Tattooing has always been a mystical experience. Whether it was for religious reasons millenia ago or because it was outlawed until recently tattoos have always had that “something” about them. It’s no wonder that there are so many myths and superstitions surrounding tattooing.
Tattooing uses a Single Needle
Most tattoo artists don’t use single needles except for fine line and delicate detail work. Artists determine how many needles they will use and what configuration those needles are in depending on the tattoo and their personal style. There are also different styles of arrangements or groupings like flats, magnums, curved magnums, and liners. Science has shown that most single needle work is so delicate that it’s hard to get consistent line for all but the most experienced artist and there’s only a minute visible difference between a single needle and 3 needles but it’s much easier to get a consistent line.
Applying Too Much Ointment won’t Matter
Sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Applying too much ointment during the healing process means that the tattoo becomes soggy, saturated, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria because the pores are clogged and can’t breathe. Too much ointment can cause a tattoo to heal slower, get infected, and may cause irreparable damage.
Drinking Alcohol or getting High Eases the Pain
Alcohol is a blood thinner and the endocannabinoids in marijuana only work to boost endorphins rather than increase pain tolerance. While enough of these in quantity will dull your senses they won’t affect your pain tolerance so your tattoo will still hurt (if the artist will still do it) but you’re less likely to be able to control your reaction to it.
Taking painkillers is no better. Many are also blood thinners which can make you bleed more so you’ll need a touch up.
Tattoos are Permanent
While in theory this is true, there’s new technologies and methods which can help break down the ink in the skin so that your body can shed it naturally. While some colors take longer to remove than others, and depending on the age and darkness of the tattoo it may take several sessions, there’s no longer such a thing as a permanent tattoo. Creams, faders/lighteners, and laser are all common removal methods.
Tattoos are Only for people of Low Intellect
While there’s a lot of stigma associated with tattoos this is just completely false. People from all strata of society get tattoos even professional occupations like doctors, lawyers, scientists, and even people in government have ink. Studies have shown that tattooing is popular across the spectrum of human intelligence but there may be some correlation with a mental need to self harm.
You Cant Get an MRI
Back in the 1970s tattoo ink was made with heavy metals, just like it had always been. Inks were literally no different than that used in printing. Magnetic technology would literally pull the metal particles forcibly out through your skin. Thankfully though, this is no longer the case. Metals in inks have been banned for decades and nowadays tattoo ink is pigment, polymers, and plain water. There’s very little in tattoo ink that is allowed anymore which could affect an MRI.
