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Image consciousness
Ways of changing your look
Do you have any friends or family, or do you know anyone who has changed their
appearance, or look, by doing any of the following?
1. Getting a body piercing (getting a navel ring, piercing your tongue, lips, etc.)
2. Getting a tattoo
3. Dying their hair a weird colour
4. Wearing an earring
5. Wearing glasses as a fashion accessory
6. Wearing coloured contact lenses
a) Note down their name or who they are beside the examples above so you
can tell the class about it.
b) Which would you consider doing?
c) Are there any you wouldn’t consider doing? Why not?
Tattoos
Back in the late 18th century, the upper classes were queuing up to get tats.
Nowadays, tattoo trends are often led by celebrities. Tattooed VIPs include Ben
Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, David Beckham and Eminem. Even Barbie (yes, the doll)
had temporary tattoos at one point.
But fashion isn’t the only reason people get a tattoo. For some, it’s a statement
about what kind of person they are or where they’re coming from. Others just love
the way tattoos look or see them as a way of expressing their individuality. If you’re
considering one, here are some essential facts.
Getting a tattoo
• In the UK, you have to be over 18 to get a tattoo. Even with parental
permission, most tattoo artists will refuse you if you’re younger than 18.
• At 18, you might regret something that you did when you were 16, as our
opinions change as we grow older. Think about getting that tattoo – it might
seem like a good idea at the time, but you might end up hating it in 2 years
time.
• Tattoos can cost anything upwards of £10.
• A tattoo is created by injecting ink into the your skin. Some people find
tattoos painful, some describe it as an uncomfortable or weird sensation.
• After you’ve had your tattoo, keep the bandage on for two to 12 hours. Gently
wash it twice a day with an antibacterial soap and pat dry, then use
moisturiser. Keep it uncovered as much as possible, and avoid sunbathing,
swimming, soaking in the bath and exercise until it’s healed.
• Tattoos can be removed using laser surgery. However, this process is
expensive and doesn’t guarantee complete removal – you might be left with
marks or some ink left.
• If you’re not sure, you could try a (temporary) henna tattoo (a mehndi). The
henna mixture is pasted onto the skin and then scraped off, leaving behind a
deep red design. A professional henna artist can create amazing designs that
last several days.