The start of tattooing in the west began when Captain Cook who was a British explorer sailed to Tahiti.  The Tahitians used the term “tatatau” or tattau, meaning to hit and this became the modern term “tattoo”.  Tattooing spread rapidly through sailors, coal miners and explorers.  These men had tattoos of minor’s lamp or an anchor which symbolized the danger of their professions and they were often placed on their arms.  Tattooing spread throughout Europe and became a fashion statement.

Over 40 million Americans have a tattoo.  Tattoos for some, like the sailors or coal miners are symbolic.  For example, many prisoners often use tattooing to reflect their criminal behavior.  It may show their gang affiliation or some gang members use a tear to show a friend who was killed.

Tattooing has been very common in the U.S. military and British Armed Forces.  Tattoos often represent the individual’s military unit or a battle they fought in.   Most of us have personally seen a tattoo on a retired military individual.

In many parts of the world tattooing has grown in popularity.  It has experienced explosive growth in North and South America as well as Europe and Japan.  With that resurgence of tattoo popularity has come an influx of new tattoo artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine arts training.

Formal interest in the artistry of tattooing has become prominent in the 1990’s – 21st century.  Contemporary art exhibitions and visual art institutions have featured the artistry of tattooing through such means as displaying tattoo flash, examining the works of tattoo artists, or incorporating examples of body art into [mainstreameveryday] exhibits.

With this growth has come tattoo regret where it is estimated that half of those receiving tattoos today live to regret their decision and are seeking a tattoo removal.   There are many tattoo removal methods that are used today.   The most effective means of tattoo removal is laser tattoo removal which can be painful and expensive.  Tattoo removal cream is an option that is controversial as to its effectiveness.  It can be done in the privacy of your home and the cost is substantially less than laser tattoo removal.   Other options are surgery where the tattoo is surgically removed.   There is also an option where the skin is sanded to remove the tattoo.  There is still one more option, simply cover up the tattoo, a nice simple tattoo cover up with clothes or make up.