Tattoos are no longer taboo

Tattoos are no longer taboo


According to a February 2012 poll, one in five American adults has a tattoo. Clearly, tattoos in our society are no longer taboo and reserved for the daring … and dedicated … minority.

To make sure getting ink doesn’t harm your health, it’s best to go through a few steps first.

First, visit the studio beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable in the business. Make sure the artist has an up-to-date business license. If the studio is messy or seems unclean, find another artist. A 2012 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 19 people were tattooed with contaminated ink, resulting in skin infections. In addition to using clean, single-use and disposable equipment, artists should wear gloves at all time.

After the artist completes the tattoo, be sure you know how to care for your new tattoo to prevent infection. Some people have adverse reactions to tattoos and are allergic to the ink. A bad reaction can cause tissue injury, swelling or a rash.

Tattoos can also serve a practical purpose. Cosmetic tattoos ink permanent make-up onto your face, such as lipstick, blush, eyebrows or even fake hair. Since tattoos tend to fade, even cosmetic tattoos need to be inked again to keep the colors vibrant.

If you decide later that you want to have your tattoo removed, you have three basic options. The skin can be cut away, rubbed away with dermabrasion or removed with lasers. Some color inks are more difficult to erase, and your tattoo may never completely disappear. Avoid do-it-yourself tattoo removal products and be sure to visit a doctor for the proper procedure.

According to a study by Pew Research, nearly 40 percent of twenty-somethings are inked … but 70 percent of those say their tattoos are hidden beneath clothing. That means every fifth co-worker may be hiding their wild side under professional attire.

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