Tattoos and misunderstanding do not mix well

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Research into their history suggests that they originated to identify the wearer as belonging to a certain tribe or group. As societies became more sophisticated, tattoos went on to assume other meanings: to identify great deeds, as an allegiance to a faith or religion, as a binding token of love, as an identity of slavery and, in some countries - including the UK - as the mark of a criminal. Today, most people invest in tattoos as a form of personal expression; to make a statement about their lifestyle choices and beliefs. Others use their bodies as a canvas to transform themselves into living works of art, where others like to display their loyalty to a hero with an indelible picture.

Check the meaning before you get ‘inked'

However, whatever the reason for getting a tattoo, it should be carefully researched beforehand. Many tattoos had meanings that have been forgotten over time, but are still remembered by some. Asylum.com is a website dedicated to tattoos and has a section detailing stories from its readers concerning ‘Tattoo Regrets'. One story tells the experience of a young woman who, in her teenage years, decided to have a Chinese character tattooed on her stomach. According to the tattooist, the character represented the Chinese word for ‘rebel', which appealed to the girl's sensibilities at the time. However, eight years later, she was to find out the tattoo's true meaning. Whilst meeting her doctor about her pregnancy, the doctor noticed her tattoo and laughed. When asked why he was laughing at the word ‘rebel', he replied: "I'm sorry, honey, but it means ‘thief' not ‘rebel'."

Tattoos are steeped in history and what may seem appropriate at this stage in your life may not later on. In addition, it is worth taking the time to ensure that the tattoo you choose means just what you want it to mean - especially where characters are concerned. For example, a tattoo of a cross may appear to have Christian connotations, but if the design is a permutation of a Celtic cross or even the Maltese Cross, then you could be in for an unexpected and unwanted surprise. Maori tattoos - known as Ta Moko - are becoming popular, but many tattoo fans are unaware that they were originally specific to individuals and carried a lot of personal information and details of family history. Without knowing it, you could be wearing a version of someone's family photograph album! The meanings of characters too should be carefully researched. While a Chinese character may appeal, you shouldn't immediately trust that the tattooist has done his homework and researched its correct meaning. If you are considering a tattoo, the Internet is a valuable tool.

In the event that you find you have an unwanted tattoo, medical advances mean that you do not have to live with it. While it used to be the case that some tattoos were easier to remove than others, laser tattoo removal has become more and more effective over the years. Tattoo removal of this sort can be used on expansive tattoos to minimize the potential risk of any scarring.

Gill Grozier - sk:n was established in 1990 and is the UK's leading provider of skincare conditions treatment and products including: botox, laser tattoo removal and laser treatments such as hair removal and laser tattoo removal. Contacts For interviews, images or comments contact: Gill Grozier Marketing Manager Email: gill.grozier@lasercare-clinics.co.uk