Tattoo and Body Piercing Aftercare
A tattoo, or dermal pigmentation, is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, wore facial tattoos, as do some Maori of New Zealand to this day. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian people, and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and China. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular all over the world.
The word "tattoo" is a borrowing of the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or strike twice (the latter referring to traditional methods of applying the designs).The first syllable "ta", meaning "hand", is repeated twice as an onomatopoeic reference to the repetitive nature of the action, and the final syllable "U" translates to "color". The instrument used to pierce the skin in Polynesian tattooing is called a hahau, the syllable "ha" meaning to "strike or pierce".
The OED gives the etymology of tattoo as "In 18th c. tattaow, tattow. From Polynesian (Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, etc.) tatau. In Marquesan, tatu." The first closest known usage of the word in English was recorded in the diary of Captain James Cook in 1769 during his voyage to the Marquesas Islands. The text reads, “...they print signs on people’s body and call this "tattaw”, referring to the Polynesian customs. Sailors on the voyage later introduced both the word and reintroduced the concept of tattooing to Europe.
In Japanese the most common word used for traditional designs or those that are applied using traditional methods is irezumi ("insertion of ink"), while "tattoo" is used for non-Japanese designs.
Tattoo enthusiasts may refer to tattoos as "tats," "ink," "art," or "work," and to tattooists as "artists." The latter usage is gaining greater support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both traditional and custom tattoo designs. Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sold to tattoo artists are known as flash, a notable instance of industrial design. Flash sheets are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers.
Tattoos and your health
Tattoo designs are becoming more popular every day. With celebrities, athletes, and famous individuals all joining the tattoo craze, people are asking whether tattoos could be unhealthy for a person. Some people are curious about getting a tattoo in Florida but may not want the risk of an infection, scar, bad design, or disease from getting a tattoo design. If you are someone who is thinking about getting a tattoo but are not sure whether it's safe or not, consider the following advice before you call anyone. Of course, before anything, we recommend consulting a doctor if you suffer from any blood deficiency or disease which might prevent you from getting a tattoo.
Our first advice is to consult with a tattoo professional licensed by a state licensing bureau like the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in the State of Florida, visit DBPR Online. Anyone wanting to get a tattoo in Miami, or anywhere in the world should make sure that the person is a certified tattoo or piercing professional. This will not only give you peace of mind, but will ensure that you are dealing with someone who is knowledgeable and responsible.
When you find a licensed Miami tattoo professional, make sure they use the highest standards of cleanliness. This means using clean, sterilized needles and equipment, latex gloves, alcohol, and other sanitary equipment. It sounds like common sense, but many people don't always realize the importance of cleanliness. This will avoid infection, disease, or a really bad scar.
In our Miami tattoo shop, we ensure that each client receives the best treatment and most sanitary conditions. We never allow food near our work areas, and all of our equipment and areas are in pristine condition. If you have any question please do not hesitate in contacting us.
