Teen Tattoos and Piercings: Be Smart About Body Art | Lifestyles of ...

Posted on28 June 2013.

By: Shaina Owens, High School Student

In the U.S. alone, over 40 million people have at least one tattoo and almost a third of them are ages 16 to 25 years. In all honesty, the tattoo you get will be with you for the rest of your life. The flip side to that truth is that there are serious health and social risks involved that need to be considered. Getting informed before getting inked or pierced is important. You need to consider the pros and cons.

The tattoo process consists of these basic steps: the design, placement on the body, the tattoo/piercing artist, choosing a hygienic facility, the social and career implications and your skin?s ability to heal properly. Common mistakes start with the design. Experts recommend that you not tattoo your face or neck, not use the name of your girlfriend or boyfriend, not use symbols that you have no idea what they represent, not use cartoon characters, not use fad style designs, like anchors or barb-wire, not use slogans from commercials or retail products, and not use faces of other people. This list could go on and on, but basically it?s about choosing a design that represents you. Be creative and original, and really put some thought into your artwork before it becomes a permanent part of your body.

Many teens never think about the health risks involved with tattoos and piercings. Some scary diseases have been linked to inking and piercing such as HIV, hepatitis, staph, and allergic skin reactions. Opt for a hygienic facility that uses sterile equipment and new needles. Research and get references. Talk to the owner and/or artist and inspect the business yourself. The artist should wash his/her hands and wear disposable gloves. The body site for your tattoo or piercing should be cleaned with a bacteria-killing solution. If you have doubts, ask if you can watch a person get tatted or pierced. This should give you first-hand insight as to their sterilization procedures. And, despite the place you pick, pain is a part of the process. Follow all after-care instructions to avoid infections.

You would never think an employer would care if you have a tattoo or body piercing, but some do. In fact, some won?t hire you because of your tattoo or piercing. Is it against the law for them to deny you employment? No, it?s not. So be wise with your body art site. It could cost you your job.

There?s also a social stigma associated with tattoos and piercings. While most teens from our generation think tattoos and piercings are cool and an awesome way to express ourselves, there are those that see it as rebellious, disrespectful, irresponsible and gang-related. Don?t be surprised if you get a dirty look because of your body art. It?s something that will either become acceptable and the norm or it will fade away like so many other fads.

Tattoos and piercings have grown in popularity among teens and young adults. It?s a trend that doesn?t seem to be losing its steam. Consider all your choices and educate yourself. You don?t want to make a decision that you?ll regret, or worse, make you ill. Start by being smart before you get any body art.

Source: http://www.dentonlifestyles.com/2013/06/teen-tattoos-and-piercings-be-smart-about-body-art/

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