The Truth about Tattoos in America



Tattoos have been around for ages and are becoming less taboo in the U.S.  Here are some fun and interesting facts about tattoos in America.

History

·         The first recorded use of the word “tattoo” appears in Captain James Cook’s records from his 1769 expedition to Tahiti.

·         Samuel O’Reilly invented the modern tattoo machine in 1891.  He modeled it after Edison’s autographic printer.

·         Tattoo machines puncture the skin between 50 to 3,000 times per minute.

·         Early tattoo methods utilized picks, rakes, combs and chisels to cut the skin before adding pigment.

Demographic

·         21% (45 million) of Americans have a tattoo.

·         Women are 23% more like to get a tattoo, men are at 19%.

·         The most popular age group that get tattoos are 30-39 years old (38%).

·         The Hispanic race is found to be most likely to receive tattoos (30%).

·         Democrats are more likely to get a tattoo (22%).

Regional

The ten most tattooed cities in the U.S. are:

1.       Miami, Florida

2.       Las Vegas, Nevada

3.       Richmond, Virginia

4.       Flint, Michigan

5.       Portland, Oregon

6.       Austin, Texas

7.       San Francisco, California

8.       Honolulu, Hawaii

9.       Kansas City, Missouri

10.   Los Angeles, California

The West is the most likes to have tattoos (26%)

Money

·         Tattoo removal has increased in demand by 32% since 2011.

·         Tattooing is a $1.65 billion per year industry, and represents the 6^th fastest growing industry in the American economy.

·         There are an estimated 21,000 tattoo studios operating in the U.S.  At least one new shop opens every day.

·         $150 is the average cost per hour for a tattoo artist.

·         $45 is the average cost for a small tattoo.

Society

·         14-16% of Americans regret getting a tattoo.

·         11% of people with tattoos plan to get one removed, or have already had one removed.

·         47% of people without tattoos think tattoos make people less attractive.

Regardless, of your personal feelings on tattoos and how you think society should feel about them.  You are always going to want to set up a consultation with a tattoo artist in your area.  Tattoos are a permanent piece of art on your body.  You want to be going to the best and want to have all of your questions answered before you invest a large sum of money on something that will be with you for many, many years. 

If you would like to know more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo in Layton, Utah, go to www.luckybambootattoo.com.

Advice for the Workplace for the Tattooed & Pierced



More and more tattoos and piercings are becoming more popular and accepted in the workplace.  You can probably even remember when body art and piercings were highly frowned upon, and it was thought of to be rebellious.

Just to give you an idea...30 years ago 1 in 100 people had one or more tattoos.  Now, 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have at least one tattoo.  The most popular ages to have tattoos is 25-30 years of age, making up one-third of the tattooed population.

If your work tells you that you can’t wear piercings or show your tattoos in the workplace, they aren’t doing anything illegal.  The law only covers discrimination on race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin, and gender.  The only exception may be if you’re Hindu and have a nose ring, this could be thought of as a religious observation.  Employers can’t fire you for having piercings or tattoos, but it can keep them from hiring you.  Plus, an employer can change a dress code at any time.

Recently, 60% of employers said they were less likely to hire someone with tattoos or piercings.  They were worried how the company would be viewed or represented.  Many employers have an image they want for their business, a cookie cutter mentality in a way.  Tattoos usually have to be covered up and piercing removed, unless you aren’t dealing with the public.

Some employers, such as Borders Book Store and Ford Motor Company, view body art and piercings as something that makes a worker more interesting and a definite plus.  For companies that are concerned about body art and piercing, they say that large tattoos and tongue piercings are the most concerning.

Many tattoo studios/shops and tattoo artists will have consultations with customers/clients beforehand.  This is to find out if they have thought about the consequences and permanence of tattoos.  Placement of a tattoo can be important too, depending on a person’s profession. 

Already have tattoos?  Camouflaging your tattoos can be helpful too.  Using concealer, Band-Aid’s, bracelets, long sleeves, pants, thick tights, or strappy heels can help conceal tattoos that employers may not feel comfortable with.  Plastic or flesh colored jewelry can also be used in place of regular piercings while you are working.  Around 70% conceal their body art or piercings while at the workplace, and 30% do not.

When you are thinking of getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure to consider where you would like the placement to be and how your future may be affected by it.  Tattoos are permanent and you should feel at ease with your decision.  If you have more questions contact your local tattoo studio and make sure to schedule a consultation so you have all of your questions answered. 

To know more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo in Layton, Utah, visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com. 

Top 11 Tips to Care for Your New Tattoo



You just received your new tattoo and there can be so many recommendations for aftercare.  But, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your tattoo artist.  Most problems arise when a client doesn’t follow the aftercare instructions they were given.  One thing to remember is that everyone has different types of skin, allergies, and possible reactions.  Everyone heals differently.

1-      Pay attention to what your tattoo artist tells you to do, and follow the exact instructions.  If you change up the aftercare, the tattoo artist is no longer liable for what can happen.  It is your responsibility to take care of your tattoo.

2-      Don’t wrap your tattoo again, unless you are instructed to do so by your tattoo artist.  It is extremely important to keep your tattoo clean after this protection has been removed.  Your new tattoo is just like any open sore or injury.  Keep your hands clean when handling the aftercare of your tattoo.

3-      It is common for a new tattoo to be slightly inflamed, sensitive, and red.  Most people will have some irritation a day or two after.  If these symptoms worsen or last longer than 3-4 days, call you tattoo artist.

4-      Your new tattoo will weep the first couple of days, this is normal.  This isn’t an indication that your tattoo is coming off or being affected negatively at all.  This is your body’s natural healing process.

5-      Keep your tattoo slightly moist.  If the tattoo dries out it can lead to a thick scab formation & this isn’t good.  This can cause the healing process to slow down, and can harm the tattoo.  Your tattoo artist should advise you on a cream or ointment to use.  Remember to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions.

6-      Within a couple of days to a week, a thin layer of skin will start to peel or flake away from the tattoo.  This is also normal, don’t scratch or peel the skin away from the tattoo.  It even may itch, but don’t scratch the area.  It is still delicate and you can do damage.  If it itches, lightly pat or tap with a clean paper towel.

 

7-      Don’t soak your tattoo for at least two weeks.  No bathing, swimming, or sitting in a sauna.  Showering is fine, and can be a great and easy way to clean your tattoo also.  The recommended time can vary depending on your tattoo artist’s recommendations.

8-      Don’t expose the tattoo to tanning beds or direct sunlight for at least two weeks.  UV rays will damage the skin and affect the color of the tattoo.  After the tattoo is healed you should use the highest UV protection sunscreen.

9-      A tattoo may take 1-3 weeks to heal depending on your skin type and the tattoo itself.  If you get a rash, or any unusual signs on or around the tattoo, contact your tattoo artist immediately.

 

10-   Avoid working out.  Tattoos that cover big areas or near joints, may take longer to heal if it is moved too much.  Intense workouts may cause the skin to break or become irritated.  This will cause the healing time to be longer.

11-   Always ask for help when you aren’t sure what to do or if you have any questions about your tattoo.

If you have any questions about the tattoo you recently received from Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, call our studio at 801-497-9700 or visit our website at, www.luckybambootattoo.com. 

Holiday Shopping Is Just Around the Corner





October is almost here and that means that holiday shopping is just around the corner.  Many of times, we wait till the last moment and we may not even be sure that the receivers of our gifts love them.  Did you know that the day after Christmas is the biggest day for returning gifts?  You will literally be waiting in line for a while to just return a shirt you don’t like, or an unnecessary gift that you will never use.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo has the answer for you!  If you visit our website, www.luckybambootattoo.com, you will find a large assortment of merchandise that we sell to the public.  This merchandise ranges from shirts, beanies, sticker, flasks, DVDs, hoodies, paintings, prints, Ed Hardy clothing, Sullen Clothing, and gift certificates.  We literally have something for almost everyone on your holiday shopping list. 

You may either order from our website, or you can come in to the Lucky Bamboo Tattoo studio and purchase from the selection in our waiting/reception area.  While you are there you can browse through the portfolios of the talented artists at Lucky Bamboo.  Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to help in any way possible. 

Don’t wait till the last moment, get finished before the holidays even get here and you can enjoy the true meaning of the holidays.  Visit our website, www.luckybambootattoo.com, for more information.