The history of tattoos and tattooing, can be traced back to the New Stone Age i.e. 3300 B.C. when tattoos were used for healing ailments such as arthritis. The modern tattoo originated in Polynesia and sailors were responsible for introducing this trend in Europe. Throughout history, tattoos have served different purposes ranging from spiritual symbols to indicators of social status to expressions of feelings for a loved one. The onset of the 21st century saw a rise in the popularity of tattoos, with more and more number of people taking up tattoo art as a profession. The availability of better quality equipment and dyes have only helped things further. One innovative use of tattooing is permanent makeup that involves use of natural colors to enhance different features of the face, and is one of the latest trends. Today you need to visit a tattoo parlor to get a tattoo done, where the artist uses an electric machine and carbon based pigments. Your tattoo can take a few minutes to several sittings, depending on whether you want one tiny tattoo, or an ornate one covering your entire back! However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind before going ahead with a tattoo.

• Since tattoos are permanent, you should not be impulsive and should think twice before getting a tattoo done.
• Before you select a tattoo artist, make sure you have researched well on his body of work.
• You should see to it that the artist has a license, and follows the basic rules of safety and hygiene.

Now, let's have a look at tattoo designs that are the latest trend. Trendy Tattoos for Women The tattoo trends for women range from the monster tattoos to the classical flowers and angels. Let's look into the significance of a few of them. The Ankle Tattoo This is another favorite among women for many reasons. An ankle tattoo is undoubtedly the best tattoo option for a first timer as it's so subtle that you can never go wrong with it. It enhances the look of a woman's feet and adds to the style quotient of trendy footwear. Also you can hide it with just a pair of socks, if you choose to, and you can get it done for a small budget. The Dragon Tattoo The dragon is a mythical flying creature found in the Chinese mythology that symbolizes power and mystery. While choosing a dragon tattoo, it is important to consider its size and how the dragon is posed. Different moods of the dragon can convey different emotions ranging from aggression to power to peace and serenity. The dragon can be tattooed using colors like yellow, blue, gold green or black. It's best to have a dragon tattoo on your back. The Flower Tattoo One of the classical tattoo designs, the flower tattoo is one that will never go out of fashion. You can either choose to ink your favorite flower, or choose a flower for what it represents. For example, the rose is a symbol of passion, the lotus stands for yearning, the hibiscus represents beauty that's delicate while the lily is for purity and sweetness. A flower tattoo is the quintessential symbol of femininity. The Butterfly Tattoo One of the most popular and meaningful tattoo ideas for women, a butterfly tattoo is a symbol of beauty, grace and new beginnings. A tattoo of a butterfly with its wings spread, symbolizes the adventurer in you. The best places to get a butterfly tattoo, is the shoulder and the back. Some other trendy tattoo designs for women include star tattoos, strawberry tattoos, fairy tattoos, heart tattoos, dragonfly tattoos, dolphin tattoos and zodiac tattoos. Trendy Tattoos for Men Here's the latest from the world of tattoo designs for men. Celtic Tattoos The Celtic tattoos include different Celtic symbols and are popular for their masculine appeal. Some of the common patterns are spirals, maze and step patterns, animals, knot work patterns and so on. These tattoos are best flaunted on the arms. Tribal Tattoos These are patterns that are thousands of years old and are done using black ink. Some of the popular patterns are dragons, crosses, scorpions, totems, tribal armbands, flames,etc. One of the reasons why these tattoos are so popular, is that they bring in an element of mysticism. The Bird Wing Tattoo When it comes to the bird wing tattoos for men, it is restricted to birds like the eagle, the kite or the hawk. The bird wing tattoos, like other winged tattoos, may also signify freedom. The Skull Tattoo Tattooing a skull can be a symbol of change and reminds us to live life to the fullest, as we all must die some day. Today, the skull tattoo has become so popular that every tattoo enthusiast, from celebrities to common people, has taken a liking to them. The Monster Tattoo The monster tattoo is a hot favorite because it's the symbol of power and energy. Small or elaborate, a monster tattoo is guaranteed to attract attention. Zombies, vampires or the devil, just name it and you can have it tattooed on your arm! If tattooing fearsome monsters are not your cup of tea, you can easily opt for caricatures, or cartoons of monsters, or the little devil with a pointed tail. You can even take inspirations from mythological monsters. Exotic Font Tattoo Another emerging trend for men is the tattooing of words or phrases in exotic languages. Exploring various fonts and styles will help you have more options to choose from. Also, meticulous research is essential so that you don't end up with a tattoo that conveys a meaning entirely different from what you intended to, in the first place! Hope these trendy tattoo designs will help you choose a tattoo for yourself. However, if you are creative enough, you can create unique designs of your own that complement your personality. For, at the end of the day, it's all about how you want to project yourself. So, get a tattoo done and show the world the real you!