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LESSON 1: A Short History of Tattoo
LESSON 1: A Short History of Tattoo
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
(Optional) Use these guided notes to help reinforce comprehension of the lesson and help with the game.
The Worldwide History of Tattoos.pdf(Optional) Pre-read this as a class or as a previous-days homework assignment.
You will need this for the game! Print it!
Why Tattoos?
Why Tattoos?
🗨️ Tattoos Are a Part of Our Identity
People continue to get tattoos to express themselves and their identity. Today we aren't talking about your tattoos or my tattoos... we are talking about a short history of tattoos.
A Long Legacy
A Long Legacy
The World's Oldest Tattoos
The mummy known as Ötzi has tattoos that are approximately 5,000 yeas old
🗨️ Tattoos Have A Long Cultural Legacy
Tattoos are used around the world for countless purposes. The word Tattoo comes from "Tatau" and originated in Polynesia, specifically Samoa. It means "to mark".
The ancient Egyptians used tattoos for spiritual and religious purposes. In Japan, during the Edo period tattoos were used to mark criminals and outcasts. As time went on, explorors and sailors in Europe were likely to get tattoos.
The Tools
The Tools
🛑⚠️ WAIT....
Before we keep going it is important that you DO NOT try tattoo outside of a professional setting. Tattoo professionals take great care to use sterilized, modern tools and work with their clients to prevent infection by guiding them through aftercare. In California, it is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 regardless of parental consent. This includes indigenous populations. This portion of the lesson is an examination of the history of tattoo, how a tattoo is made, and the risks associated with tattoos. We are not discussing our tattoos.
🗨️ Tools of Tattoo Have Changed
Tools used by ancient peoples include sharpened bone, bamboo needles, even pieces of wood with shark teeth attached to them.
Examples of tools used for tattoo in different cultures.
The Process
The Process
© 2025, Sutton Family Skin Care
Why Don’t Tattoos Wash Off?
Why Don’t Tattoos Wash Off?
Your top layer of skin (epidermis) is always shedding and growing new cells, but the tattoo ink is placed deeper (in the dermis), where the skin doesn’t change as much.
That’s why tattoos stay for life!
🗨️ How Does A Tattoo Work?
1️⃣ A Needle Moves Up and Down
A tattoo machine (like a tiny electric pen) has a needle that moves really fast.
This needle pokes tiny holes in the skin—kind of like a super-fast sewing machine.
2️⃣ Ink Goes Under the Skin
When the needle makes these tiny holes, ink is pushed inside.
The ink stays under the top layer of skin (called the epidermis) and sits in the second layer (called the dermis), so it won’t wash off.
3️⃣ The Skin Heals Over the Ink
At first, the skin is red and swollen because the needle made lots of tiny holes.
Over time, the skin heals, but the ink stays trapped under the surface—this is what makes the tattoo permanent!
Risks
Risks
🗨️ Tattoos are Medical
Whenever our bodies are altered, medical precautions should be researched. If someone gets a tattoo unsafely, there can be some serious risks. Here are some of the main dangers. Please note: I am not a doctor. These are common sense practices. You should always consult a doctor.
1. Infections 🤒
1. Infections 🤒
If the tattoo equipment isn’t clean, bacteria can get into the skin and cause an infection.
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, and fever.
In serious cases, infections can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis) or other illnesses.
💡 How to Stay Safe?
Always get a tattoo from a licensed professional who uses sterile, single-use needles and proper sanitation!
2. Bloodborne Diseases 🦠
2. Bloodborne Diseases 🦠
If a tattoo artist reuses needles or doesn’t clean equipment properly, diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or even HIV can spread through infected blood.
💡 How to Stay Safe?
Make sure the tattoo shop uses brand-new, sealed needles and follows strict hygiene rules.
3. Allergic Reactions 🤧
3. Allergic Reactions 🤧
Some people are allergic to certain tattoo inks, especially red ink.
This can cause itching, swelling, or a painful rash—even years after getting the tattoo!
💡 How to Stay Safe?
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, ask the tattoo artist to test a small dot of ink before getting a full tattoo.
4. Skin Damage & Scarring 🩹
4. Skin Damage & Scarring 🩹
If a tattoo artist presses too deep or tattoos over irritated skin, it can cause scarring instead of a smooth tattoo.
Picking at a healing tattoo can also lead to permanent scars or a faded, uneven design.
💡 How to Stay Safe?
Follow the artist’s aftercare instructions (no scratching, keep it clean, and avoid sun exposure).
5. Unlicensed or DIY Tattoos ("Stick and Poke") 🚨
5. Unlicensed or DIY Tattoos ("Stick and Poke") 🚨
Some people try to tattoo themselves or go to unlicensed artists.
These tattoos are often done without proper sterilization, which makes infection much more likely.
They also might not heal properly, making the tattoo look blurry, faded, or scarred.
💡 How to Stay Safe?
Always go to a certified tattoo artist in a licensed tattoo shop—never try to DIY a permanent tattoo!
6. Regret & Tattoo Removal ❌
6. Regret & Tattoo Removal ❌
Tattoos are permanent, and removing them is expensive, painful, and not always 100% effective.
Laser tattoo removal can take multiple sessions and may leave scars or faded ink.
💡 How to Stay Safe?
Think carefully before getting a tattoo! Make sure it’s something you truly want and not just a quick decision.
Final Takeaway: Be Smart About Tattoos!
Final Takeaway: Be Smart About Tattoos!
A safe tattoo is one done by a licensed professional in a clean environment using sterile equipment. Taking shortcuts can lead to serious health risks, so it’s always better to be patient and do it the right way!
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