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Body piercing is a practice that has been there for centuries. It is not an invention of the rebellious and deviant youth but a cultural practice that characterized many of the primitive societies in the world. This practice was not limited only to tribes but also prevalent in many of civilized societies of the ancient world. Piercing is mostly associated with a savage and an uncivilized sort of culture, which is completely stereotypical and wrong. We cannot compartmentalize this practice on the basis of civilization status and the trend has nothing to do with social deficiency or intellectual lack. In fact, it is adorning of self with jewelry and other innovative materials such as ivory, etc.

Piercing of ear lobes is perhaps one of the first type of body piercings that was attempted by humans as they can be easily pierced, due to the softness of skin and lack of muscular tissue. The second most common piercing point among the ancients was the nasal septum. The practice of body piercing has been known to exist as far back as 5000 years ago, as evident from a mummy found in Egypt. After that nose piercing seems to have emerged around 4000 years ago. Nose piercing was very pervasive in the Middle East, and has a mention of it in the Bible. Present in Africa, India, Middle East, etc. Moguls who traveled to India brought along with them this trend that was later incorporated as one of India’s essential style. Later, during the Hippie movement, when many western nomads traveled to different parts of the world and especially to India, because of its spiritual popularity, became fascinated by this type of body decoration and immediately adopted the fashion. Since then, nose piercing in western countries has gained a significant following. If the Asians initiated piercing of the nose, than the South American tribes like Aztecs, Maya and Tlinglit tribes of northwest America, started the trend of tongue piercing. Tongue piercing was usually associated with paranormal experiences and was practiced more by Shamans, in order to communicate with God.

These tribes along with some other from central Africa, founded the trend of Lip Labret piercings. More often than not, piercings in  the early days had a social, religious and a cultural meaning attached to it. However, in modern times, body piercings is a medium of self-expression and asserting your identity rather than any other institutional motive.

We have seen many new trends emerge in body piercings and all have their beginnings in ancient practices of the ancient world. Even the most unconventional piercings such as nipple piercings, genital piercings with exception of navel piercings have their origins in early civilizations and their social practices. The Romans can be attributed with the discovery of nipple piercing. The genital piercing is the invention of ancient Greeks and Romans who pierced their penises & other parts of the genital system. Earlier, scrotum piercing was also a trend.

This is one enduring trend that instead of being lost in time has come out more strongly. As far as social acceptance is concerned, this trend and is followers do not need any and are owners of their rights. Body piercing has become a paradox in its use of defying current social norms but actually conforming to the norms of primitive society. So, why are there judgments against those who indulge in it? They are only just regressing and following the rules! Think about it.

Tattoos have become so popular these days that you are at a loss if you ‘don’t’ have a tattoo. The fashion culture prevailing in contemporary times is all about being unique and individualistic. People want to exhibit their ‘self’ and tattoo is one form of body modification that really helps them do it. The expression, wearing yourself on your sleeve (in this case your flesh) has more relevance than anywhere else.

The immensely popular tattoo culture has resulted in emergence of authentic and stylish tattoo designs. These designs are sufficient in themselves to cater to the versatility of choice in people. But these designs have almost become cult symbols and very common that ironically the uniqueness they promised to offer has gone lost somewhere.

For every individual who has decided to get a tattoo, the most important thing is to know your needs and wants as far as a tattoo design is concerned. An individual should be very confident of the kind of design he wants to support as it is going to be there for the rest of his or her life. Even before that, it is very important to know if you want a tattoo or not. Many people especially adolescents are not aware why do they want to get a tattoo, and only see it as a license to be in the ‘in crowd’ or the ‘rebels without a cause’. Getting a tattoo for the right reasons is more important than getting it just for the sake of it or to be a part of a group that does not even condone your ideology. Therefore, relate tattoos to your ideology and make sure, if and when you decide, the tattoo design should reflect that ideology, personality or thinking which you possess. This is what makes tattoo designs unique and stand apart from run of the mills designs. Remember the essence of a tattoo does not lie so much in the design than its wearer, thus think very hard before you choose a tattoo design.

Know yourself first and then your tattoo design. Remember that it is you who are choosing it and not the other way around. Tattoos are one of the few permanent things in life and putting adequate thought into it less taxing and more rewarding.

Think tattoo, think your identity and wear it for others to acknowledge.

This may not sound a smart enough a question initially but an answer to this question is what you should seek before indulging in body piercing. Body piercing is a form of body modification where a jewel is pierced into the preferred body part, through the skin. Hence, you would want to know the best place to get a pierce done. Don’t let anyone penetrate your skin with a needle just like that, remember prevention is better than cure.

It is very concerning that the popularity of body piercing has not resulted in any awareness about it. Many times, people are blinded by the glamorous and rebellious image of people with piecing without understanding the pain and procedure that goes behind it. DIY – body piecing (Do-it-yourself) body piercing is as prevalent as it is dangerous. Many teenagers pierce their bodies themselves or have their friends do it for them, as they know that professional piercers would not allow them to get piercings without parental consent. Parents because of rational fear would never permit their children to get their bodies pierced. Hence, children often with some complicit help get it done, which later becomes the cause of their regret.

It is not only the teenagers that get seduced by this revolutionary trend and end up hurting themselves but some mature adults as well, who due to their lack of knowledge and awareness about body piercings, get their bodies bruised instead of pierced.

As and when you have decided to get your body pierced, start searching for piercing salons that are run by professional piercers registered with the APP  (Association of Professional Piercers). This organization has defined a set of guidelines and regulations for piercers to follow. These rules concerned with the safety of the person, who is getting a pierce and other factors that ensure a safe and secured piercing experience. Always look for a certificate that states connection of the piercer with the APP, in fact, ask your piercer about it, better, ask for a copy. After this primary condition is met, then see if the salon has high standards of cleanliness and sanitation. If not, then there is not need to get yourself pierced with bacteria and other infectious pathogens. So, make sure that you go to a very clean piercing salon that has a renowned name and a worthy reputation. Apart from the licenses of the professional piercer, experience is another thing that has to be taken into consideration. There is no doubt that an experienced piercer would be better equipped at guiding you and also answering your questions. Also consult your relatives and friends who are into body piercing or know somebody who is. The advice definitely counts more, if it comes from a person having a first hand experience of body piercing.

We are all aware of the harmful effects and the risks that are involved in body piercing. However, if the body is pierced properly by a certified piercer who uses sterilized needles and other clean equipments, then the harmful effects of piercing can be strongly avoided. Body piercing, is more unconventional than it is harmful. The fashion of body piercing was not welcomed by society (especially western) and is still looked down upon. Hence, the ‘harmful’ effects are more social rather than personal or physical. Obviously, infections and other dangers to health cannot be overlooked. It is only to imply that harmful physical effects can be easily avoided when undergoing any sort of body modification, not necessarily being piercing. Pain is an integral part of piercing, and terming it as harmful is absolutely dependent on individual endurance.

There are many health risks involved in body piercing but these risks occur more due to carelessness, ignorance and amateur handling or flawed methodology rather than due to piercing. It becomes harmful, when people, especially adolescents who get into piercings without knowing the actual consequences or the procedure involved. The piercer in general has to be diligent enough prevent those who are not suited for piercings. Caution is the word in body piercing and has to be exercised by both customer as well as the piercer (probably more by the piercer).

Therefore, body piercing is definitely an out and out invitation to pain but is not altogether harmful. One of our earlier articles listed the various problems and diseases that are caused by piercing. However, it is to be emphasized again that the infection caused by body piercing is usually due to the infectious material of the jewel, phony piercer and a lack of professional care. It is harmful only to those who indulge in it without any knowledge or caution. Hence, do not follow blindly but exercise your own brain when it comes to body modification, as once an abrasion in your body occurs, then it may cost you a lot.

Love them, hate them but you cannot escape them, that’s a tattoo for you. Tattoos have become an essential part of one’s personality. Everybody seems to be on the tattoo bandwagon and very proud to be on it. It is for nothing that tattoos have become a rage world wide.

People choose tattoo designs according to their preferences, choices, ideology, religion, bent of mind, mindsets, culture and most importantly their psyche. However, there are certain popular tattoo designs that have become universally famous and appeal to the senses of most of the people. These designs either have a symbolic or a cultural value attached to it. Sometimes these designs portray the archetypal images and connotations that are common to all.

Following are some of the popular tattoo designs that people cannot get enough of.

1.Tribal Tattoos – Tribal tattoos have ruled the roost for quite sometime now. People are just too awed by their mysterious and recondite designs. So that others feel that individuals with tribal tattoos are into some kind of mystery stuff or have a non-conformist attitude.

2.Stars – The star design is another top of the list design. They never seem to fade away as fas as fashion statements are concerned. The nautical star is one of the most famous star design. Modifications with basic shapes are also very common.

3.Angels and Demons – Not together of course, but sometime they can be. Both the polarities have acquired a respectable following as far as tattoo designs matter. Girls prefer angels more than devilish imps. On the contrary, boys like to express their masculinity through devil images.

4.Natural Symbols (Sun) – Natural symbols such as the sun and the moon are also very popular. Sun is usually referred to as a symbol of life, fertility, growth and prosperity. Moon is not that far behind either in terms of popularity.

5.Animal Tattoos and Totems – Many people reveal their pagan inclinations and opt for animal totems and designs.

6.Maori Tattoos – This tattoo design is derived from straight – line geometric patterns and the ancient patterns that prevailed in Lapita pottery. This school of tattooing is present in the Polynesian school of tattoos and also incorporates spiral designs as important part of tattoos.

7.Haida Tattoos – The Haida are extremely popular, because of their beautiful representation of Haida family. They basically include totems, poles and carvings, clan crests, etc.

8.Leo Zuluetta – Hailed as the father of modern tribal tattoos, Leo Zuluetta tattoos are immensely popular among the youth of the world.

9.Cross/Crosses – Talk about being religious and we have people displaying their religious ideologies on their sleeves, oops, I mean arms. Whether it is a cross, the crucifix or any variation of the original in terms of improvement of design, the cross design is very renowned. It is usually referred to as symbol of faith, belief, sacrifice and even holiness.

10.Wings – It’s not only the girls that have an affinity for the wings tattoo design. We have many macho men also opting for this design for their own reasons. Wings usually symbolize freedom, enlightenment, spirituality, hopes, aspirations, elevation, flight, goodness, speed, ability to fly, potential and many other things. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many people support these dainty cluster of feathers.

11.Dragons – The might of the mightiest mythological animal is sure not to be missed by many. Many people get a dragon tattoo, to show the fire and the power present in an individual. It is also one of the oldest tattoo designs of Asia.

12.Phoenix – The phoenix is the most celebrated bird in mythology, thanks to the legend of resurrection that is associated with it. Phoenix therefore, represents eternity, luxuriant beauty and victory of life over death. No wonder, people represent the undying spirit through the phoenix tattoo.

13.Butterfly – Butterflies are considered as symbols of the spring of life. Commonly looked as a feminine choice and representative of female traits, the butterfly tattoos have acquired a prominent position in the tattoo culture.

14.Fairy – Another feminine symbol and feminine choice, the fairy or the pixie tattoo reflect the child-like personality with the belief in the world of folklore, magic, tales, etc. It also attacks the harsh realism of the world. Gradually becoming popular in order to present a new outlook against the practical and highly materialistic world.

15.Lion – The symbol of majesty and unbound strength. The lion has become a valued symbol for many. Often regarded as a signifier of royalty, charisma, wrath, courage, justice and laws.

16. Heart – Heart Tattoos can be found almost everywhere. Heart is commonly accepted as the symbol for love and sometimes it is also referred to as a symbol of femininity due to its shape of the inverted triangle. Heart tattoos became very famous during the time of wars and these days they are generally accompanied by a name of a loved one or friend.

17.Kanji Tattoo Symbols – These are symbols for friendship, eternity and many more Japanese ideas. These are basically alphabets that represent one ideology or the other. Kanji is one of the most common Japanese symbols. Hence, Kanji tattoos actually help you to manifest your ideology explicitly.

18.Bird Tattoos – Popularly perceived as an image of freedom and ambition. The bird symbol has become immensely popular with many people. This tattoo helps the person to show more than one of his personality through this tattoo.

19.Homeward Bound – Homeward bound tattoo is one of the most common tattoo design among sailors and naval officers from around the world. It reveals there attachment to their homes and families.

20.Celtic Tattoos – The Celtic revival perhaps had an unexpected consequence. Many people these days support have started supporting Celtic designs. Some of the more famous designs are Celtic Cross, Celtic Knot Tattoo designs, etc.

The list mentioned hints at some of the most popular tattoo designs all over the world and is in no way complete. Please feel free to add any design that you feel should have been here.
After all tattoos are made with the hands of a professional but the creativity of the individual.

Tattoos have acquired quite a significant position in the fashion scenario prevailing these days. So much so that a prominent number of people in contemporary times are either supporting a tattoo or want one. Tattoos have become synonyms with strength, self-expression and individuality. The increasing popularity of tattoos cannot, however, conceal the risks involved in getting a tattoo, which are unfortunately many.

The earlier civilizations and tribal societies who practiced the art of body tattooing made their dyes with natural elements and colors that were completely harmless to human skins and bodies. They made the tattoo ink from natural dyes gathered from nature’s store. Tattoo inks that are in use today, are nothing more than a fusion of chemical metallic salts such as oxides, sulphates, selenides, organic colorants and other harmful chemical compounds that have been known to be used in automobile paints, printing and writing inks, etc. These toxic compounds that are injected deep into the skin should not even be used for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, tattoos expose our health to a lot of dangers and risks that might make us a pay a lot for our ignorance.

What exactly is contained in a tattoo? Is a question that is frequently evaded, on grounds of trade secrets or proprietary. Also, different colors and inks use different ingredients. The dyes currently in use are many, ranging from organic to inorganic materials. Titanium dioxide, iron oxides, carbon black, azo dyes and acridine, quinoline, phthalocyanine and naphthol derivatives and dyes made from ash and other mixtures. According to Wikipedia, Acrolynitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), used in Intenze, Millenium and other ABS pigmented brands. Not to forget the carrier solutions which are themselves harmful, these are: denatured alcohols, methanol, rubbing alcohol, detergents and other highly toxic aldehyde.

After the listing some of the ingredients that are used to make tattoo ink, we come to the health risks that these chemical compounds make us vulnerable to.

1.Allergies and infections – reactions to certain chemical substances in the pigment or dye. Phototoxic reactions have been reported, the chemical compounds decompose in presence of light and react. Some inks that contain lead, lithium or copper puts the health of the individual at a lot of risk.

2.Skin infections (Dermatitis and Tumors) – these are invariably related with tattoo inks. Skin abrasions and infections can also be caused if the equipment and needles used are not sterilized properly.

3.Granulomas -  These are nodules that are formed due to accumulation of material and the body perceives it as foreign and an aggregation of skin occurs protruding the material out.

4.Keloid Formation – Keloids are scars that grow beyond normal boundaries and looks like a collected mass of skin. Keloids are most frequently formed during tattoo removals.

5.MRI complications -  People with tattoos undergoing magnetic scans have been known to face a lot of problems. Burning and swelling of areas are the two common affects during an MRI scan.

6.Hyper-sensitization and hypo-pigmentation – Certain chemicals in tattoo ink make the person highly sensitive to sulfa drugs. As a result the individual is then unable to use PABA sunscreens, benzocaine and other anesthetics and hair dyes. This occurs mainly due to application of Henna.

Apart from the above mentioned risks involved in tattooing, it should also be noted that many chemical compounds, dyes and tattoo inks are toxic enough to be carcinogenic, teratogenic (potential to cause birth defects) and mutagenic (mutations in the body) causing long -term health problems.

Piercing has always attracted criticism from those who do not indulge in the practice as such. They either discard it as something related to deviant behavior or a weird indulgence. Others dispose it as nothing more than a fad or a tribal practice. Following are certain myths about body piercing that have led to an unnecessary stereotyping of body piercing.

1. Body piercing is extremely painful – Not at all true! Body piercing is undoubtedly painful but it is not unbearable in any way. The strength to endure pain is definitely subjective and differs from person to person. The pain in getting pierced depends on area of body that has to be pierced and the efficiency of the piercer. If the piercer is professional then you wouldn’t have to worry about much. The duration of the piercing procedure also influences the pain involved. For example, if the procedure is a long one then, the pain might just linger, otherwise, piercing is done very quickly and the pain only shoots for some seconds through the skin.

2. Body piercing can lead to Death (Tongue piercing) – A person can never bleed to death by a tongue pierce. Although there are many sensitive veins in the tongue and nerves that might prove it a bit difficult to pierce a tongue. However, with great efficiency and precision, skilled body piercers can easily pierce the tongue without much hassle.

3.Body piercing always leads to allergy or infection – Such a generalization is not at all justified. A good and professional will confirm before piercing whether you are allergic to certain materials or not. However, being a responsible adult, it is your duty as well to make the piercer aware of your allergies. As far as infection is concerned, taking preventive and cautionary measures before and after piercing can always prevent any sort of infection. Infections can also be prevented if you go to a professional and a certified piercer who uses sterilized needles and equipment. So always go to a an APP – certified piercing professional,  who is well qualified to meet all your piercing demands and questions.

4. Piercing can cause Paralysis – A piercing is never be too deep as to cause paralysis of facial or other muscles. People have this misconception that if a piercing is embedded too deeply in the eye brow, it causes paralysis of half of the face. This is untrue because a professional piercer will never push the piercing so deep that it punctures the nerves which are present in forehead or puncture the frontal bones.

5. Genital Piercings are extremely painful and very dangerous -  Body piercing is more or less similar in all cases. It has to be understood that body piercing is basically injecting a jewel into skin. Skin in the genitals is neither more nor less sensitive than skin present in other areas, therefore, the question of high intensity pain in the genitals does not arise. Danger and painfulness in piercings of the areas is related more to psychological factor than a practical one. It has also be taken into consideration that piercing in these areas is considered a taboo.

6. Piercing can be done by yourself – This is on of the biggest mistakes people make, piercing themselves or their friends. No matter, how steady and careful your friend is, he or she just cannot be a substitute for an APP – certified piercer. Therefore, never indulge in such a practice that can lead to complications in future or contraction of diseases such as Hepatitis C and B, Tuberculosis and HIV.

7. Betadine or Alcohol Peroxide application on an infected piercing is a recommended measure – The technique is as obsolete as its use. Application of alcohol peroxide or Betadine, does not prevent any infection in fact, it does not let new skin tissue grow. Therefore, never apply anything on your infected skin without consulting your doctor or a piercing professional.

8. Alcohol or a Beer before piercing helps you relax during the procedure – This is a completely absurd myth. Alcohol would not help you relax but would make you bleed more profusely during piercing. A lot of professional piercers would never do body piercing to a person who is under the influence. Sometimes, it also causes swelling.

9. Body Piercings obstruct normal functioning in daily routine – This one is another funny myth to deal with. Body piercing can never put hindrances in your daily routine until you are wearing a gigantic ring around your nose or ears. Wearing small and manageable jewelry in your body does not bother in daily life routine at all. People easily get used to their piercings within a couple of days and then it becomes part of their bodies and personality, almost natural.

10. Navel Piercing can damage your stomach, uterus or other organs – To think that navel piercing can be a cause of danger to your stomach or other organs is totally ignorant. Navel piercing is recommended to only those who have a prominent navel ridge. Moreover, all your vital organs are protected by a strong layer of muscles. A certified and a professional piercer would always use forceps or clamps, so that only the skin is pierced (which itself is made of three layers) and not the muscles or any tissue. Therefore, rid yourself of the misconception that you will suffer from infections if you get a navel pierce. However, keeping a pierce during pregnancy is not advisable as it can cause serious infections that might prove very harmful for both the mother and the baby. You can keep the piercing open during pregnancy by using flexible products PTFE barbell or a bioplast.

Getting a tattoo on your body is perhaps one of the most unconventional way of body décor in a so called ‘civilized’ and ‘decent’ society. No matter however it might be perceived, one thing is for sure that a tattoo is the most enduring and permanent form of body modification or body art. Due to its permanent nature, a tattoo design must be carefully selected. More often than not when people walk into a tattoo parlor, they already have a design in mind, however, sometimes, individuals go undecided and then feel overwhelmed by the designs that are put on display. Some of the standard and popular tattoo design are, the mermaid, crucifix, angel, Scorpio, butterfly, flowers, stars, dragons, flames, floral patterns, psychedelic animal themes, ancient symbols, religious symbols, bird tattoos, snake tattoos, barb wires, tribal tattoos, Gothic tattoos, Egyptian and Celtic tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Zodiac tattoos, Christian tattoos, etc.

These designs provide the person a large variety to choose from but the question arises how do you know that you have made the right choice. After all, getting a tattoo means investing time, energy and money, which should be duly rewarded. Hence, before going under the needle make sure that you have firmly made up your mind about the design, as once the design is implanted on your skin then it cannot be erased or removed very easily.

There is no hard and fast rule in choosing a tattoo and is completely an act of one’s preference and character. Some people like intriguing designs such as panthers, violent and turbulent designs like thunder and lightening. Others prefer more subtle patterns such as faces, hearts, flowers, stars, etc. A person interested in getting a tattoo has to be aware of two important things. Firstly, he or she should know what appeals to his sense and secondly, how well does he or she knows himself or herself, as freedom without knowledge is as useless as police without crime. So, when a person knows himself or herself much better, the decision making process with regards to a tattoo design would seem very easy. Knowledge of external factors is as important as knowledge of your personal ideology. This means, choosing a tattoo design in terms of your own ideology or belief system is not the only criterion for making a choice of tattoo design. Different tattoo designs have different symbolic value and connotations and as a person interested in tattoos, you should be aware of those symbolic values. Tattoos are generally signs and symbols that reflect or portray a particular philosophy and system. So, when an individual chooses a particular tattoo design, he or she is getting a message tattooed through a tattoo. Now, this message can be his personal, individual or cultural and societal. Of that pictorial representation, what the world interprets is its mindset and its position as far as standpoint is concerned. It is very significant that any design that is inscribed on our bodies should have a meaning and some foundation.

Also keep in mind that not all designs are possible to draw on your body. If, you select a design and the tattoo artists completely denies its feasibility, then do not be disheartened. Get another design on your body.

When not being able to select any then get a tattoo which is a menagerie of many designs, without thinking much. Many people get a pastiche of designs made on their back or arms, etc. which includes a number of things and designs and has multiple significances. These can be animal totems for each characteristic of your personality, names of your family members, zodiac signs of yourself and your loved ones, nature symbols, etc.

Do not confine your imagination, when you are pondering over a tattoo design. Give wings to your imagination and expression to your real attitude and you would have the most unique tattoo design on your body.

It is very difficult to select one piece from the collection of shimmering and sparkling pieces of jewelry that are intricately designed. The foremost problem with jewelry selection is that every piece looks beautiful and tempting. One can hardly resist buying more than his or her budget permits. Buying body jewelry is like making an investment for your betterment. You would want to look your best after adorning the piece of jewelry. First of all, one should keep in mind the part of the body for which he or she is getting the jewelry. Different areas of body have specifically designed jewelry for them.

After you have made up your mind regarding the area that you would want to get pierced, then you can start by going over different designs. It is important that you choose your body jewelry design that is both aesthetically appealing and purposeful.

Then comes your choice and your preference. Choose body jewelry corresponding to your likes for eg. If you like to wear exotic and ethnic jewelry then go for that or simply take a break from your usual style and buy something absolutely unconventional or unprecedented. Advantage of buying a jewelry is that you do not always have to stick to a tried and tested sort of mode. Just like clothing, you can have different type of jewelry for different places. Indeed, it is always beneficial if you have a wide variety of jewelry in your case so as to change your style constantly.

Another important thing to keep in mind while buying jewelry is that, it should go with your type of personality. This implies that any piece of jewelry that you buy should both complement as well as compliment your look and character. It should fit in normally with your outfit, your ‘look’ and most of all your confidence. Be it anything that you wear, whether its your make-up, clothes or your jewelry. The important thing is that you should be able to carry it with aplomb and elegance.

Also take into consideration the metals that the piece made up of. After all, nobody would want to wear a material which causes allergies. For example, many people are allergic to nickel that is mixed with gold in body jewelry. So, make sure that you are not wearing anything that you are allergic to. Along with a few considerations, one should always keep in mind that refined jewelry does not always mean expensive jewelry. Sometimes good designs can also come in affordable prices. So explore the jewelry market before, you finally come to a decision.

The ‘I’ movement is basically acknowledging and celebrating the individual self. It gave a tremendous impetuous to trends such as body piercing, body art, tattoos, etc. These trends became the tools with which people could proclaim their sense of individual identity and manifest their personalities. This focus on oneself is sometimes mistaken for narcissism which means obsession with oneself. When a person is narcissistic, he or she becomes totally governed by the thoughts of themselves, however, what ‘I’ movement meant was simply an expression of oneself and not an obsession. An attempt to not be included in the stereotypes and conformists. It plainly states a distinction between your beliefs and the others’.

Therefore, through adorning body piercings and body jewelry, implanting tattoos and in some cases, having body art meant displaying your ideology and not yourself. It then does not constitute as narcissism but only self-expression. Projection of a part of oneself through various designs, body jewelry, paint, or other forms of body modification symbolizes one’s need to not get mingled into the group  but stand apart from it, without threatening the existence of others or their ideology. Hence, body art is a cool way of depicting those choices, prerogatives & preferences of a person which are internal and are rarely expressed overtly. The design of their body jewelry, design of their tattoo, theme of their body paint, etc. reflect hidden motives, likings, political & religious inclinations and perspectives in general.

If the adoption of body art isn’t ideologically or politically motivated then it is simply guided by the individual’s free will or his need to adorn himself. There is a misconception about people who indulge in body art that they are sadistic and masochistic, which is not true, generalization of such a kind can be leads to an averse opinion. People with tattoos, body piercings or other forms of body art are normal mature human being. We should not put a label on anyone, before that person has actually done something objectionable. Trends such as fingernail painting, body painting, body piercing and tattoos then basically an aspect of a person’s identity. So, body art invariably helped in promoting the ‘I’ movement among youth, giving them a breather of sense of authority.