Many people want to get specific tattoos removed because it reminds them of something in their past that they're not proud of, don't want to remember because it's painful, or it was a period in their life where they weren't happy. For example, many people get tattoos under the influence.
In some cases, people may want to remove a tattoo because it prevents them from getting a job or because it is causing them embarrassment. Other times, people may want to remove a tattoo because it has faded and become illegible over time or because they are no longer in love with the design.
The global tattoo removal market is expected to reach $4.8 billion by 2023, indicating its growing popularity as more people seek out this service for various reasons such as feeling more employable or simply wanting to get rid of unwanted ink on their bodies.
Tattoo removal warnings
In 2019, of the 450 people surveyed by Statista, 12% of the respondents said they considered having one of their tattoos removed.
Lasers for tattoo removal were first used in the late 1960s, but they did not emerge as a primary treatment until the 1980s when the concept of selective photothermolysis allowed more specific targeting of tattoo pigment.
About 21% said their regret had begun around the one-year mark, and 36% reported that several years had passed before they doubted their decision.
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.
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.
What percentage of people with tattoos experience tattoo regret? Approximately 25% of people with tattoos experience some level of tattoo regret.
No, tattoos do not take years off your life. There was a study done in 2014 that did suggest that people with tattoos, on average, have a shorter lifespan. Obviously, there are millions of variables that go into a study like that, but the takeaway is that tattoo-havers also tend to be higher on the risk-taking chart.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
When you get a tattoo, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. When released, they cause a euphoric feeling not dissimilar to a class of drugs called opioids.
Tattoo removal requests have increased 32% since 2016.
It suggests that more people are now opting to remove tattoos that they may have previously been content with, indicating that the trend of getting tattoos is becoming less popular.
Nevertheless, things look slightly different when it comes to visible tattoos, especially on the face and neck, as 63% of the general public would consider them unprofessional. The older population, aged 55 and above, have a firmer stance on this, as 80% see face and neck tattoos as unprofessional.
Nowadays, women view tattoos in a variety of different ways - for some, tattoos appeal to ideals about empowerment and taking control of ones femininity and body. For others, tattoos are worn as a badge of self expression, or to mark an important life event or change.
Improves One's Self-Esteem
People who feel good about themselves are more likely to want to express themselves through their appearance, and tattoos are a popular way to do that. For many people, getting a tattoo is a way to show the world that they are confident and proud of who they are.