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Sunset over Sea Beach in Hawaii

SKIN CONDITIONS and SKIN COMPLEXION

SKIN CONDITIONS and SKIN COMPLEXION

Tattoo on darker skin, or on a variety of skin types and skin tones, does come with its unique set of challenges and considerations, yet is entirely possible with an experienced artist. 

My experiences include tattoos of various shades of black skin, each with its distinctive attributes due to its fibrous nature and the high concentration of melanin and collagen.

Black skin tends to be prone to keloid scarring and has variations that need to be considered, such as moles, scar tissues, acne, and other conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and edyma not forgetting the influence of stretch marks. 

Your lighter skin tone will indeed influence the appearance of the tattoo, potentially allowing for a more noticeable contrast between the ink and your skin compared to darker skin complexion.

Each individual's skin reacts and heals differently, thus while I apply my extensive experience, it is essential to note that results can vary.

Before getting a tattoo, it is crucial to recognize the way diverse skin conditions might influence both the procedure and the ultimate outcome. 

Challenges arise with conditions like moles, warts, skin cancer, birthmarks, keloid scars, acne, pimples, cellulitis, dermatitis, dry skin,lupus, shingles, skin rashes, rosacea, melasma, psoriasis, ringworm, hives, vitiligo, sunburn, or eczema. 

For example, abnormalities like moles, warts, or birthmarks could alter a tattoo's visual clarity, while skin susceptible to keloids may develop raised scars after tattoo procedure.

Active conditions like acne, rosacea, or any of the aforementioned issues might hinder healing and alter the tattoo's final look. 

It is typically recommended to abstain from tattoo procedure on skin areas with these conditions until they are under control or fully treated. 

Additionally, the condition of our skin evolves over time. 

While younger skin is often firm and an ideal surface for tattoos, aging skin undergoes elasticity loss and thinning because of reduced collagen, leading to a fragile, paper-like consistency.

This makes mature skin more prone to damage and causes ink to disperse beneath the skin surface, potentially blurring the tattoo's design.

Upon evaluating the photo you've provided, if the new tattoo design can seamlessly integrate with your existing tattoo, we can move forward with the tattooing process.


However, if it doesn't, it might be more suitable to consider a new tattoo on a different part of your body.

For those with dense black ink tattoos, like tribal designs, older tattoos, or tattoos with vibrant pigments, we recommend a laser removal treatment to lighten the existing artwork before embarking on your new tattoo project.

Consultation and Appointment Guidelines:

We understand the desire to connect, learn, and engage with King ‘Afa about the art of Polynesian tattoo and its historical context. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the studio's professional nature and the significance of King ‘Afa expertise and time.

Just as one would not expect to freely access a film production, a news broadcast, or a creative director space to observe their process without an appointment or professional engagement, the same respect and professional courtesy are extended to Kalia Studio.

Kalia Studio is a place where art and cultural expression are pursued with dedication, requiring the full focus and commitment of King ‘Afa to his craft and his clients.

If you’re interested in Polynesian tattoo, art and culture, accompanied by a desire for a tattoo, we warmly invite you to book an appointment with King ‘Afa.

To accommodate your interest while respecting the professional nature of the studio, we offer a complimentary 10-minute consultation over the phone.

This will provide a dedicated time for your interests and inquiries with the attention and respect, ensuring that your engagement with King ‘Afa is as enriching and meaningful as possible.

To secure your appointment and ensure dedicated time for your consultation, we require a deposit.
We appreciate your understanding and respect for the professional boundaries that allow King ‘Afa to maintain the highest standards of his practice and the cultural significance of his work.

Thank you for your support and passion for Polynesian art and culture.

The duration of the tattoo procedure 

* depends on your skin type 

* detail off the artwork 

* how your skin accept tattoo ink molecules

* your body’s reaction to skin/body trauma from long hours off tattoo procedure
 
* the size of skin surface areas to tattoo 

* nature of your skin, stretch mark is a huge factor that slows down the tattoo process and other skin conditions such as mold, scars etc

* Your budget for the project. 
How much do you want to invest in your lifetime art collection

* your pain tolerance

the longest we can tattoo is 3 days in a row 8hrs per day 

but 2 days tattoo session in a row is better for you and your skin, allowing the skin tissue to calm down from the inflammation, due to trauma from tattoo procedure,

then 3rd session and so on can be paced out at least 3 weeks in between tattoo sessions.

*It is very easy for your body to shut down if you have low blood cells because you bleed continuous doing tattoo procedure

*Your body is also more prone to any skin infection due to open wounds and tattoo trauma 

*Your your glucose level will be low and you will feel fatigue and nauseous on the 3rd day 

*So your immune system is low and very easy for you to get sick 

*You may feel cold on 3rd day 

*The first 2 days you will be on adrenaline rush 

* Overall, the tattoo can be complete as I have done many times before.

Comprehensive Information for Diverse Skin Complexions and Older Ages:

It is crucial to consider the unique aspects of tattoo procedure concerning both skin complexions and age, as these factors can significantly impact the process and outcomes.

For people in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s,70s, specific considerations come into play.

Those returning for retouching tattoo several years later, it is important to acknowledge that aging can significantly impact your skin's condition.

As your skin matures, it tends to change and become aged, tough, and may develop a leathery texture or a thin paper texture.

The aging process results in the skin tissue having loose fiber tissues, and tattoo ink pigment molecules require these fibers to adhere effectively.

Therefore, for clients in older age brackets, it is important to recognize that the quality and longevity of a tattoo may be affected by these changes in the skin.

Lighter skin tone complexions are particularly susceptible to losing elasticity as collagen decreases with age, making the tattoo process more challenging.

The skin tissue often has loose fibers, which play a crucial role in how tattoo ink adheres.

Therefore, it is essential to proceed with a deliberate and gentle tattoo procedure to ensure the best possible results.

Darker skin tones can be more prone to keloid scars, making it vital to approach tattoo procedure with extra care.

To minimize the risk of scarring, we adopt a slower tattooing procedure, ensuring we avoid over damaging the skin tissue fibers, which can lead to adverse reactions.

I am committed to providing the best possible tattoo experience for clients of all ages, with my ability to adapt to various skin types, skin tones, and understanding the unique challenges that may arise with older age skin.

Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are always top priorities, and understanding these factors enables me to provide you with a tattoo experience to ensure that your tattoo remains a cherished and lifetime work of art.

TATTOO ON BROWN & BLACK SKIN

Thank you for reaching out with your question and respect towards the culture behind Polynesian tattoos.

It is s imperative to understand and appreciate the depth of the symbols and stories in Polynesian tattooing, and I am glad you're committed to learning about it before getting one.

Tattooing on darker skin, or on a variety of skin types and tones, does come with its unique set of challenges and considerations, yet is entirely possible with an experienced artist.

My experiences include tattooing various shades of black skin, each with its distinctive attributes due to its fibrous nature and the high concentration of melanin and collagen.

Dermatological advice often emphasizes understanding one’s skin: brown and black skin tends to be prone to keloid scarring and has variations that need to be considered, such as moles, scar tissues, acne, and other conditions like psoriasis and eczema, not forgetting the influence of stretch marks.

Lighter European & Asian skin tone will indeed influence the appearance of the tattoo, potentially allowing for a more noticeable contrast between the ink and your skin compared to darker tones.

Each individual's skin reacts and heals differently, thus while I apply my extensive experience, it is essential to note that results can vary.

I encourage a detailed consultation where we can discuss your skin type, any skin conditions, and your desired tattoo in-depth, ensuring we approach your tattoo project with utmost care and precision.

When considering a tattoo, it is important to understand how various skin conditions can impact the process and the final result.
Conditions such as moles, acne, pimples, birthmarks, keloid scars, psoriasis, and eczema can present challenges.

For instance, moles skin cancer, warts, and birthmarks can affect the tattoo's appearance, while keloid-prone skin might react with raised scarring post-tattoo.

Skin with active, celulitis,dermatitis, dry skin, lupus, shingles, skin rash, acne, pimples, rosacea, melasma, psoriasis, ringworm, hives, vitiligo, or eczema, sun burned can complicate the healing process and potentially distort the tattoo's appearance.

It is generally advised to avoid tattooing over these affected areas until the conditions are well-managed or resolved.

Furthermore, skin quality changes as we age. Younger skin tends to be taut, making it a good canvas for tattoos, while older skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner due to decreased collagen production.

This thinning can result in a paper-like texture, making older skin more vulnerable to tearing and ink migration, where ink spreads out under the skin, blurring the tattoo's lines.

If you have certain skin conditions, tattooing may not be possible in those areas as it may be damaged, unable to retain ink, have blood vessels too close to the surface, or be inflamed, leading to continuous bleeding. However, other areas may be suitable for tattooing. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for treatment or look up potential solutions on YouTube.

List of some common blood borne and skin diseases:

*Blood Borne Diseases:*  
1. *Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):* The virus that leads to AIDS.
2. *Hepatitis B (HBV):* A virus that affects the liver, potentially leading to liver disease and cancer.
3. *Hepatitis C (HCV):* Similar to HBV, but caused by a different virus. Can lead to chronic liver disease.
4. *Hepatitis D (HDV):* Occurs only in people who are infected with Hepatitis B.
5. *Hepatitis E (HEV):* Similar to HBV and HCV but usually results in an acute infection.
6. *Syphilis:* A sexually transmitted bacterial infection which can also be transmitted via blood.
7. *Malaria:* A parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, but can also be transmitted through blood.
8. *Brucellosis:* Caused by bacteria, it can enter the body through cuts and wounds or other means.
9. *West Nile Virus:* Primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, but there have been cases via blood transfusion and organ transplants.


*Skin Diseases:*  
1. *Psoriasis:* A chronic autoimmune condition resulting in red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin.
2. *Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):* A condition causing inflamed, itchy, red, and cracked skin.
3. *Acne:* A skin condition resulting from blocked hair follicles, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
4. *Melanoma:* The most serious type of skin cancer.
5. *Basal cell carcinoma:* A type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells.
6. *Squamous cell carcinoma:* A type of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells.
7. *Rosacea:* A chronic skin condition causing redness and visible blood vessels in the face.
8. *Vitiligo:* A disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches.
9. *Ringworm:* A fungal infection that appears as a red circular rash.
10. *Impetigo:* A highly contagious skin infection causing red sores on the face.
11. *Scabies:* Caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of skin and lay eggs.
12. *Cellulitis:* A common bacterial skin infection causing redness, swelling, and pain.
13. *Keloids:* Raised overgrowths of scar tissue at the site of a skin injury.
14. *Warts:* Small, fleshy, grainy bumps caused by various types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
15. *Herpes Simplex:* A viral infection causing recurrent blisters and sores.

It is important to note that while these are some of the common blood borne and skin diseases, the list is not exhaustive, and medical expertise should always be sought in the diagnosis and treatment of any condition.

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