Our latest study shows one in four Australians has a tattoo (25%) – a record high. This is up from 20% in 2018 and 19% in 2016. The proportion of women with a tattoo now exceeds that of men by more than ten per cent (31% women compared to 19% men).
Tattoos have become increasingly popular recently, with an estimated 30% of the U.S. population having at least one tattoo and women being more likely to get a tattoo than men (31% vs 27%).
Reasons for getting a tattoo
Tattooing is most popular among Australians in the 20 to 39 year age group. According to McCrindle Research, by 2009, one in four Australians of the Gen Y group— those born between 1982 and 2001—considered having “body art” as an ideal way to celebrate their coming of age.
Now with more skin on display, if Australians this Summer have the perception that we've become more tattooed than ever – that's because we have. Australia is experiencing a growth in the proportion if the nation becoming 'inked', with 20% of Australians in 2018 admitting they have a tattoo, a record high.
Not without regrets
One third (34%) of Australians with tattoos say that they regret, to some extent, getting a tattoo. One in 7 (14%) have commenced or looked into tattoo removal. “It is my ex-boyfriends initials… now means little but serves as a reminder to think and then think again before I get another tattoo.”
Australia has no national laws that make it illegal for employers to ban visible body ink in the workplace or to reject applicants because of their tattoos.
Who has tattoos in Australia? 14.5% of Australians have at least one tattoo. Percentage of men who have tattoos 15.4%. Percentage of women who have tattoos 13.6%.
Words almost as popular as symbols
While for the majority (72%) of tattooed Australians their most recent tattoo was a picture or symbol, for 1 in 5 (19%) it was a phrase or a word. The biggest growth in tattoo design is in the phrase or word category which has seen a massive increase over the last few years.
Tattoos have been around for centuries, but in recent years they've become increasingly popular.
The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It's not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes.
Queensland is the third most inked state after NSW and Victoria, with 20 per cent of the population displaying tattoos.
Performing home tattoos on yourself or your friends may be illegal in some cases. Getting a tattoo overseas (even in a professional tattoo shop) may not be safe. The safest way to get tattoos is from professional tattoo premises that are registered with your local council in Australia.
This statistic is a reminder that tattoos are a permanent decision and should be thought through carefully before taking the plunge. A Fox News survey revealed that 36% of tattooed individuals feel that their body art makes them more attractive. However, 17% of them regret their decision.
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.
A closer look at the US data shows that 39% got their first tattoo between 15 and 19, and one in four went under the needle after they turned 30. A survey from Remember a Charity also found that 5% got their first tattoo after turning 60.
Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less. This was especially among those who reported a history of depression. The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control over the self. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken.
The job industry with highest percentage of tattooed staff is the military. The occupation with the second highest rate of tattooed employees is agriculture.
Tattoos can be a form of self-care for young people
It's not just bubble baths and meditation, and 17% of young people say they get tattoos as a form of personal care. The number who say so is even higher for the tattoo loving Millennial parent demographic (25%).
The symbol '1%' and the term 'One percenters' means the minority, outlaw component which compared with the 99 per cent of society which is law abiding, are the 1 per cent who are not. The '1%' patch is worn only by clubs immersed in criminality with a boast of being bad and dangerous.
Those attracted to women saw a three-way tie between the upper back, shoulder and hips (with a 3.3 rating). The back: a top-rated tattoo location for women and men. The hip: a top-rated tattoo location for women. The upper arm: a top-rated tattoo location for men.
More and more Australians are spending upwards of $10,000 on tattoos in the hopes of looking like their favourite celebrities. The tattoo trend is taking over Australia with some people spending up to $10,000 a year just to get inked.
You must be aged 18 or over to get a tattoo. A tattoo studio may ask for proof of age if they think you are under 18. It's illegal to tattoo a person under 18—even if your parent or guardian agrees.
Try to place your tattoos in an area where you are least likely to gain the most weight or deal with skin sagging, such as the neck, upper back, hands, forearms, ankles, and feet. Most facial tattoos are long-lasting since we tend to take better care of the skin on our faces than any other body part.
Tattoos in American society
As can be seen above, compared to people without tattoos, 40 percent of people find those with tattoos to be characteristically rebellious while only 16 percent of respondents find people with tattoos characteristically attractive.