Permanent tattoos are made with tattoo needles. These are attached to needle bars that can punctures the skin at 50 to 3,000 times a minute. Professional tattooists know how deep to pierce the skin to create a clean permanent line. Going too deep will cause pain to the recipient, and not going deep enough will result in scratchy lines. The length of time it takes for the tattoo to be finished depends on the intricacy and size of the design.

The art of tattoo is an ancient craft going all the way back to the ice age. Mummified remains of ancient Egyptians, 7 thousand years old have been found with tattoos. The word tattoo is believed to originate from the Tahitian word tattau. Captain James Cook’s journal in the year 1768 mentions the word tattau in his encounter with Polynesians. The Tahitians taught the sailors the craft who in turn taught it to other sailors, and that is why tattoo is often associated with sailors.

There are health risks that are attached to getting a tattoo. They are tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B and C. The tattoo needles need to be sterilized after each use by using proper sterilizing equipment.

There are standards set out by associations of Professional Tattooists which the professional tattooist should follow. Getting tattoos done by professionals who adhere to these rules will minimize the health risks.

Some of the images on this site are from the Dunstable tattoo convention which used to be held early autumn in Bedfordshire. It is an excellent convention, a place to buy everything from a small £25 tattoo to a pair of chainmail underpants , Sadly no more!