Traditionally, tattoos and piercings were a part of specific cultures. But over the decades, they have evolved into means of self-expression. Almost anyone can get a tattoo or piercing after paying a fee. However, people often struggle to pick a style and maintain it. This post discusses the types of tattoos and piercings, their potential side effects, and how to remove them. This information will be handy for those getting their first tattoo or piercing.

Popular tattoo designs to check out
Choosing a style can be tricky because there are so many of them. Taking the time and evaluating each design is essential for the best outcome. Here is a quick list of the top tattoo designs:

Traditional and vintage
Old-school traditional tattoos have strong black lines. They stand apart from the other styles due to their vibrant colors.

Neo-traditional
These designs draw heavily from the traditional tattoo aesthetic. They have finer lines with bold, unconventional colors and a contemporary touch.

Fine-line
Fine-line tattoos have a delicate appearance. They are simpler to cover up and popular among first-timers.

Tribal-style
These have been popular since the inception of tattoos. Each culture, such as Polynesian and Native American, presents a distinctive design.

Watercolor
Women favor watercolor tattoo designs. These have a stunningly delicate quality and are more colorful than others.

Types of body piercings
Like tattoos, one can pick from several types of piercings to express themselves. Examples include:

Ear piercings
This is the most prevalent type. Ear piercings can be categorized as helix, tragus, daith, and rook, depending on their position on the lobe or cartilage.

Oral piercings
Tongue and lip piercings offer an edgy touch and are popular among many.

Navel piercings
Style-forward navel piercings come in regular, double, and inverse configurations.

Options for tattoo removal
Tattoo or piercing removal services are in demand as people look to switch styles. Laser removal is the most popular technique to remove tattoos, which employs intense laser beams to disintegrate the ink. The tattoo gradually fades due to the body’s natural healing mechanism. The number of sessions needed for complete removal depends on the tattoo’s size, color, and one’s skin type. Aftercare is crucial to guarantee appropriate healing.

The other options for tattoo removal include:

Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Surgical excision
Dermabrasion
Chemical peel
Salabrasion
Cover-up tattoos

Ways to remove body piercings
Surgery is commonly used for removing body piercings. After the region is numbed, the doctor cuts the skin, removes the scar tissue, and detaches the piercings.

Here are some other options for effective piercing removal:

Self-removal
Gradual closure
Dermal punching
Laser piercing removal
Silicone retainers

Potential side effects of piercing and tattooing
Tattoos, though artful, can bear unintended consequences. The ink harbors potential risks to skin health. For example, facultative bacteria in inks lead to skin infections. One must know the health implications and make informed decisions before getting tattoos or piercings. Here are some piercing and tattooing side effects to be aware of:

Skin infections
Scarring
Skin discoloration
Keloids
Swelling and bruising
Nerve damage
Allergic reactions

Choosing trustworthy piercing and tattooing services and following aftercare instructions can reduce these effects.