Body art has become mainstream. Everyone from pastors to blue collar workers are getting tattoos. And everyone from teenage boys to middle-aged women are getting body piercings in places other than the traditional ear lobe. Is one better than the other? While they accomplish a similar goal of self expression there are pros and cons to each.
Tattoos are permanent. Although I've heard of people getting tattoos lasered off, I don't think it is common and is most likely very expensive. Thus, it's important to really think through the decision to get inked and the decision you make about what art you put on your body. It is going to be with you through many stages of your life. On the positive side, the tattoo industry has become more regulated and although you should still choose wisely, getting a tattoo is safer than it has ever been.
Of course, it doesn't hurt to ask your friends, read reviews and make a personal visit to a studio before you set an appointment. If you have any skin sensitivity such as eczema or psoriasis, the inks used may irritate you so this may not be the best form of personal expression for you.
Body piercings are semi-permanent. Generally, if you don't keep jewelry in the location of your piercing, it will close up. That is both a positive and negative. For example, if you are pregnant and need to remove a belly button ring in your later months, your piercing may need to be redone when your pregnancy is over. This is not always the case. My ears are pierced and although I've gone years without wearing earrings, they have not closed. While tattoo placement is wide open, there are also a good variety of options for body piercings: ear lobe, eyebrow, nose, lips, tongue, belly button, nipples and genitals.
You will find body piercings require more aftercare while they heal and additional costs (i.e. jewelry). It may be fun to show off a variety of belly button rings but you do have to pay for each one of those.
Julie enjoys sharing health and beauty tips. A great resource for flat irons, curling irons and hair styling tools of all kinds is My Hair Styling Tools.
