Getting a tattoo is becoming a popular trend nowadays. This article is intended to point out the disadvantages and advantages of marking up with ink the various parts of your body.

Whatever the reason, if you suddenly want to get tattooed, you must first decide where on your body you would like to have this procedure done. While some people may be more exhibitionistic than others, one fact to remember is that the tattoo will remain with you forever. It's important to keep this in mind when you bravely walk into the tattoo shop. And when you do, make sure the needles are properly disinfected and the tattooist is reputed for doing work which is satisfactory and legal.

Neck, Head and Face

The neck, especially the back of it, is a strange area for a tattoo, but if this is what you want then by all means go for it. The advantage to this lies in knowing that if suddenly you don't want people to see your tattoo, you can always hide it by allowing your hair to grow over it - if it's in the back. Naturally, for a man, if the tattoo is located in the front, he can always hide it with his facial hair. For a woman, this is not so easy, unless she's the bearded lady at the circus or decides to wear a turtleneck year round.

People who want to have their heads tattooed, will be prone to generally choose the sides of the head above the nape of the neck and over the ears. Once again, the advantage remains that if you don't want people to see your tattoo, you can always hide it with hair growth. The only disadvantage is going around bald if you want your tattoo to be noticed.

Then there's the face. In Western cultures, this can carry a lot of stigma as you will undoubtedly have some problems finding work employment that is well-paying and professional. But if you'd like to make a statement to the public and you're a natural rebel, then a tattoo on your face is definitely the right location. Just remember that it's permanent.

Arms

Needless to mention, tattoos on arms are probably the most preferred areas. Men especially prefer this location to show off their muscular biceps. Anything to impress the ladies. However, a tattoo on the arm can symbolize much more, such as a 'status marker' revealing a message which an individual would like their surrounding neighbors to know about.

Upper Chest, Rib Cage & Abdomen

Wanting the upper chest tattooed is in fashion for both sexes. If the tattoo exceeds beyond the breast area, bear in mind that you may want to keep your tattoo concealed whilst working in a professional employment under someone else's directives, unless your boss doesn't mind.

The rib cage will allow tattoists to ink a rather large amount of surface, which can extend a tattoo to the chest and back. Inking this area, however, can prove to be somewhat painful because the skin snugs closer to the ribs. Abdominal tattoos can tend to distort when you start aging and your metabolism starts to slow down. Women also need to take into consideration that tattoos in this area will look deformed due to stretch marks after pregnancy.

However, tattoos in this area seem to be popular as they can easily be concealed.

Buttocks and Back

Small tattoos on the buttocks seem to be a popular area, as the tattoo is shown only to those individuals they were meant for. Tattoos on the buttocks usually symbolize a private statement in serious relationships between two or more individuals.

The back is another popular area. Tattoos can be larger and more detailed. A thicker skin on the back allows the tattooing process not to be so painful. Here, the tattooist can weave intricate designs.

Thighs and Ankles

The thighs permit and offer tattoo artists a rather large canvas to work on. For a woman, this is a good place if she wants to divert someone's attention to her thighs, giving her more sex appeal. With the same principle in mind, many women tend to also choose a tattoo for their ankles. The same goes for a man.

The thigh area can always be hidden or covered with clothing, if you want the tattoo concealed.

Conclusion

Wisely choose your tattoos and the parts of your body you would like them to show on. Understand that tattoos are permanent on the body. Once again, make certain that the tattooist is a professional. For your own welfare involving health, taking this precautionary measure is compulsory.