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.
People between the ages of 18 to 29 years are most likely to have tattoos (38%).
One in four Australians has a tattoo
Australia is experiencing growth in the proportion of people becoming 'inked'. 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.
Getting your first tattoo is a big deal. Whether you've thought about it long and hard, are getting one on a whim, or have debated the idea of getting inked for years; getting a tattoo is a permanent decision, one that's hard to go back on.
You're never too old to get a tattoo! As people age and become more independent, they also become more confident and want to express themselves more than they were allowed to in their younger days. Tattoos are a great way to do this and can also be empowering for those going through a change in life.
WONDERFUL, YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST.
Changing careers and becoming a Tattoo Artist at any age is absolutely possible.
You're Between the Ages of 18 and 21
Roughly 37 percent of people who regret their tattoos got their unwanted ink between those ages. Another 20 percent were aged 22 to 25. But once you hit 26, the likelihood of regretting your tattoo falls into the single digits.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
Scratching pain.
Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you. Though it's not the most intense pain ever, it might make you wanna hiss – especially if your artist uses multiple needles, like when shading. This also tends to happen away from bony or ultra-sensitive areas.
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.
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.
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.
Certain tattoo styles that use black and/or grey ink, such as Tribal tattoos, Greyscale tattoos, and American Traditional tattoos (as well as bold lettering or Zodiac tattoos) are known to age well. These different tattoo styles feature bold, detailed linework that is deeply injected into the skin.
This again depends on the tattoo. 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.
Teenagers' bodies and their skin aren't necessarily done growing by age 18. This means that a tattoo one gets at 18 could be stretched out, faded, and lopsided by age 24.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
About 1/16th of an inch into the skin. Not so scary, right? The tattoo machine's needle aims to deposit the ink in a region of 1.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters below the surface of the skin.
Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold. The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
If you are scared to get tattoo appointments because you suffer from a severe fear of needles, don't worry. We often hear, “I want a tattoo, but I'm scared of needles” and this is super normal. If you're looking for advice on how to get a tattoo if you're scared of needles, we have definitely got some.
Again, tattoos and anxiety are totally normal. For those who know they'll be feeling those jitters during their appointment we'll give you some tips on how to stay calm while getting a tattoo. And I can't stress this enough, but finding the right artist for your first piece is of the utmost importance.