[originaltext] In America today, lots of people are getting tattoos—especial

In America today, lots of people are getting tattoos—especially younger people. Forty percent of men and women aged 26 to 40 have at least one tattoo, according to Astanza, a laser technology company.
    As a result, the American tattoo business is booming. In 1960, there were only about 50 professional tattoo artists in the United States, reported The Atlantic. By 1995, that number had soared to over 10,000. Today, IBISWorld reports there are almost 55,000 people working as tattoo artists in the U.S.
    In Britain, tattoos are also surging in popularity. The Guardian reported that a fifth of all British adults have been "inked"—another term for being tattooed.
What’s driving the wild popularity of tattoos?
    It could be a search for identity. "Tattoos, recent research suggests, don’t just express identity, they help define it," writes Chris Weller in The Atlantic. In an era of rapid and unpredictable change, driven by technology, a tattoo can be a source of stability and permanence. "Body art has taken on greater significance, and people want their ink to say something about who they are/’ he writes.
    The cost of tattoos varies widely. It depends on the size of the tattoo and the complexity of the design. Professional artisans usually charge $100 to $300 per hour. A large tattoo can cost thousands of dollars. Tattoos are also more expensive in big cities and cheaper in small towns.
    Tattoos are made by using a needle or other sharp instrument to inject various colors of ink into the skin. Modern tattoos have intricate patterns and use a wide range of colors.
    Temporary tattoos are an option for those who want to make a fashion statement, but don’t want the permanence or the expense of the real thing. For example, Tattify sells a twin rose tattoo or a tiny elephant tattoo for just $2.99 each. You can also get a selection of strange animal tattoos for $9.99.
    The tattoo removal business has grown along with the popularity of tattoos. As many as half of all people who get tattoos later get them removed, reports the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery. Dermatologists use laser treatments to get rid of tattoos, which range from $350 for a small tattoo, up to $1,000 or more for a large one.
23. What prompts the popularity of tattoos?
24. What might affect the cost of making tattoos?
25. What do we learn about removable tattoos?