Are you thinking of getting a new tattoo? With tattoo popularity rising, more ink means more chances for regret down the road.
In this insider‘s guide, we‘ll explore the latest tattoo regret statistics. You‘ll discover:
- What percentage of people regret their tattoos
- Who is most likely to experience regret
- Main causes of tattoo remorse
- Your options if regret strikes
- Cost and methods for tattoo removal
- Tips for avoiding tattoo regret from the start
Let‘s dive into the tattoo data so you can make an informed choice before going under the needle!
Contents
Tattoo Regret: By The Numbers
First, how common is tattoo regret? The short answer: more than you may think.
- 23% of tattooed Americans regret getting at least one tattoo (Harris Poll)
- 78% regret at least one of their tattoos (Gitnux Blog)
- Up to 34% regret them "to some extent" (The Guardian)
Wow! Those numbers really make you think twice. Clearly, tattoo regret is common.
Now let‘s analyze who regrets most:
Tattoo Regret By Generation
| Generation | Tattoo Regret Rate |
|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (59-77 years old) | 19% |
| Generation X (38-58 years old) | 12% |
| Millennials (27-42 years old) | 11% |
| Generation Z (11-26 years old) | 7% |
Data sourced from Statista
Baby Boomers have the highest rate of regret. Their views on body art shifted as tattoos became mainstream. Millennials and Gen Z grew up with more acceptance of ink.
Tattoo Regret By Gender
- Women – 26%
- Men – 19%
Data sourced from Harris Poll
Women regret tattoos 7% more often than men. Fashion and style changes may drive some female tattoo regret.
Tattoo Regret By Number of Tattoos
| # of Tattoos | Tattoo Regret Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 tattoo | 15% |
| 2 tattoos | 20% |
| 3+ tattoos | 32% |
Data sourced from Gitnux Blog
No surprises here – more tattoos mean more chances for regret. But most people with 1-2 tattoos don‘t regret their ink.
Top 10 Tattoo Regret Reasons Revealed
Now, why do people regret their permanent body art?
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Poor quality tattoo (17% of regrets)
Lousy linework or shoddy application is hard to fix. Do serious research to pick the right artist.
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Impulsive decision
Deciding on an impulse leads to designs you may not love long-term. Think it over carefully first.
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Faded tattoo
Once vibrant tattoos can turn into a blurry mess over time. Touch-ups help.
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Lifestyle change
What suited you before may seem irrelevant after life changes like new careers or relationships.
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Name of ex
Nearly 20% of word tattoos are regretted. Breakups = tattoo remorse.
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Offensive/embarrassing tattoo
Tattoos once considered cool can become cringeworthy as cultural views evolve.
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Outdated tattoo trend
Trendy tribal armbands or barbed wire don‘t age well. Classic designs have longer appeal.
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Tattoo pain/complications (14% cited this)
Infections and other issues arise more than you may expect.
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Career change
Your tattoos for one industry likely won‘t fly in a conservative field.
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Change in self-image
Tattoos reflecting your old self can seem inconsistent with who you are now.
Pick designs and locations wisely based on your personality and goals to avoid joining these regretful ranks!
By The Numbers: Tattoo Removal Statistics
Okay, so you got a tattoo you now hate. What are your options? Let‘s look at the tattoo removal stats:
- 31% consider removal, but only 19% go through with it (Gitnux Blog)
- In the US, the average cost per session is $463 (Gitnux Blog)
- Multiple treatments are usually required, sometimes 10+ (History of Tattoos)
- Laser removal is the most common method globally (History of Tattoos)
- In Europe, removal costs ~$50-60 per in2 (CLIPP)
- The tattoo removal industry earns ~$75 million/year in the US (IBISWorld)
- Globally, tattoo removal was a $314 million market in 2022 (Straits Research)
Laser removal is pricey, time-consuming, and unlikely to erase a tattoo completely. Removing intricate designs can cost thousands. Think hard before getting ink you may want removed.
Tattoo Regret Across Borders
How do American tattoo regret statistics compare globally?
United States
- 23% regret tattoos (Harris Poll)
- 19% have tattoos removed (Gitnux Blog)
- $745 average spent per person on tattoos (New Beauty)
United Kingdom
Canada
- 23% regret tattoos (Vancouver Sun)
- 11% have tried removing tattoos (Vancouver Sun)
Australia
- 22% regret tattoos (McCrindle)
- 14% aged 20-29 regret tattoos (Gitnux Blog)
Similar tattoo regret rates emerge across these countries, ranging from 18-23%. Laser removal demand rises worldwide along with tattoo popularity.
Should You Get Inked? Tattoo Pros Vs. Cons
By now, you‘re probably wondering: should I get a tattoo or not?
Here are pros of getting tattooed:
- Self-expression – Tattoos can reflect your personality or interests.
- Uniqueness – They offer a way to stand out from the crowd.
- Artistry – Tattoos can be incredible, intricate works of art.
- Sentimentality – Many get ink to memorialize loved ones or events.
- Confidence – For some, tattoos can provide an esteem boost.
But also consider the cons:
- Permanence – They are forever without removal.
- Cost – Good tattoos don‘t come cheap, with removal even pricier.
- Health risks – Allergic reactions, infections, and scarring are possible.
- Employment – Tattoos still carry stigma in some careers.
- Future regret – Tattoo trends and tastes change. Yours may too.
Think hard about your motivations. Discuss with trusted friends. Seek designs meaningful to you. Ultimately, assess your risk tolerance.
And if you decide to join the tattoo club, read on for tips to avoid regret!
Minimize Tattoo Regret With These Expert Tips
If you plan to get inked, how can you avoid future remorse? Here is my best advice:
Choose wisely
- Avoid names/portraits – Relationships and looks change
- Skip trends – Opt for classic over fads
- Consider careers – Will it fit with your future field?
- No intoxicated decisions – Alcohol impairs judgement
Research artists
- Vet portfolios – Ensure reputable linework and shading
- See healed tattoos – Not fresh ones masking flaws
- Read reviews – Check for red flags
- Book consultations – Discuss concerns in depth
Verify aftercare
- Confirm instructions – Follow them precisely
- Know infection signs – Redness, swelling, oozing
- Act fast if concerned – See doctor ASAP
Following these tips helps avoid poor quality work or tattoo choices you‘ll later regret.
Choose thoughtfully. Research thoroughly. Care properly. And you can feel confident sporting ink you‘ll love long-term.
A Forever Decision That Doesn‘t Have To Be Forever
We‘ve covered volumes of valuable tattoo data today. Let‘s recap the key need-to-know nuggets:
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Up to 1 in 4 tattooed people later regret their ink. But most don‘t regret being tattooed overall.
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Impulsive choices, poor quality, and name tattoos often lead to remorse.
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Removal is expensive, lengthy, and may not fully erase the art.
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Certain demographics like Boomers and women have higher regret rates.
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Tattoo popularity and removal keeps increasing across Western nations.
The bottom line: Don‘t take the permanence of tattoos lightly. Weigh the pros and cons. Seek meaningful designs. Research trusted artists. Tattoos can become regrettable, but they don‘t have to be forever.
I hope these tattoo statistics provide perspective to guide your personal body art decisions. At the end of the day, it‘s your body – decorate it deliberately. And you can have an ink-free future if you ever change your mind.
Wishing you zero tattoo regret ahead!
