Discusses the history of various forms of body marking, current popularity of body piercing and tattoos, how and why these are done, and some things to think about before choosing to be pierced or tattooed.

Tattoos and body piercings are becoming increasingly popular among teens. Many teens use permanent body art as a way to express themselves. These teens may find themselves confronted with a myriad of issues including legal consequences, negative responses from schools and jobs, and potential health consequences.

This interesting and informative book about body piercing and tattooing traces the vast cultural and social history of body modification as well as its origins, providing students with a rich foundation to help them form a more complete understanding of the art. The author provides students with a realistic overview of the health risks associated with both practices, noting recent infections that originated from equipment used by various unlicensed body artists and the potential link between tattooing and hepatitis C. Personal stories, anecdotes, and a detailed array of facts fill out the text.

Discusses body piercing and tattooing, including its rise in popularity, the process of body modification, the risks involved, and common myths about body modification.

Gives information needed to make an informed decision about body modification including the laws and safety regulations surrounding this business.

Tattoos have been steadily gaining popularity since World War II, and in the 1990s even the practice of body piercing became a mainstream fad. The selections in this volume explore the history of tattoos and body piercing, the reasons people practice body modification, and the controversial nature of these trends.