Fun Facts about Tattoos ...

By: Lisa Washington

Whether you’re inked or not, I’ve gathered up some fun and interesting facts about tattoos that you might not know about! The world’s first tattoos are thought to have been used for a number of different reasons, such as cultural and medicinal ones, in addition to being used as a means to identify oneself. Nowadays, tattoos are really common and used as a way to express yourself, as a fashion statement and more. No matter what reason you decided to get a tattoo, check out these fun facts about tattoos!

1. Prickly Heat

A fact about tattoos that you might not have been aware of while you were getting yours done is that the tattoo machine punctured your skin anywhere from 50-3,000 times per minute! One solid needle is pricking your skin while depositing an insoluble ink in your skin with every perforation. It sounds painful and I’m sure it all depends on where you’re getting it done but I’ve been told it’s a relaxing experience to some!

2. Optical Illusion

This next tattoo fact tells us that when we look at a person’s tattoo, it appears as if it’s on the outermost layer of skin or the epidermis. Looks can be deceiving because the ink is actually in the dermis or second layer of skin. You would never think the tattoo is underneath a layer of skin because the colors are so vibrant but this is also the same reason why tattoos are so hard to remove.

3. Time Machine

Ready for some tattoo trivia? The tattoo machines used today were invented in what year and remain rather unchanged for the most part? Give up? The first tattoo machine was invented in the late 1800s by Samuel O’Reilly and was based on an engraving machine by Thomas Edison. You can be pretty confident in the machinery if it’s lasted the test of time!

4. Tattoos Aren’t Created Equal

Even though pain is nothing fun, this list of tattoo facts wouldn’t be complete without mentioning pain. If you have a tattoo that was pretty pain-free and you’re itching to get another, there are some things to keep in mind before you commit. The skill of the tattoo artist and location of the tattoo both make huge differences in the level of pain you will feel. So when you're planning your next piece of body art, the most important thing is to find a good tattoo artist. Find one by recommendations, watching them work and looking at their portfolio!

5. Get Cheesy

Another one of the facts about tattoos you might want to remember is that a tat can be your key to discounted food! The next time you’re in the Ohio area, look for one of the four Melt Bar & Grilled locations and get a tattoo with the Melt logo for 25% off any purchase for life! Melt specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sammies, so if you’re serious about getting your grilled cheese fixes and you don’t mind bearing a logo on ya, go for it!

6. Secret Messages

A really cool fact about tattoos is that they were once used to transport secret messages across enemy lines during times of war. Histiaeus of Miletus was being held against his will, so he shaved a slave’s head and tattooed it with a secret message telling his son-in-law Aristagorus to start a rebellion. I doubt that even today anyone would think to shave someone’s head and tattoo a top secret memo there! Now that’s thinking outside the box!

7. Think before You Ink

The last fact about tattoos is about tattoo removal. Removing a tattoo can cost much more than getting the tattoo itself, so make sure it’s something you can live with. In addition to having to shell out money, removing a tattoo takes time. Since you’ll go through multiple sessions of laser treatment, which are usually short but must be done over a period of time, it’s no easy fix and can be quite painful. Make sure you think long and hard before you tattoo your lover’s name or even a grilled cheese sandwich on yourself!

Were you aware of any of these facts about tattoos? Tattoos can make you feel sexy, confident and help you to express your individuality, so I can see why everyone loves them! It’s really cool that something that originated so long ago is still practiced today. Do you have tattoos or are planning to get one? What do you love about tattoos?

 

8 Things to Consider About Tattoos ...

By: Jennifer Knightstep

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, you’re probably concerned about the design right now, and where exactly it ought to go… on your ankle? Your wrist? How much will it hurt? And, heaven forbid, what if you change your mind later? As someone with a few tattoos, and even some experience in having them removed, I can help answer some of your questions! Here are 7 things to consider about tattoos…

1. They’re pretty permanent

While laser tattoo removal is possible, it’s expensive, painful, and it may not work on all tattoos. Colored inks, like blues and yellows, are very difficult to remove, so if you’re considering a tattoo with those colors, make 100% certain you want it, exactly, because there’s no turning back once it’s done! In fact, some die-hard tattoo artists wont’ even hear talk of removal of one of their pieces of art, so again, be sure it’s what you want!

read:  Tattoo Do's and Don'ts

2. They’re painful

Regardless of what you may have heard, there is some pain involved in getting a tattoo. Some artists will only use the needle for brief bursts, pausing til the pain subsides a bit. Others feel the pain is so minimal, and is just a part of the art, that they prefer to press on and do it all at once. Ask ahead of time what to expect, and choose an artist that will help you cope with the pain, no matter what your threshold is.

3. They will spread

Over time, even the very best tattoos will spread, meaning those crisp lines will move a little, making them look smudged and making text hard to read. If you’re going for an intricate tattoo, plan on having it retouched every few years, and note that tattoos that aren’t shaded tend to “bleed” a little less.

4. There’s no FDA regs on ink

Most things that go into our bodies are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but did you know that tattoo inks are not? They can contain all sorts of nasty, harmful chemicals, and artists and studios are pretty much able to choose to use whatever inks they want. Do a little research ahead of time to be sure you’re getting a reputable artists who uses ink that’s non-toxic and high-quality.

5. You don’t have to be 18

If you have a parent or guardian who’s willing to sign a waiver, you don’t have to be 18 to get a tattoo. Your parent must be prepared to show proof that they are indeed your parent, and chances are, they’ll have to stay with you while the tattoo is being done.

6. You get what you pay for

Like most anything else worth having, you’ll get as good of a tattoo as you pay for. If you won’t go to a cheap hair stylist or wear cheap make-up, why would you try to get a cut-rate tattoo? It’s much more permanent than make-up or hair, so be prepared to spend a little more to get a good-quality tattoo.

7. Having them removed is expensive and painful

I know I mentioned this before, but I have to say it again: getting a tattoo removed in expensive, and it really hurts! An example: my original arm-band tattoo cost $280, a simple design with a little shading and no colors. So far, I’ve spent $600 to have it removed… and I’m going to spend another $1800 at least. And the creams, like Wrecking Balm, don’t really work, so don’t bother with those, either. So be sure you’re absolutely certain you want that tattoo!

8. Tattoo wedding bands are trendy, but…

A friend of mine, a tattoo artist, told me that there’s a new trend in wedding bands — using tattoos on your ring finger instead of a metal band. This seems like a sweet idea, until you realize that since more than half of all marriages end in divorce, most within the first 5 years, you might want to opt for the metal band, at least until your ten year anniversary! Also, note that having a tattoo on your finger removed is so painful, because there’s not a lot of flesh there… ouch!

you may likes:  Best Wedding Band Tattoos

I hope this answers a few of the questions you might have about tattoos! I know it sounds like I’m against them, but I’m really not! I have one on my wrist that I love. I just want to make it clear that they’re terribly permanent, so you really need to make sure you’re getting a tattoo you know you’ll love forever! Do you have any other bits of advice to share about tattoos, or any other questions? Please let me know!

Ask Yourself Before Getting a Tattoo ...

By: Jelena Jovanovic

A tattoo can be a wonderful decoration, a material form of some of your most precious memories or a stupid childish decision you beat yourself up about every day. It all depends on how much time, energy and rational thinking you’ve invested in the whole process. Well, at least that’s how I see it. Now, since I’m a Libra, a.k.a the one who thinks three times before doing anything, I believe any action that will affect your later life deserves to be thought through. And here are some questions I felt the need to ask myself and think you should too:

1. Is this the ideal place for it?

Once you get it done, there’s no turning back, so think about the area of your skin you want to cover in ink. Try getting a henna tattoo first and see how it feels having that image on that particular place. If you still like it, go for it. I, for example, wanted to get a tattoo very much but none of the possible body parts seemed like the one I’d want to get permanently inked. I was contemplating it for months, did numerous henna tattoos and although each and every one of them looked cool, I somehow knew I wouldn’t feel comfortable with the real deal. [ read: Fun Facts about Tattoos ... ]

2. Will I like it in 5 to 10 years?

Colors fade over the years, lines kind of stretch too and, as our bodies change, so does everything on them, including the tattoos. So, before you finally schedule your inking, do try to imagine that same tattoo ten or fifteen years from now. Sure, your belly looks perfect now, but what’s going to happen when you decide to have kids? Just something to think about…

3. Did I choose the right image?

Are you about to do a popular tribal symbol or something that has a deeper meaning for you? That’s really something you want to think long and hard about, because I’ve met a lot of people who got a tattoo just because it “looks cool” and deeply regretted it later. It's better to get something meaningful, so just be sure before making it permanent.

4. Did I choose the best tattoo artist?

The tattoo artist is the most important person in the whole story because he’s supposed to turn your idea into a reality. That, of course, means you won’t walk into the first tattoo studio you see, but you'll instead research a little bit and check out more than just one man and his works. If you already have a finished image, the process is much easier because all you’ll have to do is find somebody that can copy that onto your skin exactly the way you want it. However, if the image you want to see on yourself is nothing more than a blurry collection of ideas, you’ll definitely need somebody who’s ready to listen, pitch in and help turn those ideas into a visible, tangible image you’ll want to have on your body forever and ever.

5. Will it interfere with my career/job opportunities?

Be careful of where you place those tattoos because they might prove to be a bad career move. This goes for both guys and girls – we all know employers are not very keen to take on employees whose appearance may seem too unprofessional for the corporate world. A tattoo is your private little decoration anyway, so there is no need to put it on your face or anywhere where the chances of “hiding” it are very slim.

6. What if I don’t like it?

What are you going to do if you decide you don’t like your tattoo? It’s not a skirt you can return and get your money back so there are only two possible scenarios: you’ll either get one of those special, expensive cover-up foundations or go and get it removed. I’m not trying to scare any of you, I’m merely pointing out the fact that not considering this option doesn’t make it disappear. [ read: 8 Things to Consider About Tattoos ... ]

7. Am I doing it for myself or somebody else?

Can I be brutally honest? Don’t be silly enough to actually tattoo your boyfriend’s or husband’s name! You never know what the future holds and if you don’t believe me, take a look at celebrities. Those people are beautiful, rich and 90% of our normal, everyday problems don’t exist in their lives. And yet, they fight, cheat, break up or get divorced. Get a tattoo of something that has more to do with you – your wedding date, for example isn’t such a bad idea because that’s something you’ll always find worthy of remembering. Your tattoo must be entirely your decision and must involve something you are very passionate about. Yes, I love my fiancé too, but I wouldn't willingly brand myself with his name. I’m not his property and he is not mine.

I, for example, still feel the need to get a tattoo sometimes, and every time that happens I keep going through this list of questions trying to be fair and give honest answers. That still doesn’t mean I won’t get a tattoo at all, I’m just waiting until my list of answers has more pros than cons. Do you think that’s the right way to approach this matter?

Shaving Over a New Tattoo

By: Karen L. Hudson

When is it Safe to Shave Again?

If you've got a new tattoo, especially if you are a woman, the question is going to come up as to when it's safe to shave again. Of course, guys might need to know, too, depending on where they got the tattoo and where they usually shave.

When you get a tattoo, the area will be completely shaved before it's applied, so at least you're starting off with smooth skin. After a couple days of stubble and bristly skin, the urge to shave can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, at this point, shaving is about as brutal on your tattoo as a weedwacker. The wound is still fresh, and especially if you have any scabbing or raised areas, you run the risk of damaging your artwork by running a razor across it. Chemical hair removers are just as bad if not worse - you never want to put anything like that on a fresh tattoo.

Of course, you can shave the area around the tattoo. Be sure any and all creams, gels and/or hair follicles are cleaned away from the tattoo immediately afterward, and then apply your ointment or lotion as directed by your artist.

So, when is it safe to shave again? Your tattoo will go through several different stages, one of the last being the peeling stage. Once the peeling has finished, your skin will start to regenerate and produce a new protective layer over your tattoo. Once this new layer has appeared, it is usually safe to shave again. Depending on your tattoo and your own body's ability to heal, this can take anywhere from 5-10 days in most cases. Do this simple little skin test to see if it would be safe for you to shave:

Close your eyes and run the tips of your fingers across and around your tattoo. Are there any bumps? Raised areas? Hard scabs? The tattoo should feel the same as the skin around it - if you can tell where the tattoo begins and ends or feel any skin irregularities, you might need to wait a little longer.

Sometimes a tattoo can remain raised slightly for as long as a couple months. This can be very frustrating and itchy to the wearer. In this case, if the tattoo is completely healed with no open sores or scabs, an electric razor is you best option. Even a chemical hair remover would be better than a blade, but be sure to leave it on for the minimum time required to remove the unwanted hair. If you must use a blade razor, exercise extreme caution. Your tattoo is so close to being successfully healed - the last thing you want to do now is open it up.

Once a tattoo is completely healed, you can shave just like normal without worry.

 

Should you Tip your Tattoo or Piercing Artist?

By: Karen L. Hudson

To Tip or Not to Tip

If you go to a restaurant, you will more than likely tip your waiter or waitress for good service. You'll tip a bartender, a cab driver, maybe even a delivery person. Have you ever thought, though, of tipping your tattoo artist or piercer? Do they expect a tip? If you do tip, what should it be or how much?

Gratuity for a tattoo or piercing can't really be determined by the percentage rating most use for tipping a restaurant server. Even ten percent of a $200.00 tattoo would be a very substantial amount just to give as a tip. A tip, instead of a percentage, should be based on (1)how much you can afford and (2)how much you feel it is worth. A $5.00 tip would certainly be accepted more graciously than nothing at all.

• "To tip an artist...shows that you thought the artwork you just received was well worth what I    charged and you were happy enough to add a little. It's not requested and it's not required...The words, 'That's kick ass!' mean alot more to me than any tip." - Biscuit, Firehouse Tattoo

It should be noted, though, that it is not necessary, expected or required for you to tip at all. Professionals in this field realize that most people have been saving for quite some time just to get a tattoo or piercing and might not have anything left afterward. What means more to them than a cash tip? Appreciation! When you look at the finished product, thank the artist. Tell them it looks great! Let them know you are happy with the work they did. (Only if this is true, of course!) Tattoo and piercing artists put their heart and soul into what they do - it can be very disappointing to them when a customer looks at it and says, "Eh. It's Okay". If you're really happy with a job well done, let them know it.

Sometimes, a tip doesn't even have to be monetary. If you know your artist well, you can even give them some kind of gift you think they would enjoy. Again, it all comes down to showing appreciation for the work you received. Artists have been given a wide variety of "tips" from t-shirts to sculpture. If you have a specialty in some field yourself, such as car repair, you can even offer a discount or free service of some kind.

Use your imagination - a tip doesn't have to cost you anything at all. If you're really happy with the service you have received, referring your friends to your artist and giving them repeat business can be the best tip of all. Some customers will display the studio's bumper stickers on their cars or hand out their business cards.

• "I think one of the best tips that people can give a shop or an artist that they really like is repeat business or recommending them to friends, family, etc. I have given no completely unusual tip other than [the fact that] I am an avid baker, so I always bring cookies or other goodies when I get pierced or tattooed." - Lilly Blossom, Enthusiast

To sum it all up, you don't have to tip but it is greatly appreciated. You don't have to give a monetary gratuity - a handshake, a "thank you" and your referrals can be worth much more than money. If you want to give cash and you can afford it, your artist certainly won't turn it away. Any way you show your artist you really appreciate the work they did will be a great tip.

Tattoos - How Much Do They Really Hurt?

The question has been posed time and time again, and I never seem to read a satisfying answer - How much does getting a tattoo hurt? Professional tattooists and long-time collectors sometimes tend to forget what it was like to be on the other side of the chair for the first time. Although there is no way for me to tell each individual what it will feel like for them, I will do my best to offer some encouragement.

Comparisons

It's true that everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a "hot scratch". Some have said it was "annoying". Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. But there is a little more than pain alone to consider when getting a tattoo. [ read: 7 most painful places to get a tattoo ... ]

Fainting and Tears

You may have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain. First of all, people pass out because their blood sugar drops from not eating or they just allow themselves to get too worked up and their own fear knocks them out. Pain is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo. As far as crying goes, there are some that find the pain too much to bear. These people are few and far between - don't assume you're going to be one of them. I shed a couple tears myself once - after an eight-hour session that was pure torture during the last two from all the stress on my body. More than likely, you are not going to be sitting down to an 8 hour tattooing session! So don't give in to the horror stories - we moms love to share labor and birth horror stories, but that doesn't stop girls from having babies!

Fear of Needles or Blood

If you have a fear of needles or blood, getting a tattoo isn't going to be easy. However, I would like to point out that tattoo needles do not enter the skin very far as many fear - actually, it only goes in about 1/16 of an inch. Take a look at a ruler and you'll see just how insignificant that is. Another thing you can do is get your tattoo somewhere on your body where you will not be able to watch the work going on. This helps some to overcome the apprehension, by not actually seeing the needle.

The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don't bleed at all - or very little. The tattoo artist will also be constantly wiping up your skin to clean off any traces of blood, so it's done in a very clean and professional manner. Excessive bleeding usually only results when the patron has been drinking alcohol or taking some kind of blood thinner (like aspirin).

I do not consider myself real tolerant of pain. But certain things hurt more than others. I can endure childbirth much better than I can deal with a toothache. I think the end result and the reason you are experiencing the pain can affect how much it hurts. Getting a tattoo is one that I consider worth the discomfort because of the outcome. I know that I'm going to have this beautiful piece of artwork on me that I can be proud of when it's all said and done.

You're Not Alone

Another thing to consider is the fact that nearly everyone is nervous when they go to get a tattoo. I don't care how many you already have, there is always a feeling of apprehension when you sit in the chair. This is your body's natural defense - endorphins. Your own endorphins will kick in and help to ease any pain or discomfort you are about to deal with. The first 60 seconds is usually the worst, and then when you realize it's just not that bad, you calm down and the rest is smooth sailing.

Learn As Much As You Can

And the number one thing that I find helps me to deal with any situation of feeling anxious is being 100% educated and informed about what I'm getting into. When I wanted to get my first tattoo, I did so much research about the whole process and exactly what to expect that I fell in love with the art. When I finally made the decision to get my first tattoo, I knew exactly what to expect and was not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be.

If you truly want a tattoo, and you take the time to be educated about the process and how to choose the right artist that you can have complete confidence in, I promise you that you will not run out the door screaming due to the pain. You will walk out of that studio with a smile on your face, and your permanent "rite of passage" that is well deserved for overcoming your obstacle of fear.