TATTOOS HAVE BEEN A RIGHT OF PASSAGE FOR MANY YEARS
Many cultures in the world have used tattoos, body modification, and scarification as a means for a right of passage. Both males and females had their different rituals. There were multiple reasons for these to occur. Often, a right of passage was a coming of age, such as becoming a man or for a woman, being able to have children. Enduring the pain meant you were ready for your new role in your society.
Other former rights of passage, in all forms of body modification, was in regards to battle or a hunt. Being victorious in battle could earn you certain marks. The more you were successful, the more marks you got. It was to show your peers and enemies you were fierce and someone to respect. To bring down a dangerous or large animal also earned you different marks, showing your prowess as a hunter.
Some cultures that exist today still practice these forms of body modification, and can be found on nearly every continent. It's most commonly seen in African tribal cultures, but it's just as prevalent in many other parts of the world. Traditional rights of passage have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.
In today's society, most of the advanced cultures don't generally view tattoos as a right of passage. This is particularly true if someone uses numbing agents or get put under anesthesia (yes, it happens) to get their tattoos. They are missing out on part of the experience, and they're looking for the payoff without the price. The pain involved with getting a tattoo is part of what makes it a right of passage.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
THE USA IS UNFORTUNATELY LACKING IN REGULATIONS FOR TATTOOS
Many in the country view regulations as a negative. This may be true for some things, but when it comes to health and safety, they are kind of important. The tattoo industry has virtually no consumer protection in America. Fortunately, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo holds itself to a much higher standard than the industry norm.
What's even stranger still, there are some elements in the tattooing world that push back against any sort of regulation presented. Why wouldn't they want the health and safety of their client put into consideration? It's almost suspicious. Are they trying to cut corners to increase their profit margins? Low quality materials are certainly cheaper, so that would make sense. Oddly, you'll even hear about so-called well known artists fighting against regulations of any kind. What are they afraid of?
Another thing that has many in the industry confused in the topic of permits vs having a license. A permit is just a permit. You fill out a form, pay the fee, and boom...you are a tattoo artist. No verification, no proof of education or skill, nothing. This is a massive disservice to clients. Any unqualified person can simply open a tattoo shop and start working. A license is different. You need proof of your skill and education as a tattoo artist before you can work. Most states do not require a license to become a tattoo artist. Watch our video by clicking the button to learn more about this.
Something else that seriously needs some regulations are materials, inks in particular. Literally anybody can make their own brand of ink and immediately put it on the market. There is nothing stopping them. Who knows the sanitary conditions, if any, were used in the creation and manufacturing of these inks? What's in them? Do they contain materials known to be unsafe? There is absolutely no way to know. There are tattoo artists out there that will actually buy these random inks to save money, and that puts their clients at risk.
Every artist at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo uses EU regulated inks, which are among the strictest in the world in regards to consumer safety and regulations. All the materials used in our studio are top of the line, from the machines, inks, needles, etc. The owner, who's also the head tattoo artist of the studio, does not allow the usage of cheap stuff. No exceptions. Any artist that works under the Lucky Bamboo Tattoo name must adhere to these standards.
This is part of the reason why cheap tattoos are cheap. Combine unskilled scratcher artists with low quality materials, and you get cheap poorly done tattoos. As said in the industry, "Cheap tattoos aren't good, and good tattoos aren't cheap."
All clients, and all serious tattoo artists should welcome regulations regarding licensing and the overseeing of the safety of materials. It's in the best interest for both parties, and people should accept these regulations with open arms. The health and safety of the client should be top priority for a tattoo artist.
Rest assured, regardless of how the United States chooses what or what not to regulate, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo always has and always will adhere to top of the line standards. Our artists will not compromise our clients over cost. As artists proud of their work, they want to make sure all of their clients are happy, and will be able to continue to enjoy their art for many years to come.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment or a consult with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
A consult is sometimes necessary for your tattoo ideas, but not always. Sometimes, very often actually, you can get a quote from an artist without the need to meet with them first. However, if your piece is more complicated, a cover up, or you just feel more comfortable meeting with your artist before they plan out your tattoo, a consultation is there to help you out.
Consultations at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo are free.
HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT
When you come in for your consult, come with your ideas and an open mind, and come with an expectation that you may be booking after your meeting with the artist. With the expectation, that means, be prepared to put down the ADF (Artist Design Fee), which acts as a deposit which is held until your last appointment (if multiple sessions are booked, otherwise your ADF pays for your upcoming appointment).
Give your artist your ideas and input for the piece you want, and it's even fine to show reference images. Don't expect the artist to do an exact copy of any images you provide. You really don't want that anyway, if you think about it. Why would you want a tattoo that someone else already has? One of the benefits of going to a custom studio, like Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, is the prospect of getting a one-of-a-kind piece designed just for you. Watch our video about the importance of giving artistic freedom by clicking the button below!
It's not the best idea to bring a bunch of people with you for your meeting appointment. We see quite often, when this happens, the people with you may be distracting or possibly even confuse you by throwing their own ideas out there. It's much better for you to meet with your artist by yourself so that the both of you can stay focused and discuss exactly what you are looking to get. The exception to this is if multiple people are getting a consult on a matching piece. Even then, it's good to plan out with your crew what you are all looking to get, and have a main spokesperson to talk with the artist during the session.
After you and the artist have come up with a game plan, they will give you a quote for time, and how much of an ADF that needs to be put down in order to book. For smaller tattoos or single session tattoos, your ADF will likely be for the entire amount of your tattoo. For larger pieces with multiple sessions, your ADF will be a portion of the cost of the tattoo. To full understand how our ADF works, please read our article by clicking the button below.
If you end up booking, and especially if you have multiple sessions scheduled, a very helpful tool for you to use is the Lucky Bamboo Tattoo app, which is available on both Apple and Android! You can find direct links to both below!
The app will keep track of your appointments, any changes to your appointments, alert you when your artist has a sudden opening, offers exclusive promotions, access to new pictures in our gallery and more!
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment or a consult with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
MANDALA TATTOOS ARE BEAUTIFUL WITH A RICH HISTORY OF THE STYLE
The mandala design style has been around for quite a long time in human history, approximately 2000 years, actually. Traveling Buddhist monks helped spread the design and its meaning around Asia over the years. In modern times, the mandala tattoo is very popular in many different crowds. They're not exclusive to any single group.
IN THE BEGINNING
Like previously mentioned, in the first century BCE, the mandalas were essentially created by Buddhist monks. There's no definitive 'for certain' who exactly was the first person to create one was. However, it is very often credited to the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama of Nepal.
As the monks transversed Asia, along with sharing their wisdom and religious dogma, they also shared many other things, including their mandalas. People were immediately mesmerized by the ornate beauty of these designs, their intricacy, the endless possibilities for variation, and the deeper meaning besides just the art that it was.
Monks didn't adorn the design as a tattoo, but rather painted on paper (which was invented in China) and on cloth. Soon, the artwork began appearing on other artwork, including pottery and tile work. Not long after, the symbol became just as important in Hindu as it was for Buddhism. As time moved on, it made its way into popularity into China and Japan. To this day, from Tibet to Japan, the mandalas maintain their importance in Asian cultures.
DEEPER MEANING
Besides just being beautiful art, mandalas have a much deeper meaning and purpose. There are three layers to the meaning behind mandalas: the outer, the inner, and the secret. The outer is a representation of the universe. The inner is enlightenment. The secret is the balance of both the body and the mind.
There are various images commonly found in a mandala. First, is the center point, the beginning where you start your focus. Surrounding the center often starts with either a circle or square of geometric patterns. These patterns delve into deeper meanings with their symbolism. Some of the more commonly used are explained below.
Sun: The sun represents energy, life, and the universe, and is found very often in a mandala.
Triangle: When pointing up, triangles can represent energy and movement, and when pointing down, they can represent the seeking knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.
Bell: Bells can represent the clarity of emptying of the mind to allow the passage of wisdom.
Lotus flower: One of the more sacred symbols in Buddhism and Hinduism, the lotus often stands for balance and mankind's enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Eight Spoked Wheel: With a wheel being a circle, it represents the universe in its perfection. The eight spokes represent the eightfold path of Buddhism which lead to reincarnation and freedom.
TYPES OF MANDALAS
There are multiple types of mandalas, and each have their own different meanings. There are many, so we'll share just a few of the more dominant ones seen in this ancient society.
Kalachakra Mandalas
The Kalachakra is used for meditative reasons and means "The Cycle of Time". Monks would meditate on the Kalachakra mandala, ritualizing the qualities of their diety as a means to become a diety themselves. This mandala is used in a way to turn regular minds into an enlightened healing mind.
Teaching Mandalas
Another popular type is called theTeaching mandalas. Teaching mandalas are largely symbolic and all aspects of the mandala represent different tenets of Buddhism. During a monks monastic education and learning, they often create their teaching mandalas.
Mantra Mandalas
Mantra mandalas are supernatural in nature, focusing on the deities and the powers and abilities of these otherworldly beings. Focusing on a mantra mandala, a monk can invoke their deity during a deep meditative state and be blessed with their power.
Healing Mandalas
Healing mandalas are created to focus on meditating towards a deeper sense of wisdom, concentrating and getting balance and aligning the energies of the body, mind, and soul.
MANDALAS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Besides all the spiritual and religious connotations, mandalas are just a beautiful work of art with endless design possibilities. They also make a great subject for a tattoo!
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
SHOCKER, WE KNOW! WHO KNEW THAT TATTOOS WERE PERMANENT?
It's weird that we have to say this, but yes, tattoos are permanent. It sounds strange to even say it out loud, and that this concept even needs to be explained. Fortunately, most people understand what they are getting into. Others, well they need a little help.
It's not that they don't know that tattoos are permanent, it's more of a reflection on their understanding that WHAT they are getting is permanent. Only an incredibly uninformed person doesn't know tattoos are not going to just wash off. We're more so making commentary on their decisions.
WHY EXPLAINING THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
It breaks down to a few points of interest. Content, quality, and the future. Each of these things should be considered before you get your tattoo(s) and why they're important to think about.
CONTENT
The content of your tattoo is what your tattoo is about or what it's saying. Sometimes content, or subject, tells a story of where you are in life, where you were, or where you are going. Sometimes the subject isn't as deep or meaningful as all that. You may wake up one day and decide to get an image of a piece of toast for a tattoo, for no other reason than you were craving toast. This is why content is important when choosing to put something permanent on your body.
Sure, that toast tattoo may be fun, original and odd enough to be cool, but is it something you see yourself wanting on your body years down the road? Is it something you feel you'll probably want to get covered up some day? If so, maybe you should put a little more thought into your tattoo.
What about the Olde English script "Sublime" tattoo across your neck that you got in the nineties when you just barely turned 18? Was that the best decision? Getting a "job killer" tattoo at a young age should be seriously considered before proceeding. Wait until you have an established career where it won't matter and you can freely express yourself. In this case, your extreme love of the band Sublime. By the way, there is nothing wrong with loving Sublime.
This brings us to the dreaded name tattoos. One of the most common cover-up requests is for names of past boyfriends/girlfriends/spouses. A lot of people will advise against these tattoos for the obvious reasons. There are only a real handful of name tattoos that are completely safe, and that's your kids, siblings, parents and grandparents. Other people, you should be absolutely sure that it won't turn into a regret tattoo.
QUALITY
When getting a tattoo, quality is key. If you are going to put permanent marks on your body, most people want them to be a good quality. Of course, quality=cost. No quality tattoo is going to be cheap, unless you get really lucky. Tattoos are one of those luxuries that you shouldn't skimp on the price. It's permanent and a cover-up will probably end up costing you more than if you got a good tattoo in the first place.
Many of us, if not most of us that have tattoos, are guilty of getting a scratch and poke tattoo that either a friend of yours did at a party, or you did yourself. It's very common. We might have not been considering the permanence of tattoos while we were doing it. Maybe we were young, or drunk, or whatever, but one way or another, we simply weren't going into it with a clear mind.
Even if you plan on a very simplistic tattoo as your idea, you still want it to come out good and of a good quality. There's a difference between a smiley face tattoo with good, even lines with a perfect circle and a smiley face tattoo that's roughly done, uneven lines and egg-shaped. Quality is important no matter what design you are going for, whether simple or elaborate.
THE FUTURE
The future can play a role in the importance of tattoos being permanent. When you are young, you may not be considering what lies ahead. You may have dreams of becoming a successful musician, actor, sports figure, or whatever. You may be thinking your tattoos won't matter in that case. Even if you happen to break into one of these careers, sometimes your tattoos do matter. This is especially true for actors. Many actors have gotten passed up for jobs because of visible tattoos.
Realistically, most people won't land a record deal or a professional basketball contract. It's a sad fact of life. Very high paying entertainment gigs are incredibly difficult to fall into. You'll most likely end up working in some other field, which still may be high paying (like a doctor, or lawyer). Consider what tattoos you are getting and where on your body you are getting them when thinking about your future self.
Not a lot of people have a law degree with "THUG LIFE" tattooed across their knuckles, and if they do, they probably don't have too many clients and may be stuck working as a low paid public defender. You don't see too many General Practitioner doctors with face and neck tattoos.
When considering your tattoos, also consider what lies ahead in your future. You don't want to hinder yourself and add any unnecessary roadblocks to make things more difficult than they have to be. If your career aspirations won't be affected by the prospect of tattoos, great! There's nothing wrong expressing yourself with tattoos as long as they don't become a shackle.
TATTOOS ALLOW US TO EXPRESS OURSELVES CREATIVELY
Despite all that has been previously said, there is nothing wrong with using tattoos as a means to express yourself. Tattoos are a beautiful art form that have been around for thousands of years and have been expressed by nearly every culture and on nearly every continent on the planet.
Unlike other forms of art, tattoos are worn on the body at all times. Being permanent, they are a part of us until we die. This is why certain things should be considered when you are planning on your tattoos. You want a good design that will age well along with you, you want it done with a degree of quality and you want it go along with your future plans without it becoming a burden.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
In tattooing, there are big mistakes, and there are small mistakes. In reality, you don't want to be any part of either. Even a small mishap can lead to bigger problems.
One big mistake is showing up on an empty stomach. It has nothing to do with how tough you are, or how tolerant to pain you are. The simple biological fact is this; getting a tattoo causes your body to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline burns sugar. A sudden drop in sugar is a leading cause to passing out, or at least feeling woozy.
The vast majority of anyone getting a tattoo that ends up having one of those reactions is simply due to low blood sugar, because they didn't eat anything substantial before their appointment. The easiest way to avoid this issue is to just eat, and even bring something with you to snack on, especially if you have a longer session.
Another mistake, which falls in line with the first topic, is not being hydrated. Not having enough fluids in you can cause you to feel queasy, and not just during a tattoo session. Very often, if you are feeling queasy, just drink some water and nearly always you start to feel better immediately. Besides that, dehydrated skin isn't as elastic and not the best to tattoo on.
Having healthy skin is important, not only for when you get your tattoo, but afterwards as well. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your tattoo appointments. Drinking plenty of water also makes your skin more youthful!
Fortunately, most reputable studios will not tattoo someone who is clearly inebriated. Not only is it now illegal in most (if not all) states to tattoo someone who's under the influence, but it's also very immoral and it says a lot about a shop that will still do it.
That being said, getting drunk before you go to ATTEMPT to get your tattoo is a huge mistake. If you had a deposit, you will lose it. So, simply put, stay sober for your tattoo, and it's advised to not get plastered right afterwards since alcohol thins the blood and will possibly delay the healing process.
Another big mistake people can make is to grossly miscalculate how much time and money a quality tattoo will be. If you get a consult and are quoted 24 hours for a sleeve, and you book all those appointments, but then you don't budget for the whole 24 hours, you may find yourself in a bit of a situation when trying to settle up with the studio and your artist.
Some people may get that quote and think to themselves "There's no way it will take 24 hours, 10 at most", but they still book it thinking they know more than the professional artist who's been doing this for years, they'll be in for a big surprise. Most of the time, a quote is very accurate.
If you don't listen to your artists advice regarding aftercare, that can be a rather huge mistake. It doesn't matter how many tattoos you got in the past, and were perfectly fine using gauze and petroleum jelly, the newest products on the market are there for a reason. Your artist will advise you exactly what you need to do and how to do it. What to use and what not to use. Listen to your artist if you want to have the best possible aftercare outcome.
Speaking of listening to your artist, it's wise to heed any recommendation regarding your tattoo ideas. You may ask for a very detailed tattoo, but only want it one inch in size. Your artist may recommend going a little bigger to retain detail, or simplify the idea. Or, you may want something done way too big for the location you want it tattooed, and your artist may advise you that it will look wrong, or not as you imagine.
Remember, your artist has likely been doing this for a long time, they know what they're talking about and have your best interests in mind. The same goes for them recommending a followup. It's not about money, it's about your tattoo coming out the best it possibly can be. You're wearing their art, and they want to be proud of it, just as much as you do.
IN SUMMARY
Eat something before you come in for your tattoo.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, preferably water or a sports drink before, during, and after getting your tattoo.
Don't come in under the influence, especially alcohol. You will definitely get turned away.
Budget time and money for how long your tattoo will take and how much it will be.
Listen to your artist regarding design and aftercare.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLACK & GREY VS COLOR TATTOOS?
Black & Grey Roses by Leah
Full Color Roses by Jared
Black & grey or color. It's a questions for the ages. Ok, not really, but it is a topic often discussed amongst tattoo artists and enthusiasts alike. Some people definitely prefer black & grey tattoos over color tattoos, and vice versa. There's even debate from the black & grey vs straight up black.
Basically, it all boils down to personal preference. One isn't definitively better than the other with one exception, longevity. It's just a fact that black/grey tattoos last longer over time. Yes, they can fade out a bit to more of a scale of dark grey to grey. But, color tattoos definitely lose their luster faster over time and would require more frequent touchups to make them look good. Some colors fade faster than others. If you go to a low quality tattoo establishment, it's likely they also use low quality inks, which will just make your tattoo fade that much faster.
Black & grey tattoos can achieve a certain level of depth that is difficult with color. However, color can achieve certain effects that are impossible to pull off with just black/grey. Can you get a monochromatic watercolor tattoo? Sure, but it won't look very good. Watercolor should be done with color to make it stand out. Dark, deep three-dimensional geometric tattoos just don't look right in color. It can be done, but it's missing something that only black can provide.
Watercolor by Leah
Obviously blackwork tattoos are strictly that. Sometimes you can add a very minuscule amount of color, perhaps in an eye or something, but too much added color will take away the impact of a great blackwork tattoo. Darkart tattoos also fall be these same rules. Darkart can display more color than blackwork, but still, you want to keep it at a level that won't ruin the effect that the darkart piece is trying to achieve. There are some very colorful and fantastic darkart pieces out there, but the ones that really shine through are the ones true to the darkness.
Darkart Piece by Jared
Floral pieces often look the best when done in color. Of course there are some fantastic black & grey floral pieces, and they certainly have a place in the tattoo world. If you are looking to have something more realistic and striking, a colorful and detailed floral piece is the way to go. A monochromatic floral tattoo is generally for esthetics and to keep a theme.
Colorful Floral by Rob
As a generality, anything being done to look photo-realistic or fairly realistic would look best done in full color. You can get some awesome realism done with black/grey, for sure. But, for true realism, color looks best unless the original subject matter is typically in black & grey/monochromatic, such as a replication of a marble statue. Often an artist will incorporate opaques and whites, and sometimes some very faint hues of pinks and yellows to get the absolute full realistic effect with minimal color.
Marble Realism by Jared Preslar
When it truly gets down to it, it's 100% preference. Both black/grey and color tattoos have their strengths and certainly have a place in the tattoo world. Certain styles may be better in one method or another, that's a given, but that doesn't mean either dominates overall. Each had much to contribute and nobody should say they'll strictly stay away from a certain color type, because you never know. You may be surprised at what your artist can create for you, and it may be better than what you imagined. Don't limit yourself. Your only limitation is your own imagination.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.
Pain is a part of the tattooing process. It's a right of passage, and it's part of the experience. It shouldn't be something to be feared in the least. The vast majority of people, after their first tattoo, express that it wasn't nearly as bad at they expected. It's very true. We often get into our own heads just to find out it was all for nothing. Concentrate on the beautiful work of art you will be getting instead.
PAIN MANAGEMENT AND CESSATION
When it comes to pain, there are various tricks to help, and without the aid of chemicals! First and foremost, it is recommended to avoid using numbing creams. There is a chance that your tattoo will become distorted after healing, due to the way the skin reacts while it's chemically numb. Also, if you apply the cream too close to the time of your tattoo, it may not be numb yet. Alternately, if you apply it too early, there's a good chance it will wear off too soon.
One of the more common ways to aid in pain is simply breathing exercises. Keeping your breathing steady and focused helps take your mind off the pain. They teach this to expecting mothers in lamaze classes. It's a surprisingly effective method.
Having a stress ball around to squeeze can also help. Again, it's mostly a way to focus your attention in a different direction, but it works. A steady motion of squeezing the ball and releasing it helps you keep a rhythm, which keeps you occupied.
Another great way to help with pain cessation is to just bring along company. Having a friend with you to chat, make you laugh, exchange stories, etc is a successful and fun way to keep your mind elsewhere, and it helps pass the time faster.
One more great way is to just bring a tablet and watch a movie or browse social media. Again, it's a distraction and keeps your mind elsewhere. Like bringing a friend along, It's also a great way to make the time fly, especially if it's a movie that you love, no matter how many times you've seen it.
As you can see, the easiest and most common way to help is to keep your focus on something else and be distracted. If you sat and just watched the tattoo being applied, you are literally focusing on what you shouldn't be if you're trying to make the experience less uncomfortable.
Just remember, the pain is temporary, the beautiful art is forever.
Watch our video about numbing creams by clicking the link below!
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
It's important to reflect on the sacrifices our soldiers have given since the Revolutionary War. Average Americans have always risen to the challenge time and time again since before its official founding. During the Revolutionary, Spanish/American, and Civil wars, men who had never even touched a gun in their life, took up arms to defend their country.
EARLY MANKIND
Tattoos and war have been connected for thousands of years. Warriors from all kinds of cultures around the world have historical evidence to tattoos or war paint given before or after a battle, and sometime both. Tattoos and war paint were used as a means of intimidation, and to make the warrior to appear more fierce. The Norse were known to darken around their eyes to look menacing, but it's unknown if they were permanent tattoos, paint, or even soot.
It's well documented that Native Americans often donned war paint, and even painted their horses in anticipation for a battle or for a hunt. Although not as common as just using paint, Native American tribes did practice permanent tattoos and body modification. Permanent ink was usually linked to an achievement, often attributed to glory against a powerful foe. It was a big deal if a warrior took down a chief. Not something to be taken lightly.
COLONIAL AMERICA
Colonial era British navy men often got tattoos representing what regiment and ship they were assigned to. Everyone from the common seaman, petty officers, and all the way to an Admiral would have tattoos, as they weren't class based, but more of a camaraderie. It wasn't unheard of to also have your family crest as a tattoo.
Early colonial Americans would sometimes get tattoos of their name and where they live in the colonies due to the common event that they would essentially be kidnapped and conscripted into the British Navy, and their tattoo was the only proof they could provide that they weren't actually British citizens or navy deserters.
WARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Starting around WWI, and although not nearly as common as during WWII, US military, particularly in the navy, would often get tattoos as keepsakes and in remembrance of the places they've been during their wartime travels. Like the early British navy, it didn't matter the rank or class, everyone got tattoos. The most common style seen was what is now called, American Traditional. Back then, it was just your standard tattoo. Nearly everyone who had a grandfather survive WWII can remember their grandfathers tattoos. Thick lined, faded, sometimes you barely make out what it was. Maybe an anchor? A hula dancer?
Unfortunately, during WWII, there was some well known forced tattoos. In an unfortunate time for Germany, Jewish prisoners were all tattooed on the forearm/wrist a serial number for cataloging and tracking. They were essentially branded like animals. This wasn't condoned by the vast majority of Germans, of course, but it still happened.
If you didn't turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the war, the ones in power could mark you as a Jewish sympathizer and you could be executed. However, there was a substantial underground resistance that attempted multiple times to take out Hitler and his higher-ups, but without success. They were eventually discovered and executed as traitors. The most famous of these attempts was an elaborate scheme known as "Operation Valkyrie."
The practice of getting tattoos while in the military continued on to the Vietnam War. A different type of tattoo appeared during this "police action". Unlike during WWII, a lot of the tattoos no longer appeared to be of a docile subject matter, like a hula dancer (although a fairly racist term towards the Japanese in the form of a tattoo was common in WWII). The tattoos appeared more geared towards violence and glory. Skulls, the ace of spades, anti-asian sentiments, images of machines of war (such as tanks and helicopters), and so on.
MODERN MILITARY
In today's US military, the tattoos have become often symbolic. US flags, eagles, ;IGY6 (I got your six), tributes to past military, branch emblem, etc. It seems more based off of pride and appreciation, and less about glory and death. It's a great move forward in the right direction. Death and destruction should not be glorified.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
When getting a bargain tattoo, there are a few things to remember. The very first thing....you get what you pay for. There's probably no greater truth to this than when referring to tattoos. A $10 burger at a mom and pop place might be better than a $100 entree at a fancy restaurant. That won't be a true simile to tattoo shops.
QUALITY
Quality not quantity. It cannot be said enough. Some people have one $500 tattoo, others may have 10 $50 tattoos. Guaranteed that $500 tattoo is far more impressive, unique, and has bragging rights. Who cares about another $50 poorly done infinity symbol on someone's wrist? Or a slapdash American Traditional swallow done with bad coloring on your chest? Those types of tattoos are everywhere.
If you are going to spend the money and decide to get something permanently put on your body, isn't it worth spending the most you can reasonably afford to get it done right? If you have to save up, then save up. There's no rule stating that you have to rush to get a tattoo. Instant gratification isn't always the best option. Getting a tattoo designed specifically and uniquely for you will make you far happier in the long run. Incidentally, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo does offer financing.
Pertaining to this subject, the quality of materials being used is also a factor. With a bargain tattoo, you may be dealing with an "artist" that is using a very cheap tattoo machine, cheap needle cartridges and low quality inks. Lower quality inks are not regulated, have a higher chance of contaminants and will likely have a greater chance to fade out. This will lead to a more probable need for a cover-up or touch-up, which in the end will still end up costing more money.
Most of the time when you are visiting a lower end bargain studio, you are dealing with unskilled or poorly trained "artists". This will not only give you a less than desirable tattoo outcome, but due to lack of knowledge, you risk getting a tattoo blowout. A blowout occurs when a tattoo artist presses too hard or the length of the needle is too long and they tattoo past the layer of dermis and into the fatty tissue. When this happens, the ink does not stay in one spot, it spreads around and often resembles a bruise.
SAFETY AND SANITATION
Christinas always very clean and organized private room
When dealing with a shop that does bargain tattoos, one of the biggest concerns is cleanliness and safety. Most states have general rules, guidelines, and regulations per their local Health Departments regarding the sanitation and safety practices of tattoo shops. However, unless a client reports a problem to the Health Department, very often these lower end shops have a tendency to let their standards slip, or they may have never implemented them in the first place.
In a higher quality studio, such as Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, not only are the safety and sanitation standards met and maintained, but often exceeded. All of the artists are first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogens certified. Before a client is brought in to get their tattoo, the artist will clean, sanitize and cover everything in preparation for the tattoo. After they are finished with that client, the artist will repeat this process for the next client. At the end of the day, they break down and clean their equipment and work areas. This is done each and every time to insure client safety.
In the bargain shop, you have a greater risk of infection due to unsanitary conditions of both the shop itself, the equipment and even the "artist". Poor aftercare treatment and instructions can also lead to safety issues. Some locations still use outdated methods like using vaseline to cover the tattoo, which is bad for healing. It actually slows the healing process.
THE TRUTH
The cold hard truth is the vast majority of bargain shops, aka "scratcher" shops, are not worth the risk. You'll likely get a tattoo you regret either due to poor quality or how boring/common it is. You also have a greater chance of a blowout due to an unskilled "artist" using subpar equipment or complications attributed to poor sanitary conditions and bad aftercare. It's simply not worth it to save a few bucks on something you are getting permanently put on your body.
To read more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo's standards, click the button below for our article on why you should choose us for your next tattoo!
THERE IS A LONG TRADITION OF BODY MODIFICATION AMONGST NATIVES
Art by Rob
Whether it's natives in North America, or native cultures elsewhere, it's not uncommon to find a long and rich history of tattoos and other body markings. Some are linked to status, others station in the tribe, while others were a right of passage. Whatever the reason, men, women and children could all be seen bearing one kind of marking or another. The top four being painting, tattooing, piercing and scarification.
PAINTING
Natives in many cultures choose more temporary body markings, very commonly practiced with the Native American tribes, for example. These types of markings were very much used ritualistically, going on a hunt or a battle and for binding ceremonies/marriage. Not terribly common with women in North American tribes, but seeing women with body paintings in South American, Incan and Mayan cultures was just as common as with men. Temporary markings weren't exclusive to the American tribes and cultures, it was also common to see in Aboriginal, Nordic, Gaelic, amongst many other cultures.
Painting was most often seen and used before a battle or a particularly important religious ritual. Native Americans were well known to even give paint markings on their horses before going off to battle. In modern times, these same tribesmen paint their horses for demonstration and to display their history to outsiders.
TATTOOING
One of the more prominent body modifications that can be seen worldwide, and has been around for thousands of years is the practice of permanent tattooing. This art form can be seen on all occupied continents, and amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of historical cultures. Ranging from the aforementioned tribes of the Americas, to Africa, the Middle East all the way to the Asian part of the world.
Tattoos amongst natives often signified status, achievement and right of passage. The right of passage tattoos often involved reaching milestones in their life, sometimes starting with their age. Adolescence, becoming a 'man' or a 'woman', were often times for a tattoo and a celebration in reaching that next stage in life.
A status tattoo would often be connected to your place in the tribe, such as being the chief, shaman, warrior, etc. Think of it as a similar way our military uses patches and medals. It's a quick and easy way for outsiders that are familiar with a tradition to identify what role a person played in that tribe. It would be looked upon poorly to misidentify the chief as just a hunter, not that the hunter didn't have a very important role to play.
When a person received a tattoo for achievement, it was generally due to success in battle or a hunt. Other achievements could be recognized and celebrated with a tattoo as well, such as getting married, having a child, a promotion in status, and so forth.
PIERCINGS
Piercings can be found among natives in many cultures. Ears, noses, lips and cheeks were the most predominant locations of piercings, but there were others, of course. Some cultures embraced piercings more than others, sometimes they were even more commonplace than tattoos.
The more elaborately documented piercings were often seen among the Incan and Mayan cultures in the America's, tribes in the Amazon, African tribes and the Aborigine of Australia and New Zealand. One person may don dozens of facial piercings by themself, but this wasn't terribly common to have that many.
Just like other forms of body modification and art, usually piercings were given for various reasons, which include status, achievement and most commonly, right of passage. Women, just as much as men, received piercings in these cultures, maybe even more-so in some parts of the world. Piercings can range from very small sizes, all the way to huge gauged rings, often seen in ears, lips and the nose.
SCARIFICATION
Arguably the more painful of the forms of body mods, scarification has been around for thousands of years. Like the others, it was also done for the same reasons of status, achievement and right of passage.
Scarification was often applied using a sharp reed, bone or a sharp stone. These very same methods are still used today in many cultures. The marking would be tapped in or wedged, repeating the act until the desired outcome was reveled. Similar to a circumcision is some cultures, oftentimes a person's first scarification marking would happen during infancy.
In some cultures of natives, you would earn a new marking for each foe you felled in battle. The more of these markings you had, the more fearsome you were believed to become. To take down one of these warriors with many markings was considered a great achievement, which could earn better and more impressive markings. The practice of scarification, although not exclusively, is dominated among the African tribal natives.
The workplace can be an interesting environment, and some people in those places can have some interesting tattoos. Some employers are more accepting of visible tattoos than others. Fortunately for all, just in the last 10 years, that has changed quite a bit.
PLACES WHERE VISIBLE TATTOOS ARE STILL NOT GENERALLY OK
Any workplace that is deemed more "professional" are usually the culprits. This would include just about anyone that works in a bank or in finance. Accountants are another one that seems to not have too many people showing off their body art. Even mid to higher end card dealerships don't tend to have that many employees showing off their tattoos unless they are working in the mechanics area.
Even some industries that aren't in the "professional" category have a tendency to not have a lot of visible tattoos. Daycare workers are one of those and elementary school teachers as well. It's not to say it's a definitive "no", but most don't really have many, if any, tattoos that can be seen. It could have something to do with the misguided mindset in some folks that people with tattoos are criminals or ones that can't be trusted with children. Either way, it's not very common for tattoos to be seen in these workplaces.
Another workplace and industry where visible tattoos aren't too common is in real estate. You don't tend to see too many people selling houses with tattoos showing. That doesn't say it doesn't happen, it's just rare to see. Again, it probably stems from trust issue people have based off of predisposition and backwards thinking.
It may come to a surprise, but visible tattoos are also not usually ok with quite a few in the military. Even though modern tattoos in the US can be attributed in its founding to our Navy men coming home with fresh tattoos, visible tattoos are still a no-no with most. It's pretty unfortunate if you take into consideration of the long history of tattoos and the military. (See our article about this very subject by clicking the link below!)
Most retail workplace environments, up until recently, used to stray away from hiring employees with visible ink. Thankfully, that is no more. Most retail stores don't seem to have a problem with this any more, with the exception to face and neck tattoos. They're still a job killer for many. It's quite common to go into just about any type of business these days and see employees, even management, showing their tattoos. With that said, there are some retailers out there that still prescribe to the closed-mind mindset to their own detriment.
Educators, in most cases, are also generally somewhat accepted to have tattoos. It's not uncommon to see teachers in junior high and up to university professors having visible art. It seems society is less concerned about kids in junior high or high school being susceptible to influence from their teachers tattoos than they do with the younger kids.
Surprisingly, less people seem to care about politicians having tattoos over their bankers. There are quite a few politicians out there that have known tattoos, and it's never really been brought up as a negative, which of course it isn't. Still, one would expect some of the soapbox town-cryers to be freaking out about American politicians having tattoos. Luckily, nobody seems to mind at all.
TATTOOS ARE USUALLY NO ISSUE IN THESE WORKPLACES
There's going to be some obvious ones here. If you work in that tattoo industry, music and the arts, it's almost expected for you to have tattoos, let alone if they are accepted.
If you work in any industrial setting, it's generally not a problem at all. Factory workers, car makers, steel workers, etc. A workplace like one of these don't seem to care at all. You're not generally working with the public, so it's a none-argument.
Food service workers, even waiters and waitresses are deemed fine with having tattoos, with the only exception seeming to be posh, upper-class restaurants. Most reasonable people don't really care if their food server has tattoos.
Tradesmen, such as plumbers, roofers, construction, electrical and so forth aren't shy about having tattoos that can be seen, and they shouldn't be. As long as they do a good job, who cares? That goes for all jobs, really.
First responders, such as police, firemen and EMT's can very commonly be seen with tattoos.
AS SOCIETY MOVES FORWARD...
As time goes by, more and more people are coming to realize that having a tattoo is no big deal. In fact, people with tattoos should be viewed as MORE employable. They are people that can sit still for long periods of time while being jabbed with needles, and they paid good money for that experience.
DON'T SPEND GOOD MONEY AND TIME ON A TATTOO YOU'LL REGRET
A Cover-up Done by Pineapple
There are many ways to regret your tattoo. Many of us already have a tattoo that we'd like to go back in time and stop ourselves from getting. It could be due to subject matter, location of the tattoo or who did your tattoo. One thing that is certain is that there are a lot of tattoos out there that people regret getting. With a little info, maybe we can help you avoid that problem.
SUBJECT MATTER
Pet Memorial by Leah
Sometimes the subject matter can be the reason behind your tattoo regret. Maybe it's a name, or a portrait, perhaps a band logo. To be blunt, that ONLY safe names to get tattooed on yourself are your family, specifically those you share DNA with.
Not all marriages last forever, so maybe getting your wives or husbands name tattooed on you isn't the best choice. Definitely don't get a boyfriends or girlfriends name. This, by far, is the most commonly regretted tattoo type in the industry, hands down.
When it comes to names, the absolute safest are of your children, parents and siblings; in that order. You'll never regret your children, and it's unlikely you'll regret your parents or siblings. So, with that said, go ahead with their names, it's a safe bet.
Another thing to avoid is a passing fad. It's not advisable to get a tattoo of something that is temporarily popular in culture at that moment. Most of these things go away as quickly as they come. An example of this would be Gangnam Style, The Macarena, fidget spinners, ANY meme, and so on. If it's something that's just suddenly and weirdly popular, you can bet that it will vanish just as fast. If you want a tattoo that's pop culture, an established band logo isn't a bad way to go, or a timeless movie quote/scene.
TATTOO LOCATION
Upper Arms Are a Safe Place as seen in This Cover-up by Jared
Another common tattoo people regret is body placement. This biggest culprit would be face and neck tattoos. Unless you work in an industry that simply doesn't care, and you're happy working there for quite a while, there aren't too many businesses that hire people with face/neck tattoos. Obviously there are quite a few places that it's not a factor, such as working in the tattoo industry, as an example.
Sometimes, hand and finger tattoos can also fall into this category. It's not nearly a big deal as the previous examples, but sometimes it does matter. If you have "TUFF" and "LOVE" on your knuckles, it's unlikely you'll get that banker job, but who knows?
Perhaps your location regret is simply that you and nobody else really get to see it. Part of the enjoyment from a tattoo is showing others and admiring your tattoos yourself. It can sometimes be a bummer to spend a bunch of money on something you can't even see.
Many of the tattoo location regrets are due to choices made in haste in youth, and later on as an adult, and you've matured, and no longer want those 'in your face' tattoos. They realize that you don't have to have controversial tattoos to be a rebel, and there's nothing wrong with being a rebel.
QUALITY
Art by Vitalii
Another big factor on a tattoo regret is the quality of the tattoo. Far too many people have gotten basement 'stick and poke' tattoos, or their buddy got their hands on a tattoo machine and had an impromptu unpracticed tattoo party. Not only is this very unsafe due to blood-borne pathogens and a recipe for other infections, but it's a huge factor in regards to tattoo cover-ups. Quite often, a completely unskilled person can cause major scarring, making cover-ups trickier.
A tattoo 'scratcher' artist can also be very problematic in regards to the quality of a tattoo. He or she may be skilled just enough to give a tattoo without complications on the onset, but they may be completely clueless on the right needles to use for particular tattoos, causing excessively thick lines or the inks "bleeding out" beyond the intended results. They also may use low quality materials, such as the needles, inks, aftercare and the tattoo machine itself.
Low quality inks can fade faster than expensive inks. A colorful tattoo will likely not look nearly as rich and bold not too long after the tattoo was finished healing. Keep in mind, even tattoos done with high quality inks may need some touching up after a while to make them vibrant again.
COST
Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap. This is simply a fact. Quite a few regrettable tattoos are a result of the price. Understandably, sometimes you can get a bit of 'sticker shock' when you hear a quote from a quality artist. It may be tempting to take your tattoo idea to Joe Shmo down the street to get a $50 tattoo. However, that's exactly what you are going to get, a $50 tattoo. You are not going to get the amazing realism of Jared, the beautifully hand drawn historically accurate Norse work of Vitalii or the beautiful watercolor blending of Leah. You will get a slap-dash $50 tattoo.
When it comes to your body and getting permanent art put on it, this is not the time nor place to skimp on the price. You want the best work done possible by the most professional people around. You'll get a great tattoo and it will be done with quality materials in a safe and sanitary fashion.
IMPULSIVENESS
Another leading factor to a tattoo regret is simply that you were impulsive when you got it, and you really didn't think it through. You're out with friends, out of the blue the subject of tattoos comes out in the conversation, and next thing you know, you're in a tattoo chair getting matching Tasmanian Devil tattoos on your shoulder. The next day, you realize, you don't even like the Tasmanian Devil, or any Looney Tunes, for that matter. Now you have this glaring regret following you around because you were impulsive.
It's always best to plan things out a little and not just jump at the opportunity to get a tattoo, any tattoo. Many regrettable tattoos are a result of the very reason of being impatient. If you are just wanting a tattoo, but don't have the money put together to invest in the best quality version of that tattoo you want, don't just rush it. Save a little and get the tattoo you actually want, and not one you settled on because you were short a couple hundred bucks. Remember, you're investing in professional and permanent art on your body. It's worth the time and money to do it right the first time around.
If you'd like to meet with one of our artists to help you with a tattoo inquiry and so that they can help you avoid regrets, you can call the studio directly or click the link below to our inquiry form!
Researching your tattoo can be more important than you may realize. Sometimes a person wants a particular symbol, or something in another language, or a collection of images as a tattoo. Perhaps you are looking to get some historically traditional tribal work done. The symbolic nature of tattoos can be different than what you expect. You may want to spend a little time researching what you are looking to get so that you don't accidentally get a tattoo that means something completely different than what you want to express.
Regarding another language, these are the most common to get messed up. One sure fire way to avoid mistakes is to show a native speaker of the language what you are looking to get and ask them if they would mind translating it for you. If what they say pretty much matches what you intended, then you're good to go. However, if you are looking for the Kanji for "Courage" and the translator says it means "Ham Sandwich", you may want to research again. Finding a native speaker may be a little difficult in some circumstances, so reverse image searches in Google can often times help alleviate that problem. It just takes a little patience.
Another tricky one can be traditional tribal work, particularly Polynesian. You may not be aware, but each little symbol, line, angle and so on means something. You could very easily get your Polynesian sleeve done, sat many hours in the chair and spent a lot of money just to have a piece that means absolutely nothing, or worse, means something completely unintended. Researching these meanings can be crucial and it's a good idea to find an artist that has done their own research and knows what they are doing.
What if your sleeve symbolizes that you are a criminal? An outcast? Or of the opposite gender? There are many possible things that tattoo could translate to, to someone familiar with it's symbolism. It's best to see an artist that knows the meaning, to actually give you your tattoo (as it happens to be, we have one here at Lucky Bamboo!).
Sometimes someone will see a symbol somewhere either online or on someone else and decide they want to get the same thing. Understandable, you see something you like, and you want it. However, maybe you should still do a little research into it. This reminds us of a situation where a guy saw a tattoo on his rescue dog and thought out of solidarity with his new friend, he would get the same thing. It ended up being the symbol for "neutered". Others have gotten symbols or lettering only to find out later on that it was something racist. There was someone that got two squared off "lightning bolts", and found out it was actually the Nazi "SS" symbol.
Most people would probably be shocked to learn that got something that offensive without intention. If that were to happen, sometimes a cover-up on that tattoo is your only option to save yourself embarrassment on your mistake.
The symbolic nature of our tattoos can be quite personal and important. Think of memorial tattoos. Whether for a loved one or a lost pet, we want to make sure that everything in that tattoo is perfect and how you envisioned it from the beginning. It can just be important as a portrait tattoo, which no artists should try and tackle without 100 percent confidence in their ability to make sure you can do it perfectly.
As you can see, knowing what you are looking to get done can be very important to the message you intend to send. It's a good idea to spend a little time researching so that you can avoid mistakes and need a cover-up. Researching is key!
When you are getting a tattoo, many people experience physical reactions.
Obviously, pain is experienced by pretty much anybody that is getting a tattoo. The level of pain all depends on the location the tattoo is getting placed and your personal tolerance. After the tattoo, you will still experience a certain level of pain until healing has begun. Most of the time, the pain is minor and most people can deal with it just fine. Some, actually find the level of pain experienced is therapeutic. And even some find it relaxing.
Anxiety can affect a small percentage of tattoo recipients for a few reasons. It could be your first tattoo and you amped yourself up in your own head. You may be nervous on how the tattoo will come out. You may be concerned on what others may think about your tattoo. Or you may be having second thoughts and not sure how to remedy that feeling. The trick is to get out of your own head.
Excitement! Excitement can raise your adrenaline levels. It's exciting to get a new tattoo, especially if you are finally getting the tattoo you've been dreaming about for a while now. You may be excited to see the finished tattoo so that you can show it off to your friends. You may be so excited that you are dreaming up the next tattoo and are really pumped about getting right back in for that next appointment.
Some of these reactions of physiological while others are psychological. Either way, anybody can experience a reaction of some sorts. Don't let it get you down and don't be embarrassed. You are in the majority. It's quite common and nothing to worry about.
Believe it or not, there are still 11 states in the USA that have really no regulations regarding tattoos. Some people out there are thinking "Good!", but is it really? What's really at stake of getting a tattoo without regulations? Your health, for one!
Unregulated inks can contain contaminants, metals, carcinogens just for starters. Literally anybody can manufacture tattoo ink and sell it on the US market without having to have it go through the FDA. Anybody. What if some guy mixes up a bunch of inks in his kitchen, which may or may not be clean, bottles it up and sells it on Amazon. Then, because it's cheap ink, your tattoo artist decides to cut some corners on cost and buys that same ink and then proceeds to inject it into your body. Does that sound good to you?
What about needles? Most studios/shops use single use needle cartridges which are in a sterile package. Once that package has been opened, it is no longer sterile. Many artists open up all the needle packages they feel they will need to finish a tattoo they will be working on. What do you suppose happens to the opened needles that don't end up getting used? Do they throw them out, or do they just put them aside for the next person? While sitting out, exposed, do you think it's possible very small specks may have possible cross-contaminated those needles that will be used later on? Most definitely.
That leads to the next part. If someone uses non-sterile, previously exposed needles, there is now a risk of various blood borne pathogens, such as Hepatitis and HIV. Poor conditions can also lead to infection and disease. If the artist doesn't keep his work area clean, and cleans up meticulously between clients, he or she is putting their clients at risk.
So, why are so many in the industry freaking out about the new proposed MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022)? The very simple answer...money. They an no longer cut corners to improve their profit margin. That's just too damn bad.
Fortunately, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo has, and always was, up to the standards of a regulated area. All artists use EU regulated inks. All artists throw out needles that are no longer sterile. All artists fully clean, and keep clean their working areas to ensure client safety. All artist maintain a current Blood borne pathogen and CPR/First Aid certification, and re-certify often.
Choose your studio or shop wisely. It's not worth going to a cheap shop just save a relatively small amount of money.
