August 14th is observed annually as National Tattoo Removal Day. It’s the perfect day for people to think about which tattoos they may want to have removed. Although there are some people who are happy with every single tattoo they have ever received, there are even more people who ended up getting at least one tattoo that they wish they hadn’t received.

Some people may have received an ill-conceived tattoo while they were young or got a tattoo when they were inebriated. Regardless of the reason for wanting their ink removed, this day is the perfect opportunity to get it done.

The History of National Tattoo Removal Day

People have been getting tattoos since Neolithic times. There is plenty of evidence of Stone Age people getting permanent designs on their bodies. Some are simple, and some are elaborate, but all of them served a purpose.

Tattoos were used as status symbols, signs of religious faith, amulets against dark forces, adornments, and sometimes even as punishment. So, it should go without saying that tattoos have always been important to humans.

It’s also evident that not only have they been around for a long time, but they will continue to be around for a while as well. Unfortunately, tattoo removal hasn’t been around as long as tattoos.

The first laser tattoo removal session occurred during the 1960s when Leon Goldman used a 694 Ruby laser and a YAG laser to remove a client’s body art. During the 1990s, Q-switched lasers began to be used for tattoo removal. Today, people generally have between five and ten sessions to have the average tattoo removed.

Some Interesting Facts About Tattoos

Below are some interesting facts about tattoos that we think could prove to be an interesting addition to the conversation of this holiday. So, let’s take a few moments to check out these facts before we begin our observation of National Tattoo Removal Day.

• The oldest tattoos date back over 5,000 years.
• The most tattooed country in the world, according to those in the know, is New Zealand.
• The oldest person to get a tattoo was Jack Reynolds. He was 104 years of age.
• Russian prisoners would sometimes mix urine with soot to use as tattoo ink.
• Tattoo needles can vibrate over 3,000 times a minute.

Observing National Tattoo Removal Day

This is the perfect day to learn more about tattoo removal, for people to plan their next tattoo removal, or for them to actually have their tattoo removed. And people can also spread the news about this holiday online using the hashtag #NationalTattooRemovalDay on social media.