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.
Tattoos are becoming more popular and mainstream than ever in recent years, with over 50% of Americans under the age of 40 sporting tattoos. People's reasons for getting inked vary vastly — for some they serve as mementos and for others as masterpieces.
Will tattoos still be everywhere in 2023? Yes, tattoos will still be popular. In fact, tattoos have become more accepted in society over the past few decades, and many people now view tattoos as a form of self-expression.
While the reasons for using tattoos differed from culture to culture and people to people, their use has remained consistent throughout the centuries. One might think that such an old practice would fade with time, but there's a future for tattoos still. Tattoos won't go out of style for several reasons.
Tattoos are popular amongst the working population too, with 31% saying they have a tattoo. They've become so commonly accepted that even world leaders from the past and present are known to have tattoos.
Researchers around the world who study human behaviors have been interested in finding out what makes people modify their body. They have found that individuals with tattoos report that they feel more attractive, stronger and more self-confident—having overcome the fear of pain.
Tattoos are an outlet for their creativity
38% of Millennials have between 1-6 tattoos, according to a Pew Research survey. Half of those with tattoos have 2-5 and 18% have 6 or more. The trend has been influenced by celebrities and influencers, and TV shows such as Miami Ink.
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.
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.
Not only is the tattoo business booming and expected to grow, but according to a survey conducted in 2018, it is estimated that 40% of households have occupants with tattoos. Tattoos have become more accepted and even appreciated in public spaces.
Generally speaking, a well-cared for tattoo that has more fine lines will fade in fifteen years. Bigger, bolder lines can maintain their look for thirty to forty years plus if you got them when you were young and cared for them well.
People have always found ways to build their identity and permanent tattoos are a way to remind themselves of that identity and display it for others to see. Some of the ways people define themselves include their career, religion, family and even their possessions, such as their car or house.
An article written in the journal of human relations wrote, “tattoo discrimination was perhaps more prevalent during earlier decades when tattoos were less common, but the overall level of prejudice has attenuated over time.”
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.
Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers. However, visible tattoos are not appropriate for every profession and may not match your company's vision.
Some negative perceptions is that tattooed people are more rebellious, less intelligent, with lower levels of competence, inhibition and sociability. Tattooed people are also often stereo-typed as being drug addicts or criminals.
Both men and women agreed that a man with a tattoo looked more masculine, dominant, and aggressive. The researchers conclude that: tattoos may have a dual function: they influence female preference, but also are likely to be important in male-male competition.
trend report that Gen Z and Millennials are putting their own spin on self-care. 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%).
Generation Z (1997-2012), is on its way to becoming the most-tattooed generation as they get older. As of 2021, 23% of Gen Z had tattoos, with 19% having more than one.
Of those who have tattoos, 70% have more than one tattoo and 20% have more than five. 36% of Americans between the age of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. 72% of adults with tattoos have tattoos that are usually hidden by clothing. More women regret their tattoos than men.
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.
People usually get depression tattoos to express their emotions tangibly. For many, having something they can see and touch serves as a reminder of any difficult times they may have gone through, helping them work through their issues.
“Tattooing starts at the body's first line of defense, the skin, and uses it as a canvas to physically bear witness to the assault experienced on body, mind, and sense of self. As such, it often visually and viscerally becomes a source of healing,” Suzanne Phillips, a psychologist, had explained.