Tattoos are a form of body art that involves permanently marking the skin with ink. While many people love their tattoos, some end up regretting them later on. Tattoo regret is actually quite common, with various surveys and studies finding that around 25% of people with tattoos experiencing regret at some point.
There are many reasons why people regret their tattoos. The most common include:
- Getting a tattoo on impulse or while intoxicated
- Outgrowing the meaning or significance of the tattoo
- Disliking the quality or appearance of the tattoo
- Negative comments or reactions from others
- A change in lifestyle, interests, or values
Certain types and placements of tattoos tend to be regretted more often than others. Here is an overview of some of the most commonly regretted tattoos.
Names of Romantic Partners
One of the most infamous tattoo regrets is getting a significant other’s name inked on your body. While it may seem romantic at the time, relationships can change and breakups do happen. Having an ex’s name permanently on your body can be a source of embarrassment, sadness, and regret.
Survey data indicates around 32% of people with tattoo regret say it was because they got a name of their romantic partner who they are no longer with.
Key Statistics on Relationship Tattoo Regret
- Around 56% of people with an ex’s name tattooed end up feeling regret.
- The average age people get a relationship partner’s name as a tattoo is 23.
- Women are more likely to get tattoos related to relationships compared to men.
- Cover ups or removing ex’s name tattoos are some of the most common tattoo fix requests.
Impulsive Tattoos
Tattoos that are gotten on a whim, while drunk, or with little thought beforehand are another major tattoo regret. The lack of research, planning, and consideration means people often end up with a tattoo they do not actually like or want long-term.
Data shows around 18% of tattoo regret involves impulsively gotten tattoos. Common reasons include:
- Getting a trendy design that became outdated
- Not thinking enough about the body placement
- Picking a design that didn’t have personal meaning
- Choosing a lower quality artist or shop on impulse
- Being too intoxicated to make a thoughtful choice
Taking the time to carefully select a design, artist, and placement leads to much lower rates of regret down the road.
Age and Impulsive Tattoos
Younger adults in their late teens and early 20s are the most likely to get tattoos impulsively. According to research data:
- Around 29% of people ages 18-29 have tattoo regret
- Only 6% of those over 45 regret their tattoos
- Men are more likely to get impulsive tattoos while intoxicated compared to women
As people mature, they are generally less likely to get tattoo designs that are trendy or impulse-driven. Carefully considering the meaning and design leads to lower regret rates.
Trendy Tribal Designs
During the 1990s and early 2000s, tribal tattoo designs were wildly popular. Bold black ink geometric patterns inspired by ancient tribal art gained mainstream appeal.
However, many who jumped on this trend ended up regretting their tattoos years later. Tribal tattoos were often criticized for lacking meaningful symbolism and being a tattoo fad.
Data from tattoo removal clinics showed that tribal tattoos used to be one of the most commonly requested designs to be removed. Common complaints about tribal tattoos included:
- The designs became outdated and embarrassing
- They lacked personal meaning or significance
- The bold black bands didn’t age well over time
- They didn’t properly fit people’s bodies or personalities
While tribal tattoos have faded in popularity, many who got them during their peak now seek cover ups or removal to get rid of their tattoo regret.
Trends and Tattoo Regret
Tattoo trends come and go, but permanent ink does not. Some other tattoo trends that have commonly been regretted include:
- Barbed wire armbands
- Nautical stars
- Chinese/Japanese characters
- Lower back tattoos
- Armband tattoos
- Celtic designs
Avoiding trendy designs for more meaningful, classic tattoo art can help minimize regret down the road.
Low Quality Tattoos
The old saying “you get what you pay for” is very true for tattoos. Trying to save money often leads to low quality tattoo work and major regret.
Some common complaints about budget or low skilled tattoo work include:
- Uneven, crooked, or wobbly lines
- Messy or patchy coloring/shading
- Scarring or trauma to the skin
- Fading and blurring quickly over time
- Unclean facilities or equipment
Going to a highly skilled, reputable artist is well worth the investment. Do thorough research and get consultations before getting inked.
Cover Ups
Covering up unsatisfactory or low quality tattoos is one of the most popular tattoo fixes. Data indicates:
- Around 44% of cover ups are done to hide amateur or low quality art
- Over 65% of people getting cover ups are getting an old tattoo covered within 5 years
- Almost 80% say the new tattoo is a major improvement over the old one
Getting a high quality cover up can be an excellent solution for botched or poor tattoo work.
Cultural Appropriation
Getting tattoos from cultures you do not belong to or understand can be seen as offensive and lead to regret. Types of cultural appropriation tattoo issues include:
- Offensively using spiritual or sacred symbols
- Mixing styles in ways that disrespect traditions
- Supporting appropriation of minority cultures
- Perpetuating cultural stereotypes
Being respectful and getting input if using elements from other cultures can help avoid hurtful appropriation.
Most Commonly Regretted Cultural Tattoos
Some specific cultural tattoos that have commonly been called out for disrespectful appropriation include:
- Sugar skull tattoos
- Japanese tattoos like koi fish, geishas
- Chinese characters or dragons
- Native American designs
- Buddha figures or mandalas
- Henna/mehndi designs
Thoroughly researching the cultural significance of designs and speaking to people from those cultures can help avoid insensitive tattoos.
Hand, Face, Neck Tattoos
Visible tattoos in spots like the hands, neck, and face have some of the highest rates of regret. While tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable overall, some stigmas still exist.
Hand, face, and neck tattoos can potentially lead to:
- Employment discrimination
- Judgment and stigma from others
- Issues joining certain organizations
- Regret over lack of anonymity
Starting with areas that can be covered up and getting visible tattoos later on can allow more time to consider your choices.
By the Numbers
Some key statistics about tattoo visibility and regret:
- Around 37% of people with visible tattoos have regret
- 22% say social/employment issues contributed to their regret
- Tattoos with the most regret are those on hands, feet, neck, and head
- Only 7% of people with concealed tattoos report regret
Offensive Tattoos
Sometimes tattoos end up causing offense or backlash, even if that wasn’t the intention. Images or words related to:
- Hate groups
- Sexism
- Racism
- Homophobia
- Violence
- Drug/alcohol abuse
Can potentially lead to relationship damage, stigma, or confrontations. Avoiding tattoos related to views you no longer hold can help prevent regret.
Obscenity Issues
Explicit or obscene tattoos are another type many regret. Things like:
- Swearing/slurs
- Nudity
- Sex acts
Can limit career options and cause social issues. Keeping tattoos family friendly helps avoid problems.
Cover Up Solutions for Tattoo Regret
Fortunately for those with tattoo regret, there are options available to fix or remove unwanted tattoos. Common solutions include:
Tattoo Cover Ups
A new tattoo is designed and inked to completely hide the old one. This is the fastest and often most affordable option. The new design is picked to disguise the old tattoo with new symbols and colors.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser treatments target and break up the old ink under your skin. It takes multiple sessions to fully remove a tattoo. The process is more painful and expensive than a cover up.
Dermabrasion
This treatment uses a rotary tool to abrade the top layers of skin and lighten a tattoo. Typically only removes the top portion of ink and works best on pale skin.
Surgical Excision
In some cases, surgically cutting away the tattooed skin may be an option. This method leaves scarring and should only be considered when other options are not possible.
Preventing Future Tattoo Regret
To help avoid the pain, hassle, and cost of fixing a regretted tattoo, here are some tips:
- Carefully research artists and parlors
- Give the decision real thought over an extended timeframe
- Avoid impulsive choices when you are emotional or intoxicated
- Start small to test your pain tolerance and the process
- Pick a design that aligns with your personality and interests
- Be sure the meaning of a symbol will endure
- Consider how future life events may alter your perspective
- Discuss concepts with the artist and provide clear instructions
- Aim for uniqueness over trendy designs
- Pick placements that can be covered up if needed
Conclusion
While no tattoo is guaranteed to be free of regret forever, making smart and thoughtful choices can minimize the chances. Do your research, know your reasons, pick a reputable artist, and get a design that resonates with you on a deeper level.
And if regret does occur, take comfort in the fact there are solutions available to correct tattoo mistakes. With some time and effort, unwanted ink can usually be fixed or removed entirely.