In Episode 13, we’re asking: why are we still judging tattoos?

They can be art, a connection to culture, a reminder of someone you love, or something you got on holiday because it felt like a good idea. But depending on where they are and who’s looking, tattoos can still change how people see you.

This week, we’re chatting about the history behind the ink, our own tattoo experiences, and how tattooing became such a big part of the beauty industry.

We chat about:

• Where tattooing began and its connections to culture, identity and belonging

• Japanese tattoo traditions and the stigma around visible ink

• Tattoo restrictions in hotels, pools and workplaces

• Whether tattoos actually have anything to do with professionalism

• Getting tattooed in Bali and whether it’s really that much cheaper

• Covering tattoos for acting jobs, weddings and special occasions

• Fine-line tattoos and why we’d approach some of our older tattoos differently now

• Hannah’s experience working in semi-permanent makeup

• Microblading, powder brows, nano brows, lip blush and lash-line enhancement

• Why “semi-permanent” still deserves some serious thought

• Choosing an artist, checking their experience and understanding aftercare

• The healing stage that makes you wonder what you’ve done

• Faux freckles and whether we’d commit to tattooing a beauty trend

• How restorative tattooing can help people feel more like themselves

• Tattoo regret, removal and why it isn’t always a quick fix

We also chat about matching tattoos with Mum, trying to convince Nan, Ryan’s growing tattoo collection, and whether a Glossy tattoo could be on the cards.

Have a tattoo you love, one you regret, or a story we need to hear? DM us or comment on this week’s episode at @glossypod.

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