Pricking the skin with semi-permanent ink

Thirty years ago, most people thought that people with tattoos were either bikers or rednecks. Since then, the tattoo trend has undergone many cultural changes.

Tattoos have not only been a trend for young adults but also for movie stars, professional athletes, songwriters and models, who all make cultural statements by sporting this form of art.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, the actress from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has three tattoos: a Chinese symbol on her back, a Celtic symbol on her hip and a heart with a dagger on her ankle. Actress Drew Barrymore has been known for having a variety of tattoos on her body. R&B singer Usher's tattoo of his name with a sword through it on his left arm is famous.

The tattooing industry has become one of the fastest growing businesses in the United States.

Many UM-St. Louis students have shared their own experiences in getting tattoos. "I was more worried before getting my tattoo," said Dustin Martinez, sophomore. "Then afterwards, I realized that it wasn't so painful after all."

Recently, the most popular areas of the body to get tattooed have been the lower backs for girls and around the biceps for guys.

Tattoo parlors and studios are helpful when picking out designs. Many places have wall displays or portfolios of pictures that can help a person make their final decision. From butterflies to barb wire, everyone is sure to find a design to fit their own personality. Popular picks include Chinese signs, Celtic symbols and Zodiac signs.

It is good to select a tattoo parlor where the employees are licensed and that has certified artists that understand what a person wants. "We have two artists who are both licensed through the St. Charles Health Department," an employee of Threshold Body Art of St. Charles said. Missouri state regulations require that a person be 18 years old to get a tattoo. Prices can range anywhere from $40 up, depending on the size, colors and time involved.

There are still many factors that one should consider before getting stuck with the needle. People need to take precautions or they might be faced with problems down the road.

"The number one thing that people should remember before coming into the booth, is to make sure that it's what they want because tattoos are permanent," said artist Gary Glatstein from Goldenlands Tattoo shop on St. Charles Rock Road.

Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp have gotten themselves in trouble by putting their ex-lovers, Billy Bob Thorton and Winona Ryder, respectively, on their bodies.

Sometimes tattoo parlors can do removals if the person received their design from them. In other cases, a person may have to seek a dermatologist for help. Tattoo removals can cost up to $700. The procedure for removal can be more painful than actually getting a tattoo. The equipment used is a high tech laser with a beam of light that breaks up the ink into tiny fragments.

Another consideration that many people worry about is sterilization and the safety of the needles. There have been documented cases of people catching HIV from infected needles. However, there have been more reported cases of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, blood poisoning and skin diseases. Some symptoms of problems can include continued swelling, bleeding, pain, hot sensations or a puss-like discharge. If a person has any of these symptoms after getting a tattoo, he or she should consult a health care provider immediately.

One of the things that people need to be aware of when visiting a tattoo parlor is clients' rights. Other things to note are whether gloves are being worn, whether sterile needles are being used, whether new containers of ink are being used, whether hands are being washed and whether disinfectants are being utilized.

A last consideration that people need to acknowledge is the fading of tattoos. Color ink tends to fade sooner than regular black ink. Caring for tattoos is important in making the art last. Large amounts of sun exposure can lead to fading. Almost every tattoo shop offers touchups.

Some people may condemn tattoos, whereas others admire them. Either way, tattoos have become a big fashion "in." One final thing to keep in mind when considering getting a tattoo is how long the trend will continue. Fashion changes; tattoos don't.