Tattoos

Decorating the body parts with smart, innovative tattoos has become a raging fashion statement for both the young and the old. This innovative form of body art is often used as a mode of personal expression. Tattoos come in varying sizes and shapes ranging from a small pictorial adornment on the shoulder blade to those which extend to cover the whole length of the arm. However, tattoos are personal style statements and can be etched almost anywhere on your body.
In ancient times, tattoos were mostly used for religious purposes. With the passage of time, the tattoos became a unique fashion statement for those who dared to be different.

Cool, Trendy and Hip Tattoos
So, which tattoos are the 'in' thing and which are not? Some of the current crazes are the Tribal Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Angel Tattoos, Rose Tattoos, Japanese Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Dolphin Tattoos, Butterfly Tattoos, Eagle Tattoos, Tiger Tattoos etc.

Tattoos for Celebrities
The tattoo craze has even caught up with the movie stars and rock musicians like Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg and Melanie Griffith. Robert de Niro sports a gigantic cross that covers almost the whole of his back.

Tattoo Artists
Perhaps, some of the most spectacular tattoos have been done up by Shane O'Neill and Ishmael Schuurbiers. Their tattoos range from fantasy objects to religious ones. Some of the most exquisite ones are the image of Christ on a Cross, a grotesque depiction of 'Jack in a Box' and the image of a dead skull. The latter two have been designed by Jamy Carlton and Pete Carreno.

Do's and Dont's of Tattoos
There are certain do's and don'ts of tattoos that you should keep in mind before tattooing your body:

• Tattooing should be done with a sterile needle.
• Check for disposable ink bottles to minimize risks of infection.
• The tattoo artist should cover his hands with latex gloves.
• Remember to dab Vaseline on your tattoo with a disposable instrument.

Tattoo Care

• Apply olive oil on the tattooed part for a period of seven days.
• Avoid a hot shower or bath at least for one week after tattooing.
• Do not splash chlorinated water on the tattooed portion.
• Avoid sun baths for at least a week after the tattoo.

Tattoo Removal

You can remove your tattoo if you wish to, but this needs to be done in consultation with a physician. Some of the most popular techniques for removal of tattoos are dermabrasion, excision, salabrasion and laser.