Ash Rubbing

Brian Decker making the initial cuttings on Bella Vendetta.

Rubbing cremation ashes into fresh cuttings.

Healing scars, very raised.

After a cutting is performed, there are a number of options as to how to treat it (if at all) to obtain different sorts of scars. One option that's similar to ink rubbing is to rub ashes into the fresh wound. This is done for a number of reasons:

1. It irritates the wound and increases the amount of scarring.
2. It may discolor the wound in a way similar to an ink rubbing.
3. It allows items of emotional significance (for example, the cremation ashes of a loved one) to be integrated into one's own body.

It should be noted that the discoloration offered by ash rubbing is inconsistent and will not result in a uniform appearance.

Be aware that ash rubbing will increase the risk of infection and disease.