Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – As the military tightens its regulations on tattoos, local shops are feeling the consequences of the changes.
(READ THE APPEARANCE REGULATIONS HERE)
One shop in particular, Blue Hanya on Fort Campbell Blvd., has noticed both appointment cancellations and a rise in new bookings.
Mathew “Lucky” Delamort and his wife, owners of the shop, tattoo only by appointment and have had many soldiers cancel projects they will not be able to complete. On the other hand, other employees at the shop have booked new appointments for soldiers who are trying to get projects finished or cover up work that may be considered inappropriate under the new terms.
Delamort admitted that shops may be inclined to move to other areas if business is negatively impacted once the regulations are set. “Tattooing in a military town was kind of a safe haven because you know people are going to get tattoos. It’s kind of military tradition,” he said.
Blue Hanya experienced a similar setback when many of the troops were deployed overseas and the business was forced to close one of its three shops.
Delamort believes the situation is unfair for soldiers. “I have a problem with the idea that these guys fully-tattooed can go and fight and die for the country, but when it comes to a peace-time situation, they’re not good enough for our U.S. military,” he said.
He likened the situation to the stigma people with tattoos have faced for generations. ”These guys are tattooed but it doesn’t mean they’re not good at their job. It doesn’t mean that takes anything away from their professionalism,” he said.
The outcome for local shops remains to be seen.
Are you a service member with tattoos? Send photos of your body art to news@clarksvillenow.com.