Houston Tattoo Arts Festival Highlights Tattoo Culture and Care

Tattoos have long held a place in human culture, with some of the oldest examples reaching back thousands of years. According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, roughly one-third of Americans now sport tattoos. Over the last two decades, evolving attitudes and heightened interest have propelled the tattoo culture forward, with Houston’s vibrant scene growing right alongside it.

Brenda Valdivia, a producer for Houston Matters, recently attended the Villain Arts 7th Annual Houston Tattoo Arts Festival. There, she connected with a fresh generation of tattoo artists and had a conversation with Dr. Oyetewa Asempa, who leads the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. They discussed ways to keep tattoos looking their best and maintaining healthy skin. You can catch their discussions in the audio linked above.

Essential Tips for Tattooed Skin Care

Dr. Asempa notes that red ink is particularly prone to causing allergic reactions, sometimes occurring even years after the tattoo is inked. This is especially relevant for individuals starting antiretroviral treatment for HIV or those who have undergone joint replacement surgery. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating a tattoo parlor’s hygiene standards, reading reviews online, and seeking recommendations from trusted friends before setting up an appointment.

What to Avoid:

• Swimming or excessive sweating until your tattoo has completely healed.
• Extended exposure to UV light, like direct sunlight.
• Using petroleum-based skincare products; opt for water-based lotions instead.
• Tattooing over moles or skin areas with many moles.

“Tattoos can obscure moles, making it hard to assess their condition,” warns Dr. Asempa. “If changes occur in color, it can lead to delayed diagnoses of serious conditions like melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer.”

Community Aspects of Tattoos

Despite the precautions, many individuals cherish their tattoos and the community spirit they encourage. Dr. Carl Blasphemy, who emceed the festival, shared a personal touch: “My wife has the coordinates and time of our wedding inked on her arm, along with the date in Roman numerals. It’s not obvious unless she shares the story behind it.”

Tattoo artistry can range from vibrant, eye-catching designs to functional applications, such as permanent cosmetics. Samantha Aquiningoc from Immortal Essence Cosmetics highlighted this trend, stating, “We often see older clients looking for fuller brows or vibrant lip color.”

Featured Artists and Organizers

As the festival showcased various artists, it also highlighted the multi-faceted nature of tattoos in both personal expression and practical use.