Alton Towers Rollercoaster Crash Victims Vicky Balch Gets Strength And Unity Tattoo On Leg

The ill-fated Smiler rollercoaster accident at the theme park in Staffordshire left four youngsters badly hurt. Vicky Balch, one of the major Alton Towers Rollercoaster crash victims, who had to get one of her legs amputated, has got a family of elephants tattooed on her remaining leg as a symbol of strength, unity and family.

The recovery has been tough for 20-year old dancer Vicky Balch who had to get her right leg amputated after the tragic rollercoaster accident on June 2, 2015, when a carriage carrying her on the Smiler rollercoaster smashed into an empty car. The nightmarish moment left her really heartbroken and weak.

While Balch awaits a bionic that will allow her to stand back on her two feet and dance yet again, she got her left leg inked with family of elephants. The tattooing procedure was carried out by expert tattoo artist and TV host Jay Hutton and was shown in the second episode of the Channel 4 series Tattoo Fixers. Hutton described the experience as deeply moving – he said, “It was nice to get some joy out of an awful situation.”

Vicky Balch is a very confident and strong hearted girl. Despite undergoing eight surgeries post her accident, and having her leg amputated; she is really optimistic and very excited for her new prosthetic limb. The prosthetic leg she will be receiving will replace the more painful artificial leg that she now wears. The bionic leg will allow Balch to walk again for the first time after the accident and let her do more complex things such as climbing stair or even dancing yet again.

Leaving aside the excitement of her bionic leg, Balch was recently excited about the new tattoo that she received. Talking to Mirror Online about the tattoo she got on her leg, Balch said, “I worried whether I could face a needle after having so many put into me in hospital. But the procedure was fine. I actually enjoyed it.

Balch has been very fond of tattoos; she describes her new ink as, “I love tat­­toos and had three already, so having another was like a return to normality – something I did before the accident". On being ask the reason for wearing elephants on the leg, Balch says, “I chose an elephant as to me they represent strength, unity and family."

Vicky Balch is steadily returning to normalcy. She has recently started dating Dan Halton. Balch met Halton while studying at the University of Derby. On knowing about her ordeal, Halton asked Balch out for the first time.

Eighteen year old Leah Washington was the other seriously injured at the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash. Washington also had to get her leg amputated, while her boyfriend, nineteen year old Joe Pugh broke his knee caps. Daniel Thorpe was the fourth person on board the carriage that fateful day.

The Smiler is expected to reopen soon post undergoing new safety checks. While most people are really excited of getting back to the ride, Vicky Balch believes, the rollercoaster should be called off and closed for good.   

Want a Permanent Lip Tattoo? You Need To Know These

Many people are opting for permanent makeup these days. This is because it saves their time and morning hassle for painting their faces for the day. Lipstick tattoo is the latest trend because it frees you of repeatedly putting lipstick during the day.

But getting a permanent lipstick tattoo means you will have the same color forever or you will have to opt for expensive removal technique. The following blog is about few basic things you must know before you get that permanent lipstick tattoo.

The following are some facts you should consider before getting a permanent lipstick tattoo.

Lip tattoos can improve the appearance of your lips but not create actual fullness. Lip tattoo is like an outline to define lips and it cannot create volume or puffiness. Your lips will have an enhanced look with fullness. If you think it will add volume to your lips then you are certainly under an illusion.

The tattoo is nowhere like the traditional lip-liner. The outline is created in a way to enhance the border of the lip and the color is also shaded down into the middle of the lip in a circular motion. This gives a blended look to your lip. But there is no color embedded in the interior part of the lip.

Although you can get color to your natural lip color but that won’t be long-lasting. The aestheticians recommend getting your lips tattooed with one or two shades darker or brighter as per your natural skin tone. But if somebody wants a natural color then she would have to undergo more frequent touch-ups. They will have to visit the salon for touch-ups at least once in a year. So, choose your lip tattoo color wisely.

Many places use pigment and not traditional tattoo ink. This is the main reason the tattoo fades away soon. Earlier, artists used regular tattoo ink for permanent makeup. This made it look so unnatural. When tattoo are made with pigments they lack water consistency and give a more natural powdery finish. But they don’t last for more than 12 to 18 months. And eating and drinking with your lips makes the process faster.

It is painful indeed! We cannot deny the fact that getting a lipstick tattoo is painful. This is because the skin of lips in highly sensitive and there is no other way than to use an anesthetic or numbing cream to block the pain. So, get in touch with a good aesthetician to know about a good anesthetic to get the procedure done in a painless and quick way.

It would take ten days to heal. You should book your appointment on Thursday so that you have weekend for letting the swelling and dryness to die down. During the healing process, lips will appear dry and chapped. It will take two weeks for the actual color to show up. Till then you will have to be patient and calm.  

Get medicated if you're prone to cold sores. The stimulation from the needle can lead to cold sores which can ruin the healing process. Therefore, start your medications in case you are prone to cold sores.

Lipstick tattoo is not meant for every skin tone. People with darker skin tones should not go for lip tattoo as it can lead to hyperpigmentation. The needle can abrade the skin and more pigment can be produced during healing and make the lips appear darker.

You can get it removed with a laser. If you don’t like the tattoo outline on your lip you can definitely get it removed with laser treatments. But you will have to undergo a lot of pain along with huge investment for getting it removed. 

The Never Ending Legacy of Tattoos

Nowadays, getting a tattoo across various parts of your body is the latest trend. Well, saying that it is a new trend will not be fair. It has been done from centuries. Both men and women seem to be fond of this body art. Let’s find out what make people fall for them even today.

When it comes to body art, it is important to understand that it is a very broad term. From the minor ear piercing to those huge funky tattoos, painting, etc. it includes several aspects. As far as tattoos are considered, these were previously common among the tribal people. However, now these have evolved as one of the most popular form of body art. The rapidly increasing craze of tattoo art is dominating the fashion industry and both, women and men love to have tattoo designed on different parts of their body.
If you are among those who don’t have a tattoo yet, and still in the dilemma of getting it or not, here are some reasons to get it done right now. Have a look:

1. Celebrities:
The biggest reason of people going crazy for tattoo designs is that their favorite stars are having tattoos. In the recent years a huge number of high-profile celebrities like Angelina Jolie, David Beckham, Christina Aguilera, Penelope Cruz, and Brad Pitt have got tattoo job done on their body, and yes, they love to show them off in public. Hence, their fans are opting for the same, which has resulted in a bit of a fashion craze for tattoos.



2. Artistic: For this, one should thanks technology and the creative minds of the tattoo artists these days. Tattoos are no more simple or tribal form. There are numerous highly skilled tattoo artists around the globe who are proficient in creating stunning and exclusive designs. People are often drawn by the fact that they get incredible tattoo designs, which get them the voguish and artistic look.


3. Pain free action: In the earlier days, the process of tattooing was really painful. Nowadays there are more designs and better quality work is possible. Obviously, it is painful even today as when the ink is injected inside your skin, it causes pain. However, the good news is that now there are number of ways to reduce the pain. For example, the numbing solutions like Dr. Numb. It simply causes numbing sensation on the applied area and you can get the design done easily. Isn’t that wonderful!

4. Heritage: 
As stated earlier, it is nothing new to the world. It is going on from centuries and even the today’s generation seems to be more interested in the ancestry designs. They take it as a pride to adorn those traditional designs over their body, reminding them about their family history. These prominent tattoos proudly display their family roots.

5. A Symbol Of Love: 

 If you are also planning to do something special for your love, tattoos can be a great idea. Both male and female love to display names of their love of their partner on different parts of body and proudly demonstrates their love for them. Because tattoos are permanent it is a great way of displaying your eternal love for your partner.


6. Religion:
Though, it is not a common reason yet, tattoos are popular among different religious groups. For example, Christians love to adorn the cross tattoo and it is an extremely popular choice of design these days. Hence, people use these tattoos as a way to visually convey their religious beliefs and values.


             In the end, remember that each tattoo is unique and comes with different reasoning.  While you prepare yourself for getting one, make sure you choose the perfect design. The reason being, tattoos are a great way to make you stand apart from the crowd. It is an art. Hence, get it done by an artist whose work you love the most. So, it is the right time to get on the board with it and stopped being so judgmental! 

Tattoo Etiquette And Tips For The New Artists!

Do you like that particular ‘tattoo artist’ in the parlor who behaves rudely with the other artists, managers, piercers, and above all the customers? Obviously, NO! If you are new to the tattoo world, you need to learn that criticizing the other tattooist’s design, haggling for a lower price, etc. are of no use. Here is something you must follow. Read on.

When it comes to a perfect tattoo, it is often said, finding a good tattoo artist is half the job done…

And this might be the biggest reason, why people who love to get a tattoo search for the most professional and experienced artist. Whenever a person plans for a tattoo design, they first decide about the artist and the appropriate studio. For this, they ask a friend or relative for their opinion, might be they have some good or bad experience with some local tattoo shops. But, this is not all.  The customers today take more than that. Yes, they prefer making a deeper research for choosing the proper tattoo studio. Here are some major points what people look for:

• Whether the artist they are considering at the parlor has taken a course designed for tattoo artists? Is the area clean? Does the furniture in the parlor has the water proof barrier to prevent infections?  

• Are they using proper needles? Is the needle packing opened in front of you and disposed of after every client job is done? What about the ink quality? Is it poured into individual cups before use, and then discarded late?

• A licensed parlor and artist is enough to allure clients. As you are new to the field, start with your homework and find out what those regulations are. You can also ask for help from some studios to get the license.

• Is the artist you are considering is cooperative and friendly? Do you feel comfortable enough with him? As you need to communicate with the artist before and after the tattoo job, if something makes you uncomfortable or you are unable to talk, it might be stressful for you. Obviously, customers don’t want to enter a studio where the artist talking to them acts like a stranger. 

• Another thing customers check on priority is the portfolio. Often parlors display their work to the customers. And from here the clients get idea of their work and expect the same level from the artist. Hence, to attract more number of clientele, make sure the work meets the standards.

• You need to understand that people don’t really want to pick the cheapest place. As they look for good quality artwork to be done and if a place seems a lot cheaper as compared to others in the market, this can turn cutting corners somewhere. But, this never means you need to keep a hefty price list.

• As you are a newbie in the market, there might be some who advise you to start at home. But, this is a fact that people don’t count on someone who tattoos out of their home. It is not a good deal because it puts your career and the customer’s health at risk. The biggest reason is that sterility cannot be guaranteed, which is highly significant for tattooing.

• The aftercare matters a lot. Just getting the tattoo job done is not all. Customers expect a sense of affection. So, how you take care of their tattoo later is a great way to attract customers. Keep a good communication level with them, suggest them a good body lotion or help them in wrapping the tattoo with plastic wrap for an extended period. Providing basic first aid can help.

In the end, make sure you don’t show any kind of behavior that causes distraction or kills the vibe of the shop. Provide the best tattoo designs following the best shop etiquette!

Top 5 Tattoo Aftercare Tips You Must Know!

Had your new tattoo? Definitely, you are super excited about this. Meanwhile, don’t forget to take care of the fresh design. Yes, there is a lot you need to pay attention. If not done, you might face some type of infection or severe problems in future. Therefore, it is very important follow the aftercare processes.

The fashion world is never constant. But, what has been ruling this world is the body art. This amazing and transformative way pleases every age group and gender. You can get it done anywhere and in any size, ranging from your neck, arms, wrist to you face and back. Well, that’s your choice completely. But what more important is the tattoo aftercare. Nowadays people love to brag about their new tattoos and show off their design. They hardly give their design a chance to heal. The consequences of which are that the color fades, designs bleed and scabs occur. On other hand, if you have been a little patient the same design would have been a colorful and beautiful ink job. Hence, if you are planning to get a new tattoo or recently have tried some, here are few essential tips for aftercare you must follow.

Follow the instruction: While you get a tattoo done, the tattooist tells you a number of dos and don’ts. Be a good listener and then follow the instructions precisely.  They are professional and have experience of years in the same field. They certainly have the knowledge of the product and different healing problems. Keep in mind, the tattooist is not responsible for what happens to your tattoo afterwards. Thus, it is your responsibility to take care of the design and your skin once you leave the parlor.

Do not wrap: Some people wrap the tattoo to keep it safe. But, unless you are instructed to do so by the artist don’t attempt it. Remember, that it is important to keep the tattoo clean. It is just like an open injury, you cannot take any risks with this. Generally, the tattooists will advise you for washing it with an unscented and anti-bacterial soap. And you will be asked to let it air dry instead of wrapping it over and over again.

Moisturize: Undoubtedly, you need to let it dry for better and faster healing. But, moisturizing holds its own importance. The reason being, if you let it dry, thick scab formation can occur, which is never desirable. Moreover, in some cases it has been observed that drying out leads to slow recovery procedure and it even harm the tattoo. You can consult the tattooist to advise a cream or ointment to use.  

Don’t try unnecessary medications: The tattoo process includes needling of your skin. Hence it is obvious that your skin will weep in the first couple of days. Along this, a fluid, clear or slightly colored will also appear out of your tattoo. But there is nothing to fear in this. It does not mean that there is something wrong with your skin or something is coming out of your tattoo. Don’t try any medications on your own. All you need to do is just clean it as instructed and let it heal with time.

Don’t panic: If your skin becomes sensitive, red or slightly inflamed, then don’t panic. It is not something different. Your skin has undergone a change and painful treatment. A number of people experience some kind of irritation after getting a new tattoo for few days. However, if the symptoms continue for more than 4 to 5 days, you can consult your tattooist for better advice.

Healing a tattoo is not that challenging. Just you need to be a little patient and careful!

Is Tattoo Pain Unbearable?

With the increase in the number of people getting tattoos, the fear of tattoo pain and infection has also greatly increased. People often ask, “Did That Pain, or how much does it pain?” And the answers are somewhat like:

“It depends where you get it. The one on my lower back only got close to unbearable when they were directly over my vertebrae. The one on top of my foot was constant, pleading pain. The guy actually had to lean on my foot to keep it still because the needle was hitting so many nerves that were causing my foot to twitch with pain. I actually left that tattoo as black and white because I couldn’t bear the thought of sitting through the shading!” – crayfish (courtesy:weddingbee.com)

“They hurt more or less in different areas for sure. Healing is painful in itself too… they itch so bad it hurts and you can’t scratch so it makes me crazy.”

“The back was not that bad, I was able to finish all the way through no problem. But the chest one was almost unbearable. The chest is a bad spot.” (Courtesy: yahooanswers.com)

How it Feels?

It hurts of course, it does! For some, it’s really hard to even describe. There are areas where tattoos hurt the most. The reason is obvious. There’s a thick needle that goes faster and pierces into your skin.

It also depends on the amount of pain one can bear. What one person considers painless could be devastating to another. If you have immense patience, you won’t feel it much. It’d feel like a pin scratch to you! But, if you cannot bear even a little, getting a tattoo would be like dying for you! It could make you feel like a getting a hit at the scrotum from the bull’s horn. :D

How to get a ‘PAINLESS’ tattoo session?

Numbing Cream – the best remedy to get a painless tattoo! Yes, by using a numbing solution one can reduce the tattoo pain. And, among the myriads of numbing options, Dr. Numb is the most popular one today.  

Dr. Numb is known as the SAFEST numbing cream to be used with tattooing. It is very quick and effective in numbing the skin area undergoing tattooing. Above all, it does not interfere with the tattoo ink, so you need not to worry about the distortion of the tattoo art. Also, there are no side-effects of the cream, and will have a numbing effect of UP TO 4 HOURS!

With Dr. Numb, you need not to tolerate long hours for conquering the tattoo pain. Dr. Numb is contains Lidocaine– an effective anesthetic, that too in sufficient quantity, (about 5%) as approved by the FDA. It also contains Vitamin E which makes it to work quickly.

No matter, what skin tone or type you have – sensitive, dry, oily, black, white, etc.,  Dr. Numb cream is widely accepted. It contains the right amount of chemicals which can work on all skin types without experiencing any pain.

Dr. Numb is water resistant and does not leave its numbing effect in water. Getting a tattoo without applying Dr. Numb Cream would be really painful. Apply it well on the surface after cleaning the area with water and tapping it dry. The cream should be applied at least an hour prior to the tattoo procedure. This is what all you need to do to get numbness and painless tattoo art.

Also read: How to Get Wrinkle Free Skin At Home?

Tips to Control Tattoo Pain

·         NEVER have a tattoo during a hangover. You’ll feel more pain because the body will be a little delicate.

·         DON'T have a tattoo when you are not physically well or your tattoo pain could be a lot more painful.

·         Choose an area of your body that is less bony and has more flesh.

·         The pain tolerance is highest in the morning because of the peak levels of adrenaline. Therefore, schedule your tattoo for the morning.

USE numbing gel to get an ‘ouch less’ tattoo. If you are going to have tattoos in a sensitive place, use some of it to calm your tattoo pain.