Some find that tattoos can give them a sense of belonging or allow them to express who they are as individuals. Apart from the identity-based motivations, the study indicated that tattoos can also be perceived as a way to adorn the body as a fashion accessory or work of art to wear on the body.
Self-expression
One of the most common reasons people get tattoos is to express themselves and their unique personalities. Tattoos can express an individual's personality, beliefs, and values.
These determine people's capacity to confront situations and adapt to the circumstances. For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people.
Tattoos are finally being recognized as a form of self-expression, and design styles have expanded from American traditional tattoos to custom Japanese sleeves, to full body works of elaborate art that could tempt even those most wary of the machine into getting tattooed.
Women wanted their bodies to be their own, and tattoos seemed to once again lend them a secret source of power, although most women no longer chose to cover their tattoos with their clothing. Another way women have used tattoos to take back their bodies can be seen in the survivors of breast cancer.
Women tend to look more favourably on men with tattoos, associating them with “good health, masculinity, aggressiveness and dominance,” according to one study. What is it about tattooed men that's so attractive?
Results of Studies on Tattoos and Attraction
One study conducted by a university in Florida found that men rated women with tattoos as more attractive than those without. This study also found that men rated women with tattoos as being more confident and sexually desirable.
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).
Tattoo placement trends in 2023 are proving to be quite creative and unique, with many people looking for ways to express themselves through body art. Colorful tattoos making a comeback is the next trend on the horizon as more individuals look for ways to make their tattoo stand out from the crowd.
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.
Risk-Taking and Thrill-Seeking. 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.
It solely depends on the person's views on tattoos. Some may see it as a rebellious act, while others view it as an art. Many still cling to the old-school perspective that tattoos are for criminals. Whilst, people with tattoos, consider body art as self-expression that portrays their unique characters.
Getting a tattoo, especially the first one, is a new experience. So it is not surprising that these psychologists discovered that tattooed people tend to be more open to experiences and actively seek them. They are more adventurous and uninhibited people who seek adventure and excitement.
Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
Multiple tattoos were found to reduce cortisol levels, improving the immune system benefits of tattoos, but also helping with stress reduction. High levels of cortisol are associated with many of the physical and mental detriments of stress: Migraines/headaches. Increased weight gain.
The criteria for a tattoo to be deemed “classy” is highly subjective. However, there are styles that are more aesthetically pleasing to even the most highfalutin eye. You will want an artist that specializes in black and grey styles, and/or a tattooist with a penchant for clean minimalist lines.
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%).
Tattoos are not going out of style. As stigma wanes and quality standards improve, tattoos are steadily gaining popularity and social acceptance. Tattoos are also known to be part of various cultures going back over 6,000 years, so it is safe to assume that they will never fully go out of style.
A fine line tattoo typically begins to lose its definition after about 15 years. Bigger, bolder lines maintain their look for longer with proper care. At 40, many people will still have their tattoo in great shape, but if not, a touch-up is a great solution.
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.
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.”
The TV network behind new show “Best Ink” and Lightspeed Research asked just over 1000 people across the United States about their perceptions of body art, and it turned out 59 percent of women have tattoos compared to 41 percent of men.
A: There's a lot of individual differences of course, but there's evidence that, overall, women will not find you more attractive with a tattoo. Additionally, women find men with tattoos to be healthier, more masculine, dominant, and aggressive, but as worse partners and parents.
Galbarczyk and Ziomkiewicz's study also revealed that women find tattooed men to be more masculine, dominant, and aggressive, traits associated with both elevated levels of testosterone and overall good health.
Some slightly concealed tattoo options include designs between the shoulder blades and hip tattoos that extend onto the upper thigh. Those attracted to men and women also agreed that face tattoos are universally the least attractive location for a tattoo.