Black Henna: Lies, Burns and Scars
Every year, I see countless news reports about this and still there are business proprietors pushing this product, even going so far as telling their clients that it's better than regular henna and perfectly safe. This is a lie - natural henna is a powder derived from a plant and, in its purest form, causes virtually no allergic reactions. Black henna, however, is natural henna that has been altered by adding a dangerous, toxic chemical known as PPD - it's often found in black hair dyes and is typically safe to use on the hair but is widely known to cause severe allergic reactions when it comes in contact with skin. Black henna or any product containing PPD should not be used on the skin, ever.
For more information on henna, black henna, and how to enjoy henna art safely, check out the following articles:
The Dangers of Black Henna
What is (Natural) Henna?
How to Make Henna Paste
How to Apply Henna Paste
In the News: Vajazzled and Vattooed Vajajays
Going to a spa for a bikini wax isn't a simple process anymore - now you have to decide how you want to decorate your pubic region with an array of jewel and temporary tattoo options.
More News:
Artist Steed Taylor Making "Road Tattoos" Popular Across the Country
Wisconsin Man Charged With Tattooing Minor & Spreading MRSA
And the Guinness Most Tattooed Woman is...
It's Great Being Tattooed Because...
- They're great conversation starters (Did that hurt? My sister's boyfriend's cousin's son does tattoos.)
- People assume you're tough (Don't mess with me, I have Hello Kitty tattooed on my ass!)
- They scare religious zealots (No point preaching to her, she's in the devil's hands now.)
- They attract adorable little kids (Did you get in trouble for drawing all over yourself like that?)
- They're permanent memorabilia (I got this one the day my ex told me he'd divorce me if I got another tattoo.)
Got another reason it's great being tattooed? Add your comments below! :)
Movie Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Is it 'Gay' for a Guy to Get His Navel/Nipples Pierced?
In the News: Couple Planned Out Horrific Murder of Tattoo Artist
Mature Skin, Facial Piercings, and Rejection Risk
jitterbug8 writes: "At age 50, is an eyebrow piercing bad idea? In your experience, would I be more likely to have problems with migration than a younger person? I've been getting piercings since long before it was popular (late '70's!), so I know I'm sensitive to nickel and stick with solid titanium jewelry. This would be my first facial piercing." Join the discussion to add your thoughts.
What is migration/rejection?
For more information about migration, rejection and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you, read Body Piercing Rejection and Migration.
Informative Body Art Videos
How to Cover a Tattoo With Makeup
What Happens When You Get a Surface Piercing
What Happens When You Get a Tattoo
What Happens When You Get a Lip Piercing
Body Language Expert "Decodes" Tattoos
- A man with an animal tattoo? Judi says: "This is the guy saying: ''I may not look like much but I'm actually strong and powerful''. Probably wants to be an animal in the bedroom and this may well be the case."
- A woman with multiple tattoos? Judi says: "Her body contains a mixed bag of tattoos put together with no apparent rhyme nor reason or overall planning. This partner is not the first to want to settle down and is likely to be spontaneous and change her mind with the wind when she's in a relationship. But she is also likely to be an exciting creative lover."
I guess it's kind of like fortune telling - maybe gives you a little food for thought, but shouldn't be taken too seriously. I even wrote a similar piece for 19 magazine (no longer in circulation) a few years back, but the article made it clear that it was all in fun. Body language is a unique and interesting study, but I would never attempt to label a person with certain traits based on their tattoos. Ten people could wear the same tattoo for ten different reasons, which is why body art is so individualized. And that's how we like it!
In the News: It Just Doesn't Pay to Tattoo Illegally
This week, a South Carolina man has now been charged with, not only tattooing illegally but also with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Are these charges really worth the $25-$50 dollar a pop tattoos these kitchen magicians do? And of course, the news article doesn't say what happens to the kid, but I imagine they spend a significant amount of time grounded for their stupidity.
And it doesn't end there, kids. You think it's all okay and you got your ink but what happens when 5 or 10 years from now you're diagnosed with Hepatitis because of that moment of rebellion? It's just not worth it; wait til you're old enough to do it legally!
Also this week: Library Hosts Tattoo Art Exhibit

