Even though I actually like the concept of tattoos, and understand why some people choose this art form, this is some research to show how its not very healthy. Sorry about that.
QUOTES:
"
I have found that organic ink is not regulated at all. It can be called organic and have as little as 1% of organic ingredients.
It's different than dying your hair because the ink from a tattoo is penentrated and aggravates your nerves... The nano-particles are then circulating in your blood stream and eventually settle in your organs. Even organic inks can contain phthalates, carcinogens, parabens. When something is applied topically to your skin, approx 60% is absorbed and goes into your bloodstream. When you get a tattoo, 100% of that goes into your bloodstream. The process itself causes inflammation but then the ingredients of the ink wreak havoc within your body. "
"
When you eat lobster your digestive organs are designed to break down that food and flush out waste & toxins. With a tattoo, the nano-particles of the chemicals/carcinogens/toxins of the ink settle in your body- your brain, your liver, your kidneys, etc..
I love the art of tattoos and have much respect for the artists, but it really is detrimental for the body, no matter how you look at it.... even aside from the ink if you solely look at the practice of damaging the nerves and causing inflammation, it is not good for the body."
"Tattoo needles punch through the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, and drive the ink into the dermis, the deeper layer that's mottled with nerves and blood vessels.
"Every time the needle penetrates, it causes a wound that alerts the body to begin the inflammatory process," the video explains. That signal sends immune system cells racing to the site of the wound (or multiple wounds, in the case of the five-inch dragon breathing fire across your chest).
Special cells called macrophages come to the rescue, eating up the dye in an attempt to "clean up" the inflammation it's causing. The rest of the dye gets soaked up by skin cells called fibroblasts. The fibroblasts, along with many of the macrophages, stay suspended in the dermis in perpetuity."