Tattoos and piercings have undoubtedly caused outrage in the past. Cries of ‘why would someone want to deface their body’ and ‘they must be masochists’ could be heard from every corner of the globe, but with the popularity of these so called ‘body modifications’ reaching an all-time high, people are beginning to accept it as mainstream. Here in Spain popularity of both has suddenly peaked. In 1936 six per cent of the world’s population had a tattoo or piercing, today that number has increased quite dramatically. Piercing still holds the crown with just over 50 per cent of people proudly showing off their midriffs, noses, eyebrows, nipples and genital areas that sparkle with pierced gems, but tattoos bring up the rear with 37 per cent of people bearing a permanent design. The latest trend is tattoo parties in which people gather round someone’s house to have a tattoo done. A case of ‘if you have one I’ll have one,’ with the issue of hygiene still being of utmost importance. Henna tattoos have had their time; people soon grew sick of the fact that the artwork was temporary, that it faded to a muddy brown colour and was considered a poor sister to a permanent tattoo. The trend lasted for all of two years, and its role changed from the next best thing to a fashion accessory alongside glitter. But permanent tattoos have been around for longer than many of us think. The first tattoo is believed to date back to 3300BC when scientists believe that marks on the body of an iceman are actually tattoos. But modifications have often been misunderstood. Thugs, hooligans, rebels; these are just some of the images that would spring to mind if you mentioned unusual piercings or tattoos. But body modification is just that, a case of altering your appearance, just as eyebrow plucking, nail painting and haircuts are. The argument that piercing and tattoos are permanent don’t have much ground to stand on, especially with the introduction of laser removal, that is if you don’t mind being left with a massive scar. Body modifications are today the talking piece at dinner parties, a way of adding to your personality and holding onto a memory in a very personal way. Celebrities, and not just rock stars, are now proudly flaunting their tattoos and piercings, just look at Jack Osborne and his white heart tattoo which he had done after he discovered his mother had cancer. It’s become the norm, a weekend treat, just like a new pair of shoes. And as a result over the past 10 years, more tattoo and piercing shops have opened than ever before. Wander around any major town on the Costa Blanca and you will see at least a couple of major tattoo and piercing shops. Go to Benidorm and you’ll see one on virtually every street corner. Pasqual owns Phucifino tattoo and piercing shop in Benidorm. He has worked in the industry for 10 years but two years ago opened his current shop on the L’Avenida de Europa. He has received numerous awards for his work, all of which proudly hang on the walls of his extremely clean studio. He believes there has been a significant rise in the interest of body modification. Pasqual says: ‘There is definitely a greater interest in tattoos and piercings than ever before. A few years ago interest seemed to wane, but it has suddenly grown beyond expectations.’ And there is no a longer a ‘certain type’ of person who is interested in tattoos. Pasqual adds: ‘We have everyone come in here; from the age of 18 to 80. In fact the oldest people recently were a married couple in their 80s who wanted heart tattoos to prove their love to one another.’ The image surrounding tattoos and piercings has undoubtedly changed. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, or a chance to be a bit different. Recent reports suggest that it makes people feel sexier. And when it comes to the most popular tattoos, there is no concrete answer. Pasqual continues: ‘A
