The practice of tattooing dates back to pre historic times as a form of permanent body adornment for individual expression, identity, rites of pas sage and, more recently, as a form of permanent cosmetic makeup for women.

Tattooing permanently the pigments into the skin to a depth of 1-2 mm, which will creates an imprint of a design. The design is either drawn free hand by the artist or more commonly follows a stenciled design that has been copied onto the skin prior to tattooing. Cosmetic tattooing may be used for eye lids and nipples.

The contemporary electric powered tattoo ma chine vibrates a cluster of fine needles several hundred times a minute creating a series of skin punctures. The solid needles impregnate pigment into the skin. Tattoo needles are soldered onto a long, move able shaft called the needle bar, which is placed into a stain less steel tube that serves as the “grip”. During tattooing, the needle bar (with mounted needles) protrudes from the end of the tube, driven by the needle bar post.

The number of needles on the needle bar varies depending on the effect desired: a single needle for fine out lining, three to four needles for thicker lines, and up to 14 needles for shading or dense deposits. The protruding needles are dipped into tattoo pigment that is poured into individual caps or cups for each client. The picture above shows a replica of the ancient tattoo needles.

Pigments used during tattooing may be purchased in liquid form, or the practitioner may prepare the product using chemically pure, non-toxic and non-sensitizing pigment powder and other ingredients according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dyes and pigments containing mercury, e.g. cinnabar/vermilion/red mercuric oxide, are not permitted to be used in most countries. Pigments should be prepared in a hygienic manner.

The needles penetrate the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) and reach the next layer (the dermis). During tattooing, excess pigment and blood is wiped away with tissue or paper towels. Tattooed skin heals in about two weeks. Immediately after tattooing, the skin swells slightly and a small amount of bloody to color less body fluid comes to the surface. The swelling lasts for a few hours, and then the skin is in flamed much like a sun burn.

Tattoos are permanent, although over many years colors fade and borders become less distinct. Tattoos may only be removed by special tattoo removal medical procedures, e.g. lasers, which are expensive and not always effective.