Tattoo News Stories
The popularity of tattoos in America and around the world has reached record levels. In 2003, research suggested that 15-16 of U.S. adults had a tattoo. But now in the most detailed look at the tattoo industry since the current trend began in the early 1990's, the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that 24 percent of Americans aged 18-50 have at least one tattoo.
In previous generations, anyone who had a tattoo was part of an exclusive club with bikers, soldiers and sailors. But now tattoos are in big demand, with 36% of Americans aged 18-29 wearing at least one design.
In fact, according to Chris Keaton, a tattoo artist and president of the Baltimore Tattoo Museum, "nowadays, the people who don't have them are becoming the unique ones".
A supporter of tattoos, Dan Yu, 28, summed up the mood of his generation, stating "your body's an empty canvas, so you almost want to continue to add to it"
And the popularity of tattoos is set to get even bigger according to Dr Anne Laumann, a Northwestern University dermatologist and co-author of the study. She claims that due to the popularity of tattoos among young people (almost two thirds of the people asked got their first tattoo before the age of 24), there may be many more young adults who want to get a tattoo but haven't yet got the time or the money.
So why are tattoos so popular?
Laumann believes that tattoos allow people to show their personality which is increasingly important for young people trying to develop an identity. They're also an important part of rebellion, allowing millions of people to show their independence.
However, tattooing is not without problems. Of the people who took part in the survey, 13% of them had experienced problems with healing, and although none of them had ever had a tattoo removed, 17% has thought about it.
At present, the U.S. tattoo industry is regulated by both state and local officials, but not by the Food and Drug Administration. There's no such thing as an agency approved tattoo ink or pigment, although the FDA are considering more involvement according to Dr Linda Katz, director of the agency's Office of Cosmetics and Colors.
But when you consider that nearly quarter of all American adults have a tattoo, "it's amazing how safe the industry is" says Dr Rox Anderson, a Harvard Medical School dermatologist.
However, according to tattoo artist Geronemus, there are certain steps that everyone should take in order to minimize the chance of tattoo related problems.
1) Only use reputable tattoo studios that adheres to strict hygiene standards
2) Make sure that your tattoo artist uses ink specifically made for tattoos.
3) Never try to tattoo yourself. The risk of infection is much higher than normal.
4) Always get tattoo infections treated by a suitably qualified medical practitioner as soon as possible.
5) Small tattoo designs are quicker, less painful and easier to conceal under everyday clothing.
6) Think about the future. Age changes the body. Extra weight is carried and muscle tone is lost, which may stretch tattoos placed on certain parts of the body.
7) Don't even contemplate using tattoos to show your commitment to a partner. An ex-partner's name is the most common reason for tattoo removal requests.
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One In Four Americans Aged 18-50 Have A Tattoo
In previous generations, anyone who had a tattoo was part of an exclusive club with bikers, soldiers and sailors. But now tattoos are in big demand, with 36% of Americans aged 18-29 wearing at least one design.
In fact, according to Chris Keaton, a tattoo artist and president of the Baltimore Tattoo Museum, "nowadays, the people who don't have them are becoming the unique ones".
A supporter of tattoos, Dan Yu, 28, summed up the mood of his generation, stating "your body's an empty canvas, so you almost want to continue to add to it"
And the popularity of tattoos is set to get even bigger according to Dr Anne Laumann, a Northwestern University dermatologist and co-author of the study. She claims that due to the popularity of tattoos among young people (almost two thirds of the people asked got their first tattoo before the age of 24), there may be many more young adults who want to get a tattoo but haven't yet got the time or the money.
So why are tattoos so popular?
Laumann believes that tattoos allow people to show their personality which is increasingly important for young people trying to develop an identity. They're also an important part of rebellion, allowing millions of people to show their independence.
However, tattooing is not without problems. Of the people who took part in the survey, 13% of them had experienced problems with healing, and although none of them had ever had a tattoo removed, 17% has thought about it.
At present, the U.S. tattoo industry is regulated by both state and local officials, but not by the Food and Drug Administration. There's no such thing as an agency approved tattoo ink or pigment, although the FDA are considering more involvement according to Dr Linda Katz, director of the agency's Office of Cosmetics and Colors.
But when you consider that nearly quarter of all American adults have a tattoo, "it's amazing how safe the industry is" says Dr Rox Anderson, a Harvard Medical School dermatologist.
However, according to tattoo artist Geronemus, there are certain steps that everyone should take in order to minimize the chance of tattoo related problems.
1) Only use reputable tattoo studios that adheres to strict hygiene standards
2) Make sure that your tattoo artist uses ink specifically made for tattoos.
3) Never try to tattoo yourself. The risk of infection is much higher than normal.
4) Always get tattoo infections treated by a suitably qualified medical practitioner as soon as possible.
5) Small tattoo designs are quicker, less painful and easier to conceal under everyday clothing.
6) Think about the future. Age changes the body. Extra weight is carried and muscle tone is lost, which may stretch tattoos placed on certain parts of the body.
7) Don't even contemplate using tattoos to show your commitment to a partner. An ex-partner's name is the most common reason for tattoo removal requests.
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