25 Amazing Tattoo Facts You Didn't Know

Here at Magnum Tattoo Supplies, we love tattoos, and whether you like them or not, you can't deny that tattoos have an interesting history. Tattooing is thought to have evolved from a form of healing similar to acupuncture into the art form it is today.

It was initially popular among sailors when it was introduced to the Western world, but it grew in popularity in the 1970s.

Tattooing is no longer seen as a form of rebellion, and it is now more commonly accepted than ever.

Whether you have a tattoo or not, here are several tattoo facts you may not be aware of!

1. The oldest known tattooed human skin to date is found on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, who was estimated between 3370 and 3100 BC. His body was found in the Alps and had 61 tattoos of simple dots and lines using carbon ink.
   
   
2. Only 41 percent of men have at least one tattoo, compared to 58 percent of women. Women, on the other hand, are twice as likely as men to have their tattoos removed.
   
   
3. One of the most commonly misspelt words in the English language is "tattoo." It's usually spelled "tatoo."
   
   
4. Samuel O'Reilly designed and patented the first electric tattoo machine in 1891. When O'Reilly added needles and an ink reservoir to Edison's electric pen, he created the tattoo machine.
   
   
5. According to a 2012 survey, women make up 59 percent of those with tattoos, with hearts and angels being the most popular designs.
   

1. While tattoo numbing cream can aid with pain, it can also cause the skin to expand and distort, which can disrupt the inking process and damage the design's visual appearance.
   
   
2. A tattoo machine can puncture the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute, penetrating the skin about one millimeter deep in the skin to the dermis.
   
   
3. Only 5% of Americans have had a tattoo that has been covered up by another tattoo.
   
   
4. New Zealanders have the most tattoos of any country in the world. This is primarily due to the island's Maori, who continue receiving traditional Polynesian tattoos.
   
5. One of the oldest recorded tattoo ink recipes consists of Egyptian pine bark, corroded bronze, vinegar, vitriol, leek juice, and insect eggs.
   
   
6. The ankle area is the most tattooed place of the body among women. The arm is the most common location for guys.
   
   
7. Gregory Paul McLaren is the world's most tattooed individual, according to Guinness World Records. The insides of his eyes, mouth, and ears are all covered with 99.9% body coverage.
   
   
8. Because it absorbs more laser rays, black is the easiest colour to erase when having a tattoo laser removed, whereas green and yellow are the most difficult.
   
9. Until 2004, tattooing was prohibited in South Carolina. It was illegal to get a tattoo in Oklahoma until 2006.
   
   
10. Scott Campbell, the world's wealthiest tattoo artist, charges $1,000 for the first hour and only works on weekends.
    
    
11. Kimberly Smith became the first person to get a tattoo for advertising when she tattooed “GoldenPalace.com” on her forehead to pay for her son's tuition in 2005.
    
    
12. 23% of people regret their tattoos, with the biggest regret being a tattooed name.
    
    
13. Tommy Lee, a musician, set a Guinness World Record in 2007 when he became the first man to be tattooed in mid-flight!
    
    
14. The longest tattoo session ever is 56 hours and 30 minutes long. Krzysztof Barnas, the tattoo artist, completed 11 tattoos  and was only allowed 5 minutes of rest after each hour.
    
    
15. Due to the rapid regeneration of cells, inner lip tattoos heal in just three days. As a result, they will fade and vanish in 1 to 5 years.
    
    
16. When starting an apprenticeship, aspiring tattoo artists usually practice on fruit. Grapefruit, oranges, and lemons are the closest texture to human skin. (We also stock some great fake skin on our website)
    
    
    
17. Unsanitary tattooing practices can transmit diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV; however, there has yet to be an actual case of HIV being transmitted via a tattoo application.
    
    
18. Tattoo and piercing policies are the most forgiving in government professions, however just 8% of government personnel have ink or piercings.
    
    
19. The U.S. spends $1,650,500,000 annually on tattoos, with 14% of all Americans having at least one tattoo.
    
    
20. The most expensive tattoo in the world costs $924,000. It is done with half a carat diamonds encrusted into the skin instead of ink. No one has ever had it done.
    
    
    
    

Want some great tattoo products? Shop now at Magnum Tattoo Supplies!