81 Cool Tattoos That Didn’t Turn Into Permanent Regrets (New Pics)

While the impression is that tattoos are well-thought-out, a recent poll found that 3 out of 10 are the result of spur-of-the-moment decisions. Specifically, 17% of respondents reported that their body ink was done the same day they decided to get it. 6% of respondents, meanwhile, had theirs within an hour of deciding. 

Whether you decide to get inked on a whim or you give it a lot of thought, you wouldn’t want the tattoo to be a disaster. Having them removed is not only supposedly ten times more expensive but also much more painful.

So, how do you avoid regret? Doing research would be a start, even just by looking through the artist’s flash book, according to Brooklyn-based artist Angel Garcia.

“It matters to artists that their clients feel good about what they’re getting into, no matter how much time that takes,” Garcia said in an interview with The Guardian. “It’s part of what you’re paying for.”

Establishing boundaries is another important thing, according to artist Alejandra Pires. One piece of advice she shared is not to agree to a design you’re feeling hesitant about.

“If the vibes ever feel off, it’s not only OK but better to back out than to get the tattoo, even if you lose your deposit,” Pires said in the same interview with The Guardian, noting that artists are normally receptive to design change requests, even during the appointment itself.

When it comes to choosing a design, Garcia says it does not need to have a grand, significant meaning. She noted that having a liking for it is a good enough criterion. 

“To say, ‘Me liking this design is enough’ – that’s sentimental too, in a way,” she said. “That can be empowering.”