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by Rikaza Hassan

Sri Lanka has no Milan, Paris, or even a Bangkok: we don't host international fashion shows. Sri Lanka has no New York either: we don't set international trends that the entire world follows. Sri Lanka however does have fashion trends composed of filtered trends from the world over - usually a little late, plus some of its very own trends. Nevertheless Sri Lankans do consider fashion an important part of their lives, spending considerable sums of money to look trendy and fashionable.

Looking up-to-date is where tattoos come in, says Bernard de Fonseka, the tattoo artist of Mr. Pierce Studios, Colombo 04, "Tattoos are always in. They're never out." According to Bernard, his clientele consists mostly of young women in their twenties. "I think it's because they're the ones mostly interested in being fashionable, and want to look good and different."

Getting a tattoo involves choosing a design from those offered at the studio, or bringing one of your own designs which is then traced on to the place you want to get your tattoo on, in any size that you require. "There are 36 colours of ink to choose from including the old standby - black of course," says Bernard.

The ink is poured into little caps, a new needle is inserted into the tattoo gun, and filled with ink. All you've got to do next is fill in the tattoo a couple of times.

How about the pain? "We only break the skin. The first outline hurts, but after that your skin gets numb and it only stings when we spray it with alcohol." Bernard himself has a lot of tattoos on his body. A former resident of California, he says, "Everyone in California has one, and the customer base is much bigger there." His advice to anyone contemplating a tattoo is: "Make sure you know what you want, and never get a tattoo of a name unless it's family. It's taboo. I don't believe in stuff like this, but I've broken up with every girl whose name I've tattooed on myself, and seen it happen to other guys." Bernard adds with conviction, "None of my customers have ever regretted getting a tattoo, and I've been doing this since 1974. First timers are a little nervous, the girls ask a lot of questions, but it is the boys who are babies. Besides, people who get tattoos are energetic, lively and not lazy bums."

"If you do regret a tattoo though, the removal process is most painful," says Bernard. It involves removing the ink using an empty tattoo gun. The less painful process of using a laser however is not found anywhere in Sri Lanka.

I turn my attention to 21-year-old Ravindra, a hair stylist who is getting a tattoo for the first time on the back of his neck. Does it hurt, I ask. "It stings at first every time the alcohol is rubbed, but not unbearable." "I want to get a large one on my left arm next time," he adds with a chuckle.

"Tattoos don't hurt at all," according to Nawaz who has the lion emblem of the Sri Lankan flag tattooed on his right arm. "If you can bear the pain of a mosquito bite, then there is nothing to it."

There are other options for those who don't want their tattoo to last their entire lives. "Temporary tattoos last for four to five years. The difference lies in the ink which is much weaker," says Bernard.

Nalika, a 24-year-old student is one of those who opted for a temporary tattoo. "I've always wanted to get a tattoo, but my fiance never liked them. We made a deal where I did get my chance of getting a tattoo, while he never gets a wife with a tattoo, once we're married." According to Niroshan Ekanayake, Business Promotion Manager of Mr. Pierce Studios, their clientele has grown younger and more female. "About 70% of the people coming in for tattoos are girls. We also have kids coming in after their A/Ls, with their parents to get a tattoo. Their parents have agreed to a tattoo as long as they finish their A/Ls."

If you are contemplating a tattoo however, the only thing that might hold you back is the cost. "Tattoos cost from Rs. 2,000 upwards though you can get letters as well as Japanese and Chinese symbols for Rs. 1,000,"says Niroshan.

And for those of you who want authentic looking tattoos for that party or special event, you could always get it painted on. "For Rs.500 you can choose the design from the stencils we have, and get it painted on wherever you want it.

It lasts for about a week and goes off immediately with surgical spirit," says Niroshan. "We have lots of teenagers coming in for this, as well as more mature ladies." Tattoos may be eternally trendy but not everyone is a big fan. "Tattoos are unethical. People get obscene pictures on their body which is not a graffiti wall," says Ali (21) disgustedly. "It's a self-destructive pattern, a stupid show of bravado. There is also the risk of infection since no tattoo parlour runs an allergy test."

Tattoos are also forbidden in certain religions. "According to the Bible tattoos are prohibited," says Rozanne, a Catholic. According to Noor, "it is against the teachings of Islam to get a tattoo." So, tattoos are forever in. Tattoos are unethical. Tattoos are cool, then again not one hundred percent safe. Umm... tattoo anyone?

All tattoo demonstrations courtesy of Mr. Pierce Studios, Colombo 04.

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