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.

With body piercing and tattooing becoming more popular and mainstream, many teens may think about engaging in these forms of body modification. An excellent resource for young people pondering a piercing or tattoo, this title presents some of the pros and cons they should consider. In an honest and engaging manner, the author presents important information teens need to protect their health, including how to identify a reputable studio, what to expect from the procedures, and how to do proper aftercare. Legal, social, and familial issues are explored, too, including the importance of discussing the decision with their parents and choosing tattoos or piercings they can live with throughout adulthood.

Tattooing and body piercing have existed in some form or other for thousands of years. In cultures around the world the body has been used as a canvas for personal adornment, art, identification, religious marking, spiritual protection, and more. But tattoos and body piercings are hardly a thing of the past. In fact, both have experienced a resurgence in recent years, particularly among teens and young adults. The Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings explores this fascinating topic from various perspectives including history, art, health, and teen views and concerns. Sidebars highlighting topics of special interest, source notes, a bibliography for further research, and an index provide additional tools for readers and report writers.

Body art, including tattooing and body piercing, is ubiquitous today, but many teens do not understand what is involved in these two forms of body modification. While not condoning the practices, this expert-reviewed book offers informed answers to the most important questions regarding body piercing and tattooing.

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 the history of tattooing and body piercing, the process of each procedure, the risks involved, other options, and tips for making decisions about getting body modification.