If I asked you which were the highest growth industries in the U.S during the last twenty years or so you would be likely to immediately think of such things as the internet and the health/fitness industries and of course you would be right. However you may be surprised to learn that way up there with those giants would be the humble
tattoo industry.
Body adornment in the form of tattooing is of course an ancient form of personal decoration which has been used to both assert one's individuality within a group and also to mark oneself out as a part of a group within a larger group, for example for members within the same military unit or for gang members. Although traditionally seen as a male habit the first recorded example of tattooing is of an Egyptian High Priestess with tattooed arms dating back to 2000 B.C. and in fact it is estimated that the ratio of female / male tattoos performed in the U.S today is approximately 60 / 40 in favor of the ladies!
So why has there been this change in attitude towards tattoos for women? A major factor is the change in the U.S economy over the last twenty or thirty years from one based on male dominated heavy industry to a more service based and female friendly one. Previously tattoos were associated with male dominated 'blue collar' workers which put most women off getting a tattoo in the same way as even the most 'reconstructed' male today would find it difficult to carry a handbag however convenient they are.
Accompanying the rise in female employment has been the rise of today's ' celebrity' culture. Many of these high profile women sport a large variety of tattoos which have served not only to add a sense of glamour to the art of tattooing but have helped
tattoos for women to become more socially acceptable.
Which types of tattoo do women tend to go for? The most common
tattoos for women are nature or mythology based, most commonly of flowers or fairies. Women tend to choose a tattoo design which will complement their body shape, typically in a flowing pattern whereas men tend to make a statement with their tattoos and wear it more like a badge.
A common time for women to get a tattoo is to mark a major event in their lives such as a birth or marriage/divorce. If you are considering getting a tattoo there are many websites to surf where you can not only get some ideas about the design or location of your tattoo but can see examples to help you decide if it will really work on you.
The growth of the market in tattoos for women has been a modern phenomenon. A 2006 study by the American Institute of Dermatology found that 24% of Americans have at least one tattoo and whilst a high 83% of them said they didn't regret it, should that ever occur the widespread availability of laser and light removal techniques has removed any concerns you may have for even the most personal tattoos. Safe, fun and vine, it has never been a better time to decorate yourself with your own beautiful tattoos ladies!
