Tattoos: statement or serious?

The tattoo industry is massive. After its breakthrough popularity in the 90s, there has been no looking back and today, it is estimated that 20 million brits have at least one tattoo. The industry has stretched far and wide, in terms of expertise and technology, to cater to everyone’s needs and preference. However, at the same time, the tattoo removal surgery sector has seen a 400 per cent increase, making it the largest growth sector in cosmetic procedures, not just in the UK but worldwide. This puts forward some interesting questions under the microscope - are people these days just hastily getting tattoos for the sake of it only to realize they don’t really want them for good? And does this mean tattoo is a serious business or something we get just for fun?

Tattoos have always been a mode of expression for individuals. Though many opt for it to cover injuries, the mass refers to inking themselves as an artistic form of freedom. It is a way to portray your uniqueness and give a physical form to your thoughts. It represents what you think is important or people who are dear to you. And how creatively you are able to do that is where an individual’s creativity and individuality comes in. Like the famous Johnny Depp saying, ‘My body is my journal and my tattoos are my stories,’ the possibilities are limitless and can be curbed only by your imagination. Most of the time, tattoos are assumed to hold a special meaning to the person, maybe symbolizing a significant incident of the past, and other times, the tattoos are gotten simply for aesthetic purposes. These days, more and more people are going for tattooing since it seems like a trend. Rather than having any meaning attached, they get it as decoration and ornate their body. And there is nothing wrong with that. If you are happy with it, that’s all that matters.

However, people should consider the effect of tattooing in more depth before getting it done. Though the effects of not using hygienic needles can lead to several health risks, there are other medical concerns. Tattoo dyes, specially of red, green and yellow colour can cause allergic reactions, even years later, causing rashes. A skin infection may also occur, rooting from sensitive skin. Furthermore, inflammation and keloids can form. On a more serious note, sometimes the equipment used to make your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, and you can contract various blood-borne diseases. Therefore, it is important to realize that making a decision to get a tattoo should be well thought out. And let’s not forget how much it is going to hurt you and your wallet to remove the tattoo, either by laser or surgery, if you later change your mind. So, make a decision you will not regret.

In the end, it can be said that whatever the reason is for you to get a tattoo, it’s alright. No reason is too small or insignificant for getting a tattoo and no amount of tattoo can be overboard or too simple. As long as you can justify it to yourself and feel happy about it, no other factor comes into play. But since it is an extensive procedure with health factors involved, make the decision wisely. Other than that, it’s ok to have zest for tattoos, freely express yourself, and live life the way you, and only you want.