Tattoos Essay, Research Paper

It?s impossible to walk through the mall for more than a couple of minutes without spotting people of all ages with tattoos. Big tattoos, small tattoos, tasteful ones, tacky ones, colored ones, hennaed ones, probably some temporary ones — in all kinds of designs — eagles, Celtic crosses, Betty Boop, tribal art, military symbols, flowers, abstract art. And the tattoos can be seen on virtually every part of the body — ankles, shoulders, arms, legs, chests, bellies and bottoms and probably a few places we can?t see! Permanent cosmetic studios also tattoo on eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner for those who want their makeup to be permanent. We may not even know we’re seeing these tattoos!

Some people consider tattoos vulgar or a health risk while others consider them art and the height of fashion. Either way, the technology is extremely interesting. In this edition of How Stuff Works we?ll look at all facets of tattooing — its history and cultural significance, the technology of tattoo machines and how the tattooing process works, and the safety, artistic and legal issues surrounding tattooing.

Because tattooing is forever and also carries a mental health risk known as regret, the decision to get one shouldn?t be taken lightly. One busy physician who specializes in tattoo removal estimates that 50 percent of people who get tattoos later regret them. So we?ll discuss the implications of getting tattooed as well as the tattoo removal process. And we?ll also answer that all-important question: Does it hurt to get a tattoo?