deeper layers. Even today, some basement or jailhouse tattooists simply push pen ink through the skin to create low tech etchings or words.
Current tattoo artists typically rely on electric machines that use a sterilized needle attached to an ink tube to create body art. The needle moves in and out pushing the ink about 1/8 of an inch into the skin. The tattoo pattern is embedded in the deeper dermal layer, since the uppermost layer of skin (epidermis) sheds and would not hold a permanent pattern.
Some artists rub on a pattern before tattooing and basically follow the lines while others freehand. If a rub on is used, it usually takes two or three days to disappear completely.
Thinking About a Tattoo
Tattoos are forever (or at least costly and painful to have removed), so do not guzzle a few cold ones and get a tattoo on a whim or a dare.
Frankly, most quality tattoo parlours will not tattoo patrons obviously inebriated or drugged up. Other artists will sit down and discuss the process and suggest scheduling an appointment for a later date to give some time for decision making.
If you really hate your tattoo, that won’t be good for business. The tattoo artist should make an effort to ensure that you’ll be happy with your decision to go under the ink gun.
In some cases, tattooing is not recommended. If you are prone to getting keloids which is an overgrowth of scar tissue when injured, then getting a tattoo is just asking for trouble. Likewise, individuals with compromised immune systems (AIDS, MS, lupus patients to name a few), heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, or are pregnant, check with a doctor before considering getting tattooed.
It’s also important to be up-to-date on immunizations before getting a tattoo. Check your shot records and be sure that both hepatitis and tetanus shots are current.
Selecting Your Tattoo Artist
You probably would not go out and buy a car at the first lot you happen across when driving down the highway, and you shouldn’t pick your tattoo parlour randomly. After all, you’ll likely only drive your car a few years. You’ll likely wear your tattoo for life.
Talk to friends with tattoos and get feedback about local artists and processes. Most folks are glad to discuss their overall experience as well as share stories about the tattoo and why the person decided to get one and what it means.
Another good way to find an artist who will provide the type of art you have in mind is to visit places where lots of people have tattoos. A gas station selling convenience items and serving fast food near a blue collar factory will often be filled with guys with tattoos during shift changes. Casually check out the various tattoos. If you see one that you think is really great, mention that you like the tattoo and ask where the art was done. If you ask several people with good tattoos, you’ll quickly begin hearing a tattoo artist name mentioned over and over.
Once you decide on an artist or two based on a little research, visit the parlour(s) you’re considering. Look around. Ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable, or if the artist is not forthcoming with basic information, then continue looking. A real professional will be glad to share information and will be glad to explain the process including the safety procedures which should be in place.
Think about the Tattoo Pattern
Think carefully about the pattern you will have etched on your body. While it might seem romantic to put your boyfriend or girlfriend’s name on your body, remember that relationships can be here today and gone tomorrow. Even marriages run only about 50% on success rates, so avoid inking a name that may bring tears rather than smiles down the line. Also, remember that certain cool patterns today may be all too common tomorrow when half the students at your school select the same flash, and some selections may just look plain silly as you get older.
Tattoo parlours typically have flash available. These are patterns that are available. They may be included in a book or displayed on the wall or a combination. Most artists will also design personalized patterns. You either describe what you have in mind or bring in a picture that you would like to see etched on your body.
Consider the Body Location
Though tattoos are more widely accepted today, many older or more conservative employers may rule you out if you’re sporting a wizard on your ankle that can’t really be concealed with flesh colored panty hose. The band-aid fix simply calls more attention to the etching and will not likely win you any brownie points. It’s a shame to be considered a bad business risk simply because you opted for body art, but that can be how things shake out.
Also be aware that all branches of the military have policies on tattoos. You can be turned down for service based on a tattoo that does not meet standards. This includes tattoos that can be covered by uniforms. If you are interested in joining the military or if you are enlisted, then be sure to check out the regs before getting a tattoo. In some cases, you can have the tattoo removed and meet requirements, but removal costs will be out of your own pocket.
Most people are happiest with tattoos that are in more private areas that can be displayed or not as desired. Quite popular now with females are tattoos on the lower back that can be glimpsed when wearing low riders. Breast or cleavage tattoos are also generally enjoyed by girls. They may be seen when wearing bathing suits or when being intimate but can usually be covered for more formal occasions. Guys often get tattoos on the upper arm. These can usually be covered by either a long of short sleeved dress shirt but can be glimpsed in a t-shirt or fully in view with a muscle shirt.
Going Under the Tattoo Gun
Getting a tattoo can be painful. You are, after all, having ink injected under the skin with a needle. Some liken the experience to getting a series of medical shots or being stung repeatedly by a bee while others say it’s more like a light pinching sensation. The pain experienced depends heavily on personal pain levels and also on where on the body the tattoo is being placed.
If you freak out when giving blood or when you get a paper cut, then expect to find the tattooing experience pretty painful. You probably do not want to select a large or detailed pattern. Go with something simple and remember that the pain does not last long. If you slam your finger with a hammer and shake it off or if you gave birth and didn’t think it was all that bad, then you’ll find tattooing pain pretty minimal. Most folks find the pain pretty bearable, and many go back for more tattoos after the first.
As a rule, men find the least painful areas to be tattooed are the arm, back, or behind while women rate the thigh, shoulder, and behind as the most easily tolerated. The spine is a painful spot for both men and women, while women also have problems with the ankle and ribcage. Men note that the abdomen and chest are less tolerable areas for tattoos when it comes to pain levels. The less fat cushion, the more likely the spot will be higher in terms of pain.
After Getting a Tattoo
Remember that a tattoo is an open wound and treat it as such. In many cases, the tattoo will look pink or reddish where blood has leaked out during the process. You are dealing with an injury even though it’s one you selected and should be committed to dealing with.
Here are some care tips:
Wash the area with a mild antibacterial soap and use a soft towel to blot the area. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide even if you typically use these products for other skin injuries. These products dry out the tattoo and can decrease the quality of the end tattoo.
Dab an antibacterial ointment on the tattooed area. Petroleum jelly is too sticky and locks in moisture so that the area can’t breath.
Vitamin E is a good choice if you prefer herbals over medical products. You can buy oils or buy capsules and break them open and rub the liquid on the tattoo.
Be gentle when cleaning and dressing the tattoo. Do not pick at the area and do not peel of scabs. Give the area time to heal. Nature does a good job in this process.
If the tattoo area begins to swell or look red, try an ice pack. If the problem continues, see a medical doctor. You may have an infection.
Tattoo Maintenance
During the first week or so, stay away from hot or chlorinated water. This means that you don’t want to hop in the hot tub or swim in a pool right after being tattooed.
Avoid the sun for the first couple of weeks with a tattoo or simply make sure the area is covered and not exposed to sunlight. After the site is healed, the tattoo can tolerate some sun, but it’s a good idea to use sunscreen. The sun can fade the tattoo.
Possible Problems with Tattoos
Infections – If you are not vigilant in the care of the tattoo area (and sometimes even if you are), you may experience an infection. You do need to see a doctor. He or she may offer ointments or prescribe a series of antibiotics.
Allergic Reactions – Though it’s unusal for patients to react to pigments in the tattoo ink, this can occur. As more colors are added with different pigment components, chances for reactions increase. It’s also possible to develop allergies to tattoos after many years, so if the tattooed area is looking or feeling odd, visit a doctor.
Granulomas – If you see raised knots around the tattoo, then you may be developing granulomas. These are unsightly nodules but can be removed. Some ear piercings also develop the same type of knots. Fortunately, these conditions are rather rare.
Tattoo Removal
Though most people get a tattoo thinking that they will be forever happy with the body art, that is not the case. Estimates are that approximately half of all tattoos will be reworked or removed at some point.
Reworking a tattoo is easier and much less expensive than having one removed. If you put a name on your arm or selected a pattern that not longer suits, you may have the patterned covered and redesigned to give a different look.
Tattoo removal is costly and rather painful. It often takes several sessions to totally remove a tattoo, and most removals leave some level of scaring. Removal techniques are improving, but the costs are going up. Expect to pay at least $1000 to have a typical tattoo removed.