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Thomas Edison invented the tattoo gun

Well, sort of. Thomas Edison is known as America’s greatest inventor, having over 1000 patents to his name, including the lightbulb, the motion picture camera and the phonograph. Although anyone who knows anything about Edison knows he was a thieving bastard. One of “his” inventions was a stencil-pens machine – basically an electric pen designed to duplicate writing. In 1891, Samuel O’Reilly discovered that Edison’s machine could be modified and used to inject ink under the skin, and later patented a tube and needle system to go along with it. Thus, stealing his idea (ha ha) and inventing the first tattoo machine.

It’s harder to remove tattoos on people who smoke

Tattoo removal is an expensive and sometimes painful treatment, which doesn’t really get rid of tattoos 100%. Tattoos are harder to remove from feet and legs than other parts of the body for some reason, but it’s even worse news if you’re a smoker. Research shows that people who smoke have a 70% less chance of getting a tattoo removed in 10 treatments.

Even Barbie has a Tattoo

Everyone knows Barbie, but did you know Barbie is inked up? Toy maker Mattel had introduced the Butterfly Art Barbie in 1999, which featured a butterfly tattoo on the doll’s stomach. Temporary tattoos were also provided for the doll’s owners. However, it was discontinued after parents complained it was a “bad influence” on impressionable young girls.

Tattoos are as old as time, and if we're not covered ourselves in them, we all know someone who has one. Here's three amazing facts about tattoos you can whip out at the next party to impress someone.

Tattoos and the law

You’d think that because it’s your body, you can do what you want with it, right? Guess again. Tattoos have a long and complicated history with the Law, all over the globe. Tattoos in Japan were illegal during parts of the 19th and 20th Centuries, and even today are banned from many public sectors, such as bath houses or Government jobs. And it’s not just a history lesson. New York City banned tattoos between 1961 and 1997, due to health concerns. Even today in turkey, tattoos are banned by law.

Prison tattoos

While tattoos can be a form of expression, rebelliousness, or even just a drunken mistake, some tattoos are a lot more serious. Prison tattoos are fraught with symbolism and meaning. From the Yakuza in Japan, to White Supremacist groups in the States, tattoos are a way to tell a story, or to tell others who or what you represent. Tattooing in American prisons is strictly forbidden, but of course that doesn’t stop it from happening. The tattooing equipment can be anything from modified ballpoint pens, to guitar strings.

Battle of the sexes

Did you know more women have tattoos than men? A recent survey (admittedly in America), showed that 59% of people tattooed were women, compared to 41% of men. Women may be more adventurous when it comes to getting a tattoo, but they also tend to regret it more than men, with a higher percentage opting for tattoo removal. This is due to the fact that women tend to add more significance to their ink, usually having a deeper meaning for them.

So there you go, three simple, yet incredible facts about tattoos. If you’re interested in getting your first, or fiftieth tattoo, come see us here at Sunset Studios. Call us today to book an appointment, or if you've any questions.