Are Tattoos Just a Matter of Beauty

Nowadays it is becoming very popular to decorate one’s body somehow. They have the option of either body piercing or getting a tattoo. To tell the truth, I am also one of those people who are interested in getting a tattoo. But after I read some articles on the Internet and heard stories about it, I am almost ready to change my mind. There are reasons for and against getting tattoos.

The most interesting fact iis that not only teenagers get tattoos but people over 30 and older also. The majority of tattoos that cover almost all of the body or a larger part of it are done to punks, rockers and others artsy people. Most people are satisfied with smaller tattoos that cover only a part of their hand, leg, back, stomach, or other part of the body. People are very imaginative about where to place the tattoo. Some may want to have them ddone on their tongue, lip, or even in the intimate places.

So, the first possible reason why someone would get a tattoo is to express themselves. They consider that getting a tattoo is suitable for them and they can eeither choose the tattoo from a catalogue or draw it themselves. By drawing their own picture, they can express themselves better because they themselves are depicting what they want to truly express. These drawings can be of anything because there is no boundary on one’s imagination.

In addition, sometimes tattoos symbolize something. One can get it done to mark a special event, to remember someone or to honour someone they love. Sometimes people tattoo their lover’s name on their body to show how much they love them. But this is not advised by masters of tattooing and is not very popular because the love object might change anytime. Also a lot of tattoos are done in remembrance of a loved oone or close friend that has passed away.

Another reason is that people like being the centre of attention, to stand out in the crowd, and to be proud of the painting that they have on their body. They love others to look at them in the streets, ask them all kinds of questions about their tattoos, and to be the main topic of conversation at parties or other gatherings. There are also competitions between those who have tattoos. They compare ttattoos and decide whose is bigger, nicer, have more colours, and so on. As I do not have a tattoo (at least not yet) I do not know what all the aspects of competition are. So, when one is selected as having the best tattoo he or she may be proud of himself or herself.

Sometimes tattoos are done in order to hide a big scar or other defects on one’s skin. If there is no other way or the alternatives, such as plastic surgery, are too expensive tattoos are a good way of covering up the problematic places, especially if the person feels really bad about his or her skin defect and cannot live a normal life. Getting a tattoo brings self-confidence and happiness to his or her life because there is no need to wear a pullover anymore when the day is hot enough not to wear one.

On the other hand, in order to express themselves, to mark or to hide something, or to be the centre of attention they have to go through some kind of pain. Getting a tattoo hurts since the tattooing needle rapidly pierces the skin. Some people describe this sensation more as aa vibration than a deep pain. Some say that the pain level depends on the needles used; that the sharp sensation from needles used for outlining a design is more difficult to endure than the needles used to shade the design. But one can use the local anaesthetics if he or she wants to.

One more thing that keeps people away from doing a tattoo is that tattoos are permanent. Whatever picture or design they decide to do, they will probably have to live with for the rest of their life. There is a possibility of removal but only through laser surgery that is also painful and expensive. Sometimes attempts to remove tattoos may result in scarring, skin thickening, discoloration, or other problems.

What is more, if a person is applying for a job sometimes it is hard to hide the tattoo under the clothes. It is even harder if the tattoo is very big or made somewhere on the neck or face or other visible place. Especially in Lithuania it is very hard for people to find a job if their tattoos are too visible. Other countries do not approach tattoos in this way.

One more thing to cconsider is that when one gets old and the skin begins to wrinkle so does the tattoo. It means that it looses its shape and beauty. It does not matter on what part of the body it is done, it will definitely become a ruined tattoo.

The most horrible fact is that there is the possibility of infection. Although it is a rare thing, people are not sheltered from infection even in good salons. A particular event made me reconsider whether or not to get a tattoo. A girl from my secondary school decided to get a tattoo in a well-known salon. Unfortunately, she picked up Hepatitis C, which will lead to her death. Her life has been ruined only because she wanted to feel beautiful.

Therefore, there are some rules that one has to follow before getting a tattoo. First of all, he or she should look for a qualified salon. Not trust salons where the interior looks suspicious because if the interior looks suspicious there could be complications with the tattoo. Also one should pay attention to the room where the tattoo is being done: it should be completely separated from the waiting area, there should

be good lighting, it should smell clean, and the only people involved in the tattooing process should be the patient and the tattoo master. These and some other preventive measures such as single use gloves, needles, and special paints can protect clients from health problems and help them enjoy their tattoo.

In conclusion, although tattoos are nice-looking things one must weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of getting one. He or she has to think it twice whether it is rreally what they want and need.