Tattoo Removal

Writen by David Z

When you are unhappy with a poor quality or totally inappropriate tattoo, tattoo can often be removed.

You would certainly never want to put yourself into a position where you are faced with the desire or necessity of considering removing your tattoo. It is best to consider your tattoo permanent.

Removal is not a very pleasant or economical option, but if you made a mistake and have a tattoo that you would like to get removed, ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist. Visit a dermatologist to assess your options.

Laser tattoo removal is often successfully at completely removing a tattoo without much scarring. A laser removes tattoos from the skin by rapidly pulsing a specific wavelength of light onto the area. These wavelengths pass through the top layers of skin and are absorbed by the cells that hold the tattoo pigments. Because the light is flashing so quickly, it breaks up these pigment-filled cells, which are flushed out naturally by your body. Laser tattoo removal is a costly and lengthy procedure.

Another option is to have your tattoo covered. Covering techniques are quite advanced, a good tattooist can cover your tattoo with a first-class work of art. The only limitation with covering is that a tattoo can only be covered with a darker color.

http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ - simply the best place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments, etc

Female Tattoos - What Women Want!

Writen by Declan O Reilly

Women are increasingly opting for large tattoos. ‘New school’ hearts, stars, roses and tribal tattoo designs on the lower back are increasingly being asked for by females. Women are definitely becoming more experimental in the shapes and sizes of their designs.

Stereotypes and the stigma associated with tattoos prevented women from feeling confident with a tattoo up until even a decade ago. They don’t want to be told what they can and cannot do. 40 or 50 years ago 10 percent of people with tattoos were women. Now it’s close to 65 percent.

A lot of tattooists report that when musicians, especially hip-hop artists get tattoos, there is usually an influx of clients wanting that particular tattoo.The popularity of lower back and stomach placement of tattoos suggests that most women still don’t want their tattoos to be too noticeable and also a desire for a more sexual placement of the tattoo.

See Erotic Tattoos and Hip Hop and Rapper Tattoos for further reading.

When it comes down to it, its what makes you feel good. Its going to be around for quite a while so you may as well choose a tattoo that has lasting appeal. There are so many good tattoo designs and custom pieces a tattoo artists can do nowadays so don’t be tempted to get some cartoon character such as Betty Boop ‘off the wall’ which will date really fast and end up looking tacky.

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Let Tattooing Be A Personal Fashion Statement, And A Chance To Establish Your Individuality

Writen by Lopa Bhattacharya

So you’ve finally decided to join the counter-culture and get yourself a wicked-looking tat on the likes of Angelina Jolie, Justin Timberlake, Sean Connery, Michael Jordon, or our own Desi handsome hunks, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt? Read on!

Some years back, the magic of signature henna treatments along with seductive body marking /body piercing used to be adored by brides at celebrity weddings. However, of late, the elite/upmarket Indian males are getting branded by tattoos/scarifications/body piercing on each and every part of their bodies, from the face to the genitalia. Such practices, which today are the latest fashion fads of the gen-Y, were an integral part of a deeply symbolic, centuries-old tradition around the world among tribal communities. Interest in tattooing and body piercing has surged during the past ten years, spawning a new aesthetic of personal appearance for umpteen young people.

Blame it on the movies, the showbiz world, the photographic shoots, or the global fashion/ramp shows, body marking with tattoos are “in”. Indeed, a lot of it has already been featured in the media. Everybody seems to be talking about how celebrity henna/tattooing/body piercing artists are touring the globe and making their marks in the movies and popular culture and how they are creating stunning body tattoo designs with a unique smoothness and texture to adorn male skins.

Starting from skulls and crossbones to more effeminate dolphins and intricate geometrical patterns, men are getting all at upmarket tattoo parlors as well as at expensive sessions with celebrity tattoo artists in India and abroad. Gone are the days when body marking with tattoos was considered a pseudo-art for freaks and soldiers. In recent years tattooing has emerged to the forefront of popular consciousness. Today a tattoo ‘flash’ is a folder of tattoo-artwork by tattoo artists, with styles ranging from the traditional and vernacular to the sacred and innovative.

In India, this explosion of body art may not have reached such heights of craze like in America, where it has been found to be an ever-growing obsession with kids and teens, fashion-freak males and even baby boomers. (Researches have revealed that in three percent of American households today, at least one of their members has one or more tattoos, which means at least twelve million Americans have one tattoo). Nevertheless, body markings with Disney, Spiderman, Princess, Celtic Arm bands, Mascots and more have been common practices among teenager guys, college-goers as well as with the fashion-conscious “metro-man” aspiring for a cult stature among peers and pals.

In the ancient, Celtic times, Polynesian culture, tattooing used to signify one’s ancestors, family, or something else equally as personal. On the hand, today’s tattoo artists reflect the depth and potential of body marking, keeping in tandem with contemporary imagination. While in the pre-historic times, Neolithic times and so on, body marking with tattoos was considered only among the royals to signify vigor and virility, today’s tattoo artists can create the stunning magic of tattooing on anyone by injecting specially created color pigments into the skin. For this, they use a solid, round-tip needle attached to a motorized instrument that holds up to 14 needles attached to the pigments.

Ignoring the potential complications of such body marking (starting from gangrene, syphilis and hepatitis B to HIV), men in increasing numbers are flocking to amateur artists, do-it-yourselfers, and informal tattooers, (known as “scratchers”) to have their arms, backs, chests or legs tattooed. However, while you gravitate towards body marking with tattoos, body piercing and scarifications, considering these hip and cool, make sure to have these done by professionals who follow health and safety guidelines that prevent the spread of these diseases. Professional tattoo artists charge more because they use electrically powered, vertical, vibrating instruments to inject the tattoo pigment, while maintaining safety and sterility precautions. So, whether you are serious about the resurrection of such ritualistic body marking that spans a broad spectrum of our history, or you just want to do it for the heck of it, the bottomline is: Do it safely!

Lopa Bhattacharya is a content writer/developer for overseas/Indian corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials. Have worked on SEO copywriting projects on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Does freelance writing assignments for the print and web media featuring women, children, health, literature, art, and media.

Chinese Tattoos - Meaning of Chinese Dragon Tattoos

Writen by Declan O Reilly

Chinese Tattoos have always been hugely popular. At one stage they were the realm of criminals and the mafia. Now it seems even Hollywood celebrities seem to have caught on to the mystery and allure of the Far East. While it is undeniable that classic Chinese tattoos have an attraction which can easily be appreciated regardless of whether one can understand the often subtle meanings or not.

Aesthetics should be the primary consideration when getting tattooed, and Chinese characters are very well suited to this purpose. While tattoos have always been conversation pieces, Chinese tattoos add another element, since the typical viewer will probably ask you the meaning, which allows the wearer to not only translate the characters, but to explain the story behind the decision to make such a lasting statement.

Meaning is an important question however and for this reason can make Chinese tattoos date very quickly. Often it is not quite what the wearer was told by the tattooist at the tattoo shop or the meaning can become irrelevant after a few years.

Hopefully the person being tattooed has done his or her research and consulted with a native Chinese speaker about the meaning before being inked. Some non Chinese speakers have unwittingly tattooed their bodies with Chinese symbols which when translated become meaningless.

The most common Chinese tattoos are ones that are supposed to represent ideas and qualities like love or strength. Keep in mind that the concepts are aimed at English speakers, and on that level “peace, love and happiness” are easily understandable.

But before you run off to the studio to get one done you should do your research. Selecting a Chinese tattoos deserves careful study and attention. It should have less to do with style and more to do with your character, work, and values. It’s permanent, so it’s a pretty important decision in your life. In the end, it is important to choose something of lasting appeal not something faddish.

Chinese Dragons

For centuries, the Chinese dragon has been a symbol of power and mystery. Depicted in countless legends, both Eastern and Western, the dragon has provoked man to fear and worship it. In medieval Europe, it was a bloodthirsty, fire-breathing figure. Its malevolence and ferociousness struck terror in all. However, in Asia, it is the contrary. The mighty dragon is a mythical beast long celebrated for its benevolence, intelligence and good will. The Chinese dragon has been a common symbol of identity for Far Eastern cultures.

In fact, Chinese people all over the world are affectionately known as “lung de chuan ren”, or the “descendants of the dragon”. There are several distinct species of Chinese dragons. The Horned Dragon is considered to be the mightiest. The Celestial Dragon supports the heavens and protects the Gods. The Earth Dragon rules all of the earth. The Spiritual Dragon controls the wind and rain. The Treasure Dragon is the keeper of precious metals and gems. The Winged Dragon is the only dragon with wings. The Coiling Dragon dwells in the ocean. The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge.

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Get Yourself Marked - Get Tattooed!

Writen by Michael Douglas

Tattooing has been around for centuries. No longer restricted to travelling performers, rough-n-tumble sailors and burly bikers, many in today’s hip brigade are heading to the nearest tattoo artist to get themselves marked, as a sign of self-expression.

Tattoo is probably the most popular form of body adornment in America today. Current estimates have one in seven, or well over 43 million people in North America alone, who have one or more tattoos.

How painful is the entire process?

Pain is an interesting side effect of getting a tattoo. Some people don’t mind the pain so much. For others, they want the art very badly, but wish they could get it without the pain. Whatever group you fall into, know that tattoos do hurt. But it hurts less than a tooth extraction or even body waxing. It also depends on the spot you choose - it would hurt more when you get it done close to the bone, like on the ankle or close to the ribs. But the shoulders and lower back remain the favourites. Keep in mind that your mental state also has a lot to do with how well you handle the pain. You should not be overly tired or emotionally exhausted, nor too cold or too hot.

Tattoo Tips

Stay away from coloured tattoos, if you have tanned skin. Just stick to black and grey instead. But if you can’t resist the appeal of a multiple hue, make sure you avoid the sun to keep it looking bright. As for infections, make sure you do your homework before taking the pricky plunge. First, check out the outlet and tattooist. Make sure you see some samples of work done there and see how clean it is. If you have skin which is very sensitive or have ailments like diabetes, avoid getting a tattoo.

Design Deluge

When it comes to designs, you’re spoilt for choice. From bold tribal motifs to intricate celtic themes, from cutsie flowers and birds to heavy-duty skulls and demons, from oriental calligraphy to your own personal creations - take your pick. Popular choices include flowers, butterflies, dragons and barbed wine. The current trend, however, veers towards tribal designs which are bold and simple. And what if you get fed up of the design? Get it removed by laser or plastic surgery, which is not only expensive but can also leave a scar.

Needle Points

1. A tattoo takes approx two weeks to heal. Avoid getting it too wet during this time, as the ink could fade. Just wash it with hot soapy water three times a day, and dry gently.

2. After a tattoo is healed, apply a high SPF sunblock to keep the colours bright and beautiful.

3. Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the area, before showering.

4. Don’t scratch or peel the scab

5. Don’t swim for a month

6. Don’t expose it to the sun as the colours might fade

7. Do not sleep or rest on your tattoo

8. Keep the area covered till all the scab falls off. But once it’s clear of scabs, apply lots of moisturiser

9. Do not apply any kind of oil unless recommended

Now you are ready for it. Moreover, you should know that having a tattoo is one of the 100 things you are supposed to do before passing away…, so…, what are you waiting for?

Michael Douglas, a renowned tattoo artist shares his most sort out tips on tattooing to make it a memorable experience life long. To reap the benefits of his experience with knowledge, visit http://www.time4tips.com/tattoos/tattoo.htm.

For more tips on health and beauty, refer http://www.time4tips.com.

Don’t Let Your Kanji Tattoo Get "Lost In Translation"

Writen by Stephen Munday

Thinking of getting a kanji tattoo or kanji jewelry? Then arm yourself with this information before you buy anything. It may be the difference between being cool and national humiliation.

What? National humiliation? Well OK, national humiliation is an unlikely outcome, but an article in the March 1st, 2005 Washington Post Express shows that the possibility is there. “Lost in Translation” looked at the real dangers facing the unwary consumers who get kanji tattoos.

I am not joking when I say “real dangers”. But neither am I referring to unhygenic tattooing practices. What I am talking about is toe-curlingly appalling linguistic blunders. Specifically, I mean kanji combinations like these:

- Extremely Military Affairs Stopping
- Crazy Diarrhea
- Weird (tattooed on one B. Spears)

Yes, these are phrases that real people (yes, Britney Spears is a real person) actually have had tattooed into their skin.

To be honest, I am not entirely surprised at these and other errors. After all, I have seen many reversed images of kanji being offered for tattoos, and kanji jewelry that simply did not mean anything like it was supposed to.

One necklace, I remember, had the kanji for “road” on it - although the poor owner had been told it meant love. I guess her love hit the road and didn’t come back no more, no more, no more, no more….

As Tian Tang puts it in the Post:

“People ask, ‘I got the tattoo, can you tell me what this means? And I’m like, ‘Why didn’t you do this before you got that tattoo?’”

Yes, you would think that would be the obvious thing to do - especially if you are getting something permanent like a kanji tattoo. So how can you make sure you don’t end up a national laughingstock?

First of all, make sure you know something about the Japanese language. Check out the copious information at sites like japanese.about.com and in five minutes you will know more about kanji, hiragana and katakana than most of the people already walking around with it tattooed into their skin.

Next, remember that there is often no such thing as an exact translation. Basic nouns are one thing - a table is a table is a table, after all. But abstract concepts, like Semper Fidelis (the motto of the US Marine Corps), can be notoriously difficult to translate well.

Once you have grasped this background material, you are ready to meet with the tattoo artist. That’s right - meet. Don’t get anything done yet. At first you just want to talk. Specifically, you want to find out how familiar he or she is with the issues mentioned above. If after an hour or so on the internet you know more about Japanese than your tattoo artist, then you need to be very careful about kanji she suggests.

So what can you do if your tattoo artist doesn’t know his kanji from his katakana? How do you go about getting the kanji yourself?

Well if you are confident in your new-found kanji knowledge, then there are a number of online dictionaries that can help.

Otherwise I would recommend getting a translation from - Japanese-Name-Translation.com A good translator will be able to offer you a number of different options as well as explaining the exact meaning and pronunciation of the different kanji. They should also be able to offer you a number of different styles, from basic kanji calligraphy fonts to genuine Japanese shodo calligraphy.

At the end of the day, how you decide to go about getting your kanji tattoo is up to you. Just remember that preparation is the key to making sure your kanji tattoo doesn’t get “Lost in Translation”.

About the Author

Stephen Munday lives in Japan. He works for Provide Cars, who buy cars at japanese car auctions and sell them to japanese car importers around the world. This article is (c) Stephen Munday 2005. Permission is given to reproduce this article in whole with the URLs correctly hyperlinked.

Choosing Your New Tattoo

Writen by Elizabeth Brodie

Considering that for most people a tattoo is something that will stay with them for life, many put surprisingly little thought into it. Modern inks and techniques mean that tattoo art is limited only by your imagination within a few small boundaries.

After being certain that you actually want a tattoo and will still do so in 10, 20, 30+ years time when it’s a little faded and your lifestyle has in all probability changed, the first thing to do is to choose a venue and artist. With the increased popularity of body art, from piercings to tattoos, almost every town now has at least one practising artist or studio. However, using a studio just because it’s local can be a very bad move.

The first thing to look for when checking out a potential artist or studio is examples of previous work. Far too many studios are covered with ‘flash art’ (coloured line drawings of available designs on sheets of paper) yet have no examples of actual work they have done. As a general rule keep very clear of these. Any artist worth visiting should be proud of the work done and at the very least will have a photo album containing pictures of previous tattoos. If the studio in question hasn’t then it’s generally advisable to move on to another that has, unless you have seen examples of their work on others and are 100% sure of its quality. Once you are happy that the artist in question is capable the next step is to choose a design.

Again, most studios are covered in ‘Flash Art’. If you see something on the wall or in a book that you simply must have then this is fine. However, any competent artist will be more than able and willing to use any design for your tattoo, be it their own or one that you bring in to them. If a studio or artist is unable to do this you again need to question their ability and if you really want this person to mark your skin for life. A good tattoo should not just look good but also mean something to the wearer. Often the only way to achieve this is to supply the image you want, not to pick something out of the studios books because that’s all there is. Spend some time discussing your requirements before hand and if necessary come back another day to get the actual work done - the worse thing you can do is to rush such an important decision.

When you are choosing your design a couple of points are worth bearing in mind. In theory, with a good artist, your tattoo is only limited by your imagination or that of the artist. However, certain colours and styles lend themselves far more to a good tattoo than others. Due to its very nature a tattoo will fade and ’spread’ a little with age, which is especially true of bright colours such as yellow and especially white, although modern inks tend to be far superior to many of those used in the past. Even so age, and especially exposure to sunlight, will cause colours to fade and in some cases vanish, especially bright colours. The other consideration is outline. A good tattoo will benefit hugely from a strong outline for a couple of reasons - not only will a strong outline cause the tattoo to stand out from the skin and be crisp and clear, it will also resist the ravages of time far better. A tattoo with a strong outline will usually look much better 20 years down the road than a thin outline with a single needle or none at all. It’s an important consideration when deciding on a design that many overlook. Try to pick a design that will lend itself well to a stronger outline in the images.

Another point to consider when selecting an artist is which styles they specialise in. For example, if you fancy a large, body covering, traditional Japanese design ensure that the artist in question has performed these before and has an interest in the subject. Likewise if you want a portrait of a celeb or family member, ensure that the artist enjoys doing portraits and has skill in that area. These days many tattoo artists will specialise in certain styles and it is well worth travelling to get to an artist that is among the best in the field you want. A few hours spent reading the various tattoo periodicals available can quickly help to identify such people.

Finally remember that you really do get what you pay for. Considering that a tattoo will stay with you for the rest of your life, do not skimp on the price to the detriment of quality. A decent artist may well charge more but the difference in quality can be huge. Rather than rushing off to get a mediocre tattoo, save a little more and pay for something that is good quality that you will be happy with.

Elizabeth Brodie is the owner of Hot-Jewellery a UK site specialising in quality body jewellery for most common piercings.

Tattoo Removal: All Things Considered

Writen by Gabriel J. Adams

A lot of people have gotten tattoos when they were young so that they can fit in with their friends. The problem comes when people decide that they no longer want the tattoo and that it doesn’t fit their style anymore. Removing a tattoo from your body is possible but it isn’t an easy task.

Most tattoo removal is done with lasers. These lasers are designed so that they break down the ink that is in your skin. After the ink is broken down the body will absorb it and leave you without a tattoo.

While this process sounds simple it can cause even more pain to you then it took to get the tattoo. Having your tattoo removed is also a very costly procedure that can set you back a good bit depending on your tattoos size and detail.

Another thing to consider before having your tattoo removed is the potential for scarring. Because removal essentially damages your skin you can be left with a permanent scar where your tattoo was. There is a chance the scar won’t be very noticeable or that it will fade over time. However, consider the possibility that you make have to live with a scar for the rest of your life before you have the tattoo removed.

Ink type and color also affect how hard it will be to remove a tattoo. Those tattoos that are done with poorer quality ink will usually be easier to remove but will also look the worst while on your body.

Black ink has also proven to be one of the easier colors to have removed while blue ink proves to be some of the hardest to get out of the skin. This means that if you are getting a new tattoo and might want to take it out later you should consider getting an all black ink tattoo.

Tattoos: For the Love of Art?

Writen by Debbie Jensen

How far are you willing to go for your love of art? Do you have art, designs, emblems, or icons written on your body? If art is your passion, why damage your skin with images you may later regret? To love and embrace art does not mean you need to tattoo yourself.

The permanency of tattoos has a serious downside. As we age, our taste in art and design and personal aesthetics usually change. No doubt, tattoos are popular worldwide, but caution for this form of art needs to be addressed. Do you know of any style that has stood up over a long period of time? People everywhere periodically change the style and color of their hair, eye makeup, eye glasses, and facial hair (for men).

Speaking as an artist, I have to say that no art is error-free. Artists cannot produce perfect work no matter how great they are. Only perfect people produce perfect work. Not only this, but tattoo technology improves from one decade to the next. What then? Removing outdated tattoos is painful and expensive. Most people can’t assume they will have the physical endurance and money to be able to remove tattoos.

There are more considerations too: faded tattoos, body weight changes, and aged skin. With sun exposure and passage of time, tattoos fade. As we age, our body weight can easily change which could cause a tattoo to appear too large or too small. And most definitely, our skin wrinkles and crepes as we age.

Tattoos brand people. Tattoos advertise and communicate messages to everyone who sees them. When someone feels so strongly about something that they are willing to brand themselves with a permanent tattoo or two, others take them seriously and try to read and interpret them.

Is the love of art your motivation for tattoos? If so, you may want to use your favorite tattoo design for your jewelry, a T-shirt, a poster, or for a motorcycle instead. If you think your tattoo is NOT good enough or does NOT merit being put on other items such as these, then why do you want permanent tattoo(s) on your body?

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com

Ink Again about Tattoos

Writen by Rufus Steele

Tattoo parlors have come a long way, but there are still some serious safety considerations that you should think about the next time you’ve have a few too many margaritas and are looking to get a parrot inked on your shoulder.

The fact of the matter is a lot of bad, bad diseases get transferred by dirty needles - such as HIV and hepatitis - and tattoos are inked into (not onto) your skin with a needle.

See the need for concern here?

However, tattoos are still as popular as ever, margaritas or no margaritas involved. You still see your average 19 year old sorority babe strutting around on the beach with the tattoo splayed across her lower back, or the fraternity dude with the barbed wire wrapped around his bicep.

That’s not to mention all of the moms and pops out there with ink, the bikers, the athletes, and everybody else who finds decorating themselves with ink cool or artistic.

It’s no wonder, then, that what is popular now has actually been popular for thousands of years and isn’t a fad. Now however, modern science makes it tonnes safer and a tad (but only a tad) less painful.

The key to tattoos is that a needle injects the ink into your skin. The tattooist leads the needle over your skin at a safe, controlled speed. It can take anywhere from a half-hour to several sessions of hours at a time, depending on how big a tattoo you’re getting. After it’s all done and over with in the tattoo parlor, your skin can take between 7 to 10 days to heal and will be sore to the touch initially.

Back in the days when tattoos had a wane in popularity, and only punks, bikers, and other “crazy” people were getting them, tattoos got a bit of bad name. Mainly, the whole issue surrounded around whether or not tattoo parlors were actually clean and safe. There were even outbreaks of disease associated with less than stellar parlors.

And this concern only grows in modern times, with all of the new superbugs that are floating around society.

There are a host of viruses and bacteria that you can be infected with. We’re talking hepatitis B, which has been reported as having passed from a tattoo needle. Though it would be possible for hepatitis C and HIV to pass from a needle into your skin as well, no such cases have been reported.

It could be that today’s modern tattoo parlors take great pride in their work and the cleanliness of their facility. It could also be that state and local health departments have regulations that they use to govern tattoo parlors and keep them clean, and that they also enforce these regulations.

A worthwhile piece of information for you to know is that you can actually check with the health departments near you to get a rundown on the safe, as well as the unsafe, parlors in your area.

You can also look into an organization called the Alliance for Professional Tattooists, which is a nonprofit organization set up to develop sanitation guidelines for its members.

Of course this all makes sense to you now but if you follow the traditional route for choosing when and where to have a tattoo applied - after a few too many margaritas - you may not be thinking quite so clearly!

Ouch!!

Rufus Steele is an addict to writing about topics that hit his funny bone. Having safely run through getting his panther head tattoo on his shoulder, you can read more of his Tattoo articles on Tattoo Body Art.com.