What is the definition of tattooing?

Tattooing is defined specifically as the process of placing a pigment or dye into or under the skin. This process typically involves the use of needles to inject ink into the dermal layer of the skin, which results in a permanent design or image that becomes part of the skin's structure. This distinguishes tattooing from other forms of body art that may not involve permanent pigmentation, such as temporary body art or cosmetic procedures that apply pigment on the surface of the skin rather than embedding it beneath. By focusing on the action of placing pigment or dye, the definition captures the essence of what constitutes a tattoo as a form of body modification.

In contrast, cosmetic application of skin enhancers refers to beauty products applied temporarily on the skin's surface, while the application of temporary body art includes methods like body paint or henna that do not have the permanence associated with tattoos. Additionally, while skin alteration can encompass a wide range of procedures, tattooing is specifically about the introduction of pigment, setting it apart from broader interpretations that might include other modifications.