HeArt of Tattoo

Western History of Tattooing and Tattoo Removal

The beginning of tattoos in the west began when Captain Cook who was a British explorer sailed to Tahiti.  The Tahitians used the term “tatatau” or tattau, meaning to strike and this became today’s term “Tattoo”.  Tattooing  became fashionable among Europeans, starting with the sailors and 18th century explorers.  Sailors and later, coal miners, both had risky professions.  This would then explain the almost amulet-like use of anchors or minor’s lamp tattoos on the men’s arms.  From the sailors, the practice of tattooing later spread to many Western societies.

Over 40 million Americans have at least 1 tattoo.  A distinctive tattoo for some, like the sailors or coal miners are representative.  Many prisoners and gang members often use their tattoos to reflect their criminal behavior.  It may show their gang affiliation or some gang members use a tear to show friends who were killed.

Members of the U.S. military have a well-established and longstanding history of tattooing to indicate military units, battles, kill, etc., a custom  which remains widespread among older Americans.  Tattooing is also common in the British Armed Forces.

Tattooing has experienced a resurgence in popularity in different parts of the world, particularly North and South America, Japan and Europe.  With that resurgence of tattoo popularity has come an influx of new tattoo artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine arts training.

Formal interest in the artistry of tattooing has become very prominent in today’s society.  Contemporary art exhibitions and visual art institutions have featured the artistry of tattooing through such means as displaying tattoo flash, examining the works of tattoo artists, or incorporating examples of body art into [mainstreameveryday] exhibits.

With this growth has come tattoo regret where it is estimated that half of those receiving tattoos today live to regret their decision and are inquiring about a tattoo removal.   Tattoo removal options are many, ranging from a sophisticated laser tattoo removal to in home tattoo removal creams.   Laser tattoo removal is effective yet normally comes with pain and can be quite expensive.  Another tattoo removal option is tattoo removal cream which can be applied in the privacy of your home and is much less expensive than laser tattoo removal.  Tattoo removal cream has its supporters and its critics who claim it simply doesn’t work.   To be fair, tattoo removal cream companies have their “it works” testimonies.   Surgery is also a possibility for smaller tattoos.   Not happy with any of these choices, how about sanding the skin?  Another possibility is to simply do a tattoo cover up using make up or clothing.