Tattoos vs. Body Piercing

What's better, getting a tattoo or body piercing?

Here's the million dollar question... what's better, getting a tattoo or body piercing? Well, it depends. Tattoos and piercings are obviously two different things. Let's take a look at their respective pros and cons so you can decide whether it's better to get a tattoo or go for a body piercing.

Tattoos

The Good: Well executed tattoos are pieces of art that command attention any which way you like. They tell people you're different and you can handle pain. Also, depending on what you have tattooed (and where) a great design can show people that you have awesome taste too. They make for great conversation pieces and, let's face it, a good tattoo looks so damn cool.

The Bad: Tattoos are permanent. This is okay for most tattooed folk but according to one statistic, a third of people who get tattoos in America end up regretting their decision. For these guys, a permanent tattoo is going to be torture. Laser surgery can correct that of course, but at a very high price (and a scar). So if you're not 100% sure you want the tattoo forever, you might want to think things through before getting that sprawling eagle design tattooed across your chest. Or get a temporary tattoo.

Body Piercing

The Good: Body piercing is a great way of decorating one's self without the extended pain or permanence that comes with tattoos. One quick shove of a needle and you're done. Depending on where you get pierced, the pain will vary. Ears should be fine; nipples and tongues present more opportunity for hurt. But the pain goes away fairly quick. Plus, should you someday tire of your piercing, you can always take out the studs/rings and let the holes close. No permanent scars, no expensive corrective surgery. Just all-natural, no-fuss healing.

The Bad: Tears in the skin from accidents. Depending on what you're up to, if someone (or something) pulls a ring from your navel/ear/nipple, suffice it to say that if you're a man your balls will shrink to the size of raisins, or if you're a woman, your shriek will probably shatter all glass within a 30 foot radius. Tongue piercing can take weeks to heal and will interrupt your eating habits and speech. They can also be very hard to take care of while healing as they need constant sanitary attention.

In The End...

In terms of pain, body piercing is a better alternative to getting a tattoo (unless you're getting a tongue ring). As for permanence, a piercing is also far better than a tattoo as you can let holes heal anytime. Tattoos will pretty much stay with you forever.

However, tattoos are far more intriguing than body piercings and command a lot more attention. Ultimately, it's up to you whether you get a tattoo or a body piercing. In reality, one is not superior to the other. They both look cool and get the message across - you're different! And that's something to always be proud of.

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