What is the regret rate for tattoos?

Author: Ms. Anissa Littel  |  Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2025

We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo. Perhaps that's because people with full-sleeves or longer spent more time thinking about it.

How common is tattoo regret?

Estimates suggest that about 20% to 50% of people with tattoos experience some level of regret about their tattoos. The reasons for regret can vary widely, including changes in personal taste, relationships, or lifestyle, as well as the quality or placement of the tattoo.

Are tattoos declining in popularity?

Tattoo artists are staying afloat by the skin of their teeth, reporting a “downturn” in demand for ink. The primary culprit for the “tattoo recession,” body mod enthusiasts believe, is debt-burdened clients who cannot afford to splurge on costly art, namely Gen Z and Millennials.

What percent of people regret their Harry Potter tattoos?

While we don't have specific statistics on how many people wish they'd never gotten a Harry Potter tattoo, more than 25 percent of people regret their tattoos, according to Psychology Today. Compare that to the less than 1 percent of people who regret getting gender affirming care.

How to avoid tattoo regret?

  • 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Accept that it's normal to feel regret over a tattoo. Reflect on why you feel this way--whether it's due to the design, placement, or changes in your life.
  • 2. Consider Cover-Up Options Many tattoos can be effectively covered up with new designs.
  • 3. Explore Removal Options

Tattoo Regret is Real (tattoo artist explains)

Is it normal to feel a little regret after a tattoo?

But what happens when you fall out of love with the art that's now part of your body? Tattoo regret is a real feeling plenty of people have after going under the needle. Around a quarter of those who get a tat decide that they don't like it later.

What do tattoo artists hate to tattoo?

Insider asked professional tattooers which designs they prefer not to ink and why.
  • Inner-lip tattoos can be frustrating to ink.
  • Tiny finger tattoos aren't always a hit with artists.
  • Some popular anchor designs are a bit ironic.
  • Getting a tattoo of your partner's name can be risky.

What tattoo did Ginny say Harry had?

Three Dementor attacks in a week, and all Romilda Vane does is ask me if it's true you've got a Hippogriff tattooed across your chest." Ron and Hermione both roared with laughter. Harry ignored them. Harry: "What did you tell her?" Ginny: "I told her it's a Hungarian Horntail.

How many rejections did Harry Potter get?

However, the book was rejected by no less than twelve publishers! It was finally accepted by Christopher Little, an obscure London literary agent. In 1996, Little agreed to publish 500 copies of the book.

Is Gen Z getting more tattoos?

Tattoos are not as stigmatized as they once were, and even people in older generations, beyond the Veterans and bikers who were already getting inked, are joining in on the fun. The cultural change may be attributed to the younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z. These are the most tattooed age groups.

Are tattoos illegal in Japan?

While tattoos are not illegal, they can prevent people from getting the full Japanese experience. When using public transportation in Japan, such as trains, tourists with visible tattoos will want to keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals.

Are people with tattoos happier?

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.

How do you know you won't regret a tattoo?

5 Important Choices to Make to Avoid Feeling Regret Over Your Next Tattoo
  1. Choose a Style That is Right for You.
  2. Choose a Subject That You Won't Grow Tired Of.
  3. Choose Placement That Won't Complicate Life.
  4. Choose Placement That Won't Alter with Time.
  5. Choose the Right Studio and Tattooist.

At what age do most people get tattoos?

The mean age at getting a first tattoo was 21.8 ± 6.8 years (min–max: 12–56 years).

Are tattoos allowed at Hogwarts?

Tattoos are expected to be covered at all times. Piercings must be removed or covered at all times, this excludes small earrings. Headboys & Headgirls, prefects and quidditch captains are expected to wear their assigned badges at all times.

What tattoo does Harry kiss?

Harry Styles kissing his heart tattoo.

Why did Harry dump Ginny?

Because Harry was going to hunt Horcrouxes and he didn't want Ginny to get involved. He didn't really break up, he just left her for a while though he still cared about her. Because he was going to hunt Horcruxes with Ron and Hermione, he wanted her to be safe and proceed in the comfort of her home.

What is the most regretted tattoo?

The types of tattoos people regret most are lettering/script (19%), symbols (16%), names (12%), animal designs (10%) and tribal tattoos (9%).

Is tattoo popularity declining?

This shift is consistent with other surveys documenting the gradually declining stigma around tattoos in the United States, which were once considered a taboo form of body modification. A 2019 Ipsos poll showed 30% of Americans now sport at least one piece of body art, compared to the 21% who wore ink in 2012.

Are dermatologists against tattoos?

Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.

What is the most overused tattoo?

Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
  • “Carpe Diem” ...
  • Om Sign. ...
  • Anchor. ...
  • “This Too Shall Pass” ...
  • Dreamcatcher. ...
  • Barred Wire. ...
  • Geometric animals. ...
  • Area Code. If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body.

What should I not tell my tattoo artist?

Here's some of the things you may want to avoid saying or asking: “Can you go any faster?” – If you want a crappy tattoo, maybe. “If I don't like it, can I get a refund?” – No, sorry. You pre-approved the art before they started.

Is it rude to ask the tattoo price?

There's nothing wrong with asking what the hourly rate is, and for a rough estimate of how long the tattoo will take. Trying to talk them down on their rates, though, that's where it gets rude. You have to have an idea of the cost...

Previous article
What to do the first night of a tattoo?
Next article
Why does my waxed hair grow back so fast?