Facts and Information for Teachers
Tattoos
The History of Tattoos
The origin and historical meaning of the word Tattoo is believed to have two deviations as
follow;
(i)
ta – striking something (Polynesian)
(ii)
tatau – to mark something (Tahitian)
The use of tattoos is recorded to have begun thousands of years ago and its history is as
varied and diverse as people who carry them.
The first tattoos were most likely created unintentionally. Someone with a small wound or
gash happened to rub it with dirty hand that was covered by soot or ash. Once the wound
had healed over the ash then that mark became a permanent condition.
No one can really state just when the history of tattoos all started. The oldest established
tattoo was exposed in 1991. It was found on a mummy known as Oetzi, an Iceman dated to
be at least 5300 years of age. His tattoos are comprised of horizontal and vertical lines, and
he had 57 of them. There’s a certain amount of debate about the reason the tattoos are
there.
The most common opinion is that the tattoos were designed for curative purposes. Oetzi’s
fifty-seven tattoos were located on several joints on the body. The belief is that the tattoos
were created at the same time as a form of acupuncture was practiced to relieve painful
joints. In our day, the identical locations are used for acupuncture. Other theories range
from social position and ritual markings to ethnic marks or just preference.
England:
Explorers returned home Polynesians to exhibit at fairs to demonstrate the height of
European civilization compared to “primitive natives”. After Captain Cook returned from his
voyage to Polynesia, tattooing became a tradition in the British navy.
Tattoos in the Western world were once the mark of the outcast, of the rocker and the rebel of a certain kind of macho culture.
Alan Dean from Luton was 61 in 2007. He had been a tattooist since the age of 16.
According to Alan, in those days the equipment was all home-made and the ink was
obtained from art shops in a process of trial and error. He has seen a dramatic change since
then.
He suggested that Tattooing used to be the preserve of people who were too lazy to work
and too scared to steal. Nowadays you have got proper artists, a lot of people wanted
tattoos years ago but they were associated with freaks and prostitutes. It's now just an
everyday thing for anyone.’’
Morden Day culture
Tattoos have begun to appeal to people from every walk of life. Tattoo parlours are
experiencing a growth trend due to three major changes in the tattoo industry, these being:
a. a greater number of tattoo ink colours
b. the fact that fine artists have entered the field and
c. the proliferation of celebrity tattoos.
Because many famous, high profile people in music and sports have tattoos, they have
become more socially accepted.
References
1. http://tattootemple.hk/history-of-tattooing
2. http://historyoftattoos.org/
3. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7034500.stm
4 .http://www.tribal-celtic-tattoo.com/CULTURE.htm
What is Tattooing?
Tattooing is a process whereby colours are instilled permanently into the skin to create a
design or words. It is created by piercing the skin with a needle and putting the ink into the
dermis layer (the inner layer) of the skin.
The following outline describes typical tattoo and body piercing processes. There will always
be differences between one artist/ body piercer and the next.
1. Paperwork
When you visit a tattoo artist for the purpose of getting a tattoo you will be required to
show valid identification for proof of age. You may also be asked for your address
and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if need be.
2. A Clean Shave
Once you have decided on the tattoo design, the area of your body you have chosen
for your tattoo will be cleaned, usually with rubbing alcohol. Then, any hair will be
removed from the area by shaving. Even the finest of hairs can get in the way and
cause problems, so this is a crucial step, even if you can't see any hairs. The area
will be cleaned again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the transfer.
3. Making and Applying the Stencil Transfer
Many studios use a machine to make their stencils; this saves on hours of tracing
time. Once your stencil is ready, it is transferred onto your skin. Some artists will use
soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant to make the
design transfer onto your skin better.
4. Preparing the Tattoo Machine and Other Equipment
The artist will prepare their tattoo machine and other equipment. The inks will be
placed in cups, and the needles and tubes will be placed in the machine. Clean,
distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo
process and to change from one color to the next.
5. Line work, Shading, Colouring
Ointment will be placed over your transfer design to help keep the transfer on longer,
and also help the needle slide along the skin more smoothly. After the ointment is
applied, it is time for the line work. The first minute or so will be the roughest. After
that, your skin will get used to it and the pain will begin to subside.
When all the line work is done, the artist will start shading and colouring. Depending
on the size of your tattoo, the artist may switch to a different set of needles designed
for colouring and shading.
6. The Finished Tattoo
The artist will clean up the finished tattoo, and may take a picture of the tattoo for
their portfolio. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so.
You are not under obligation to let them.
7. Dressing and covering
The tattoo needs to be treated just like a wound. A protective layer of ointment will be
applied to the tattoo to prevent invasion of airborne bacteria that can cause infection.
Then a cotton gauze or plastic cellophane will be used to cover it. It is important to
keep this cover on for the amount of time the artist instructs.
8. Aftercare Instructions
The artist will give you both verbal and written aftercare instructions. It is important to
follow the instructions given.
Tattooing and the law
The main pieces of legislation that relate to body piercing and tattoos are:




The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 ( recently amended by
the Local Government Act 2003)
Laws relating to Age and consent
The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969
Health and Safety at work act 1974
Applies to all persons involved in carrying out tattooing and piercing for gain or reward. This
includes people carrying out treatment in people’s homes. They also have a duty of care to
ensure that their customers are not exposed to risks to their health and safety e.g. spreading
infection and causing injury. Your local authority enforces this legislation as well as the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in particular where tattooists and piercers are known to
be operating from home.
Who has to be Registered?
All businesses that carry out body piercing and tattooing must be registered under the Local
Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Local authorities have the powers to
inspect any premises that carry out piercing or tattooing, and make sure that businesses
comply with local byelaws that relate to the hygiene of their premises, staff and equipment. If
the premises are found to comply with the byelaws, they will be registered by the local
authority and issued with a ‘premises’ registration certificate.
Tattooists and piercers, commonly known as the ‘Operator’ also have to be checked for
competency. They too have to be registered, but only specific to what they are competent to
carry out. For example, if a person is only registered to carry out tattoo, he or she will not be
allowed to carry out body piercing unless they have been approved by the council.
Inspectors, usually Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) will normally combine the health
and safety and registration inspections to ensure that compliance is met where necessary.
How Old Do I Have to Be?
There is no legal age of consent for body piercing, and so it's legal for someone under the
age of 18 to have a piercing as long as they have consented to it. Children under the age of
16 can't legally consent to a genital (or in the case of girls, nipple) piercing, as it's considered
to be indecent assault.
The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 makes it illegal for anyone to tattoo you if you are under
the age of 18 - although the offence is with the person who carries out the procedure, rather
than the person who asks for the tattoo. Tattoo artists should ask to see proof of age and
record this before agreeing to tattoo you. These issues are enforced by the police with the
help of local authority inspectors.
Health risks and tattoos
There are serious health risks associated with tattoos, including:

infection, including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, staph (including drug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus), and tuberculosis

pain, itching, swelling, tenderness, redness, or tissue injury at the site

allergic reaction to the ink, especially red ink.

formation of thick, overdeveloped scars called keloids

development of nodules of inflamed tissue called granulomas

difficulty having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed, as some tattoo inks
contain metals
Other things to consider before having a tattoo
Whether to tattoo?







A survey by the British Association of Dermatologists revealed that a third of people
with tattoos regret having them done.
Some employers object to visible tattoos amongst their workforce, and ask members
of staff to cover up all body art.
Tattoos are seen by some as an expression of art and individualism however many
associate them with rebellion and low social class.
Sun fades tattoos. Plan to use strong sunblock all the time or get the tattoo in a wellcovered place.
Tattoos in squishier areas such as the midsection will lose their shape much more
quickly than those in bonier areas.
Arm bands and lower back “tramp stamps” are no longer popular in many areas. Will
your design be trendy 30 years from now?
Tattoos on feet and hands tend to fade or become uneven quickly because those
parts get so much use.
Will it hurt?
Pain tolerance varies by person, but in general:



The fewer the needles, the more it hurts.
Bony areas don’t necessarily hurt more. A better indicator is skin softness: Inner
thighs, inner arms and torso are often extremely tender.
Artists say women tend to handle the pain better than men.
What if I change my mind afterwards?




Tattoo removal isn’t cheap or easy and likely will leave a scar. Dermatologists use
three main techniques, usually with an anaesthetic:
Surgery The image is cut from the skin. This may be the only option for ink that has
penetrated the subcutaneous fat.
Abrasion Skin is sanded down to the dermis using salt or a rotating brush. Chemical
peeling works in a similar way.
Lasers Short flashes of high-intensity light break up the ink so it can be absorbed by
the body.
Case studies and news articles
Negative Stories
'I was told I'm a bad example to children.'
I'm 35 and quite heavily tattooed. I had a job as a mid-day assistant at a school. I was taken
on having tattoos and facial piercings which during the winter months was fine as I was
covered up, but when the summer arrived my arms were on show. I was promptly issued
with a "standards of dress" guide. It said that visible tattoos and facial piercings were not
setting a good example and should be covered up. This was the first bit of communication I
had received during my job. After a week or so I went to see the headmaster and resigned
with immediate effect. He had called me in to have meetings with personnel over the issues I
had raised, but I didn't feel I wanted to work in a place that discriminates against tattoos and
piercings and I don't believe I should have to fight to justify that I'm a hard worker and a
decent person. I feel sad that children grow up being taught these shallow-minded views.
Karla Valentine, Suffolk, UK
'I had my working hours cut'
My old boss was against body modifications because of her religious beliefs. I was
constantly harassed about my piercings and tattoos. I had hours cut after getting my tattoos,
even though they aren't visible. I have both feet done as well, but always wear socks and
shoes. I work in childcare and was told that even out in public I had to keep appearances up,
so to keep covered, because I might see the children I looked after outside hours. In my
uniform you can't see my tattoos. As I keep it professional but I've been told that I'm
unapproachable and scary with tattoos and piercings and that could lose potential clients to
the business.
Sam, Brisbane, Australia
'I was told to cover up'
I have both full sleeves and my previous employer stated you had to cover all tattoos when
in work hours, which I found wrong because other members of staff were allowed to wear
earrings which is another form of body modification. One rule for one et al. I now work for a
company that does not discriminate against tattoos. I am currently a contract manager for a
hospital. In my previous job I was an operations manager where their policies stated that all
tattoos had to be covered up at all times. This included any contractor working on site.
Jef, Teddington, UK
'My job interview was terminated'
I'm a heavily tattooed 20-year-old girl. About a year and a half ago, in 2012, I applied for a
job as a waitress. It was a half telephone interview, half seeing when you're free. It was
going fine. The employer started talking about the uniform. When he said it was shortsleeved, as soon as I said I had my arms tattooed, he just hung up. I was working as a shop
assistant in a mobile phone shop when a customer started screaming in my face. They had
some problems with their top-up I was trying to help them with but they had bought it from
another shop and I couldn't give them a refund. They completely switched ."You've only got
this job because you've got tattoos," they shouted. They were saying I was disgusting and I'd
let down the company. And then walked out of the shop, so I went round the back and cried.
I have had awards for my customer service and in that shop my manager had sleeves, my
other manager had a neck tattoo. I'm not rude or horrible. I don't do drugs or anything. I work
hard, pay bills, do charity work for animals and yet they call me disgusting names for no
reasons. The art I have isn't even offensive. Just cause I'm heavily tattooed doesn't mean
I'm nasty, scary or silly.
Amii Parr, Reading, UK
'I missed out on a promotion'
On my 18th birthday I got a half-sleeve and my boss immediately denied me the promotion
he promised me even though some of my co-workers had much more visible tattoos and
piercings. I quit a month later. He didn't say directly that it was because of my tattoo, but the
comments he made toward me made it clear he didn't like it. He asked me if I was crazy for
getting it and why my parents would let me do this to myself. He also said it's very dark (I
don't really know if he meant dark as in black or dark as in creepy) and that I'm better for in
the kitchen rather then being a waitress.
Emily, Wisconsin, USA
Positive Stories
So here is my tattoo! I’m constantly getting compliments about it which are forwarded to my
amazing artist. After a month or so I still can’t stop staring at it, its magical and I love it. To
everyone else its just lyrics but to me it matters the most ;D
My mother passed away when I was a freshman in High School, and she was the only
parent I ever knew. So in memory of her, I got her name tattooed over my heart so she’d
always be with me.
I got this tattoo in two parts. The first part was the quote, which reads “wine, poetry, or virtue,
as you wish, but be drunk”, which is a quote from the French poet Charles Baudelaire. It was
all about self-indulgence to the point of happiness because my grandfather had just passed
away, and it made me realize the value of our time.
My next tattoo is of a wolfs paw on my right ankle. This symbolizes the wolf always walking
with me.All my tattoos have a deep spiritual meaning to me.
This phoenix tattoo is very personal to me. The phoenix describes the struggles I have gone
through in my life and trying to rise above them. It took 2 years for me to compile everything
that I wanted in the tattoo. This is just the outline and I am currently getting color done. It will
take quite a few months to finish since it is so large.
I am half middle eastern. I lived in Saudi Arabia for two years, and as I’ve become older I
have really learned to love and embrace my culture. This tattoo, which is my name in Arabic,
is simply for me to remember my heritage.
News articles
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28758900
Tattoos are more popular than ever, but workers can be dismissed from or denied jobs
because of their body modifications. Some want protection under employment law. Should
they get it?
You're perfect for the job. You have all the skills and experience the company is looking for,
and you've turned up for the interview in your smartest attire.
But there's a problem.
If you have a tattoo that incurs the displeasure of the boss, you might find any offer of
employment is swiftly rescinded.
In July Jo Perkins, a consultant in Milton Keynes, had her contract terminated because a
4cm image of a butterfly on her foot contravened the no-visible-inking policy of the firm for
which she worked. The company said she had failed to cover it up.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27831231
Seven people, with varying amounts of body ink, share the tales behind their markings.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-29895800
Portsmouth Tattooist tattooed a 13 year old girl
Skin Piercing
The History of Skin Piercing
Although the history of body piercing is obscured by popular misinformation and
by a lack of scholarly reference, ample evidence exists to document that it has
been practiced in various forms by both sexes since ancient times throughout the
world.
Ear piercing and nose piercing have been particularly widespread and are well
represented in historical records and among grave goods. The oldest mummified
remains ever discovered were sporting earrings, attesting to the existence of the
practice more than 5,000 years ago. Nose piercing is documented as far back as
1500 BC. Piercings of these types have been documented globally, while lip and
tongue piercings were historically found in African and American tribal cultures
The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for
religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic
value, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it. Some people have
practiced extreme forms of body piercing, with Guinness bestowing World
Records on individuals with hundreds and even thousands of permanent and
temporary piercings.
What is Body Piercing?
Body piercing involves creating openings or punctures in specific areas of the body. These
openings are created for the placement of jewellery and other forms of body decoration.
The Process
1. Paperwork
You will usually need to sign a consent form to confirm that you wish to go ahead.
Children under the age of 16 may need to have a parent or guardian with them. The
piercer must explain any complications that may arise from the procedure.
2. Preparation
The body piercer will examine the area for scars or other skin problems to make sure
it is safe for the piercing. The skin is disinfected with an alcohol solution, allowed to
dry and location of the piercing is marked with a marker before it's pierced.
3. The body piercing process is different for different areas of the body. Special tools
are used for creating the correct puncture/opening size for specific areas of the body.
Some professionals may use a piercing gun or may prefer to use a surgical steel
needle. The piercer may decide to clamp the area with forceps to steady the skin for
a straight, even, puncture/opening, making the body piercing process easier for
them. Clamping also reduces blood flow which helps numb the area to pain if
freezing or anesthetics aren't used.
4. Types of piercing
a) Earlobe and ear cartilage piercing
During an ear piercing, a hole is made through the fatty tissue of the earlobe or
the cartilage at the top of the ear, and an earring is inserted. This is often done
with a piercing gun. Most piercing guns have sterile disposable cartridges to help
ensure that the piercing is clean and sterile. If you don't want your ears to be
pierced with a disposable piercing gun, you can go to a professional piercer who
can pierce ears using a sterilised hollow needle.
b) Other types of piercing
All other types of piercing should be carried out using a hollow needle, which is
pushed through the skin and tissue of the body part being pierced. A piece of
jewellery, usually a decorative bar or ring, is then inserted into the hole.
I.
Belly button
A belly button piercing is usually made just above the navel. A curved bar
is inserted through the hole and metal balls are screwed on each end. A
small metal ring fastened with a clip-on ball may also be used.
Special care must be taken with a belly button piercing as this area is
difficult to keep clean and dry. You'll need to wash the belly button with
soap and water before the piercing. Afterwards, you should wear any
belts well below the area until it's fully healed.
II.
Nose
A hole is pierced through the skin or cartilage of the nostril. A nose
stud is then inserted through the hole. There are also some disposable
gun-like devices that are designed especially for the soft outer parts of the
nose, but not the areas of cartilage.
III.
Tongue
The tongue is clamped to hold it in position while it's pierced. A bar with a
screw-on metal ball at each end is inserted through the hole.
IV.
Nipple
The piercing is normally made through the end of the nipple. A thin metal
ring or straight bar is then inserted.
5. After a piercing
a) When a piercing is finished, the area may bleed slightly. This should stop after a few
minutes, although it may bleed again for short periods over the next few days.
b) It is important to follow the aftercare instructions given by the piercer to reduce the
chances of problems developing.
Piercing and the law
The main pieces of legislation that relate to body piercing and tattoos are:



The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 ( recently amended by
the Local Government Act 2003)
Laws relating to Age and consent
Health and Safety at work act 1974
Applies to all persons involved in carrying out tattooing and piercing for gain or reward. This
includes people carrying out treatment in people’s homes. They also have a duty of care to
ensure that their customers are not exposed to risks to their health and safety e.g. spreading
infection and causing injury. Your local authority enforces this legislation as well as the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in particular where tattooists and piercers are known to
be operating from home.
Who has to be Registered?
All businesses that carry out body piercing and tattooing must be registered under the Local
Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Local authorities have the powers to
inspect any premises that carry out piercing or tattooing, and make sure that businesses
comply with local byelaws that relate to the hygiene of their premises, staff and equipment. If
the premises are found to comply with the byelaws, they will be registered by the local
authority and issued with a ‘premises’ registration certificate.
Tattooists and piercers, commonly known as the ‘Operator’ also have to be checked for
competency. They too have to be registered, but only specific to what they are competent to
carry out. For example, if a person is only registered to carry out tattoo, he or she will not be
allowed to carry out body piercing unless they have been approved by the council.
Inspectors, usually Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) will normally combine the health
and safety and registration inspections to ensure that compliance is met where necessary.
How Old Do I Have to Be?
There is no legal age of consent for body piercing, and so it's legal for someone under the
age of 18 to have a piercing as long as they have consented to it. Children under the age of
16 can't legally consent to a genital (or in the case of girls, nipple) piercing, as it's considered
to be indecent assault.
Health risks and piercing
There are serious health risks associated with piercings, including:

infection, including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, staph (including drug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus), and tuberculosis

pain, itching, swelling, tenderness, redness, or tissue injury at the site

allergic reaction to the piercing.

formation of thick, overdeveloped scars called keloids

development of nodules of inflamed tissue called granulomas

difficulty having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed, as all piercing jewelry
contain metals

The healing time required for a body piercing may vary widely according to placement, from
as little as a month, to as much as two full years
Other things to consider before having a piercing
Whether to pierce?





Some employers object to visible piercings amongst their workforce, and ask
members of staff to cover up all body art.
Piercings are seen by some as an expression of art and individualism however
despite their rising popularity; many associate them with rebellion and low social
status.
Know your health. How you treat your body in general will make a large difference in
how fast and well your piercing heals.
Know your body. If you have metal allergies, get titanium or other material that's very
bio-compatible. If you are prone to keloid scars, you may want to reconsider
piercings.
Look at your anatomy. If you don't have enough area to pierce, your piercing will
reject.
Will it hurt?

Everyone's different, so you can't just ask a few people how much theirs hurt.
Different body parts will give different amounts of pain. In general, most agree that
cartilage and deep piercings hurt more, although this may not be true for all people.
What if I change my mind afterwards?

Yes, most can be removed with little effort, but most will leave scars.
Case studies and news articles
Negative stories
So my mother finally let me get my cartilage done, but at the time (i was like 16 or 17) guns
seemed the way to go. So i went to this place- little did I know it wasn’t professionally run.
She counted to three, and VERY SLOWLY pierced the gun through my skin. MAJOR. PAIN.
And then she didn't realize she'd put an extra long stud in for 'better healing', and tried to
make the back go on tighter! It wasn't happy. And the healing process was ridiculously bad
too, because it was so botched when it got done. It got to a point where i had to remove it.
About a year later, i got it redone. BY A PROFESSIONAL. It healed great, and had
absolutely no problems with it whatsoever.
I had a naval piercing for about a year, (you have to keep it clean for about 6 months before
it heals.. 3 times a day) and it hurts for a few months after you first get it.. it's also a son of a
..... when you get it caught on something. The ring fell out after about a year, and i waited
too long (about a week) to put it back in, and by then, the whole had already closed :/ So,
what I'm saying, is if you are thinking about it, it takes a lot of work, it is worth it, and don't
leave it out for too long.
When I was 15, a friend told me her Mum was a 'piercer' and that she'd pierced her lip for
her (my friend was actually 13 at the time, should have set off alarm bells...). Anyway, she
said that if I brought an earring then her Mum would do my ear for me...
Anyway, I brought along some nasty, pre-worn ring, with the wire bit that fits inside the
jewellery to fasten. She sat me on the side of her sofa (with the dog running around my feet,
put on gloves, wiped my ear and the jewellery over with a pre injection swab and then
pierced me. Over the next few months it went red, got a little lump next to it which
progressed from red to red with yellow, to green to black, then I decided to stick a pin in it
and drain the gross blacky greeny blood and goo out of the thing. Its now healed but
scarred.
I got my nose pierced a few years ago after having wanted it done for over 20 years. Hurt
like hell but everything went fine until the fake gem fell out of the jewellery. After that no
piece of jewellery ever fit right and I always had problems with it.
Positive stories
I got mine pierced when I was fourteen. The clamp that they use actually hurts more than the
piercing itself - so you have nothing to worry about in regards to the pain. It's over within
twenty seconds. If you take proper care of your piercing, it should not get infected.
I'm really happy with mine, it looks great! & now I love to wear bikinis, because I have a
chance to show it off without feeling self-conscious. :)
I liked my nose piercing so much, I had a 2nd one done right next to it. My job requires no
hoops, so while I would prefer to have 2 hoops (captive bead rings) in there, I've got studs
(corkscrews).
I got mine done around a month ago for my 19th birthday, the piercing itself wasn't as bad as
I had heard. From my research I had expected some terrible pain but what i got was a hot
stinging sensation that was very tolerable (it just made me wince a little) and some blood.
News articles
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east28831106http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2727117/Man-piercings-denied-entryDubai.html
The world's most pierced man, Rolf Buchholz, has been denied entry into Dubai after he was
due to make an appearance at a hotel nightclub. The 53-year-old German has 453 piercings
on his body and face, as well as two horn implants on his forehead.
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Woman-facing-jail-illegal-piercings/story-21321924detail/story.html
A woman who ran an unregistered cosmetic piercing business from her home in Leicester
could face jail. One of her customers described the experience of having her nose pierced
as worse than childbirth, magistrates heard. Magistrates found her guilty of all charges and
she faced the possibility of imprisonment.