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Tattoo artists at Al's Tattoo Studio in Bandra have inked each other's backs |
New research suggests that most of them, especially women, are regretting picking the design they chose when they were younger, and can't bear the thought of sporting it for the rest of their lives.
While their mums may be dying to say, "I told you so..." we have better advice to dish out to tattoo lovers back home.
Tattoo artist Al Alva gets at least one enquiry per day for tattoo removal
Before getting a tattoo:
Ask yourself: Do you know the meaning of this symbol, inscription, design? Is this tattoo related to you and/or your life?
Never get tattoos when you are drunk, holidaying in some beach destination. You are likely to regret it later.
Don't let an infatuation with a person or trend inspire a tattoo. The relationship may not last, nor will the fad.
Avoid getting tattoos of role models, WWF stars (like the Stone Cold 316 rage), rock stars, and celebrities who are currently in the limelight. They will disappear, your tattoo won't.
Top 5 reasons why clients want to get rid of a tattoo
* When they grow older, they realise their tattoos are anti-religious (For instance, an upside-down cross).
* To erase a lover's name, after the relationship is over.
* When they realise that they could have settled for plastic surgery to get rid of scars left by liposuction or an appendix surgery, rather than get a tattoo to mask them.
* If they've been tattooed by an inexperienced tattoo artist, the needle could've hit the dermis layer of the skin, leaving an ink smudge. This is called a "killoid". The blotch of ink replaces intricate detailing.
Al's studio offers a certified tattoo removal procedure. Log on to www.alstattoostudio.com)
She got a cover up tattoo
Garima Sharma, 24, Corporate Sales Manager with a radio station
Number of tattoos: 6
Where? On lower back, chest, left and right shin, and left,
right wrist.
Why a cover up tattoo? When I got a tattoo, I didn't mull over the design and realised that the "rising sun" artwork didn't hold any meaning to me or my life.
What is a cover up tattoo? Instead of erasing a tattoo, you can improvise on the existing one. Inking a bigger tattoo on top of it, is also possible.
The new artwork is a true reflection of what she believes in: Concepts of "Holy Love" or "Pure Love", that are forgotten today, is what she wants to hold on to. Her improvised tattoo is an image of a more detailed rising sun. She has plastered two mirror image Celtic symbols on her wrists and shins.
Garima's tip: Tattoos are not for everyone. They are meant for people who know what they want in life. That's the only way you can be sure that you'll be happy with your tattoo all your life.
Sometimes, laser removal could leave scars
Dr Meenakshi Agarwal, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon and Director, Face & Figure, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre
We get at least two to three patients every month, requesting us to erase their tattoos for reasons varying from professional concerns to dislike for the design, even religious reasons.
The procedure: It takes 2 to 5 sittings to get a tattoo
laser removed.
Cost: A small bindi-size tattoo removal will cost Rs 1,000.
Scarring: An inexperienced laser surgeon might leave you with scars. A surgical removal will leave a suture scar.
Rakhi stuck with a tattoo she doesn't like
Two years ago, item girl Rakhi Sawant chose a tiger design for her shoulder, but later felt, "Thoda galat ho gaya. Thoda chhota chahiye tha." She decided against getting it erased when she saw a photograph of a girl whose skin had been scarred after a similar procedure.
She has 7 tattoos, regrets none
Juhi Pande, Veejay
She got her first tattoo in Australia when she was 21. It depicts her zodiac sign merged with tribal art motifs. Seven years later, she loves it as much as the ones she got recently.
How? "Go for what you like. Don't get a tattoo (dolphins and skulls) just because the whole world is getting it. Herd mentality doesn't work while picking a
tattoo design."
Juhi's tattoo tips: Never pick a design that's been chosen by someone else. It's okay to get a simple tattoo, as long you like it. Always do a background check on the tattoo artist.
She recommends: In Goa, she was thrilled with artist Mahyar's work, and in Mumbai, she recommends French tattoo artist, Issa.
Why Saifu may regret "Kareena" tattoo
The most unwise and impractical of tattoos is the one that bears the name of your "current" partner/fling/flame. Taking a cue from Hollywood couple break-ups, who got their better halves' names tattooed, Saifu should have known better, we think.
