Tattooing: what is it, how to do it, at what age?

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

At first, most people look for a way to express their ideas. tattoo Today we will better understand what this symbol is, how to get a tattoo, the minimum age, and care tips.

What is tattooing?

People modify their bodies with tattooing by giving it a meaning Depending on the artwork, the person may spend hours in the studio or have several sessions to complete the work.

For those who are asking themselves, "How old can I get a tattoo?", the recommended age is 18, but it is possible for a tattoo artist to work on young people under this age, as long as they are accompanied by a legal guardian.

Origins

According to scholars, tattooing is part of human evolution. The Egyptians, for example, already had methods for tattooing the skin between 4,000 and 2,000 B.C. through rituals .

Furthermore, according to records, many Europeans considered tattooing a symbol of the devil in the Middle Ages. Centuries later, sailors popularized tattooing using rudimentary equipment that resembles our modern equipment.

People used a wooden tool where they tapped the back of it with a stick, so that each tap pressed the needle against the sailor's flesh and formed the artwork, and because of the "ta-ta" sound people called this process "tatau" and Captain James Cook nicknamed it "tattow".

See_also: List of Freud's cases and patients

Depending on the location, the tattoo changes

Our body is constantly changing, but we don't always notice it. For this reason, many people claim that their tattoo changes depending on the place where they got it. So, with this in mind, those who want to get tattooed should think about the best place to do this art.

You may not know that tattoos on the belly, arm, lap, thighs, hips, and breasts deform over time However, the back, wrists and ankles preserve the drawn image better.

How is tattooing done?

The tattoo artist applies ink to the client's dermis by injecting it through a very fine needle. If the tattooist applies the tattoo to the top layer of the client's skin, natural peeling will remove the design. After cleaning the client's skin and removing the hair, the tattoo artist will disinfect his or her own hands before putting on the glove.

The tattoo artist must always sterilize his work material or use disposable needles. In addition, the inks must be appropriate tattoo inks and must be in their original packaging.

With everything ready, the tattoo artist will outline the client's skin using the decal technique. In short, he will transfer the outline of the design onto the person's skin. Once the decal is finished, the tattoo artist injects the ink into the client's skin using a needle.

Care

The client must wash the tattooed area with mild soap and running water within 3 hours of the end of the session, and after cleaning the area, apply a healing ointment and apply a new dressing.

The tattooed person should change the bandage 4 times a day for 2 days and only then use the ointment alone. Those who have had tattoos should avoid exposure to the sun, swimming in the sea or in a pool, frequenting saunas, and removing the peelings from the scar .

My son wants to get a tattoo, now what?

As they get older, teenagers feel the urge to express themselves They may be attracted by fads and want to get tattoos, much to the despair of their parents. If parents don't know how to act in this situation, the following tips may help:

Dialog

Parents and children need to talk about this decision in a balanced way, so it is important that the young person knows the consequences of this choice and asks himself why he wants a tattoo. Parents should talk to the young person in order to understand the reasons for this decision.

Read Also: Consume and the Unconscious: 5 thoughts on the impulse to buy

Fad

The family should talk and help the young person to understand if it is a fad or not.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

No fighting

Parents should listen to the teenager in order to understand his motivations, but without fighting. However, if the parents are not against the procedure, just accept the teenager's choice.

Responsibility

The young person must understand the consequences that getting tattooed can bring. So he must consider the risks and think about his decision in the long term, because a tattoo is not easy to remove .

Don't just say "no

Instead of parents just saying "no," they need to explain their point of view consistently. Parents should help the teenager consider his or her own choice and understand the responsibilities involved Through conversation, the family can understand each other and explain that each person must discover him/herself alone, without pressure from friends.

Show alternatives

If the teenager still wants the tattoo, how about if he tries the henna tattoo? Besides being temporary, lasting 20 days on average, the teenager can test his choice without great risks. This way, the youngster can get used to the idea and find out if he wants to have the art done permanently.

How to get tattooed safely?

If you are going to get your first tattoo, pay attention to the following tips:

See_also: Who can practice the profession of psychoanalysis?

Have references from the tattoo artist

Don't be in a hurry to choose the design and the moment of the tattoo, so if you are unsure, wait a little longer. Also, look for a professional with excellent references in the market.

Choose your tattoo site well

Besides the fact that some people still have prejudice, the drawing can deform in some areas of the body, so consult the tattoo artist about the artwork chosen and the best place to draw it.

Take a great reference photo

If the tattoo artist has good quality reference images he will develop his art better.

Take care of your nutrition

On the day of the tattoo, avoid alcohol or any other type of drug. If you eat and drink properly, the pain of tattooing will be less .

Check spelling and position

Always question the tattoo artist about the work, checking the spelling of phrases and details of the design.

Avoid crowds

If you want company, take only one friend who is of legal age. Avoid crowds.

It will hurt

Remember that tattooing can hurt and some parts of the body are sensitive, so if you can't stand the pain, ask for a break to recover and then continue the process. The head, ribs, pimples, hands and feet are very sensitive areas.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Final considerations about tattooing

For some people, tattooing is a genuine form of body expression So if you want to make a craft, you need to consider the care, risks, and responsibilities involved in the process.

In addition, one must consider the age limit for tattooing, so minors should always consult their parents about this choice and ask them to accompany them to the session.

In addition to tattoo, you can make a difference in your life with our online Psychoanalysis course. Our Psychoanalysis course is an excellent tool for personal development, helping you to reach your inner potential.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.