Tattoos Popular By Region and Culture

Tattoo design popularity can vary greatly. Not just globally, but also by individual states. Certain types/styles/designs of tattoos can be very regional. 

As a whole, the most popular tattoo in America is of a butterfly, which is the same in the UK. But some tattoos are more popular by state. California, the overall most popular would be portrait tattoos. In Georgia, it's dolphins. Political figure tattoos are actually popular in Michigan, Main and Arkansas. In Utah, the most popular/common tattoo is eyeliner and micro blading (two things that are usually specialized to cosmetology, and not really the tattoo industry, but they're still "tattoos").

Overall, in Europe, the biggest trend is micro realism and minimalist tattoos. Black and Grey floral pieces are also gaining momentum in the region.

In South America, traditional style and Incan/Mayan are still prevalent. It seems to have been that way for some time.

Up until recently, tattoos are not common among the Russian population, and they are still relatively rare compared to other parts of the world. It wasn't very long ago that having a tattoo in Russia generally meant you were a part of a criminal gang. As far as what kind of tattoo is popular in that part of the world, there doesn't appear to be any particular trend as of yet. However, the traditional Khokhloma pattern seems to be the closest thing.

Asia has been tattooing for thousands of years, however, there is still a stigma in parts of Asia that looks down upon tattoos. Traditional Asian tattoos are still very popular, and the classic "body suit" design is still in demand. Tebori, or hand tapping tattoos, is also still very popular. People come from around the world to get one of these done.

In Australia and New Zealand, the old Aboriginal Art style is very popular. Whimsical tattoos seem to be making a move as well. National pride tattoos can be seen quite commonly in the region.

It goes to show, wherever you go in the world, you are sure to find an interesting love of tattoos and their regional tastes.

Sanitation and Safety Prep at Lucky Bamboo

Is it important for your tattoo studio to have strict sanitation and safety protocols? Of course! Sadly, not every place goes by the same standards. Lucky Bamboo Tattoo adheres to some of the most intensive standards in the industry. Many of our clients comment on how clean our studio is, which begs the question of what other places they've been to look like.

After each tattoo, every artist sanitizes down, from all the counter surfaces, their workstation, the chair, their machine, everything. Then, all the same surfaces are covered with barrier film, bedsheets, pillowcases, and so on. Each evening when they are finished for the day, they sanitize everything again, even the floor. It may sound a little redundant, but that's the point, to ensure cleanliness and safety for both the artist and the client. Nobody wants to give nor receive an infectious tattoo.

All the needles used are individually packaged and sterile. In the event a needle pack gets opened that ends up not being needed, it still gets disposed of in a sharps container, and not saved for later. Everything we use at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo is disposable thus we do not run the risk of an improperly sterilized or cleaned item.

We use "green soap", disinfectants, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Our "green soap" is mixed from water that has been distilled through a distiller machine we have right here in our studio, and not just water straight from the tap. 

Even though tattoo ink isn't regulated in the USA, our studio artists only used EU regulated inks to ensure cleanliness and quality.

Each artist uses an average of $60 in prep materials for each client set-up, which is greatly attributed to sanitation and safety. They also maintain current First Aid, CPR and Blood-borne Pathogens certifications, and renew them every year.

Clients should take these things into consideration when they are choosing a tattoo studio for the first time. An infected tattoo could turn out to be a nightmare. Not just for health reasons, but for the quality of the tattoo post infection healing.

Book with confidence at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo knowing for certain that we take sanitation and safety very very seriously.

Tattoo Pointers for First-Timers

How to prepare for your tattoo? Here are a few pointers for first timers.

• Eat before you come. You body will most likely kick in a bit of adrenaline at the very start of getting your tattoo, which will burn up some sugar in the blood stream. A quick drop in blood sugar could cause light-headedness. So, it's a good idea to have something in your stomach.
• Bring a snack! If you are going to be sitting for a bit, having a snack nearby can be nice.
• Bring something to drink! Mainly for refreshment, but it's also just good to stay hydrated. Your skin is healthier when your body is hydrated.
• Charge your phone. If you are not a particularly chatty person and would rather browse the internet while getting your tattoo, have a fully charged phone to stay entertained.
• KEEP THE KIDS AT HOME! Think of a tattoo studio like a bar. Kids not only distract you, but also the artists. 
• Trust your artist! Your artist is a professional who's trained and practiced their craft for years and gone through an apprenticeship. Trust that they will create fantastic art for you. Allow them to be creative. I promise, they will do their best work if unfettered. Don't worry if you don't see the art they create until the day of the tattoo. It will look fantastic. Real artists take pride in their work, and they aren't going to make something subpar. They do their best when they are excited for the piece they are working on. They want to show off their creation, AND you will have something 100% unique. Allow the artist to be an artist!

Why Not Get A Tattoo Using UV Ink?

 

UV (ultra-violet) ink being used in tattoos was one of the latest crazes in the tattoo industry. Yes, they are often invisible under normal lighting. Yes, they look really cool under a black-light. Yes, it's a unique way to express your tattoo design. But are they safe?

In order to achieve the effect of glowing under a black light, UV ink used to require phosphorus, which is a known carcinogen, and therefor, unsafe. However, many manufacturers are now using a UV reactive pigment that contains no phosphorus. 

That sounds fine and dandy, however, tattoo ink is not FDA regulated and ink manufacturers often do not disclose their ingredients. So, how would you know if the tattoo studio that offers UV tattoos is using the non-phosphorus inks? Unless the studio advertises it, you simply cannot know. 

I mentioned the benefits to a UV reactive tattoo, but what are the drawbacks? Obviously, the first would be getting tattooed with ink containing phosphorus. If you get a tattoo with that ingredient, you could be subject to rashes, burning and even intense swelling. If you get lucky and you get tattooed with the safer UV inks, you still have the following to consider. Like all tattoos, UV ink will also fade over time, which would require touchups. Would you be able to find another studio that can do that for you if you move or your old shop closes? Even if the tattoo is done using invisible ink, if your artist has a heavy hand, you could run the risk of scarring, leaving you with an image of the scar in normal light instead of the tattoo you are proud of. How often are you going to be under a UV light? Will just carry one around everywhere you go to show off your tattoo?

Undeniably, UV tattoos do look really cool if done right. Personally, I feel like the risks and inconveniences simply aren't worth it. I'd rather my tattoos be visible without special conditions.