“I think tattoo removal is getting really mainstream and we’re getting really into ‘clean’ aesthetics.”
Like numerous different 18 12 months olds, the second I might legally guide myself in at a tattoo studio, I did. First got here a couple of tiny, effective line items – on my ankles, one on my wrist. Then got here the Tumblr-core rib tattoo, a thicker arm piece and naturally, the finding out overseas stick and pokes. It’s nearly a rite-of-passage whenever you’re younger and the thought of remorse looks like a far, far off chance.
Now, 10 years on from my first tattoo, it’s secure to say I do have a couple of regrets – and it’s not simply me. Pete Davidson, who was famously lined in tattoos, debuted his ink-free physique in a Reformation advert marketing campaign earlier this 12 months and extra not too long ago, an anti-tattoo sentiment has been trending on-line.
Want to learn extra about how others navigate the world? Head to our Life part.
Although tattoos largely mirror cultural shifts and traits, they’re additionally deeply private, reflecting significant recollections, cultural symbols or paying homage to folks in your life. So, we put the decision out to FJ readers, asking them how they really feel about tattoos now, and whether or not they’ve thought of getting them eliminated.
Kelly*, 24, she/her
I have 9 tattoos and I obtained them over the area of three years. They all have sentimental worth, which is why I selected them, however now I’m at some extent the place I’m trying to get a easy, simple flash tattoo for my subsequent one. I don’t remorse the tattoos I have however I want I waited somewhat longer between getting them simply so I may very well be 100 per cent certain. That feels like a remorse however I promise it’s not.
Nina*, 22, she/her
I have two tattoos. I obtained my first when I turned 18 and it’s palm-sized on my shoulder. Then, when I turned 20, I obtained one other one on my facet boob, which I love. It feels very me and it’s such a simple one to cowl up if I want.
I do remorse my shoulder one although. In the centre is a child gecko and on the time, I didn’t like how the design turned out however didn’t say something. I’m a stripper and since its so distinctive I fear about being recognised on the road. I actually need to it eliminated, so I’ll have to avoid wasting up.
Tahlia*, 30, she/her
I have round 30. I obtained my first one at 17 utilizing my sisters ID, and when I moved to Melbourne I continued the gathering. Sometimes I see folks with nothing and assume it appears actually lovely – our our bodies are beautiful the best way they’re. But I do assume my tattoos swimsuit my character and magnificence, and I really feel like I’ve at all times been fairly expressive and edgy.
I’ve had one eliminated – it was a tattoo I shared with an ex. I know folks say to not get a tattoo along with your accomplice however I assume all tattoos mirror a key time in your life. If I hadn’t been cheated on I would’ve kept it.
I assume the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic is trending on-line, which is why folks now disgrace tattoos. I don’t assume tattoos needs to be seen as a development or one thing you get as a result of it appears cool on another person.
Lily*, 28, she/her
I obtained my first when I was 18 on an island in Cambodia and let’s simply say I’m not happy with that one. I obtained my second finished a 12 months later by a good friend of a good friend in a dusty flat in my hometown. My third and fourth have been finished in Budapest for my twenty first birthday – one is a sundown and it feels a bit cringe now. The different one is an identical coronary heart with my youthful sister.
My fifth tattoo is one other matching sister tattoo – it’s a butterfly primarily based on a drawing our brother did. We have been on the health club and randomly determined to get it that afternoon on the closest tattoo parlour. I obtained most up-to-date one (quantity six) when I turned 26 . It’s the one tattoo I really put thought into and spent the cash to go to a tattoo artist I appreciated.
I do remorse them, though I don’t actually take into consideration them until I’m going to a job interview or a proper occasion. I understand it’s 2025 now and tattoos have develop into so regular however I assume it’s extra about how I understand myself. I love them on different folks however I don’t see myself as a tattooed particular person. I need to get one specifically eliminated, however I’m ready for the expertise to get higher and for the therapies to get cheaper.
Ash*, 22, she/her
I at present have 4 tattoos. I obtained my first one when I turned 18 (typical) and the remainder have been scattered. I plan to get far more however I want inspiration to strike for brand new concepts.
I do love all of them however I have combined emotions about my first one. I don’t essentially remorse it however I really feel like I have developed and my fashion has modified. I’m method too scared (and poor) to have it eliminated, I would favor to cowl it over with one thing that matches the remainder of my tattoos. My artist is wonderful and she will do something, so I have full confidence. Shout out Juno Star Tattoo in Canberra!
Although I do perceive tattoo remorse, I see them as extra of a show-and-tell of who you might be (or who you have been at one time limit) and as we transfer on, evolve and alter, they’re good reminders of the place we’ve come from. Our our bodies are a canvas and you may at all times repaint!
Liz, 33, she/her
I have properly over 50 tattoos and I began getting them from the minute I turned 17. I like most of them. I remorse a finest good friend tattoo I have with somebody I’m not buddies with anymore and I additionally remorse getting a trending fashion (sacred geometry).
My conventional tattoos are much more timeless however the geometric tattoo actually reveals my age. I assume folks will really feel the identical about cyber sigilism and different fashionable kinds in ten years. I’ve had some eliminated so nothing is ever actually everlasting. I say simply get the tattoo.
Hayley*, 22, she/her
I have three. I obtained all of them this 12 months and inside one to 2 months aside. I nonetheless actually love them however I simply don’t know the best way to convey it as much as my mother and father (not for the foreseeable future, no less than).
Diya*, 25, she/ her
I have one on my ankle, one on my hip, two on my arm and three on my again. I see them as momentos from interval of my life. I do remorse some, just like the one on my arm I obtained post-breakup. It was too impulsive.
Sarah*, 29, she/her
I have 16. I began when I was 18 and undergo phases of getting one or two each couple of months, after which not getting them for ages! They’re a mix of delicate, significant stuff and completely random designs.
I remorse a couple of, principally the bigger extra apparent ones that I assume don’t slot in with my vibe or match the sensation of the remainder of them. I’m torn, as a result of even when I don’t love them now, I know that I actually, really beloved them when I obtained them so I need to keep true to that particular person.
I assume tattoo removing is getting actually mainstream and we’re getting actually into ‘clean’ aesthetics which is okay if that’s your factor, however there’s one thing to be stated for letting your tattoos be what they’re. They inform the story of who you have been and what you appreciated at one time limit. Having stated that I’ll nonetheless be researching the best way to eliminate the large wolf on my ankle.
Jessica*, 28, she/her
I have 12 tattoos. My first one I did myself when I was 18 and my most up-to-date one when I went by means of a foul break up when I was 26. I hate most of them. Some can keep and are usually not objectively offensive besides one – I went by means of a foul break up three years in the past and I obtained an enormous cyber-girl-est tramp stamp that was a stick and poke given by certainly one of my finest buddies. It took a number of classes and entire lot of ache. I need it off my physique – it severely looks like an alter ego that I don’t align with in any respect.
I would like to get them eliminated! But on this monetary local weather? I assume I’ll should reside with my choices for somewhat longer. I was speaking with my good friend who gave me the tattoo and we each agreed that you simply shouldn’t be allowed to place tattoos on you physique till you’re 30 and your mind has absolutely shaped (haha).
Dee*, 20, she/her
I have round 15 (too many my dad would say) and I began getting them when I was 17 with a faux ID. I truthfully nonetheless love them! I solely form of remorse one – it’s a music title that I don’t actually align with anymore. I take a look at my tattoos as previous variations of myself, however they continue to grow with me and alter in which means as I grow old. I have a pair of ballet sneakers i obtained tatted throughout schoolies (lol), however solely now does it imply probably the most to me as a result of I began dancing once more this 12 months with wonderful folks.
*Names have been modified for privateness.
For extra on tattoo traits, strive this.