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
According to a national survey by Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, tattoo regret builds over time. Six months to a year after getting one, 15% of those asked said they regret getting body art. After two years, that number jumps to 51%.
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 likely is it to regret a tattoo? ›
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 many people regret tattoos later in life? ›
Some 25 percent of Americans regret getting a tattoo.
What causes tattoo regret? ›
The most common reason for regret was 'not liking the tattoo anymore'. The most common motivations for having tattoos were 'to feel independent', 'to feel better about himself/herself' and 'to look good'. Women had higher scores than men regarding tattoo motivations of 'to be an individual' and 'to have a beauty mark'.
What are the statistics of people with 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.
Are tattoos linked with health problems? ›
Diseases spread through blood.
If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
What is the most regretted tattoo? ›
According to a new report from Advanced Dermatology, one in four Americans admit they regret at least one tattoo, and some designs inspire remorse more often than others. The report found that the most commonly regretted ink is a lettering or script tattoo, with 19 percent regretting the decision.
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.
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.
What is tattoo flu? ›
Some people feel psyched about their new tattoo, while others might feel sick. If you're feeling a bit under the weather after getting some new ink, you might be experiencing “tattoo flu.” Usually mild and quick to pass, this post tattoo flu-like illness is a common result of your body's natural defenses saying “Whoa!
Are tattoos declining in popularity? ›
If anything, young people seem more likely than ever to look for a tattoo that links them to a life event and expresses their individuality. The fact that 40-year-olds are still getting their first tattoos, and tattoo popularity is driven by younger demographics, seems to say that they aren't going anywhere.
Do people with tattoos have a lower life expectancy? ›
Similarly, there were no significant differences in the cause and manner of death among the groups (p = 0.09). This study has, therefore, shown no significant association between the number of tattoos and premature mortality, or between the cause and manner of death and the presence or absence of tattoos.
Where do tattoos age the least? ›
Inner Forearm.
This is proven to be the best area to get a tattoo when it comes to aging. This area does not frequently change in size, so the tattoo never stretches. Tattoos in this area practically never look aged.
How long does the tattoo flu last? ›
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.
What do tattoo artists hate to tattoo? ›
Several professional tattoo artists told Insider which body-art designs they don't enjoy inking. Some tattoos often age poorly, such as tiny finger pieces or white-pigment designs. You can provide reference photos, but don't ask a tattooer to copy another artist's work.
