My Findings on Body Art and Modification

Things that glow in the dark or glow under black lights are always fun. Going to a dance is always more fun when you have a glow necklace. Who doesn’t remember or still go to the bowling alley for neon or galactic bowling with the black lights turned on and the balls, white clothing and random other things in the bowling alley start to glow. Those cool black light posters in your room that glowed only when that special black light bulb came on. Or a tattoo that appears to be a regular tattoo until you are in the dark or under a black light then becomes something different. Wait glow in the dark tattoos?

Are they just a temporary tattoo that washes off the next day? No, you can get a permanent tattoo that glows.

There are two types of glowing tattoos. Tattoos that glow in the dark, and those that glow under a black light. Both types sound like they might be a health risk. However, those with ink that glows in the dark on its own is much more dangerous. No brand of this ink has ever been FDA approved. Anything that glows in the dark on its own contains chemicals called phosphors. I am no chemist, but that doesn’t sound like something you should introduce into your body. It has been known to cause cancer and other health problems.

Then there is the safer, but still somewhat risky, black light or ultraviolet (UV) tattoo ink. Just like other black light objects it glows when under a black light. There are some black light inks that have been approved so make sure if you get a black light tattoo the ink your artist uses has been approved.

Some black light tattoos contain only black light ink and are completely invisible until under a black light. Others have regular tattoo ink mixed in giving you a normal tattoo you can still see in normal light, then once under a black light it is brought to a whole new glow level.

When getting one these tattoos, be sure to check with the shop you plan on going to and check if they offer them. Due to the risks involved they are not offered at every shop. Also, ask to see the ink bottle used and check for FDA stamp of approval. One approved brand is Crazy Chameleon. Also consider all the health risks involved and do a little research for yourself. If you want a glow in the dark tattoo but are too scared of the risks, there are temporary glow in the dark tattoos.

My first tattoo was a long process. Getting it was the easiest part, once I finally turned 18 of course. The hard part was thinking about what I wanted. For years I looked at tattoo designs and tried to think what I wanted it to be.I think a person should put a lot of thought into a tattoo and where it goes on their body. It isn't like seeing a movie and picking the most convenient theater and time. Picking the artist who does the tattoo should also have some thought put into it. The artist closest to your house may not always be the best artist. Also, just because they are great at portraits doesn't mean they are great at all tattoos. Most artists have something they are really good at and can still do good tattoos of other kinds. picking the shop and artist, can be difficult. Most shops will not charge a design fee if they draw you a tattoo instead of doing a flash design. Flash designs are predrawn tattoos that can be gotten almost anywhere except strictly custom shops. Pricing varies per shop. many charge per hour, with the clock starting once you get in the chair and they start the tattoo.

The first tattoo is the most painful. When they first touch the tattoo gun to you it will hurt. Do not feel bad about it hurting either. When they outline the tattoo it is most painful. When they do the shading It will be a bit better. They do stop every so often to wipe away blood and other stuff with a cool liquid, this does feel good for some people. If you get a second tattoo you will notice the pain is not as bad. I believe it is the hype. The first time you do things it's always a little scary, even if you don't think you are scared.

Aftercare is important for any tattoo of course, some shops will even do free touch ups knowing that all tattoos fades over time and some colors do not take as well to all skin tones. Red is one I have seen not always come out as great as people would have wished. Just make sure to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the artist. Tattoo aftercare is not very hard, Just rub the ointment from the shop, or A&D on every few hours and wash with soap each day until flaking is done . then switch to a extra healing lotion for a month or so then whenever it feels dry. And use a good sunscreen when out in the sun to keep it looking good over time.

I knew I wanted it to be something for my dad who passed away. But I did not want the traditional memorial tattoo. You know, the cross rip, and the dates. I didn't want a portrait that would look the worst when it faded as I age. I wanted something special, that i could just look at and know it was for my dad, It wasn't for everyone else to know. I didn't have the normal parent child relationship with my dad. So I knew a tattoo for him would have to be different. I eventually chose a Red Chinese type Dog with flames coming off of it. He was the Chinese year of the dog. While we are not Chinese we did go out for Chinese a lot. The picture I found off the internet was basically a red lab dog with flames smiling. My tattoo artist redrew and made it look less happy but not depressing. I do not have any regrets about that tattoo over a year later and know I never will.

I know this process seems long but really, It is very rewarding if you put thought into your tattoo, you will always be able to look at it and be glad you did. Just remember if you want to change the design do not be afraid to tell the artist, it is there job to give you the tattoo you want. For more help on decisions with your first tattoo, "Examining Pop Culture: Body Piercing and Tattoo's" which is edited by J.D. Lloyd.