25 Jun Why are Tattoos Addicting?
We hear it over and over how addicting tattoos can be. But why? What does that really mean?
Some studies could argue that the endorphin levels from the pain of getting a tattoo can be addicting. But is that really true? What about the people who get tattoos in spite of the pain and fear of needles? Is there something more to it?
When asking tattoo artists and tattooed people their thoughts on the subject the same answer repeatedly came up, “becoming part of a community”. By getting your first tattoo you are becoming part of a community whether you know it at the time or not. If you hadn’t before, you start to become aware of tattoos all around you. Instead of noticing the outfit or jewelry on that person at the grocery store, you now see the tattoo on their ankle. That’s where the addiction really sets in because you will start to notice certain styles and designs that are attractive to you, then you think- something like that would look good on my side but with more color and a quote going through the center. Pretty soon you find yourself in the tattoo chair getting your 3rd tattoo and without even realizing it you have totally embraced the culture.
It’s a community of people thinking outside the box to distinguish themselves as individuals. It could be for a wide range of reasons- to look cool, more attractive, to remember a certain time in your life or person. Whatever the reason might be, you are making a permanent change or body modification to yourself and earning a certain level of respect for your fellow tattooed neighbors.
Some people could spend years creating the right tattoo to represent themselves and some people represent who they are by spontaneously getting tattoos, either way you now have something in common with a pretty unique group of really cool people!
INK ON INK OFF IS A CLINICIAN-LED TATTOO AND SKIN REVITALIZATION CENTER LOCATED IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, SPECIALIZING IN CLINICAL ARTISTRY TATTOO REMOVAL, TATTOO REDESIGN / ALTERATIONS, NEW ARTISTRY, AND SKIN AESTHETICS.
Photo credit: www.imgarcade.com