March 2009 Blog Archive
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Open for Business and Viewing
A new style of tattoo parlor has emerged – open viewing for customers. If you are keen to get a tattoo, but worried about the procedure and process, some tattoo parlors will allow potential clients the opportunity to watch a customer get body-art. The new chic and sleek parlor may also cause an uproar among parents worried their children are being exposed to tattooing and body-ink too soon.
The US has long kept tattooing fairly under wraps so this new trend and industry hype may cause a stir among angry patrons or frustrated parents. However, it is important to note that if you do end up with a case of buyers remorse after getting a tattoo, removal options are readily available and effective.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Easier to Remove Ink
Infiniteink is a tattooing ink that has just been released to the public. The ink is permanent just like regular tattoo ink, however it said to be 2-3 times easier to remove than traditional ink. Currently if someone wants to get their body-art removed they require 5-7 sessions on laser tattoo removal, however with this new ink the makers are saying it will cut down on costs from multiple sessions and cut down on time.
PR News Wire said, "Infinitink is a new tattoo ink. It is as permanent as today's conventional inks, but 2-3 times more easily removed should the consumer change their mind. Surveys indicate that 25% of people over the age of 18 have tattoos and another 25% are "fence-sitters," -- people who are interested in getting a tattoo but don't act on it. By offering consumers a tattoo ink that does not require a lifetime commitment, we believe we can appeal to a much wider audience, and potentially even double the size of the tattoo market."
The new ink is aiming to make tattoo removal a more streamlined and efficient process. Especially with the new laws passed by the government to increase tattoo removal programs and pay for them for former gang-members and troubled youth.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pushing the Envelope
Generally when we think of tattoos the first thing we associate it with is body-art, however a recent fad as emerged in Europe where tattoo aficionados are tattooing their eyeballs. Yes you heard me right, eyeballs. Because of this outlandish behavior a Utah opthalmologist is seeking to ban the use of such procedures. The risks associated with eyeball tattooing are insurmountable - from long term cornea damage to ulcers there may be a likely chance the patient can end up with irreversible damage.
A Utah based NBC affiliate station said, "Young people are having the whites of their eyeballs injected with a dye. A small needle, which is almost the sharpest needle made, pierces a thin membrane, injecting the dye. Utah ophthalmologists do not mince words on how dangerous they believe this practice is. "It you do it, it is absolutely irreversible. You will never be able to take that away," said Dr. Majid Moshirfar, also an ophthalmologist at the Moran Eye Center."
Physcians like Dr. Moshirfar are looking to educate the public on this ridiculous behavior and put a stop to eyeball tattooing.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tattoo Expo Boomed Despite Recession
An increased number of attendees went to the annual Tattoo Expo at the Circus Circus Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Despite the ailing economy and even more battered egos of financiers and bankers, people still forked out the money to attend the Tattoo Expo.
For some tattoo aficionados the decision is simple, "As far as the tattoo lovers go, it's a no brainer: if you really like the design you just shell out the money and you go for it. But if you have a significant other or a family to take care of, it's a whole different story. "It's not a hard decision," said Brian Rathell from Fallon. "I love tattoos and I'm always going to get them no matter how much they cost."
Often times however, increased numbers of tattoos also means increases in tattoo removals. This is because people make hasty decisions and get body-art but are quickly remorseful of their decision, resulting in booming numbers at laser tattoo removal clinics around the nation.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Funding for Tattoo Removal Inciting Criticisms
Media hype is surrounding the new earmark set for tattoo removal by the government just last week. The $410B spending bill is causing a stir with it's $200,000 for tattoo removal program. Tattoo experts say it costs roughly $40 per square inch to remove a tattoo, so no wonder this means big bucks spent on removal. Regardless of what media organizations think about the governments decision to fund tattoo removal, it is still a huge boost for the industry.
In tough economic times removing tattoos can make a significant dent in your bank account, many people have been opting out of tattoo removal treatments solely based on finances. However, many of these people are those looking for jobs and are not being hired because of visible tattoos. Hopefully this funding helps these people in the workforce find jobs and careers. What is your take on the tattoo removal funding? Is it a viable cause for media hype, or is this just another political agenda?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tattoo Parlors still Busy
Although we are in a world economic crisis at the moment it seems to be that tattoo parlors are still thriving. But with the increase in tattoo parlors and people going in for body art, it also means increased numbers of tattoo removal cases. The two seem to go hand in hand. As more and more people get tattoos, many later realize they don't want them for any number of reasons, so they opt for removing their formerly 'permanent' body art.
Seattle's local NBC affiliate reported on the increased numbers, "Other tattoo shops we spoke with said they are seeing more people stretch more expensive body art projects over longer spans of time. But for the most part, their business remains steady."
Despite the recession blues, tattoo parlors are still inking up patrons, so hopefully within a short while we will see what the numbers are for tattoo removal clinics in a post-credit crisis environment.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Spread the Word
Over the weekend a good friend of mine seemed quite distraught after his younger 'foolish' brother went overseas on a holiday with friends and came home with loads of tasteless tattoos. The wonderful older brother that he is, my friend began inquiring how his travel-wary Thai symbol clad brother can get rid of his tattoos. The disgruntled older brother was not too amused by my quick remark of just get laser tattoo removal. Frankly, not everyone knows about the details, prices, pain and time involved in laser tattoo removal.
Often times young 20-somethings come back from months abroad with newfound travel tattoos. However, upon their arrival back home to mom and dad, they are faced with buyers remorse and pressure from parents. So like my friend, many people are unaware of tattoo removal options. I believe the public needs to be educated about tattoo removal, so that in times of need (like when your little brother comes home with horrendous tattoos) you can help him and your parents out! Check out www.tattoohealth.org and educate yourself and your loved ones about tattoo removal options.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Barbie gets Tattoos
The former good toe shoes favourite of young girls has a freshly minted new look – tattoos. The newest barbie doll released by Mattel will be clad with tattoos from head to toe. Causing much uprise among parents who's girls look up to the wholesome Barbie. Doll collectors are also outraged by the recent makeover, denouncing against the risqué doll. Young girls who play with Barbie are far too young to be taught about tattoos or encouraged to use them, they are easily susceptible to such advertisements by their favourite playmate.
"She's called "Totally Stylin Tattoos Barbie" and will hit shelves ready for spring. She comes with a set of tattoo stickers which can be put anywhere on the doll. Some people say this is not appropriate for young children."I think it's attracting kids too young that want to expose parts of body to show off tattoos" says Jenn Alcayaga. Beth Kirkpatrick says "I guess I'm old school. That would not fly. I would not buy that for my granddaughters."
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tattoos may Show Link Between Criminals and Anti-Social Disorders
A study done by Michigan researchers has shown there may be a possible link between criminals with anti-social disorders and tattoos. In recent months many states have implemented tattoo removal for troubled teens and former gang members, but there had not been any research till now about the mental detriments of tattoos.
The Sunday Herald reported on the research, "Certain criminals with tattoos are more likely to suffer from anti-social personality disorder (ASPD), new research from the US has revealed. A study of forensic psychiatric patients in Michigan - half of whom were deemed unfit to stand trial and half of whom were found not guilty through insanity - revealed that 73% of the survey group that were tattooed also exhibited strong signs of ASPD. Sufferers of the disorder are characterised by a lack of empathy and shallowness and are prone to pathological lying, cheating, stealing, physical aggression and drug abuse."
However the research goes on to say that we should not make stereotypes about the link, rather we should use it as a gateway to encourage tattoo removal for former gang-members and criminals in prison. It is a beneficial way to help them detach from their former violent lives.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tattoo Ideals Shifting
The age old reason for tattoo clad teenagers was rebellion, the shock factor and yes the impaired judgement. However some say Generation Y has differing reasons for body art than the former. Today many teenagers say their decision to get a tattoo is based primarily on art and expression; saying tattoos are a great way to show your individuality. Others say travel tattoos are big hit amongst the twentysomethings. But why is it then that so many Gen Ys are opting for removal of their so-called individuality?
Back in yesteryear many former tattoo bearing teens said they removed their tattoos simply because they grew out of the phase. Makes sense because back then tattoos didn't hold the emotional attachment they do now. However, today the younger generation is getting tattoos removed because of the stigmas associated with them in the workplace. Alongside government agencies and police and fire departments, many workplaces are urging employees to hide or remove their tattoos. So even though the reasons have changed the industry of both tattooing and removing still endure today.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Tattooing and Removal in the Middle East
We all know tattoos and tattoo removal are part of the Western culture, we occasionally make hasty decisions and regret our body art and thus spend the few thousand dollars to get our mistake erased. Now in less developed countries many folk are lining up for a tattoo and some for a removal. In Islamabad, body art is gaining popularity.
The Daily Times reports on this new phenomena, "People with tattoos vary widely in their preferred methods of caring for new tattoos. Some prefer a new tattoo after a while, while others carry on with the same for a long time. As modern tattoos are available, it is possible to remove them with the help of laser. However, religion enjoins against tattooing, as it commonly symbolizes the images of animals, birds or a person. So one cannot offer prayers with pictures tattooed on his body," said a religious scholar."
If tattooing becomes even half as popular as it is in the states, the next booming industry in Islamabad will be tattoo removal.
