Tattoo supplies, Guns, and Ink
Welcome to Doubletroubletattoos.com. Our site is dedicated to gathering and disseminating information about tattoo supplies. Doubletroubletattoos.com is purely informational and does not promote or endorse any particular product or method.
Our site is designed to educate about tattoo supplies, ideas for tattoos, and tattoo parlors.
Not so long ago we associated tattoos with a minority of people such as bikers, sailors and gang-members. During the late 20th century, however, tattoos began to be considered as art. Tattoos have shaken most of their negative connotations, and now it’s common to see anyone, from young professionals to stay-at-home parents, with prominent tattoos.
Although tattoos have been around since antiquity (mummies from the 2nd century BC have been found with tattoos), the first recorded use of the term came from Captain James Cook’s notes during his voyage to the Marquesas Islands. He described the markings on the native Polynesians and noted: “They print signs on people’s body and call this tattaw.” Polynesian designs remain popular today.
Most tattoos have personal or spiritual significance to the wearer, but some are purely cosmetic. People often decorate themselves with symbols: from the loving “MOM” to a tear underneath the eye (usually honoring the death of a loved one). Religious symbols such as the cross are also extremely popular.
Cosmetic tattoos include permanent eyeliner, lipstick or even moles. There are even women who get their eyebrows tattooed.
Tattoo artists use special guns (which look and sound similar to a dentist drill) to deposit tattoo ink about a millimeter into the skin–beneath the epidermis layer into the dermis. The dermis has more stable/permanent cells where the ink will not smear or rub off. The gun was inspired by an invention by Thomas Edison known as the stencil-pen, which would engrave words or designs into hard surfaces. A couple of years later, Samuel O’Reilly modified Edison’s invention to insert ink into the skin.
The tattoo gun’s speed is controlled by the artist’s foot pedal which can puncture the skin anywhere from 50 to 3,000 times per minute. Since each one of those punctures is susceptible to infection, it’s very important to use a reputable parlor that has an artist who holds safety and sanitation in high regard.
Quality parlors will open tattoo supplies such as individually wrapped needles in front of you. They will have access to a sink and antibacterial soap, own an autoclave (heat/pressure sanitizer) to sterilize the guns, and provide rubber gloves for the artists. If there are any doubts about the parlor's safety and sanitation practices, do not get artwork done there. Unsanitary parlors are breeding grounds for dangerous infections like hepatitis. Many artists practice out of their home with tattoo gun kits; you should also use caution when considering this method.
For those who are afraid of permanent ink, henna tattoos are a perfect alternative. Henna is a dye (in powder form) derived from a plant found near the Middle East. It was formally used in religious ceremonies, but has found new popularity as body art. Henna tattoos are safe and last about 2 weeks. Henna tattoo providers can be found in tattoo parlors and public places such as beaches and state fairgrounds.
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