Tattooing is the way in which a visible design is applied under somebody’s skin.  A tattoo is made by putting ink through the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and into the layer of skin beneath (dermis).  The cells within the dermis are stable and do not shed so a tattoos are permanent.

Ink is applied by either piercing or cutting the skin.  Historically, tattoos were applied using needles, knives, chisels or even cactus needles.  Nowadays this is usually done using an electric device that punches a needle up and down through the skin, piercing the skin and injecting a small amount of ink with each stroke.

Most tattoos are created using a stencil.  A stencil can be applied to the skin prior to the tattooist making the design permanent, allowing the customer to make the final decision on its size, design and positioning.  The stencil then provides an outline of the design on the skin, which the tattooist follows.

The tattooist then prepares the skin by thoroughly cleaning (with antiseptic and soap) and shaving the area.  The tattooist will then follows the stencil to create the basic outline before enhancing the lines and infilling.

Not all tattoos need to be permanent – temporary tattoos (such as transfers or henna) may be applied, which eventually wash off, or fade as the skin sheds.

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