General, Tattoo Removal
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Advanced Dermatology
If you’re planning to get a tattoo, sleep on it. And not just for a night—at least a few months. That’s what we found when we surveyed 600 people with tattoo regret. The big takeaway: 3 out of 4 people who suffer from “tattoo regret” didn’t plan for the tattoo beyond a few weeks. Yikes! Read on.
Still itching to get inked? Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both.
Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don’t suffer from tattoo regret. In fact, 1 in 4 people who made a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo, regretted it within a few days. That said, there was still a small fraction of people (5 percent) who spent years thinking about getting a tattoo and regretted it within days.
If you still decide that getting a tattoo is right for you, remember: location, location, location. Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt.
Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo. Perhaps that’s because people with full-sleeves or longer spent more time thinking about it. Plus, it’s easier, and faster, to get a star on your shoulder, than it is to go full-on Travis Barker.
Some symbols cause more regret than others. You might want to think twice before you go for something tribal, a heart or roses. People were less likely to regret inking the moon, Celtic symbols or Roman numerals, but these were still in the top twenty of most regrettable tattoo content.
Your emotional state before getting the tattoo could also affect your regret level. Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent).
The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it. And if you do, you can always get it removed!
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FAQs
We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo.
How to avoid tattoo regret? ›
Choose a Subject That You Won't Grow Tired Of
The subject could be family-based (as long as not in-laws) or based on a deep-seated passion that has been with you since you were small. Ensure that the subject is not based on something that is trending, as trends by nature are fleeting and often lead to regret.
What do dermatologists think about tattoos? ›
Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.
How many people regret tattoos later in life? ›
Some 25 percent of Americans regret getting a tattoo.
What are the statistics on tattoos? ›
Gender: 38% of women have at least one tattoo, compared with 27% of men. This includes 56% of women ages 18 to 29 and 53% of women ages 30 to 49. Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans.
What to do if you don't like your new tattoo? ›
Add ons, reworks, complete cover-ups or opting for laser removal sessions are all options that should be looked in to when you are left with a tattoo you no longer love.
Do doctors recommend tattoos? ›
Some experts recommend that appearance should be appropriate for the patient population, and this can be considered. Although patients may not mind a resident's or fellow's tattoos, the same may not be said for attendings, as medicine has historically been a conservative profession.
What do psychologists say about tattoos? ›
One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.
Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease? ›
Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and other organs, sometimes first appears with bumps at the site of a tattoo, she says. Infections are more common within the first couple of days or weeks of getting a tattoo, Dr.
Are tattoos losing popularity? ›
Despite this, 98% believe tattoos are more socially accepted now than in years past. Among Americans without tattoos, 27% plan to get one in the future, and 2 in 3 think more people are getting tattoos now because of the accessibility and availability of tattoo removal technology.
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
Is it a sin to get a tattoo? ›
The Bible makes no specific references to tattoos as we understand them in modern times, but some Christians believe tattoos to be immoral because of a particular verse. Leviticus 19:28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.
Are people with tattoos taken less seriously? ›
Tattoos often have a negative stigma in society, particularly from the older generations. From this demographic, tattoos are sometimes viewed as trashy, or as a reason not to take someone seriously. Even as a reason not to give someone a job they are qualified for.
Does every tattoo have mistakes? ›
We all make mistakes; we are human. There are many mistakes that can be made with a new tattoo; placement, inks, even the artist's ability to tattoo, like did they get enough rest and so on.
