Help With Deciding On The Right Tattoo

By Derek Cladek

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When you have decided that you really want a tattoo and you know of a tattoo artist you are going to use then the next step is deciding on a particular tattoo design that you want. From this point on is where the hard work starts. Finding the tattoo artist is the easy part but deciding on what tattoo you want will take work. There are so many different kinds of tattoos to choose from it actually makes it harder to determine which tattoo to go with. It's also a lot of fun looking at tons of different possible tattoo designs. The type of artwork that you choose will be a personal preference but there are some designs that are more common than others. For example, an angel tattoo design is more popular with men than a rose or butterfly tattoo which is popular with women.

The colors to choose for a tattoo vary widely and all depend on personal preference. Rose tattoos do not have to necessarily be red, but can also be black or white as there are many different meanings with rose colors. Styles of the different tattoos will vary also depending on they type of tattoo.

The angel or devil tattoo will tend to be in larger format with bold dark colors, while a tribal tattoo will have many pieces and black color. A butterfly can be any different colors, sizes and shapes.

Choosing the location of the tattoo is also part of the process. You can have a tattoo put anywhere on the human body and some people will go overboard and place a tattoo in odd places such as the top of the head, under the neck, on fingers, feet and many other places you can think of. What is popular for women might not be as popular for men, such as women love to have tattoos placed on the lower back, upper back or on the ankle, while men tend to have tattoos placed on the upper arm, shoulder or back. It is all a matter of style and what the person likes best. There really is not a wrong place to put a tattoo as long as you like it.

As you can see, the choice of tattoo designs are endless and finding the right tattoo for you may seem like a huge task but of course there are many resources you can use to find the right tattoo.

Using the Internet to start your research may be a good idea as there are many different websites related to tattoo designs. There are many galleries and pictures that you can look through to get an idea of the kinds of tattoos out there. Most sites will try to sell you templates of tattoos, which might be of good use since you can take those templates to your tattoo artist, which in the long run will save you money from having a tattoo artist design a fresh tattoo. This does not mean you cannot have the template modified. The cost will depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo design that you decide to go with. So if you wish for a small tattoo, it might be worth the extra cost for a tattoo artist to create a unique design.

If you do not find any tattoo designs on the internet that you like, you can always go to your tattoo artist and ask for a sketch of a tattoo that you may be thinking about. This of course will cost extra but may be worth it in the long run as once a tattoo is put on the body it's very difficult to get rid of it. Be sure to spend time researching your tattoo and look through as many pictures and designs as possible as it will help you decide what you want.

After finding a tattoo artist you will need to do research to find the tattoo design. Start by looking through directories or galleries of tattoo designs. This will help you find the design you are looking for. Even if you don't know what kind of tattoo design you want, by looking through galleries you will get an idea of what is out there. Angel tattoos are becoming popular among men, along with devil tattoos. But for females you might want to look for rose tattoos or even any kind of lower back tattoo designs.

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What to Expect When You Get Your First Tattoo

By Reeree Rockette

Whether you've been planning a tattoo design for months, or whether you've impulsively decided to just go for it, when you're actually about to get your first tattoo it is completely normal to be nervous! You may well be anxious about the pain, whether you'll be able to stick it out to the end, or whether you're really able to commit to one design for life. Either way, tattoos are more popular than ever!

Here are my top 8 tips to make getting your first tattoo easier:

1. Think about where the tattoo will be going, and whether your clothing choice makes it easy to access. Will the tattooist be able to get to the area with ease, without leaving you feeling too naked! Also consider the type of material; you may well get sweaty once the pain kicks in, and you may have to lie in an awkward position, so wear something soft and comfy.

2. Without meaning to be, tattoo shops can feel intimidating at first. They're often busy places, and you may not get seen to straight away, but keep smiling; they'll get to you eventually.

3. Before getting your tattoo, you'll be asked to sign a consent form, which will ask about medical history. If you are blessed with youthful looks remember to bring your ID as well.

4. You will be itching to get started, but there is often a lot of waiting about. Be prepared; bring a book, magazine or a fully charged phone. The tattooist may need to complete your design, eat lunch, or make changes.

5. Once the design is ready, you'll have the stencil placed onto your body like a transfer. Look in the mirror and be honest about whether you're happy with the placement. It's easy for the tattooist to wipe it and try it in a few different spots.

6. When the tattooist starts tattooing you,your body will be flooded with adrenaline. This can make you feel faint, so make sure your blood sugar levels are up by making sure you've eaten before hand. Feel free to bring something to nibble on while being tattooed too.

7. Tattoos do hurt, but staying tense does make it worse. Distract yourself from the pain with music, a book, or chatting. Some people stay quiet and just zone out; whatever works best for you! It is only pain, and it can't be that bad, or no body would ever get a second tattoo!

8. You may feel a little light headed afterwards, so don't sit up too quickly! Your tattooist will give you aftercare advice, which is to keep the tattoo nice and clean so that it heals well. Get them to write it down, as you may well forget once you get home.

Read my blog at http://www.rockalily.com/blog and follow me on Twitter @ReeReeRockette

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Tattoo Removal Options, Procedures And Side Effects

By Mehta Shreya 

Getting that tattoo was all you wanted a few years back! Now getting rid of it is all you want! As per research at least 24% of people in the age group of 18 - 50 years have a tattoo and about 17% of them want to get it removed! Well, if you are amongst those who wish to remove their tattoos, you aren't alone! Tattoos are meant to be permanent. So when you try to remove them, the success rates generally depends on the pigment size and the color of your skin. The good news is that with today's advanced technology laser tattoo removal, you can easily get rid of that tattoo with least amount of pains.

Salabrasion and Dermabrasion

De-inking the tattoos has undergone a lot of transformation over the past decades. There used to be one technique used called dermabrasion. This technique involves scraping away or sanding down the tattoo. Another technique used is salabrasion. In this technique salt solution is rubbed to the skin, heated and then scraped off. Both of these methods leave wounds when the tattoo is removed.

Surgery

By removing the tattoo surgically, it is most likely to leave a scar. The process involves surgically removing the skin with the tattoo and sewing up the adjoining skin. It is good for tiny tattoos and gets complicated when removing bigger tattoos. In both cases the procedure will definitely leave scars. Cryosurgery is also used to remove tattoos. This procedure freeze - burns the tattoos with the help of liquid nitrogen and removes the tattoo.

Quality switched laser beams

The best known method to remove tattoos is to use the quality switched laser beams. This beam searches for changes in contrast in skin tones and the tattoo ink and then pulses intensely into the skin and breaks the ink down into particles small enough so that the body can absorb them.

The greater the contrast between the skin and the ink, the easier it is to remove the tattoo. Black ink on people with a light skin is the easiest to remove and white, fluorescent colors are the toughest.

The tattoo cannot however be removed in one go. There are at least five to twelve sessions and these sessions take at least 6 months to complete.

After laser tattoo removal too, the skin looks kind of burnt and medication is applied to bring it back to a normal state.

Whatever treatment option you choose, make sure that you are completely aware of the amount of pain and scarring and your options to recover from them. If your tattoo is small and the scars are going to be inconspicuous, it's another story, but if you have to remove a big tattoo, make sure you select the right method and understand all the side effects and post operative care!

Mehta Shreya is a tattoo removal specialist and has been working at a reputed hospital in Mumbai for many years now. She also loves to share her experiences and useful information in the form of facts and figures on blogs and articles. She believes that skill and technology go hand in hand. Here she shares some of the best tattoo removal techniques and their side effects.

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Top 5 Reasons Not To Get A Heart Tattoo

By Kristen Dunn

Thanks to all those celebrities out there, youngsters have now found a new way to show their love for art, and that is tattoos. Over the years, tattoos have gained widespread popularity among the young, especially as a symbol for love. Heart Tattoos have been adopted by people all over the world to reflect their love. Most people find beautifully drawn hearts an extravagant way of professing their love, but that doesn't mean that love is the only reason behind getting a tattoo. A lot of people get their skin tattooed to signify something totally different. Hearts can be just a simple way to depict your emotions for a thing or remembrance for an individual, or just because you think they are a fashion statement.

But these tattoos come with a variety of problems. Here is a list of the top five reasons why you shouldn't get this tattoo.

They are just too common

They are way too common. You can see one on the hand of your colleague or one the back of your secretary. Your friend has one on the ankle, while another has it on their lower back. Even with so many designs and options available, heart tattoos are just too commonplace. In fact, you may be surprised to see that sometimes the designs are virtually identical. So what you can do is get them customized by a tattoo designer and wear your own pretty version.

Why do you want this tattoo?

Question yourself - why do you want to have this tattoo? Is it because of your love for a person or thing? Or is it because these designs are popular? Well, getting a heart tattoo is in fashion, but just because the world is doing it doesn't mean that you too have to join the herd. Getting this tattoo can be a sign of compliance with the world around you.

What if the lover leaves you?

Believe it or not, most of us get these tattoos to proclaim our love for someone. However, the truth is that breakups are common and although there are number of relationships that last forever, getting a heart tattoo for your current beloved is a risky reminder. On the other hand the tattoo will always remind you to fall in love again and start afresh.

You might just regret getting the tattoo inked

Yes! You might regret getting a tattoo. With so many options available for these tattoo designs, you can choose anything that catches your eye, but if you choose to get a conventional heart tattoo, you may end up wondering if you should have waited a little longer to get a customized design.

Risk of Infection

Getting a tattoo can increase your risk of infection and of contracting an illness, especially an STD. so it would be a wise idea to get this body art inked from reputed parlors. Not only do they recommend safe methods of tattooing, they can help you choose a great heart tattoo design for you.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection here.

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Tattoo Tips - 7 Crucial Steps to Consider First By Mayra A

Tattoo Tips - 7 Crucial Steps to Consider First

By Mayra A

So you decided you want to get a tattoo, now you're just itching to run to your local tattoo shop and imprint that design in to your skin. There are many important things you need to consider before taking that final step onto the tattoo chair.

If you are like most people, once you have decided upon the fact that you are going to get "inked" you want to get it done immediately to see the results. It is important to remember that acting quickly can lead to undesired results. As I'm sure you have already heard countless times, a tattoo will likely be with you for life. The design will be a constant reminder of your diligence in thinking your idea through thoroughly - or an unfortunate reminder of the spontaneous mistake you made.

So, what types of things must you consider and think through thoroughly before taking that final step?

1. Be SURE of your design:
I highly suggest getting a design that is meaningful to you and not just a popular fad of the times. Fads fade and your tattoo will remain. Many people regret getting tattoos of band names, friend's names or names of a person they are dating. No matter how much we think our opinion is solid, as time goes on, our view changes.

How do you get a design you want that is meaningful to you?

One way, is to find one. There are many sites all over the internet hosting artwork from tattoo and other artists. Chances are likely you will find a design you like, though it may take some time and patience to find it. Also, while there are some decent free sites hosting tattoo designs, many sites require you to subscribe or pay a small fee to access their services. If finding the perfect tattoo is important to you, then it may be worth the money to pay for the design itself.

Another way is to look through the designs at tattoo parlors. Most, if not all tattoo parlors will have many books full of tattoo designs that might interest you. If you go this route, be sure not to get one right then and there. Take some time to think about it, considering the rest of the steps in this article.

A third way is to draw the design, or have a friend draw the design for you. Many tattoo artists will work with you to edit a drawing you have done to make it more appealing to you, so in most cases even a rough sketch will work fine.

2. Know exactly where you want to get your tattoo.
Keep in mind that some areas of the body will hurt more during the tattoo process than others. If you are sensitive, or if this is your first tattoo and you are scared of the pain, get a tattoo in an area you will be happy with, that will hurt less.

Tattoo's over bony areas of your body hurt more than tattoos over fleshy areas. So, tattoos on your ankle, spine, hands, neck, and shoulders can hurt more. Tattoos in areas such as your upper arm, your stomach, thighs and buttocks will hurt less as the needle will not be directly above bone.

3. Take your tattoo for a test drive. 
Before committing to the permanence of a tattoo, get a henna design of your future tattoo in the area you would like. This will allow you to wear the design as if it were a tattoo for 1-2 weeks and see what it looks like on your body. Getting the Henna design will also prepare you for sitting still during the tattoo process.

4. Get other peoples opinions.
Getting the opinion of your friends and family can be important in the decision process. However, it is important to remember that this design will end up on your body so the final decision should be up to you and you alone.

5. Know what to expect when getting your tattoo
Many people say tattoos are uncomfortable but not very painful. Know what level and type of pain you should expect from the tattoo and what steps you can take to minimize that pain. For instance, many people think that getting drunk and/or drinking alcohol prior to getting their tat would numb the pain. This is a bad idea and can result in the tattoo artist refusing to work on you. Alcohol thins your blood, which will make you bleed more, making the tattoo process harder for the artist and worse for you. Motrin or other over the counter pain relievers may help slightly and are generally allowed. If you are considering this step, speak with your tattoo artist before taking any medications.

6. Tattoo Etiquette:
In addition to knowing how much and what kind of pain to expect, it is also important to be up to date on your tattoo etiquette. Yes, there is such a thing and in order to make your tattoo experience the best one for both you and the artist you should brush up on these tattoo etiquette tips.

Are you a tenderfoot? Knowing tattoo slang isn't exactly a must before getting your tattoo, but it may help you be less confused when listening to the talk around the shop during the process.

7. Know your after-care procedures.
After your tattoo has been finished, the tattoo artist should give you some instructions on taking care of your tattoo. These instructions are important to follow to make sure your tattoo doesn't scar or wear off in parts.

Long term after care is important as well as this will keep your tattoo from fading too much over time and looking less than appealing. If it does end up fading over the next few years, you can always get a touch up. But why waste the money, pain and time on a tattoo you already have instead of avoiding it all together?

With these simple steps, you will be more satisfied with your tattoo and more comfortable with the overall tattoo process. Spending a little time thinking over your decision will save you time, pain and possible embarrassment later.

http://TheHelpIsHere.com offers thousands of useful help and how to articles on a variety of topics. All content is free to access, including our coupons and deals section, reviews, articles, and freebies area.

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Get Your Banner Tattoo to Stand Out by Choosing a Creative Tattoo Designer

By Kristen Dunn

A banner tattoo might be common, but you can make it unique and creative not just by personalizing it with names and mantras that are dear to you. You can make all of this possible with the help of a tattoo designer. Also known as a tattooer, he specializes in making beautiful designs in his own studio, shop or parlor. His main work is to create a tattoo masterpiece with the use of ink and special devices.

So how can a tattoo designer make your banner tattoo stand out? Here are several reasons why his creativity can give you an ink design you will never forget.

Tattooists Have Undergone Apprenticeship Programs

An inexperienced designer will not give you the standout tattoo that you have always wanted because he does not have an idea on how to come up with a creative style. That is not the case with legitimate tattoo artists, since they are required to undergo apprenticeship programs with the help of professionals. Some programs last 1 year, while some can last until 5 years. This apprentice work can help a tattooer develop his skills and eye for design that is why he can give you the best banner tattoo style possible.

Tattoo Designers Boast of Portfolios

Portfolios refer to collections of tattoo works that a tattooist has done throughout the years. If you want to get an exceptional design, then make sure to seek the help of a tattoo designer with an impressive portfolio and collection. By looking through his previous tattoo works, you can determine if he is the best person to do your banner ink.

Tattooists Have Access to Proper Equipment

The best thing about a creative tattoo designer is that he has all the necessary equipment that can make your banner tattoo a good one. Apart from having the creativity and imagination, a tattoo artist owns the important devices in order to help him carry his plans out. If you want to have a banner tattoo that will not give you an infection or a viral disease, then make sure to seek the help of a creative tattoo designer.

Tattoo Designers Are Insured

You might not know it, but accidents might happen while you are having your banner tattoo done. Since you cannot avoid these accidents, it is best if you hire a professional tattooer to do your banner ink. A licensed tattoo artist is usually insured, so you do not have to worry about medical expenses and other fees that might result from your love for tattooing.

Some Tattoo Artists are Licensed

Some states require tattoo artists to be licensed. Since this concerns your health, it is best to leave it on the hands of creative licensed tattoo artists. You know you can get a unique design with the help of these exceptional professionals who are certified by the government.

Banner tattoos can be simple, but you can make them stand out with the help of a creative tattoo designer. So if you want to have ink that will impress many, then be on the lookout for a tattooist with the aforementioned qualities and specifications.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection here.

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Tattoo After Care

By Julie Chrisler

So, you need to know about tattoo after care because you are ready to get a new tattoo!

It may be your first time, or it may be your tenth time, but in every case, you should review your tattoo after care instructions prior to getting your new tattoo. You might wonder about the logic about looking at the instructions before getting your new tattoo, but it is like baking a cake, you just don't want to make any mistakes with these instructions because new tattoos are open wounds and susceptible to infection.

You must be attentive to your new tattoo, and keep it as clean as possible to ensure that it heals as cleanly as possible so you prevent infection and end up with the nicest looking tattoo possible.

While the healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique to each individual as there are people in this world, the tattoo healing process does follow a general pattern. The specifics of each tattoo's healing process will depend on the different skin type of the individual, the location of the tattoo on the body, an the techniques of the tattoo artist. These factors can all cause a variance in the healing process from individual to individual.

You will be given aftercare instructions by your tattoo artist. These aftercare instructions differ from artist to artist. My recommendation to you is if in doubt about anything, always go back to your tattoo artist before seeking the help of a doctor. Your tattoo artist can take a look at your tattoo and tell what to do if their is a problem to correct any healing problems.

If your tattoo artist cannot help, they should send you for medical attention from a doctor. If they do not, then of course, you must go yourself to make certain that your health is not at risk. This is your responsibility.

Many times doctors don't know much about tattoos and will prescribe unnecessary medications that may harm your tattoo's healing process. Some doctors may even be biased against tattoos. That is why I suggest that you go to the tattoo artist first if you suspect their is a healing problem with your new tattoo. The artist works with tattoos day in and day out and is familiar with the best way to heal their work.

When you leave the tattoo studio, you will have a bandage on your new tattoo to protect it from outside contact. This bandage should be removed 2- 3 hours after getting your tattoo. Your tattoo may bleed a little for the first 24 hours, remember, your new tattoo is akin to an open wound.

Before you remove your bandage, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water, in between the fingers, and under the fingernails. Then dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Do not use any old towel that is laying there, or even a clean towel as lint may be transferred to your hands.

Make sure you have not let a large amount of blood dry on your bandage so that it sticks. Be very, very gentle as you remove your bandage so as not to start the tattoo bleeding again. If you just rip off your bandage, you can mess up the appearance of your new tattoo, and you don't want to do that, now do you?

Wash your tattoo gently, very gently with anti-bacterial soap and water to clean it. Do not scrub your tattoo, do not use a washcloth, or anything else other than your fingers or hand to clean the tattoo. Do not rub, but "pat" the tattoo as you wash it. Then, when you are finished, pat the tattoo dry with a clean dry paper towel. Or, use clean toilet paper even, if you don't have any paper towels on hand.

Let your tattoo air dry for 15 minutes or so. This will promote healing.

After your tattoo has dried, apply a few drops of Emu Oil to your tattoo. The presence of essential fatty acids along with the hyper-oxygenation of Emu Oil naturally increases the circulation to the applied area which is why Emu Oil works so well and so quickly to heal.

Even though it is an oil, it has been proved that Emu Oil does not clog pores (unlike most commercially made tattoo aftercare products that are petroleum based), therefore allowing the skin to breathe during the healing process. Emu Oil penetrates through all seven layers of the skin and is rich in nutrients (essential fatty acids) that feed the skin to aid in new cell development that can hasten the healing process. Emu Oil is also a natural emollient keeping the skin moist and pliable.

The application of the Emu Oil immediately after the tattoo has been cleaned will also relieve the discomfort and reduce the inflammation and redness of the new tattoo. Emu Oil will help set the new colors due to its deep penetrating properties and will help reduce plasma oozing.

Using Emu Oil 2-3 times a day after repeating the cleaning process while the tattoo heals will keep the area moist reducing or eliminating the flaking or scabbing that often occurs as new tattoos heal. Emu Oil can prevent the need for touch ups which saves the artist time and money, and makes for a happy tattoo customer.

New tattoos will look red and swollen immediately following the tattoo procedure. The tattoo will continue to appear this way for a few days throughout the tattoo healing process. Within a week to ten days the skin surrounding the tattoo should be more back to normal - most tattoos are completely healed in three weeks time.

While it is healing it is important not to do the following things or you may damage your tattoo:

- Do Not scratch your new tattoo

- Do Not pick at your new tattoo

- Do Not expose your tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds under any circumstances

- No swimming, hot tubs or baths the first two weeks after getting your new tattoo

- Do Not shave the tattooed area for at least 30 days following the tattoo procedure

- Only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not let others touch your tattoo

Not only is Emu Oil good for healing new tattoos, it is good for restoring older, aged, sun damaged tattoos as well. This is due to the natural hyper-oxygenation of Emu Oil which brings blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. This, coupled with Emu Oil's ability to moisturize through all seven layers of the skin, allows users to see quick results when the oil is applied to older tattoos.

With the proper care of your tattoo from the start, there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy the beauty of your tattoo for a lifetime.

Julie Chrisler writes articles on a wide variety of topics. She has been fascinated by tattoos for some number of years now after her 27 year old daughter started getting tattoos years when she was 16 and has grown to love them. Coupled with her love of tattoos is her fascination with Emu Oil, the "wonder oil from down under", which has helped her with her daily pain from Osteoarthrithis, among many other marvelous uses she has discovered for this wonder oil. Visit http://hubpages.com/hub/Tattoo-After-Care for more detailed information on Tattoo After Care.

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