Minimizing The Pain Of Tattoos

July 5, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

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.

Application Techniques Of Tattoos

July 4, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Information

Tattoos are more common these days than they have ever been in the past. 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.

Application Techniques Of Tattoos

July 3, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

Tattoos are more common these days than they have ever been in the past. 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.

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks

July 2, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks
Part of the attraction of getting a tattoo for some people has been the permanence of the body art that one chooses to place on their skin. If one tattoos a name on their body, it means that name has permanent meaning for them. Likewise, the designs they choose would be something they would never want to change. New tattoo ink technologies are threatening to change the whole concept of permanency of tattooing. Although there currently exist many methods of tattoo removal, their difficulty and cost make tattoos effectively permanent for most people. Likewise, older methods of removal, such as surgery may be painful and leave significant scarring. Laser tattoo removal, while usually effective, often requires multiple treatments and can be costly.

One company, Freedom-2, is bringing products to market that will change the paradigm of tattooing. Their ink is based on encapsulating bio-absorbable dyes in polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. The dyes in the ink are already FDA-approved for use in food, cosmetics, and medical devices. The ink is injected into the skin by standard tattooing techniques. At any time when removal of the pigment is desired, a single laser treatment disrupts the encapsulation, allowing the ink to flow out into the tissues and be absorbed. The tattoo then quickly fades without the need for further laser treatments. This ink is not yet available for general use, but has been tested in human subjects, according to the company’s website. They indicate that it will be commercially available in early 2007.

They are also developing tattoo inks that will fade away on a predetermined schedule without the need for any laser treatments at all. The technology behind this is not elucidated, and there is no date of availability listed yet for this type of product.

The main difference between these two products is that the former is a permanent ink that can be removed anytime, while the latter will last a long time but then fade away, even if the owner prefers it to stay.

Tattoo artists may not instantly take to the new inks. The ability to remove a tattoo is not necessarily the foremost consideration when choosing tattoo inks. Some artists believe that tattoos should be permanent, or one is better off not getting a tattoo if he or she is unsure about them. However, some tattoo shops may choose to cater to the less-decisive. Also, it may encourage more experimentation and fanciful designs, if the recipient knows that they can get the tattoo quickly lasered off if they don’t like it. The new ink will likely be significantly more expensive that standard ink, so cost will also be a consideration for artists.

Although a tattoo’s ink may be temporary, there is often scarring left behind from the tattoo needle’s penetration of the skin. Thus a textural image of the tattoo may remain permanently. Even so, the concept of tattoos as purely permanent body art may be replaced by tattoos as fashion. If a tattoo could be instantly removed, some people may choose to periodically change their tattoos as they would their style of clothing.

Do you want your tattoo removed, the laser way

July 1, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

Laser tattoo removal works on the principle of selective thermolysis where the targeted tattoo is exposed to the energy delivered by laser. This energy exposure results in selective destruction of the foreign pigment while ensuring minimum damage to the surrounding skin.

Lasers can be applied to remove all sorts of tattoos be it professional, amateur, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic tattoos. The different colors present in the tattoos may respond differently to laser tattoo removal, but they do get removed to quite some extent. Thus laser tattoo removal presents itself as a non-invasive and effective treatment for unwanted tattoos.

The right candidate

Anyone with a need to remove an undesired tattoo can opt for laser tattoo removal. It is not the person’s physical characteristics which decide the extent of removal but the colors used. Though most tattoo colors can be eliminated or lightened more or less, skin colored tattoos may undergo irreversible ink darkening. This may be the case with white, pink, flesh-toned and light brown tattoo inks. Also red ink tattoos may turn black. In these situations do ask or say yes to a test dose.

Some Facts

Although, laser tattoo removal for sure is the best solution to the unwanted tattoo woes; it has got its warts which need to be kept in mind. Some of them are:

1. Since results are color dependent total elimination is not possible, however you can be sure of dramatic lightening. Amateur black tattoos respond more quickly than professional and multicolored tattoos.
2. To get maximum benefit multiple sessions are usually required.
3. Doubly treated tattoos may require additional treatments.
4. If the tattoo is multicolored, it would require exposure to lasers of several different wavelengths because of the selective absorption characteristics of a particular color.

Types of lasers used

Q-switched Ruby Laser (QSRL)

It is a red colored laser which works best for dark blue and black inks. With tattoos in these colors, results have been exceptional. So far as red and yellow color is concerned results have been less than satisfactory. The response of green tattoos is variable. The QSRL is also effective in treating medicinal and traumatic tattoos.

Q-switched Nd:YAG

This laser works both for amateur and professional tattoos of all colors. But best results have been observed in case of black tattoos, as is the case with the ruby laser. Moreover this laser works quite well for darker skinned individuals. Also unlike QSRL, which is ineffective in case of red and yellow color, Q-switched Nd:YAG is highly effective for these colors in frequency doubled setting (532 nm).

Q-switched Alexandrite Laser

This laser is quite like QSRL in treating tattoos especially when treating green tattoos. However up to 50% of patients can experience textural changes in their skin after treatment.

Flashlamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

This laser does not penetrate deep into skin because of its wavelength which is 510 nm. Hence it is not so useful when it comes to deeper tattoos. However, it is effective for the treatment of brightly colored tattoos such as those that use red, purple, and orange inks. The major side effect of this laser is bruising.

Post-procedural Care

After the procedure some swelling and blistering is commonplace, so is crusting. So don’t panic they will go by themselves after some time. Do take good care of the wound to aid the healing process and to prevent infection.
To ensure fast and safe healing, make use of prescribed antibiotic ointment with regular dressing changes. If you feel the need of alleviating any resultant pain, consult the physician to recommend you some pain killer. Also avoid exposure to sun to prevent tanning.

Conclusion

Laser tattoo removal has brought an effective, less painful solution to people who want to get their tattoos removed or faded.

Tattoo Designs For Men & Women

June 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Information

Anyone who walks into a tattoo parlor will be greeted with a variety of eye-catching and colorful tattoo designs, including everything from simple to images that are very complex. With the exception of those that have already chosen their preferred image, it can be very difficult to select from the many tattoo designs on the spot. Even if you have already selected a design, the artist may be able to present you with several different options to make your tattoo designs even more personable.

Before arriving for the application of a tattoo, it is best to have a selection of tattoo designs in mind before you enter the parlor. Although there are some exceptions, most men and women will naturally be drawn to different tattoo designs. Men, for instance, would likely prefer something masculine, while women often prefer something dainty and sexy. Of all tattoo designs, women commonly select hearts, butterflies, flowers, lettering, etc. The most popular placement, for women, is the shoulder, lower back and ankle. Men, on the other hand, often prefer that their tattoo designs be placed on the upper arm, chest or back.

While there are tattoo designs that are gender specific, it is important to keep in mind that getting a tattoo is a very personal thing and the image that is ultimately chosen should be one that reflects something that is important to the wearer. Upon discussing the various tattoo designs with the artist, the customer will gain a better understanding of the different options and designs available.

Many individuals select tattoo designs from those presented at the parlor, while others prefer to do some research and help ensure that their design is unlike any other. For certain tattoo designs, some people prefer to look at real life photos or browse through artwork for ideas pertaining to their tattoo designs. If you find an image that you like, simply take it to the artist for an evaluation as to whether or not the image can be recreated in the form of a tattoo.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo designs or placement. Prior to getting a tattoo, individuals should consult with their physician to make sure that it is a safe procedure for them to endure. Some individuals should not get a tattoo if they have certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system. For further information, consult a physician or dermatologist.

Finding A Tattoo Artist – Important Questions To Ask

June 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

If you want to get the perfect tattoo, choosing the right artist is just as important as finding the right design. After all, a poor quality artist will take your perfect design and ruin it…permanently.

So here’s a list of the most important questions to ask your tattoo artist. Don’t feel bad or awkward about asking any of these questions. Tattoo artists will have heard them all before and true professionals will be only too happy to give you honest, open answers.

1) How long have you been a tattoo artist?

This is an important part of working out the strength of a tattoo artist’s reputation. In general, the longer they’ve been in the business, the more experience they’ll have and the better their reputation. Artists with a bad reputation don’t tend to last that long.

2) What are your qualifications?

As with all professional trades it’s important that tattoo artists are properly qualified. Tattooing is a precision job that involves the use of needles, so it’s vital that a tattoo artist has been professionally trained and has a thorough knowledge of hygiene procedures.

3) How many tattoos have you done?

This is a good indication of an artist’s level of skill and experience. Tattooing is an art, and the more designs a person has created, the better they’re likely to be. The answer to this question also allows you to work out roughly how busy the artist has been, which is again closely linked to their popularity and reputation.

4) Can I see some of your previous work? Can you provide references?

Top quality artists will be able to provide you with pictures of their work and references from previous clients that they have worked on. But make sure that you see their work once it has healed properly to give you an accurate idea of what it looks like.

An artist who doesn’t have a portfolio of their work or appears evasive when you ask these questions should be avoided at all costs.

5) How much will the work cost?

Large tattoos that are full of intricate detail can be extremely expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. Even smaller designs can cost over a hundred dollars. So if you’re on a tight budget, make sure that you agree on the full cost of your chosen tattoo before work begins. This will avoid any nasty surprises or misunderstandings.

6) Do you guarantee your work?

What happens if you’re not happy with the completed design? Will they drop the charge, or just reduce it? Do they have a refund policy? Make sure you find out your artist’s guarantee policy before work begins as it will have a bearing on the quality of after sale service that you receive.

7) How long will the tattoo take?

This depends upon the size of your chosen design and the level of intricacy. Ultra small tattoos may take a matter of minutes to complete, while a full sleeve design may take several hours spread over a number of sessions. But if it’s your first tattoo, it’s important to know as much about the procedure as possible so that you feel more relaxed about it.

8) How should I care for my tattoo during the healing process?

Aftercare is an important part of the overall tattoo process. Poor aftercare can damage your tattoo design, lead to scarring of your skin and increase the chance of an infection developing. So all competent artists should be able to give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo during the healing process. If they seem more interested in getting the tattoo started, go find another more responsible tattoo artist.

9) How can I reduce the chances of an infection occurring?

All tattoo artists should be able to give you advice that will help you to keep your tattoo clean and reduce the risk of infection. They’ll also be able to advise you what to do if you think that an infection is developing.

10) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent a person from getting a tattoo?

Certain medical conditions mean that individuals should either avoid tattoos completely or take certain precautions prior to being tattooed. Your tattoo artist should be able to give you general advice on this matter. However, if you have any doubts about the effects of a tattoo upon your health, please consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner.

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When Thinking About Getting A Tattoo!

June 28, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

Obviously there is some concern about getting a tattoo because when you get a tattoo, you risk getting an infection, pain and wonder about the possibilities of infectious diseases. The process needs to be better understood.

1. Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?

There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases (particularly Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist’s office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced.

2. Can I Get Aids From Tattooing?

When needles are passed from IDU to IDU and reused without sterilization, some of that blood remains in the syringe and is passed on to the next user. If infected blood is passed, the recipient can become infected with HIV, which leads to AIDS.

Tattooing is VERY different from injecting drugs. The needles used in
tattooing are not hollow. They do, however, travel back and forth
through a hollow tube that acts as an ink reservoir. The tip of the tube is dipped into the ink, which draws a little into the tube.

3. Can My Tattoo’s Get Infected?

Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the Ebook that covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble healing tattoos with colors they are allergic to.

4. What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?

Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious).

Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading
but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your
tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep
them out of bright sunlight.

No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use some common sense. Think of your tat as an investment–slather on that sunblock so it doesn’t turn into a dark blob.

Tattoo art has become very popular and people are getting tattoo’s for lots of reasons. Taking good steps in choosing the right tattoo, getting it applied properly and with the proper care is probably the most important things to consider when thinking about getting a tattoo. Read all you can about tattoo art safety and when you’re ready to get your tattoo, you will feel much better about your decision!

Everything You Need To Know About Tattoos

June 27, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

If you are considering tattoos, keep in mind that they are a permanent part of your skin. Because tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin, they are a lifelong fixture unless you later decide to have them removed. Having a tattoo removed involves surgery, which is very expensive and carries it’s own risks. As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications. If you are thinking of getting tattoos, it’s best to make sure that you really want them in order to avoid having to later go through surgery just to remove them.

Tattoos can be very expensive depending on the size of the design. They can range from the tiniest of symbol to a large detailed image. Because tattoos can be priced very high, many parlors offer an unconventional, yet practical, way to purchase your design of choice. Many businesses offer a convenient layaway plan with the tattoos being created after the last payment is made. If you have the cash to pay upfront, you may be able to make an appointment and get the design imprinted on the same day as payment. Depending on the design and complexity of the tattoos that you select, the process can be brief or may last for hours.

When considering tattoos, it is important to do some research on the design parlor before hiring them. How long have they been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience? It is very important to follow up with references and as much of a background check as you can possibly get before agreeing to have your tattoos created.

In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with make sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job.

Tattoos are colorful and can be an expression of art if done correctly. They often reflect a person’s lifestyle, name of a spouse or other sentiment. At the same time, they can cause a concern of infection.

Everything You Need to Know About Chinese Symbol Tattoos

June 26, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Tattoo Tips

Chinese symbol tattoos are very popular today because they are really beautiful. And because most of us in the Western people cannot read Chinese symbol, Chinese symbol tattoos become an exotic form of expression.

My Name is Yingying and I am a Chinese Tattoo Artist. I have been providing custom Chinese tattoo translation and design service during the past three years.
Western people sometimes ask me some questions when they are planning to get Chinese symbols tattoos.

I have listed some of the most FAQs as below. you may find the answers are very useful information if you are planning to get one soon.

Can anything be translated and written in Chinese symbols?
Yes, anything can be translated and written in Chinese symbols. Chinese has more than 4000 years history. The most ancient Chinese symbols called oracle were written on animal bones. Chinese is a fully developed writing system with over 70,000 symbols (characters), capable of recording all nuances of contemporary language.

What are the differences between kanji and Chinese symbols?
Kanji is the term for Chinese symbols that are used in the Japanese language. Kanji in Japanese are typically characters from the Chinese language that have been adapted to mean Japanese words. The meanings in Chinese and Japanese can be the same but pronounced differently, or they may have entirely different meanings.

Why do I need the custom designs for a Chinese tattoo?
Your tattooist needs the design as a clear reference while inking. If you get free translation from web or somewhere else, it is usually a small and blur image which can not be used for inking purpose. If the tattooist does use it for inking, then your Chinese tattoo is worse than do not have one at all. (You may find some vivid samples of both bad and good Chinese tattoos on my website). Comparing the free crap, the custom tattoo design is large clear image come with stencil outline which your tattooist will use it to ink a high quality Chinese symbol tattoo on your body.

Can one English word be translated into either one symbol or two symbols?
The answer is it depends on the English word to be translated. Some English words can be translated into either one symbol or two symbols. For example, beauty can be translated into either one or two symbols, and the meaning is the same. Whereas, some words must be translated into two symbols, hope is an example, there is no single Chinese symbol which can be express the meaning of hope.

Having your body inked can be a very rewarding experience which can last for the rest of your life. Many people who have Chinese symbol tattoos feel that they are very much symbolic representations of their inner feelings and personality. That is the power of choosing a Chinese symbol tattoo that represents your true self, so it is of the up most importance to select the Chinese Symbols perfect match the meanings you want to express through your tattoos.

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