8. Tattoo Ink Is Found on the Second Layer of Skin

When you are tattooed, the electric tattoo machine actually injects the ink into your second layer of skin, known as the dermis. This is so the ink is secured and protected by the first layer of skin, known as the epidermis. As the skin is being damaged by the needles injecting the ink, the body responds by sending white blood cells to check out the problem. Due to the pigment particles of the ink being too large, the white blood cells cant break them down. This means the ink stays where it is and you are able to have a fantastic-looking tattoo on your body. 

9. Confucius Wasn’t a Fan of Tattoos

South China Morning Post

The great Chinese philosopher didn’t get tattoos. Confucious believed the body was a pure entity that shouldn’t be defiled by tattoos. His belief was held by many in ancient China. It was seen as immoral. Tattoos were used to define lower-class citizens. As Gareth Davey, an anthropologist and social psychologist at Webster University Thailand told the South China Morning Post, “In Chinese history, tattoos were used to denigrate ethnic minorities, punish criminals, and brand slaves.” While views have slightly changed over the years, tattoos are still taboo in parts of China. 

10. The Oldest Known Tattoo Was Inked 5,000 Years Ago

Nicknamed Ötzi the Iceman (he was found in the Ötztal Alps, near Hauslabjoch on the border between Austria and Italy), this mummy has the oldest recorded tattoos. He has 61 tattoos across his body, including his back, legs, and arms. Many of the tattoos are simple in design and are just lines or dots. The majority of the tattoos on the mummy’s body were in places he suffered from joint and spinal degeneration, leading experts to believe the tattoos could have been therapeutic.