Search:

Understanding How Tattoos Work

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and are more popular today than at any time in recorded history. They are everywhere. Some studies show that around 35 percent of Americans aged 18-30 have tattoos. To most people tattoos represent a form of self expression and they view them as some sort of statement of their individuality. Most adults also feel sexier with tattoos.

So what exactly is a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a permanent mark, design or pattern made by inserting pigment (ink) into the second layer of the skin. Scientifically - tattooing is micro pigment implantation.

A tattoo is produced by puncturing the skin with special needles dipped in indelible inks. A needle injects ink into the cells of the dermis - the second layer of the skin.

Our skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The outer layer that acts as a protective barrier and contains no blood vessels is called the Epidermis. Below that is a thicker layer called dermis and that is where tattoos go.

Because epidermis is constantly being replenished (we continue to produce and shed the top layer of the skin throughout lifetime), the tattooist pushes ink through the epidermis and leaves it in the dermis. The dermis stays pretty much the same for our entire life and this is why tattoos stay permanent while many other things done to the skin don't.

A tattoo needle goes approximately 1.5mm (1/16 of a inch) into the skin. A tattooist must make sure that the ink goes in just deep enough to be permanent, but not to deep. The depth varies across the body - it's deeper on the soles of the feet and thinner in other places like genitals.

If tattoo is done too deeply, into the third layer of the skin called subcutaneous layer, it can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding. It can also look blurred even as soon as it's healed, because you have to look deeper (through more layers of the skin) to see it. If any less than a millimeter, it might leave scratches and simply wear off.

The skill with which the tattoo is properly applied takes years to learn, so it is very important to choose an artist with experience and a portfolio of work that demonstrates quality. There are a lot of wannabes out there, so be careful.

Remember: A tattoo is as good as the artist who does it!

Article Source: http://www.getarticlenow.com

If you are looking for a unique tattoo designs, visit Printable Tattoo Designs for more ideas.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Fashion Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Beauty | Fashion

The Appeal Of Girls Denim Jeans - By : Toni Jacks
How to Choose Hermes Bags - By : Clarissa Diaz
Tips to be a Fashion Model - By : Charlotte Huff
Talent Fashion Models - Commercial Modeling Tips - By : Charlotte Huff
Online Fashion Store | Latest Fashion Trends in the Apparel Industry - By : Charlotte Huff
The Search for Cheap Shoes - By : Giovanni Amato
Toward the Fashion Show - By : Charlotte Huff
Motivation for Future Models - By : Charlotte Huff
Wish to Become a Fashion Model - By : Charlotte Huff
Fashion Model and Top Fashion Modeling - By : Wanda Cruz

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

New Stuff
About Us
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Your Ads Here