Tattoo News

Tips For Caring For Your New Tattoo

2011-11-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

When you finally decide to get a tattoo, the first thing you'll need to do is find a reputable tattoo artist. Most tattoo artists have several designs that you can pick from. If you don't find anything you like, you can always ask him to make a custom tattoo. You should always be careful in what you choose, as you'll have the tattoo for the rest of your life. The design is very important, although not nearly as important as taking care of it.

Good tattoo artists will also clean and apply antiseptic ointment to your tattoo as they create it. Expert artists know that this helps keep the tattoo healthy. Once the tattoo is finished, the artists will wipe it down, clean it off good, and apply another coat of antiseptic ointment. Once the ointment has been applied, he will put a piece of soft tissue or cellophane over the tattoo.

Once the tattoo is finished, the artists should tell you how to take care of your new tattoo. Some of the better artists will talk to you and give you a detailed sheet with all of the information you need. If you went to a tattoo artist who didn't explain this to you, you may be wondering just what you should do. Taking care of a tattoo isn't hard, as long as you know what you can and can't do.

When you first get home with your new tattoo, you should never hop right in the shower. You should keep it dry for the first few days, but also clean it every few hours. Before you touch the tattoo or clean it, you should always make sure that your hands are clean. If you keep your hands clean, you won't have to worry about an infection.

You'll also want to visit your local drugstore and purchase a tube of A&D ointment. A&D ointment is the best to use. A&D will keep your tattoo clean and shiny and should be used for the first few days. Once the ointment starts to dry on the tattoo, you should wipe the old application off and apply some more. Don't rub it too hard, or you could damage the healing process. For the first few days, you should avoid using soap as well.

After 5 to 6 days, you can quit using the ointment. A&D ointment will keep your tattoo healthy, which you'll notice the first time you apply it. After you stop using it, you should use an unscented body lotion. You want to avoid body lotions that have scents, as they can easily irritate the tender skin that resides under your tattoo.

After you have used the lotion for a few days, you can stop using it. Most tattoos, after they have healed, tend to leave a scab in some areas. If your tattoo has a scab, you should be careful when you try to pick it. If you aren't careful, you could end up damaging your design. The best thing to do is you have a scab is to leave it alone. You can put A&D ointment on it if you want, as most of the time a scab will itch.

A tattoo can be a great thing to have providing you take care of it. Tattoos will stay with your for the rest of your life, unless you choose to get them surgically removed. Taking care of your tattoo now will keep it healthy and infection free in the long run. If you follow the above advice on how to take care of your tattoo, you won't have anything to worry about.

Picking Your Dream Tattoo Design

2011-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Tattoos are very common these days, with nearly 1 in 4 people having at least one. Tattoos represent an art form, and allow people to broadcast who they are. Even though they are popular, most people will end up regretting them. In most cases, those who regret tattoos didn't think about their design or take the time to choose the best tattoo for them. Even though it is possible to get a tattoo removed, the process is expensive and quite painful. To prevent this from happening, you should always take some time and find the perfect tattoo, your dream design.

Instead of trying to save some money, you should never choose a studio or artist based on how cheap they are. Cheaper artists and studios normally lack in work quality, which is why they are able to charge cheaper prices. Instead, you should look for the best studio and artist that you can find close to your area. Even though it may be expensive, the quality and design will be well worth it.

For some, their dream design is a person. This can be a loved one or someone who has passed on. You can always use a design or symbol that means something to you and reminds you of them or you can always use their face. Good tattoo artists can make magical tattoos with meaning, whether it is someone's face or a symbol that brings out meaning.

Sometimes, it can be hard picking out your dream design. If you have an idea in mind but are still not sure what you want, you can always research. You can get tattoo books, theme books, magazines, or just research online. By looking at designs you may find something similar to what you are interested in. Once you have found it, all you need to do is sit down with your tattoo artists and come up with your dream tattoo design.

If you have a basic idea for something small in mind, you can always have it tattooed then come back later and have more added on. The best thing about tattoos is the fact that they can always be added to later. This can be a great thing if you want to try a smaller tattoo first, and then decide whether or not you want to get it bigger. If you start with a fraction of your dream design, you can always finish it up later on.

Whenever you get your dream tattoo you should always take time selecting the design. Tattoos will stay with you forever, which is why you should pick them carefully. If you put the necessary time and thought into it now, you won't regret it later. Your dream design should be very important, and hold meaning. This way, every time you look at it, you'll be reminded of that special moment in time and you'll never forget about it.

The Pros And Cons Of Tattoos Today

2011-10-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

These days tattoos are more common than ever. Tattoos have gained quite a bit in popularity over the years, giving people a chance to stand out and broadcast who they really are. Men and women alike have tattoos, some covering their entire body. The choice is entirely up to you though, as you can get a tattoo in virtually any size you want.

Even though there are many good things about tattoos, there are bad things as well. Among the good things about tattoos include the chance to broadcast who you are, the chance to be you, and the chance to stand out. Most people who get tattoos get them for the symbolic meaning. Although there are some who get tattoos strictly for the look, many end up regretting getting the tattoo later on in life.

Tattoos are great for show, although the design itself should hold some meaning. There are a variety of designs and colors to choose from, which helps to add to the positive benefits of tattoos. You can check out many designs at your local tattoo studio, in books and magazines, and on the Internet. The Internet is a great resource for tattoo designs, as there are literally thousands to look at. You can also look at pictures of those who have tattoos so you can get an idea as to what a certain style will look like once it has been finished.

The cons of tattoos are pretty straight forward. Tattoos work by piercing the skin with a needle and injecting little gobs of ink. With that being said the risk of infection when getting a tattoo is always there. If the tattoo artist isn't sanitary and doesn't clean his equipment after every use, the risk of infection will be much higher.

Another thing to worry about with tattoos is removal. If you later decide that you don't want the tattoo, you'll have to pay an expensive price to have it surgically removed. Surgery carries risks and complications as well. In some cases, those who have got tattoos have had to have the tattoo removed due to infection. In these cases the infection has gotten so bad that there really is no other choice than to get the tattoo removed.

No matter how you look at it, there will always be both pros and cons with tattoos. Before you decide to get a tattoo, you should make sure that the design you have picked out is something that you can see yourself with for years to come. If there is any doubt in your mind about the tattoo, you shouldn't get it. Even though it may seem cool at the time the price for removal and the complications with surgery may not be worth it in the long run.

Some Of The Risks Of Getting Tattoos

2011-10-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Although most tattoos are applied with no problems at all, there are some tattoos that result in a not so good outcome. No matter how safe you may think they are, you simply can't overlook the risks involved with getting a tattoo. Tattoo artists may tell you that there are no risks involved - although this isn't the case.

The biggest concern you have when getting a tattoo is unsanitary equipment. If the equipment isn't cleaned and disinfected after each use, the risk for getting a disease is very high. You can also end up with a serious skin disease as well, if the tattoo gun is dirty or if the tattoo artist doesn't clean his equipment. The tattoo studio should be clean as well. With a lot of visitors, a studio can get dirty quickly - which is why it should be cleaned on a daily basis.

After getting your tattoo, if you notice any swelling or excessive redness around the tattoo, you should visit a doctor immediately, to find out if the tattoo is infected. In most cases, tattoo infections can be treated with medicine. If the infection is severe, you may be admitted to the hospital so they can further treat you. In the more severe cases, you may end up having to get the tattoo removed to prevent further infection. Removing a tattoo requires surgery, which also involves risks as well.

If removal of the tattoo is recommended or requested, the procedure can either be performed as an out patient surgery or one that requires a minimal stay in the hospital. The surgeon or physician will determine the removal, based on your health and overall chances of developing an infection. In most cases, tattoo removal is safe, with most patients given medicine that will treat infections and prevent any type of pain.

Although health risks are a concern, one of the biggest concern for may is the overall appearance of the tattoo. Tattoos that are done by amateurs or not applied well, normally result in the appearance being ruined. Tattoos are something that will stick with you for the rest of your life, which is why the appearance is so important. If you get a tattoo removed, chances are that a scar will always remain. Even though most scars will become less noticeable as years go by, they will never completely go away - and always provide a reminder that a tattoo was once there.

Before you get a tattoo, you should always make it a point to examine the studio and ensure that it's clean. You should also ask questions, and make sure that the tattoo artists clean the equipment they use. If you stick around for a bit at the studio, you can normally find out a lot about the way they do business and how clean they are. If the studio appears to be clean and tidy, chances are you won't have to worry about dirty equipment or infections.

As with everything else in life, there are always decision to make. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you should first decide your reason for getting it, how you will feel about having it later on in life, and if the tattoo is something you can see yourself with. Before you put a permanent tattoo on your body, you should make sure that you are getting the tattoo for you because you want it. Whatever you do, you should always avoid getting a tattoo simply because someone else suggested it.

Tongue Tattoos Are They For You!

2011-10-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Tattoos are a hot commodity these days, becoming more and more popular than they have ever been in the past. There are hundreds and thousands of different designs and styles of tattoos to choose from, giving you the chance to express yourself. Although tattoos are very popular, the new trend that is rapidly taking effect in the world of tattoos is known as tongue tattoos.

Although many aren't familiar with tongue tattoos yet, they are just now starting to take shape. They resemble other designs and styles, although they cover the muscle known as the tongue. There are tattoos that cover the entire tongue, or just a single area. In most cases, those who already have them, chose to have their tongue tattooed a certain color. Whether it be purple, orange, black, or blue, the tongue can be tattooed a variety of different colors.

The designs that are poplar with tongue tattoos include stars, tribal work, and other shapes and designs that cover a region of the tongue. Stars are popular with the lower area of the tongue, near the tip. There are also designs that can be tattooed farther back on the tongue, near the middle of it. As tongue tattoos become more and more popular, more and more designs are implemented.

As far as the procedure goes, it's very similar to getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. A tattoo involved needles puncturing the skin, depositing ink into the epidermis. The needles move extremely fast, breaking the skin and leaving the pigments of ink. The tongue, just like the skin, will swallow the pigments once the surface has been punctured by the needle. Once the pigments of ink are absorbed by the tongue, the color will remain there forever.

Those who have had tongue tattoos in the past say that they aren't very painful. Unlike tattoos on the skin, the tongue is a giant muscle. A tattoo on the tongue is often described as a tickling sensation or the feeling of numbness in your mouth. When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he will normally use a tool to hold the tongue out. If you've ever had a tongue piercing, you'll know what it looks like. Once the tongue is out, the artist will begin work. The process normally does take very long, as long you hold still and don't move around.

If a tongue tattoo sounds interesting to you, the first thing to do is find a tattoo artist in your area who is experienced with doing them. Not a lot of tattoo artists are familiar with tongue tattoos, as they are just now beginning to surface. A tongue tattoo is a bit on the creative side and something that you just don't see in public everyday.

Minimizing The Pain Of Tattoos

2011-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

No matter what you may hear, there really is no way to predict the amount of pain that you’ll experience when getting a tattoo. If you arrive with determination and the right frame of mind, it may not hurt you as much as you thought. On the other hand, if you arrive at the studio scared half to death – it will more than likely hurt you more than you thought possible.

Tattoos involve piercing into skin, which almost always involves pain. No matter how big or how small the tattoo may be or where it is located, you can expect to feel some pain. The overall amount of pain you experience though, all depends on your tolerance. If you have a high pain tolerance, you may feel next to nothing during the entire process.

When you get a tattoo, the needles will puncture your skin at very fast rates and variable depths. The outline of the tattoo is easily the most painful, as the needles will be used to create a black line that will stand out on the tattoo. This part need to be inserted fairly deeply and carefully to ensure that it’s done correctly. The shading of the tattoo normally isn’t painful, although it depends on the penetration depth and effect that you desire.

Normally, the pain you feel is a slight burn or scratching feeling. If the tattoo is going to be on an area where there is less bone and tissue such as the wrist or chest, the pain will be a bit more intense. Areas like the arms and legs however, normally aren’t that painful. Areas such as these have more tissue and muscle, which will lessen the amount of pain you feel.

Even though some pain is to be expected, there are ways that you can minimize the pain. Below are some tips that will help you deal with the pain.
1. Never show up to a get a tattoo on drugs or drunk. This will thin out your blood, causing you to bleed more.
2. Always choose a tattoo artist that you are comfortable around. If you have confidence in your artist you can minimize the pain a great deal.
3. Show up at the studio with sheer determination. You should accept the fact that the tattoo will take time. Quality work is an art – and should never be rushed.
4. If the pain becomes too much to bear, you should let your tattoo artist know immediately. He will allow you to take a break, or stop and come back later. You can always break up your sessions, as tattoos don’t need to be finished immediately.
5. To ease your mind, listen to music. This way, you can take your mind to a different place and focus on something other than the tattoo.

Tongue Tattoos Are They For You

2011-07-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Tongue Tattoos

Tattoos are a hot commodity these days, becoming more and more popular than they have ever been in the past. There are hundreds and thousands of different designs and styles of tattoos to choose from, giving you the chance to express yourself. Although tattoos are very popular, the new trend that is rapidly taking effect in the world of tattoos is known as tongue tattoos.

Although many aren’t familiar with tongue tattoos yet, they are just now starting to take shape. They resemble other designs and styles, although they cover the muscle known as the tongue. There are tattoos that cover the entire tongue, or just a single area. In most cases, those who already have them, chose to have their tongue tattooed a certain color. Whether it be purple, orange, black, or blue, the tongue can be tattooed a variety of different colors.

The designs that are poplar with tongue tattoos include stars, tribal work, and other shapes and designs that cover a region of the tongue. Stars are popular with the lower area of the tongue, near the tip. There are also designs that can be tattooed farther back on the tongue, near the middle of it. As tongue tattoos become more and more popular, more and more designs are implemented.

As far as the procedure goes, it’s very similar to getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. A tattoo involved needles puncturing the skin, depositing ink into the epidermis. The needles move extremely fast, breaking the skin and leaving the pigments of ink. The tongue, just like the skin, will swallow the pigments once the surface has been punctured by the needle. Once the pigments of ink are absorbed by the tongue, the color will remain there forever.

Those who have had tongue tattoos in the past say that they aren’t very painful. Unlike tattoos on the skin, the tongue is a giant muscle. A tattoo on the tongue is often described as a tickling sensation or the feeling of numbness in your mouth. When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he will normally use a tool to hold the tongue out. If you’ve ever had a tongue piercing, you’ll know what it looks like. Once the tongue is out, the artist will begin work. The process normally does take very long, as long you hold still and don’t move around.

If a tongue tattoo sounds interesting to you, the first thing to do is find a tattoo artist in your area who is experienced with doing them. Not a lot of tattoo artists are familiar with tongue tattoos, as they are just now beginning to surface. A tongue tattoo is a bit on the creative side – something that you just don’t see in public everyday.

Getting Lower Back tattoos

2011-07-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

On a woman’s body there are a few places that can be thought of as sensual. Although this varies from culture to culture, many consider the most sensitive areas to be the nape of the neck and the infamous lower back. With that being said, it’s really not hard to see why lower back tattoos have become so popular over the years.

Although women have several areas for tattoos, the lower back is one of the most erotic and sensual areas women can get tattooed. Lower back tattoos are easy to cover up as well, which is great for those who aren’t allowed to have tattoos at work. Unlike other areas of the body, the lower back is completely covered up by a shirt. With the lower back – you only show the tattoo off when you want.

The ease to show or hide lower back tattoos has helped to increase popularity, as well as the desire, or sensuality. When a woman tells someone, especially a man, that she has a lower back tattoo – the mind often wonders. Lower back tattoos create a sensual and tantalizing appeal. Normally, these tattoos are done around the waist line. While part of it may be hidden by a women’s birthday suit – there may very well be a part of it showing as well. For lovers, a lower back tattoo can be very sensual and sexual, a secret that is shared only between the two.

The various designs and shape of the tattoo will often times enhance both the look and the appeal of the entire lower back area. The design of the tattoo is normally a small and shallow curvature that enables it to fit perfectly to the curves of the female back and natural curves of her hips. The lower back tattoo helps to accentuate an already breathtaking part of the female anatomy and enhance an area that is well known for its sensuality.

Popular designs for lower back tattoos include flowers, vines, and stars. Winged creature designs work good as well, as the wings of the monster can stretch his wings across the entire lower back region. Angels, dragonflies, and birds also seem to work quite well. You can add natural designs to the creatures as well, including plants and flowers. The lower back is a great area for tattoos – giving you unlimited possibility to use your imagination.

Although there are a lot of options and designs available, you should always choose one that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. You should always give thought to a design, and not pick something just because it’s appealing at the time. Instead, you should look into the thought and meaning of the tattoo and decide if it’s something you can see yourself with for the rest of your life. The meaning behind a tattoo is important, both now and later on in life. When you look at designs, you should always pick the one that literally calls out to you.

Before you decide to get a lower back tattoo, you should always look at several designs first, and then decide the best one for you. If you can’t find a design that you like, you can always have a professional tattoo artist design one for you. This way, you can have a tattoo design based on what you want. Although a custom design may cost a bit more money – it’s truly worth it if you want a unique and creative design that enhances the look of your lower back.

History Of Tattoos

2011-07-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years. Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos. In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills. Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist. Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time. Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier. Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants. Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well. The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites. During this era, Borneo women were the artists. They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with. Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common. Tattoos were a long way from being perfected – which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren’t well accepted at first. William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas. During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions. He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas. Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos. During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money. A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun. In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison’s electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today’s guns. The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price. These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well. People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off. They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere. These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ½ of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo. They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member. There are millions of designs out there for tattoos – including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

Application Techniques Of Tattoos You Need To Know

2011-06-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Tattoos are more common these days than they have ever been in the past. More and more people are getting them than ever before. As we all know, tattoos are decorative markings in the skin, such as symbols, signs, and letters that are applied by puncturing the outer layer of the skin and injecting color. Tattoo guns are the best instrument to use, as they move extremely fast and are sharp enough to easily puncture the skin.

There are several types of tattoo guns available, many of which use a very sharp needle. There are guns out there that use more than needle, although they aren't ideal for tattoos that require strict lines or designing. Single needle tattoo guns are the best for tattoo applications, although the needles need to be changed out after each tattoo. Tattoo needles can be very dangerous if they aren?t disposed of - possibly leading to serious infection if they are used over and over again without being disinfected or disposed of.

There are also tattoos out there known as jailhouse tattoos. These types of tattoos are normally found in jails and prisons, using homemade material for tattoo guns. Normally, tattoo artists in jails and prisons will make their own guns, using batteries and needles for ordinary ink pens. These tattoos aren't very safe, and normally lead to infection. The skin is punctured to inject the ink, although with jailhouse tattoo guns the needle will literally pull and jerk at the skin, ripping it and normally going very deep with the ink.

If the skin is jerked or ripped, it can result in the tattoo looking horrible. In most cases, if the ink goes too deep into the skin, it can lead to an infection. Deep ink also looks terrible as well, especially if it penetrates the third layer of skin. For that very reason, jailhouse tattoo applications aren't recommended and should be avoided at all costs.

With any tattoo, color is very important. Black and white are the most commonly used colors, although there are other colors used as well. Tattoos need to have an equal balance of color, along with the right shape. If the shapes used in your design follow the contours of your body, the tattoo will look even more impressive. Therefore, you should always have your tattoo applied by someone with a lot of experience.

From a technical standpoint, tattoos involve micro pigment implantation, as they are a form of body modification. Tattoos are a design in ink, normally symbolic or decorative, permanently placed under your skin. Tattoos have been around for hundreds of years, although tattoos in the past used everyday needles and ink - with a very high risk of infection. Although they are very common and very popular, tattoos always have risks. No matter what type of application method is involved, there will always be a risk of infection.

Today, electronic tattoo machines are the most common methods of tattooing. With electronic tattoo guns, the ink is injected into the skin by a group of needles that are attached to a bar. The electronic gun moves very fast, going in and out of the skin hundreds of thousand of times per minute. If an experienced tattoo artist uses the gun, the results can be amazing. Experienced tattoo artists are always the way to go, as they have the experience to give you the results you want. With the right tattoo artist and the right application technique - you should have a tattoo that you can be proud of.

Making A Temporary Tattoo

2011-03-30T06:30:00.001-07:00

How to Make a Temporary Tattoo

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Do you want a tattoo without lasting effects? A temporary tattoo is the answer you're seeking. It goes on easily and looks great for the event and comes off in time for school or work!

Steps

Draw your design on your skin with an eyeliner pencil. It helps to plan out the design in advance, on a piece of paper.
Cover the design with hairspray.
Wait for the hairspray to dry. Test a small part to make sure it doesn't smudge.
Wear it to your event and make sure it doesnt smudge.
Wash it off to remove it before you fall asleep, unless you tape a folded paper towel on it.

Video

The sting of a tattoo needle isn’t your only option for cool one-of-a-kind tattoos. Use your computer to create a masterpiece for your skin.

Tips

Wait for the hairspray to dry before touching the design.
Use a color that suits your needs best. You might even like to experiment with dual colors.

Warnings

Don't inhale the hairspray.
Wash the design off before sleep or you may find it rubs off on the sheets.

Things You'll Need

Eyeliner pencil
Hairspray
A design
a piece of paper

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Temporary Tattoo. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To Tattoo Yourself

2011-03-29T19:49:00.001-07:00

How to Tattoo Yourself

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Please note, the safest way to get a tattoo is to go to a professional. If can't get a professional to do it for whatever reason, this is for you. Read this article thoroughly before starting.

Steps

Think about if you really want a tattoo. If you have any doubts whatsoever, wait.
Pick a spot with minimal veins that you can easily reach.
Pick a design. Keep in mind that it is permanent and that once you start, there's no going back. Don't pick your boyfriend's or girlfriend's name. The chances are you'll regret it. Pick a simple design, like a peace sign. Do not choose a complex design.
Prepare the tools and the tattoo site. Get latex gloves, a very narrow sewing needle, a bottle of 98% rubbing alcohol, anti-bacterial soap, a pencil, tape, thread, India ink (or acrylic paint but this is not recommended), a bandage, lotion (optional, but it makes things easier), shaving cream, a razor, and patience.

# Put the ink on a peice of carboard so its easy to reach and it dont make as (big of a mess.)

Sanitize the needle and whatever will be holding it by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. You can stab the back end of the needle into a hard pencil eraser. You have to boil them together. You may have to clip the needle until the pointed end of the needle is sticking about one centimeter off the eraser edge of the pencil. Dip the tip of the needle in the sanitizer.
Prepare the design. Draw your permanent design with the ballpoint pen. Alternatively, you can print out the design you have chosen, prick the outlines with a needle or a pin, and use a sharpie/marker on the printed design so the ink can create a nice, faint outline for you to follow.
Prepare the area. Wash your hands well and use sanitizer. Use some shaving cream that you know will not irritate your skin and shave the area carefully. Body hair, even just "fuzz," complicates the process of tattooing and may leave you more open to infection after the process is actually done. If you have lotion, rub some on the spot and make sure that it is well moisturized. Get your soap and sanitize the area by washing the area for at least 30 seconds.
Tattoo yourself. One last time, make sure that you're ready to do this. There's no going back once you start. Poke the ink under the skin with the needle. You'll have to repeatedly poke yourself. You don't have to do it extremely hard; you're not stabbing yourself, you're poking. It's going to take a long time. You have to poke yourself thousands of times.
Get a square of gauze, and dab off some blood. Use the sanitizer once last time so you don't get an infection. Wipe the excess off with gauze and put the bandage on.
Keep the anti-bacterial moisturizing cream on it for several days.

Tips

If you have any doubts, wait.
Simple small designs are best. Don't try to do an elaborate design because it will end up looking terrible.
Words are okay. Don't do names.
Always sterilize the needle. Infections are easily spread this way. Never ever use a needle in question.
If you can, definitely get it done professionally. It's safer and it looks better. The people there have experience.

Warnings

Use a new needle and sanitize it so you don't get an infection.

Things You'll Need

Needle
Pencil
Thread
Duct tape
India ink
98% rubbing alcohol
Bandage
Ability to boil water
Unscented lotion (optional, just makes things easier)
Shaving cream
A razor
Carboard (to put the ink on)

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Tattoo Yourself. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Get a Tattoo on Your Fingers

2011-03-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

How to Get a Tattoo on Your Fingers

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Getting a tattoo on your fingers or hands is like getting a tattoo anywhere else on your body but where a lot more people will see it.

Steps

Really really think about what you want. It's going to be there forever and you don't want to get anything you're going to regret or might keep you from getting a job. Try getting a temporary Henna tattoo. there won't be any color, but there will be a ood idea of what it will look like.
Find a shop. Finding a good tattoo shop can mean everything. You always want a good tattoo no matter where you place it. Some tattoo shops won't even tattoo on hands or faces so always ask.
think about this one more time. remember, getting a tattoo is a lifetime commitment. Names are the most often that are wanted to get removed. Be careful. chances are if you liked hello kitty ten years ago, you probably don't like it that much now. if you agree with this(same about dragons, pirates, people, etc), you probably won't like it ten years later.
If you're really ready then the last step is to just do it. It WILL hurt. bring a friend. the tattoo artist will tell you to breathe in deeply and relax. when you exhale, s/he will start.

Tips

Go to a clean shop.
Check out the artist first.
Really think about what you want
Take good care of your new art work.
Tattoos on hands fade quicker because you wash your hands more and the layers of skin come off.

Warnings

It's going to hurt. All tattoos hurt.
Tattoos should ONLY be done by a professional. Diseases are easy to spread.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get a Tattoo on Your Fingers. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tongue Tattoos Are They For You

2010-06-09T12:16:00.001-07:00

Tattoos are a hot commodity these days, becoming more and more popular than they have ever been in the past. There are hundreds and thousands of different designs and styles of tattoos to choose from, giving you the chance to express yourself. Although tattoos are very popular, the new trend that is rapidly taking effect in the world of tattoos is known as tongue tattoos.

Although many aren’t familiar with tongue tattoos yet, they are just now starting to take shape. They resemble other designs and styles, although they cover the muscle known as the tongue. There are tattoos that cover the entire tongue, or just a single area. In most cases, those who already have them, chose to have their tongue tattooed a certain color. Whether it be purple, orange, black, or blue, the tongue can be tattooed a variety of different colors.

The designs that are poplar with tongue tattoos include stars, tribal work, and other shapes and designs that cover a region of the tongue. Stars are popular with the lower area of the tongue, near the tip. There are also designs that can be tattooed farther back on the tongue, near the middle of it. As tongue tattoos become more and more popular, more and more designs are implemented.

As far as the procedure goes, it’s very similar to getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. A tattoo involved needles puncturing the skin, depositing ink into the epidermis. The needles move extremely fast, breaking the skin and leaving the pigments of ink. The tongue, just like the skin, will swallow the pigments once the surface has been punctured by the needle. Once the pigments of ink are absorbed by the tongue, the color will remain there forever.

Those who have had tongue tattoos in the past say that they aren’t very painful. Unlike tattoos on the skin, the tongue is a giant muscle. A tattoo on the tongue is often described as a tickling sensation or the feeling of numbness in your mouth. When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he will normally use a tool to hold the tongue out. If you’ve ever had a tongue piercing, you’ll know what it looks like. Once the tongue is out, the artist will begin work. The process normally does take very long, as long you hold still and don’t move around.

If a tongue tattoo sounds interesting to you, the first thing to do is find a tattoo artist in your area who is experienced with doing them. Not a lot of tattoo artists are familiar with tongue tattoos, as they are just now beginning to surface. A tongue tattoo is a bit on the creative side – something that you just don’t see in public everyday.

Tattoo Safety

2010-06-09T12:15:00.001-07:00

The process of tattooing involves needles that move at very fast speeds to penetrate the outer layers of the skin. The needles break the skin, and inject dots of ink into the third layer, creating the image of the tattoo design in the skin. Whenever you are getting a tattoo, common sense and a bit of safety are always the most important considerations.

When getting a tattoo, most people fear getting the virus known as HIV, which can lead to the dreaded AIDS virus. Although many fear HIV, it is just one of the many viruses that can result from tattoos. Staph, syphilis, tuberculosis, and hepatitis are all but a few of the other diseases that can result from tattoos. All it takes is a dirty or unsanitary needle and you could wind up contracting one of the deadly viruses listed above.

Just like other activities, tattooing can be very dangerous. Although tattooing is indeed dangerous, there are ways that you can minimize or eliminate the potential dangers. Each and everyday, tattoo artists have to adhere to a strict code of safety to ensure that the risk of contracting HIV or any other diseases is little to none.

Professional tattoo artists will sterilize their equipment after each use. They use steam pressure autoclave when disinfecting their tattoo guns and needles. Bleach and alcohol don’t sterilize the equipment; they are instead used to prep the equipment. Once the bleach and alcohol have been used on the instruments, they will then be autoclaved, which will sterilize them.

When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he should always wear rubber gloves that can easily be disposed of. The ointment spreaders and any type of rags that are used should also be disposable. When you walk into the tattoo studio, the floors should be spotless. In the rooms where the tattoos are done, the working area should always be clean and sanitary.

Before the tattooist starts the tattoo, he should always give each customer a brand new set of fresh needles. Then, he should always dip the needle in a small cap of pigment that he just took out of a large squeezable bottle. If the artist dips the needle into the big bottle, you may very well be sharing fluids with those who have had tattoos from that same big bottle.

Whenever you decide to get a tattoo you should always put safety first. Safety is very important with tattoos, as you could otherwise get a disease or a serious infection. Before you decide on a tattoo studio, you should always make sure that they are clean and sanitary. If you get a tattoo from a studio that is dirty or unsanitary, you could wind up on a never ending spiral of infections and viruses.

Information To Known Before Getting A Tattoo

2010-06-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

Before you decide to get a tattoo, you should always take a little bit of time to talk to your tattoo artist. When you speak to him, you should be sure to ask questions and find out anything you can about your new tattoo. You should also find out information about his background, and other important bits of information that will assist you in moving forward with your decision.

The first thing you should find out is how long the parlor has been in business. This will let you know just how professional the quality of tattoo work is and the overall reputation for the business. If the tattoo parlor belongs to the Better Business Bureau you can always check their record and see if any complaints have been files about the business in the last few years.

You should also find out about his qualifications as well. Experience is a must here, as infections and other diseases can easily be contracted if the equipment isn't clean. Tattoo artists deal with needles on a daily basis, making experience very important. Finding out how much experience and qualifications a tattoo artists has will tell you quite a bit about what you can expect from them.

You'll also want to find out if the tattoo studio guarantees their work. In the unlikely event that you don't like the outcome of the tattoo, you'll obviously want it to be fixed. The better studios will fix it without requiring any money. Refund policies are also important, especially if you don't like the quality or the workmanship of the tattoo.

The cost is also very important. Before you decide to get a tattoo or agree to anything, you'll obviously want to know the full cost. The bigger tattoos can be

quite expensive, although even the smallest of tattoos can be expensive as well, especially if you're on a budget. You can save yourself a lot of time and prevent any type of surprises by knowing the costs upfront.

Infection is also something you'll want to find out about. The better tattoo artists can provide information about infections, and tell you how to prevent them. They will also tell you about their services, and how they can prevent you from getting an infection. When you ask infections, he should also be able to tell you exactly what to do if you think you are developing an infection as well.

If you suffer from a fear of needles, you should always ask if there is a way to help you. You should never feel bad about asking, as many people are deathly afraid of needles. Needles are used with tattoos, as there is no other way to put the ink in the skin. If you are afraid of getting a tattoo due to the needles, you should make sure that you let your tattoo artist know. Chances are, he may be able to take extra steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Asking questions is never a bad thing when it comes to getting a tattoo. If a tattoo artist hesitates to answer any question you ask or acts hasty towards you, you should always leave and find another tattoo artist. Tattoos always have risks and concern, which is why tattoo artists should be more than willing to answer any questions that you may have. Asking questions can help to ease your concern and make you feel better about the artist - which is why you should always make sure you write a list of questions before you visit the tattoo parlor.

Laser Tattoo Removal

2010-06-09T06:56:00.001-07:00

Research has shown that nearly half of those between the ages of 18 and 40 have a tattoo or several tattoos. The problem here is that a majority of those who have tattoos have later decided that they don't want them anymore. The biggest complaint to tattoos is dissatisfaction, which has led to a recent increase in tattoo removal. It's been proven in the past that women research their removal options more than men - due to the fact that men have less of a stigma when it comes to tattoos.

Often times, the ink that is used during tattoos can lead to infection, simply because the type of ink being used isn't regulation for tattoo parlors. Clean equipment is also essential with tattoo parlors; otherwise someone can end up with hepatitis B, C, and various other infections. There are many serious diseases and other sicknesses that can occur if a tattoo parlor doesn't keep their materials and parlor clean.

In the event of infection or if someone just doesn't like their tattoo, there are ways to get them removed. Skin grafting and dermabrasion are good examples of tattoo removal, although the most popular and most common these days is laser removal. Laser removal is the fastest and by far the most preferred. With this surgery, the laser being used will zap the metal ions that are found in the pigment of the tattoo, fracturing the ink into very small pieces that the body can easily dispose of.

There are several great things about laser tattoo removal, although there are some bad things as well. In some cases, where infection is involved, the surgery will be a bit different. First, you'll need to get the infection out of the area before the tattoo can be removed. Depending on how bad the infection is, you may end up staying in the hospital for a few days. For this very reason - you should always make sure that the equipment is clean and sterile before you ever get a tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal can be very painful, depending on the area that you have the tattoo on. Almost all surgeons will use numbing ointment and local anesthetics before they do the removal, so you experience little to no pain. Even though you may think that you have a high tolerance for pain and can deal with the treatment, you may still want to take any type of numbing that you can get.

Before you decide to get a tattoo removed with laser removal, you should always make sure that you choose a surgeon you can trust. Lasers can be very dangerous, and there are always side effects and risks involved. Although laser tattoo removal is certainly an option for getting rid of a tattoo - the best thing to do is think long and hard before you get one to begin with.

Snake Tattoos - How Do I Pick the Right One?

2010-06-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Snake tattoos play a large roll in American culture in terms of personal expression and artistry. People get tattoos for all kinds of reasons; some get them for rebellions sake, others to symbolize what they belong too or who they are and others get them merely for the artistic value.

Some people even believe that tattoos are addictive and once people start getting them, they can not stop! Regardless of the reasons, many tattoos have become popular for their effect on skin and their ability to translate to the body well. Snake tattoos fit in as one such category.

Snake Designs

Snake tattoos have been worn by many celebrities and famous gang members in the past. They type of tattoos have been used throughout history to signify criminal affiliations in both Japanese and Russian cultures. Snake designs are used for many other significations as well, such as rock music culture and even medical symbols.

Snake designs and other tattoos of long and slender objects tend to translate well to the body because they can wrap around arms and legs or cover a large area of the body, adding decoration and color.

Finding Snake Tattoos

Snake patterns are found in many different styles of art, ranging from dark and evil-looking entities to beautiful colorful dragon images in Asian culture. Just about any tattoo finder online or brick and mortar tattoo parlor will have a section or independent volume associated with snake tattoos.

So many have been done in the past that anyone thinking about incorporating this design in their tattoo design has almost a limitless supply of inspirational images to choose from. It is helpful to examine the color, visual effects and overall look of previously inked snake tattoos to help you get an idea of how your own ideas may develop.

http://tattoo-addiction.org for 1'000's & 1'000's Of New & Hot Tattoo Designs on the Web!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_James_Jackson

Cool Tattoo Design - Lettering Styles For Text Tattoos

2010-06-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

The art of tattoo in today's time define the attitude of a tattoo lover. It now gains popularity as a way of expressing their thoughts, beliefs, their attitudes toward life, ideals, or someone's name very close to their heart. Despite of various trends, the most famous and in demand designs consist largely of written text. More often it's a name, date, or scripture. There are numerous -Cool Tattoo Design- Lettering Styles for Text Tattoos that you can choose. The right tattoo lettering font depends on your preference and the length of the word. This makes your body design as unique as the person who owns it.

There are some considerations to take for your -Cool Tattoo Design- Lettering Styles for Text Tattoos comes out clean and just the way you want it. Don't assume that because lettering is so common, it must be easy for any tattoo artist to do it. There are artist who excel more in lettering than the others.

Once you have decided the right wordings for your - Cool Tattoo Design- Lettering Styles for Text Tattoos is the next most important decision to make. There are many tattoo lettering styles and designs that are available. Choosing a perfect one for you can be a tedious job. There are two most common and maybe the most popular style of tattoos lettering-the scripture (or Cursive writing) and the lettering in block. Consequently, Celtic tattoo lettering, Japanese tattoo lettering and Tribal tattoo lettering are all popular choices. The Chinese tattoo lettering style is also very popular. Because of the beauty of its letters that are available in a variety of fonts and sizes, and also the meaning behind the words.

There is a saying "a picture is worth a thousand word". Nevertheless, one word is enough to describe everything. Bear in mind that tattoo is a permanent body design. Not choosing the right tattoo text no matter how excellent the design is can ruin the whole effect. Your tattoo font style must be clear. It is always better to consider the advice of your artist.

It is of utmost importance to pay close attention to the skills and experience of your tattoos artist. Tattoo lettering is a very complex procedure, thus requiring professional or skillful tattoo artist. Take extra steps to check the experience of your artist. A skillful artist does not leave out various details especially the spacing between two letters. It may seems too trivial but is speaks at length about the talent and experience of the artist.

The recent and perhaps the excellent form of tattoo lettering being used today are the ambigrams.. An ambigrams is a word that is written in such a way so that it can be read from any direction. This is new but is gaining popularity and considered as the latest craze in the tattoo industry.

To know more about the latest - Cool Tattoo Design - Lettering Styles for Text Tattoos and more, visit my website. Tips on how to choose the right lettering artist are also available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Reugh

Cherry Blossom Tattoos-What Do They Mean

2010-05-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you're somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Chris is an avid tattoo enthusiast, as well as an observer and writer of the tattoo scene. He has run numerous tattoo related website business in the past. However, now he provides great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy free. Check out this page for more on tattoo sleeve designs, or here for awesome Free Star Tattoo Designs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Ryerson

Roses Continue To Be Popular Gifts For Men And Women

2010-02-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Over the years flowers have changed as many colors and varieties have been created. Without a doubt roses stand above the crowd as the favorite flower to give people. Many people think that just women love roses, but the truth is many men love to get them as well. The red rose is without a doubt is the one color that is given to show love more than any other.

People love roses as this flower lets them say a lot and to a variety of people. Roses come in many different colors with each having a special meaning. This makes giving roses much easier to send to almost any person you may want to. 1800flowers have a very wide selection of roses to choose along with superior customer service. If you want to surprise that special loved one or just say hi the rose will do it with class and dignity.

Paul Offit Making Others Aware About Infectious Diseases

2009-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Paul Offit has had a passion for infectious diseases and as a young medical student he decided to make it his life's work. In his 30 year career Paul Offit has achieve many different things that he is real proud of. Paul Offit has also written over 130 papers for medical and science journals to help educate people better about infectious diseases and vaccaine safety. He is also the co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine RotaTeq. It has been recommended by the CDC for universal use in infants. Paul Offit won the Gold Medal and the Jonas Salk Medal for this accomplishment.

Besides all the various accomplishments Paul Offit also has written four books. They include Vaccines: What You Should Know, Breaking the Antibiotic Habit, and his newest one called Vaccinated: One Man’s Quest to Defeat the World’s Deadliest Diseases. As you can see Paul Offit has a great passion in helping people and that has shown over the last 30 years.

Picking Your Own Tattoos

2009-11-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Tattoos are very common these days, with nearly 1 in 4 people having at least one. Tattoos represent an art form, and allow people to broadcast who they are. Even though they are popular, most people will end up regretting them. In most cases, those who regret tattoos didn’t think about their design or take the time to choose the best tattoo for them. Even though it is possible to get a tattoo removed, the process is expensive and quite painful. To prevent this from happening, you should always take some time and find the perfect tattoo – your dream design.

Instead of trying to save some money, you should never choose a studio or artist based on how cheap they are. Cheaper artists and studios normally lack in work quality, which is why they are able to charge cheaper prices. Instead, you should look for the best studio and artist that you can find close to your area. Even though it may be expensive – the quality and design will be well worth it.

For some, their dream design is a person. This can be a loved one or someone who has passed on. You can always use a design or symbol that means something to you and reminds you of them or you can always use their face. Good tattoo artists can make magical Tattoos with meaning, whether it is someone’s face or a symbol that brings out meaning.

Sometimes, it can be hard picking out your dream design. If you have an idea in mind but are still not sure what you want, you can always research. You can get tattoo books, theme books, magazines, or just research online. By looking at designs you may find something similar to what you are interested in. Once you have found it, all you need to do is sit down with your tattoo artists and come up with your dream tattoo design.

If you have a basic idea for something small in mind, you can always have it tattooed then come back later and have more added on. The best thing about tattoos is the fact that they can always be added to later. This can be a great thing if you want to try a smaller tattoo first, and then decide whether or not you want to get it bigger. If you start with a fraction of your dream design, you can always finish it up later on.

Whenever you get your dream tattoo you should always take time selecting the design. Tattoos will stay with you forever, which is why you should pick them carefully. If you put the necessary time and thought into it now, you won’t regret it later. Your dream design should be very important, and hold meaning. This way, every time you look at it – you’ll be reminded of that special moment in time and you’ll never forget about it.

Flowers Perfect To Brighten Your Loved One's Day

2009-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Through the years Flowers have always been one way to tell someone how much you care about them. Many people will tell you that nothing sets there day off better then to get flowers delivered to them home or office. One of the best places to order all kinds of flowers is 1800Flowers.com. When you visit their website you will have a very wide selection of flowers to choose from. From roses to carnations and in a variety of colors you will find something you love.

We all have a loved one that would like to have some flowers to brighten their day. 1800Flowers coupon codes is a way for you to get an even better deal at 1800Flowers.com. With great customer service and a wide selection of flowers to choose from it makes perfect sense to use this company. If you want to brighten your girlfriend/boyfriends day send them some Flowers.

Eyeglasses Helping You See Better

2009-09-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Through the last few years the improvement of eyeglasses has been just amazing. From the lightweight frames to the beautiful designs there is no wonder why eyeglasses have seen a resurgence in recent years. Eyeglasses.com is one of my favorite sites for many different reasons. The extensive inventory to choose from makes it a great place to shop for your eyeglasses. They have all sizes for kids to adults which mean you will not have to keep searching site after site.

Customer service is another area that eyeglasses.com also excels at as well. This means when you have a problem it is taken care of. Did I mention they also carry sunglasses as well? This means they can be your one place for all your eye care needs. Even if you need reading glasses look no further eyeglasses.com can help you one that will fit your budget and do the job for you.