Tattoo Removal Options

Tattoo Removal Options

The removal of a tattoo is often thought of as being a very painful process. Although the process may have been very painful in the past, the technology of today offers methods of removing tattoos. Currently, there are two options to remove tattoos that are rapidly becoming more and more popular laser technology and light based technology.



Both surgeries used light energy to destroy the ink in the tattoo. The ink in the tattoo will absorb the energy of the light, breaking it up. Once the ink starts to break up, it can easily be passed through and out of your body through filtering. In most cases this is extremely safe, as the ink is broken down into micro size to where it can easily pass through the body with no complications.

The process is actually similar to the surgery in which hair is removed. The surgeon or doctor who performs the surgery will hold a wand to the skin that is being treated. As he does this, the pulses of light are aimed at the tattoo, breaking up the ink. The wand is normally held right up against the tattoo, as this makes the pulses of light much more effective.



Normally, the feeling that you'll experience is best described as an elastic or rubber band flicking constantly against your skin. If the tattoo is big the pain could certainly be a bit more intense. The area where the tattoo is at is also important, as sensitive areas may cause you quite a bit of pain and discomfort. If the area in which you have the tattoo doesn't have a lot of muscle or tissue, you'll more than likely want to be numbed as much as possible before starting the procedure.

Both laser and light based treatments are somewhat similar. With both tattoo removal procedures, the doctor that is doing the procedure will always apply a cooling gel to the tattoo area that is being treated to cool the skin and conduct the energy of the light. This cooling gel helps to draw the light, and at the same time protect your skin. The gel will feel cool to the touch, although it will help your skin when the light pulses start to break the ink apart.



If you've been thinking about having a tattoo removed you should consider both light and laser based procedures. Keep in mind that they are both expensive, and both impose risks. Depending on how big your tattoo is and what the procedure involves, you may need to spend a night or two in the hospital. Even though both procedures do offer ways to have your tattoo removed, you'll need to think long and hard before you make a final decision.



-Ian

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese Tattoos

Here are some cool tattoo scans right from Japan! I would like to thank my Twitter friend Oedozakura for getting these to me! Pic 1: Japanese Punk Rocker Pic 2: A group of Yakuza that come out in full force with their tats during seasonal Japanese festivals Pic 3: Picture of Master Roppongi Horiryu at work, a tattoo master of considerable note in Tokyo's Roppongi district. Pic 4: Examples more of Master Roppongi Horiryu art on two Yakuza from the Yamaguchi-gumi. The guy's tattoo on the RIGHT in the middle of his back on the left is a diamond shaped crest. This is the official crest of the Yamaguchi-gumi, the biggest syndicate in Japan.

And I have NO idea what it says in the articles! lol I also don't know the name of the magazine that these were from.

-Ian

Picking Your Dream Tattoo Design

Picking Your Dream Tattoo Design

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 of 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.

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

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.

Here is a program you can use to design your own tattoos!

• Have your own, unique tattoo!
• Create new designs quickly & easily!
• Add, change, re-arrange your designs!
• Never have to worry about getting the wrong tattoo!
• Print a temporary tattoo
• Create custom fonts
• Print your perfect tattoo for your favorite tattoo artist
• Combine multiple images and text for a tattoo sleeve design
• Design tattoos for your friends

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.

Bottom Picture from: Flickr.com

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.



-Ian

Why Do Tattoos Fade?

Why Do Tattoos Fade

Some of my followers on Twitter have been asking me why tattoos fade...and you're in luck I go the answer!

From my research I have found 2 main reasons and several secondary reasons for fading tattoos.

• Proper care of your new tattoo is important! Give it time to heal it takes all the layers of your skin about 3 months to heal properly. During this time keep it clean by washing with normal to mild soap everyday morning and night then pat it dry. After washing it let it dry out for an hour our two so the skin can breath before covering it with bandage or clothing. You can also put lotion on your new tattoo but make sure there is NO Aloe or Vitamin E because these can irritate the broken skin. Keep the bandage on it during the day and at night for as much of the 3 months as you can bare. This is to protect the healing skin from rubbing against clothing or you bed. You can find ointments to use during this time to help it heal fast and scab over less. If you get scabs don't pick them, they are there to protect the skin. If you pick they may scar making your tattoo look bad. One last thing...do NOT go into the pool or hot tub for as long as possible after getting your new tattoo. The chlorine in the water will fade new tattoos because chlorine is bleach!
  

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

• After the new tattoo is healed you will want to show it off! Use 30 SPF sunblock or better on your tattoo to protect it. The sun will fade the inks in your tattoo over time. You can minimize this by protecting it with sunblock all the time. Lighter inks are the first to fade and people with darker skin tone will notice first.
  

Those are the 2 main reasons for tattoo fading but here are a few more.

• Inexperienced tattoo artist - There is a real skill needed to know how deep to put the ink and in general you are better off with seasoned pro not the new young hot shot. If put on to deep your tattoo may scab & scar, or blur if put on shallow or thinly.
  

• Poor quality inks - Some inks are not good! A professional tattoo at a reputably tattoo parlor should be using high quality inks...don't be afraid to ask!

• Long term care - Put lotion on your tattoos everyday! After your skin has healed Aloe and Vitamin E enriched lotions are the best for long term care.
  

• Skin Damage - Sun burn, scraps & bruises, or some other physical damage to the skin will fade, scar, or blur your tattoos.

Bottom Picture from: Flickr.com

I would like to say that if you follow most of my advice your tattoo will last forever...but that is not true. Fading of tattoos is normal and no mater what you do your tattoo will fade in the long run. Our bodies are protecting us from the inks injected into our skin so slowly the ink will fade.

Best way to avoid the long term fade...visit your tattoo artist for a touch up every 5 to 10 years!




-Ian

Information To Know Before Getting A Tattoo

Information To Know Before Getting A Tattoo

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.

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

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 about infections, he should also be able to tell you exactly what to do if you think you are developing an infection as well.

Bottom Picture from: Flickr.com

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.

More Fashion Ideas videos at 5min.com

-Ian

Lower Back Tattoos

Lower Back Tattoos

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.

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

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.

Bottom Picture from: Flickr.com

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.

-Ian

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years. Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewelry, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans. Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses.

Over the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are a Celtic descent. The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little no written history. Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed. The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols. The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular.

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth. There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet. The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level. The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements. The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love. For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Top Picture from: Flickr.com

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride. These tattoos help to reestablish pride, and give tribute to one's ancestors. The tattoos aren't easy to do, most taking several hours. Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoo, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo. The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them. It's always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly. The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

-Ian