We don’t know exactly how many years or centuries the world has wakened into tattooed body parts. But the earliest that we can note by now (for which other resources may contend otherwise) is the remains of the mummified iceman dated as far back as 3300 BC. For the Egyptians however, along with the Nubian mummies, the records of tattooing have only been known for only around 2000 years. For other records, classical authors shed information on the existence of the practice among the earliest Britons, Gauls, Thracians and Germans.

The discovery by the Europeans led to the wide acceptation of the practice in the western world. Yet, since tattoos were closely associated with criminals, pirates and the likes, it was not as welcomed among other societies. And presumably, this is the point of view that went with the passing of the years.

Obviously enough, people, societies and cultures connote different meanings with the practice of tattooing. Although it is normally viewed as an instrument of self-expression through body decorations. For some groups, tattoos act as marks to signify the social position of an individual. For some, it signifies as a passage of rite especially in entering manhood (or womanhood).

While modern tattooing methods feature the use of a machine to create skin injections of ink, more primitive methods include literal scaring of the skin to produce bruises where pigments are implanted. With more advanced methods among tribes that employ the practice, metals are used to scrape the surface of the skin and sooth is the typical marker.

Fortunately, we need not experience extreme pain with such techniques. Nowadays, tattoos are made by punching ink into the dermis layer of the skin by means of a needle. Now, what we see is the ink that remained.

While the epidermis seems to hold most of the ink, the reverse is true. The dermis, where skin cells are more stable does not renew (or exfoliate). This is why once the skin is stained with ink, the tattoo will remain drawn into it for life.

One may notice that the main principle propelling the process is patterned after the sewing machine. The tattooing machine itself is composed of a needle that drives ink into the dermis. This solid, sterilized needle moves at an average rate of 50 to 30,000 per minute depending on the control of the powered foot switch.  The needle is regularly dipped into the ink for continuous supply and will then be punched into the skin.

Much of the concern while undergoing the tattooing process is focused on the safety of the person. This is mainly because the skin is susceptible to infections when wounded. And that exactly how the whole process goes.  Besides, all paraphernalia used hold great possibilities for contamination. This is why it is important that 1) all disposable items are discarded once used and 2), all items undergo sterilization after each session.

Tattooing starts with outlining of the pattern. Understandably, this is the process where the tattoo artist shows his mettle. Clear lines must have proper depth, otherwise the skin may not absorb the ink properly and blurring of the image may occur.

Afterwhich, the artist will continue on with the shading of the design. Color will then be added as part of the finishing touch.

By definition, a tattoo is a permanent marking on the skin.  The ink is injected by needle under the skin, creating the image of the tattoo.  The needle moves very fast, puncturing the skin and depositing the ink into the epidermis.  As the ink is depositing into the epidermis, the skin captures the color of the ink.  The artist will continue to clean the tattoo as he works on it, wiping it off with antiseptic and disinfecting the wound.

Over time tattoos will chance with the skin on a constant basis due to the wind, sun, regeneration, water, and other things.  The way a tattoo looks and the design must also chance with the skin as it shrinks, stretches, and ages.  The pigment that makes up the tattoo must remain the way it is over time, although tanning and wrinkles can affect the color and clarity of the tattoo.

The overall length of time that a tattoo styles healthy and vibrant in color all depends on how well it was taking care of after it was completed and how the skin is taking care of.  Even though infection is always a concern with tattoos, you must also promote healing in the sense of retaining as much ink as you possibly can.  Most tattoos will heal completely within a few short weeks, although they must be kept moist to prevent scabbing.  If allowed to scab, the scab that forms will remove some of the color from the tattoo.

The number one enemy of tattoos is the sun.  Just like other colors that are exposed to sunlight, the pigments found in tattoos will fade.  Yellow and red are the hardest colors to maintain over time, blue and black are the easiest and most stable to maintain.  Tattoos are considered to be part of the organism of living skin and need to be maintained to keep the color alive and fresh.  If you are going to be out in the sun, you should always cover your tattoos and wear a quality sunscreen as well, just to be on the safe side.

Tattoos that have been properly applied, properly healed, and protected from the rays of the sun can remain their best for years and years.  Although the colors will remain vibrant as well, time and the sun are definite enemies for tattoos.  No matter how well you take care of your tattoos and protect them, there really is no escape from changes that come as a result of time itself.

Added to this factor, the even surface of the human back also counts as a plus in the aesthetic value of back tattoos.

There are two things you need to consider in getting a back tattoo: symbolism and aesthetics.

Symbolism – There are a number of symbolic meanings behind back tattoos. The placement of each tattoo often alters its meaning, and the placement of a tattoo in the back can have many interpretations.

A back tattoo can mean that someone has turned his/her back on whatever the tattoo signifies. One may choose to have a tattoo of a vice or habit, an ex, and anything they wish to tell people they have left behind in their lives.

In the east, having a back tattoo of an animal, or an organizational logo can mean that someone is “watching your back”. This would serve as a protection for those sporting the back tattoo.

A back tattoo found near the shoulder, especially on a woman, signifies a sort of innocent sensuality.

This enhances the sexual attraction to the wearer, especially if the back tattoo is revealed accidentally.

Another symbolically sensual location of a back tattoo is at the small of the back. It just seems so sexy, somehow… doesn’t it?

The use of back tattoo to convey hidden messages is evident in the fact that a slightly revealed tattoo on a person arouses another person’s curiosity and thus leads to social interaction.

Of course, the symbolism of tattoos also involves the images themselves.

With every image come a dozen or even more interpretations. You need to be careful in choosing a tattoo image that actually symbolizes or reflects your character.

However, for all the interpretations of other people, you need to remember that you are the one getting the tattoo. What’s important is the meaning the back tattoo has for you personally.

Everything else is just a matter of perception.

Aesthetics – You need to make sure that the back tattoo you will be getting actually looks good.

In aesthetics, you need to consider the skill of the tattoo artist. Some people tend to only look at the catalogues of the tattoo artist in order to see if they can get a good back tattoo. However, you also need to see examples of the tattoo artist work on actual akin. This way, you can be sure whether you are getting a quality back tattoo or not.

Included in the aesthetic quality or factor of a back tattoo is its size. Some people prefer small, yet elaborate back tattoos while others choose big, yet comparatively simple ones.

Some people would also prefer their back tattoos to be like frescoes on their bodies, with different elements, making a story on their backs.

Colors are also an important part in back tattoos. Some people prefer “earth” colors, blending those colors with the color of the skin and thus, achieving a “natural’ look.

Some people prefer to have back tattoos with colors that really stand out. This way, their skin color acts as the medium to truly express the image of the back tattoo.

There are some tattoo parlors which offer colorless and 3-dimensional tattoos. More like piercing than actual tattoos, these are getting very popular because of their “modern” look.

Though tattoo and piercing convey coolness or self-expression, these still entail risks from which you must protect yourself. Unless you are ready to get caught with feelings of regret later.

Tattoo is a permanent body art. And they were meant to be that way. Once the design is laid and the pigments are injected into your skin, you can never wash them off. Nonetheless, there are newly developed techniques to help remove the marks but scarring is inevitable.

Depending on the expertise of the tattoo artist, the tattoo may either fade or drift. If the breaching of the skin is too shallow, the skin may not absorb much of the ink thus the design may be peeled off overtime due to the constant removal of the epidermis or the upper skin layer. If the penetration of the pigment is too deep, the design may not be as defined since too much of the upper skin may cover parts of the image. In each case, the removal of the tattoo may be easily accomplished or impossible.

Body piercing on the other hand, is less painful and less permanent. There are pierces that may close unless they are large enough so as not to permit the skin segments to return to their normal states.  Body piercing is primarily the insertion of specific jewelries into the openings made into the skin parts such as the ears, eyebrows, tongue, nose and in rare cases, the genitals.

This art works by thrusting a needle through the target part, which will eventually become the place for the jewelry. Many practitioners make use of piercing guns but due to issues of health securities, many choose not to employ the method. This is because piercing guns are more difficult to sterilize and are likely to cause permanent damages on the skin.

Like with tattooing, dissatisfaction with the art may cause one to facilitate the removal of body pierces. There are no major problems with this art in terms of removal since the skin, by nature, is able to heal at its own rate. Sometimes, this occurs quickly yet once the wound is large enough, the skin may be left with permanent open holes.

Tattoo and body piercing alike are art forms that have went down with the passing of year. Both are seen used in diverse cultures, at different styles and varying widespread of acceptance. And both entails the process of skin puncturing thus, the issues on skin infection are inescapable subjects to risks.

Oral complications: with tongue pierces, it is possible that damages in the mouth may be incurred. This include dental damages such as chipping and cracking of the teeth and gum damages.

Blood-borne diseases: because not all tattoo and piercing equipments are disposable, it is likely that you have shared the tools with another person of a blood-borne disease. once the skin is open, it is more likely that contamination will easily penetrate into your bloodstream. Therefore, you have to ensure that the practitioner practices efficient sanitation. Blood-borne diseases typically include: tetanus, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis A and B and tuberculosis.

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.

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

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.

The tattoo machines of today have several basic components.  The sterilized needle, tube system, electric motor, and foot pedal are all fine examples.  The foot pedal is extremely important to the tattoo gun, as it controls the vertical movement that the needle will make.  It resembles a pedal used with a sewing machine, except for the fact that it determines how the needle will work.

One of the biggest concerns regarding tattoos has always been safety.  Tattoo machines work by puncturing the skin and injecting ink into the tattoo site.  Whenever you are dealing with puncture wounds, there is always a risk of infection and disease.  Because of these risks, tattoo applications are always focused on safety.  Tattoo artists always use sterile equipment, disposable materials, and proper sanitation to ensure protection for themselves and their customers.

To help prevent the risk of contamination, almost all tattoo materials such as ink, ink cups, needles, and gloves are for single use only.  Needles should never be used a second time, as they can almost always lead to infection.  Most of the single use products will arrive at the tattoo studio in sterile packaging where the artist can open it up in front of you before he starts his work.

Before they start the tattoo, tattoo artists will always wash their hands with soap and water and check themselves for abrasions and cuts.  After doing so, they will clean and disinfect their work area with the appropriate disinfectants.  As they do this, they will normally explain to you what they are doing and how the sterilization process works.  Once they have cleaned the area, they will then start to open their equipment from the sterile boxes.  After the artist has opened everything, he will shave the area for the tattoo and disinfect it with water and soap.

Once he starts the tattoo, the pain will all depend on your tolerance.  Some people say that it feels like being pinched, while others describe it as a slight poking with needles.  Your overall pain tolerance, the location and size of the tattoo and the experience of the tattoo artist will all be contributing factors to how much pain you will feel.  The location is extremely important.  If you are getting a tattoo in a sensitive area – it will probably hurt a bit more.

The tattoo artist will clean the tattoo throughout the process, and again once he has finished.  Once he has finished, he will put some ointment on the tattoo and cover it.  He will also explain how you should take care of it and what you can and can’t do.  Most tattoo artists will give you a sheet to take home that contains detailed instructions on caring for your new tattoo.  If you have any questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask when he is going over your care instructions.

When you get home, you should always follow those instructions.  Taking care of your new tattoo is very important and may very well determine your risk of infection.  Tattoos can be a great thing to have, providing you take care of them.  Keep in mind that the tattoo may be sore for a while – although it will heal in a few short days.

Years ago, temporary tattoos were found in quarter machines, bubble gum wrappers, and even toy sections of the local store.  Children loved to get these temporary tattoos, as they presented a way for children to have a tattoo – one that was completely safe and would wash off.  Now days, even adults are beginning to think that this is the right idea.  The temporary tattoos of today are no longer just for children, as most last a long time – making them perfect for adults.

The best thing about temporary tattoos, is the fact that they are indeed temporary.  With temporary tattoos, you don’t have to worry about infections or unsanitary equipment, as there is no piercing of the skin involved.  Temporary tattoos are safe, and remove easily with soap and water.  This is very cost friendly as well – as permanent tattoos require surgery to remove.

If you have been thinking about getting a permanent tattoo, you should first give a temporary tattoo a try.  Tattoos that are temporary provide an excellent way to test out designs, and see if a tattoo is right for you.  If you don’t like it, all you have to do is wash it off.  Then, you can purchase another one and see if you like it better.  There are literally thousands of temporary tattoos out there, with designs that are sure to please everyone.

If you decide to get a permanent tattoo instead, you are pretty much stuck with it.  To get rid of a permanent tattoo, you’ll need to have it surgically removed, which can cost you thousands of dollars. You’ll also face the risk of infection, along with a permanent scar. Permanent tattoos are great though – providing you are happy with the tattoo.

In most cases, temporary tattoos look just like a permanent tattoo.  To use them, simply lick the tattoo or use water and apply to your skin.  When you have it where you want it, simply apply pressure for a few seconds.  They are easy to apply, and last until you wash them off.  If you decide to get a longer lasting temporary tattoo, it will last for a longer period of time.  This way, you can decide if a permanent tattoo is going to be worth the investment.

You can find temporary tattoos in local stores or on the Internet.  They are very affordable as well, even cheaper if you buy them in bulk.  Tattoo artists also sell them, and normally have a large selection on hand.  This way, you can look through the available selections and find the tattoo that best fits your style.

All in all, temporary tattoos are easier to apply than permanent tattoos and they pose no risk to your skin or your health.  Those that are afraid of needles tend to like them as well, as they give you the chance to have a tattoo without going under the needle. Before you rush out and get a tattoo, you should instead give permanent tattoos a try.  They won’t cost you a lot of money – yet they will give you the chance to see how you look with a tattoo – and decide if a permanent tattoo is really something you want.

When getting a tattoo, most people fear getting the virus known as HIV, which can lead to the dreaded AIDS virus.  Although many fear HIV, it is just one of the many viruses that can result from tattoos.  Staph, syphilis, tuberculosis, and hepatitis are all but a few of the other diseases that can result from tattoos.  All it takes is a dirty or unsanitary needle and you could wind up contracting one of the deadly viruses listed above.

Just like other activities, tattooing can be very dangerous.  Although tattooing is indeed dangerous, there are ways that you can minimize or eliminate the potential dangers.  Each and everyday, tattoo artists have to adhere to a strict code of safety to ensure that the risk of contracting HIV or any other diseases is little to none.

Professional tattoo artists will sterilize their equipment after each use.  They use steam pressure autoclave when disinfecting their tattoo guns and needles.  Bleach and alcohol don’t sterilize the equipment; they are instead used to prep the equipment.   Once the bleach and alcohol have been used on the instruments, they will then be autoclaved, which will sterilize them.

When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he should always wear rubber gloves that can easily be disposed of.  The ointment spreaders and any type of rags that are used should also be disposable.  When you walk into the tattoo studio, the floors should be spotless.  In the rooms where the tattoos are done, the working area should always be clean and sanitary.

Before the tattooist starts the tattoo, he should always give each customer a brand new set of fresh needles.  Then, he should always dip the needle in a small cap of pigment that he just took out of a large squeezable bottle.  If the artist dips the needle into the big bottle, you may very well be sharing fluids with those who have had tattoos from that same big bottle.

Whenever you decide to get a tattoo you should always put safety first.  Safety is very important with tattoos, as you could otherwise get a disease or a serious infection.  Before you decide on a tattoo studio, you should always make sure that they are clean and sanitary.  If you get a tattoo from a studio that is dirty or unsanitary, you could wind up on a never ending spiral of infections and viruses.

Most who decide to look into the psychology of those with tattoos seem to associate them as criminals and study them like they are common rats in the cage.  Contrary to this opinion that many experts have, those who have tattoos aren’t in any type of cage.  Instead, they are out there expressing their freedom.  Whether they are going by what they believe, showing that they belong to a certain group or clan, or paying homage to the dearly departed – there are always meanings behind tattoos.

The psychologist who studies those with tattoos will normally try to get into their frame of mind, which is hard to do.  For hundreds of years tattoos have always been a question from a psychological standpoint, with most people associating tattoos in the past with criminals.  Even though criminals may have tattoos, there are just as many if not more people out there who are some of the friendliest people in the world who have them as well.

To look at tattoos from a psychological standpoint can sometimes be hypocritical.  Although those who don’t have tattoos will try and figure out why someone would want them, it can still be considered a psychological point of view.  Those who have tattoos had a reason for getting them, or they wouldn’t have got them in the first place.

No matter where you look these days it’s a common thing to see someone with at least one tattoo.  This doesn’t mean that society is dwindling in any way, nor does it mean that mankind is becoming a bunch of clones following after one leader.  Tattoos have built there own reputation over the years, gaining in popularity.  Over the years more and more people have decided to get them – which only goes to show the phenomenon that is tattoos.

When you decide to look at the psychology of tattoos, you must first understand some of the meanings.  A tattoo can tell you a lot about the individual and his past.  Although some tattoos may be a bit frightening, that individual may have got the tattoos in his past and turn out to be nothing like that now.  Like others out there – the tattoos that were obtained in the past may be left as a reminder for the future.