How does tattooing work

This would leave a mark in the form that the scar was made. This method is quite different from the others and could also be classified as scarification. Another method used by some cultures is to use a stick with a needle made out of wood or bone. This stick was placed over the area with some upward force from the hand holding it while the other hand would use another tool to tap onto it and letting it pierce the skin. Traditional Japanese tattoos are still very often made using their old method called tebori.

This method used a bamboo stick with a needle at the end but instead of taping they would poke the skin. Today, they use metal rods and metal needles to do this. Tattoos today can come in many styles, forms and sizes. It would be a good idea to look at the portfolios of tattoo artists to see what styles they do and if it fits the idea you have in mind for your own tattoo. Tattoo artists take pride in what they do and you are more likely to be happy with your tattoo if you admire their previous work.

As a full-time tattoo artist, I am always grateful when people share my articles on social media as it takes a lot of my free time to write them. I'm a local tattoo artist in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

The darkness is my sanctuary, love is my drive and ink is my master. No, it's not okay to copy someone else's tattoos and there are two reasons why you shouldn't do it. The first reason is that you are taking a design that someone made without their permission. Historically, there were some cultures that used tattoos or scarification in Africa.

Infections can also arise from inadequate equipment sterilization, improper aftercare or an unclean environment, and in some cases have led to sepsis and death. Traditionally, tattoos were applied using a sharp instrument, typically made of animal bone or bronze, dipped in ink made from ground charcoal. The process was — unsurprisingly — exceedingly painful and the risk of infection high. Done properly, you could end up with amazing tattoos like this and this. And perhaps the question will no longer be whether or not you should get a tattoo, but where it should be placed an equally difficult question, I can assure you.

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to get all the latest science. Linda Quan Linda is a physics and chemistry graduate who loves to write in her spare time. She is also addicted to coffee and online shopping.

On cold, moonless nights, she often ventures out with her camera to take pictures of the stars. You can find her on Instagram duoettria. Remember Me. I agree to terms and conditions. We will only use your details for newsletters and campaigns. Please contact the site administrator if you think this is in error.

Thank you, but it looks like you have submitted insufficient or invalid data for your newsletter registration. Could you please contact the site administrator. Tattoos also tend to become problematic with age. Ink can become blurred if injected too deeply into the skin, causing the pigment to migrate beyond the intended area. Fading and distortion due to changes in body shape are also common problems with tattoos.

Permanent makeup—or tattoos that resemble eyeliner or other makeup—is a prime example of how these problems can lead to dissatisfaction years after the ink is applied because skin sags and changes shape with age. The process is extensive, usually requiring many sessions depending upon the size and color of the tattoo. Removal may also cause scarring. People get frustrated because it takes them so long and laser treatments are expensive.