Tattoo supplies, Guns, and Ink
It wasn’t very long ago that the only people with tattoos were bikers, sailors, and gang-members. During the late 20th Century, however, body art began to be seen as just that: 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 ancient cultures (mummies from the second 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 symbolism important to them; from the loving “MOM” to a tear underneath the eye (usually honoring the death of a loved one). Religious symbols, such as the Christian cross, are also extremely popular to reinforce the individual’s undying faith.
Cosmetic tattoos include permanent eyeliner, lipstick or even moles. There are even women who get their eyebrows tattooed.
Tattoo artists use a special gun (which looks and sounds 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 actually developed from an invention by Thomas Edison known as the stencil-pen, which would engrave words or designs into hard surfaces. A couple years later, Samuel O’Reilly modified Edison’s invention to insert ink into the skin.
The 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 and an artist who holds safety and sanitation in high regard.
Quality parlors will open individually wrapped needles in front of you, 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 is any doubt about their safety/sanitation practices, do not get artwork done! Unsanitary parlors are breeding grounds for dangerous infections like hepatitis.
For those who are afraid of the commitment of getting inked, 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 is safe and lasts about 2 weeks.
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