A tattoo is design in ink or some other pigment, usually decorative or symbolic, placed permanently under the skin. Tattooing is technically referred to as "micro-pigment implantation". Tattoos are a type of body modification.
Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice since Neolithic times. "Otzi," the ice man discovered frozen in the Tyrol and dated ca3300 BCE, was tattooed as was the mummified man found in the Pasaryk burial whose body was tattooed with stylized animal designs. In the Steppes, other natural mummies up to 7000 years old have been found to have tattoos.
Tattoos are also placed on animals, though very rarely for decorative reasons. Pets are sometimes tattooed with identification marks, and certain of their body parts (for example, noses) have also been tattooed to prevent sunburn. Farm livestock are sometimes tattooed with identification marks. Such tattoos are performed by veterinarians and the animals are anaesthetized to prevent the sensation of pain and ensure their safety.
The most common method of tattooing in modern times is to introduce ink via a group of needles soldered to a needle bar and attached to an electric tattoo gun or tattoo machine. When the gun is activated the needles move rapidly up and down; when placed against the skin the action of the needles results in the insertion of ink beneath the uppermost layer of the skin. Tattoo machines operate on an electromagnetic principle -much like an old-fashioned door bell- and are manufactured by many small to mid-sized companies throughout the world.
The temporary tattoo art Mehndi, popularly used in Middle Eastern, North_African and Asia, is usually drawn with intricate patterns and designs, on the hands and feet since the stratum corneum is thickest there (especially for males) and the stain will last for a long period of time. Although the body art is predominantly applied onto the hands and feet of brides, there exist traditions in Bangladesh, Kashmir and Sudan where bridegrooms are also are expected to be tattooed before wedding ceremonies. Once the henna plant is converted to powder, it is mixed with a dark liquid like coffee or tea, lemon juice (to release the dye) and sugar (for consistency) into a paste which is then applied. Depending on how long the paste rests on the skin, the tattoo lasts from a few days to two weeks beginning with a red-brown colour and ending with a fading orance presence.
Temporary tattoos made with so-called 'black henna' may cause allergic reactions. 'Black henna' is fabricated by adding PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) to natural henna, in order to achieve a black color rather than the orange through brown stain of natural henna. PPD is very unhealthy and has been known to cause burns[1].
Membership to professional organizations. (While not a must, it shows that the artist is aware of the latest trends in equipment and sterilization, as well as showing professional pride).
Also, make sure the tattoo artist always opens a needle package in front of you. Use your head and you won't be in any real danger. Think before you ink !
Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare but not unheard of. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin, causing damage to the epidermis.
People with allergies should consider carefully getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylaxis (hypersensitive reaction) and the shock that might occur, which can be life threatening. Tattoo artists can often give small tests, by marking a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if that person has an allergic reaction.
Infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios is rare but can happen. Common infections include surface infections of the skin all the way to staph infections that can cause cardiological damage. People who are susceptible to infection should know the dangers of the abasing of the skin can have and would be advised to consult their regular physician before getting a tattoo.
Interference with magnetic resonance imaging has in the past been a concern with tattooing. The magnetic fields involved in a routine MRI scan (used to detect conditions such as multiple sclerosis and breast cancer) would sometimes interact with the metal particles formerly used in tattoo dyes. This causes the site of the tattoo to heat, ranging from slight warming to severe pain-causing heat.[1] The metal particles could also interfer with the scan, producing distortions in the resulting image, though this aspect is not well documented.[1] For the most part, reports of pain during MRIs by tattoo bearers are rare, with no lasting effects, and a cold compress during the procedure will alleviate any discomfort.[1]
Today the majority of professional tattoos do not contain metal particles and therefore there is no concern with MRIs. Tattoos of the "permanent make-up" variety (eyeliner, etc.) are more likely to contain metal particles, and these individuals should consult with their doctor or technician before the process begins. There are alternatives to MRIs—individuals with pacemakers also need to use other diagnostic tools—so when in doubt, ask your doctor.
In the United States of America tattooing is widely regulated by the individual states and municipalities. A good place to find regulations are state, Department of Health web sites and are typically controlled by Environmental Health or Consumer Protection divisions.
Maryland Senate Bill regarding tattoo artists and body piercing artists. (Dec. 1997) http://mlis.state.md.us/1997rs/billfile/sb0284.htm
Oregon Body Piercing Licensing Program from the State of Oregon Health Licensing Office. Regulations, licensing information and fees, safety campaign, and a newsletter. http://www.hdlp.hr.state.or.us/bphome.htm
Oregon Tattooing Licensing Program from the State of Oregon Health Licensing Office. http://www.hdlp.hr.state.or.us/ethome.htm
Utah House Bill regarding parental consent laws relating to body piercing and tattooing. [HB 390] http://www.le.state.ut.us/~1998/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0390.htm
Australia Standards of Practice for tattooing and body piercing from the Health Protection Section, Public Health Division, Department of Human Services, Victorian State Government. http://hna.ffh.vic.gov.au/phb/hprot/tattoo/index.htm
Iowa Legislative information regarding piercings from the Iowa Legislative Information System. http://www2.legis.state.ia.us/GA/77GA/Legislation/HF/02200/HF02251/Current.html
Arizonia Fact sheet regarding tattooing, body piercing, and minors. [H.B. 2124] http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/43leg/1r/summary/s.2124.fs.htm
Arizona House Bill regarding tattoo parlors and minors. [HB2488 - 422R - I Ver] http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/42leg/2r/bills/hb2488p.htm
Arizonia House Bill, revised, regarding tattoo parlors and minors. [HB2513 - 431R - I Ver] http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/43leg/1r/bills/hb2513p.htm
Canada Guidelines regarding infection prevention and control for piercing, tattooing, and electrolysis. By the Division of Nosocomial and Occupational Infections, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control (LCDC). http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/publicat/ccdr/99vol25/25s3/index.html
Arizona Senate Bill regarding tattoo parlors and minors. [SB1102 - 422R - H Ver] http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/42leg/2r/bills/sb1102h.htm
Missouri House Bill for the regulation of tattoos and body piercing. [HB998; Tattoos and Body Piercing; Kissell, Don R.] http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills98/bills98/HB998.htm
Ohio State code regulating tattoo and body piercing studios. [Section 3730.09] http://ohioacts.avv.com/122/hb25/sec-3730.09.htm
Ohio State law pertaining to age limitations on tattooing and piercing. [Section 3730.07] http://ohioacts.avv.com/123/sb179/sec-3730.07.htm
South Dakota Laws and guidelines set forth regarding sanitation requirements for tattooing and body piercing establishments. [Section 44:12] http://legis.state.sd.us/rules/Rules/4412.htm
Texas Legislature regarding the licensing, health, and safety of tattooists and piercers. [76(R) SB 61] http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/76R/billtext/SB00061F.HTM
Maryland House Bill regarding tattoo artists and body piercing artists. [HB 0386, December 1997] http://mlis.state.md.us/1997rs/billfile/hb0386.htm
State Statutes and Legislation An alphabetical listing by state to various session laws, administrative codes, rules, and government maintained sites. http://www.prairienet.org/~scruffy/f.htm
Australia Skin penetration procedures act: 1994. http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/act/consol_act/sppa1994310/
Colorado State regulations for bodyart, effective August 2001, in html format. http://holeyrollers.com/_wsn/page2.html
Arkansas Department of Health FAQ for tattoo and permanent cosmetic artists. http://www.healthyarkansas.com/faq/faq_tattoos.html
Colorado Listing of the various House Bills and monthly reports regarding tattooing, piercing, and other body adornments. Files are available in .doc and .pdf formats. http://www.state.co.us:8765/query.html?col=schp&qp=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdphe.state.co.us%2F&qs=&qc=&ws=0&qm=0&st=1&nh=10&lk=1&rf=0&oq=&rq=0&qt=body+art
Massachusetts: Body Art Information The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Quality Management Regulations set forth a model code for the practice of body art and for the maintenance and operation of body art. http://www.state.ma.us/dph/bhqm/BODYART.HTM
Delaware State code relating to body piercing, tattooing, or branding consent for minors. [House Bill 93] http://www.state.de.us/govern/agencies/legis/lis/139/bills/75615.htm
Maine: Body Piercing Statutes Professions and Occupations section regarding body piercing. Includes; definitions, safety standards, piercing of minors, license requirements, rules, penalties, and compliance and restriction information. http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/32/title32ch640sec0.html
New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter 8 - Body Art Procedures PDF document that contains all the rules and regulations, penalties and required procedures governing body art in the state of New Jersey http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/phss/bodyart.pdf