52 Ink Fails That Turned Questionable Ideas Into Permanent Regrets

Lists like these may put off some people from ever getting tattooed. But the truth is that it's not that tattoos are bad; you just have to be careful about choosing the right artist and about having an idea that can translate to the skin well. Many people feel anxiety about their first tattoos: about how they are going to turn out, how they will look after 20 or so years, and whether they will regret them.

But research shows that these worries are short-lived. A 2012 study explored these anxieties with people in a German-speaking southern region of Europe. The participants claimed their anxiety and dissatisfaction about their appearance decreased three weeks after getting their first tattoo. Both men and women reported better self-esteem, but the women had higher social physique anxiety after the three-week follow-up.

With all the risk of their tattoos turning out horribly, why do some folks even take the risk, you may ask? According to a 2015 Harris poll, 33% of tatted Americans think that having tattoos makes them more desirable to their preferred gender. What's more, 32% say they feel more attractive, 27% feel more rebellious, and 20% report increased spirituality.

On the other hand, sometimes anxiety and tattoos go hand in hand. Researchers have found that individuals prone to anxiety are more likely to get tattoos. A 2023 study showed that there's a correlation between anxiety levels and whether a person was tatted or not. For example, 32% of the participants who reported moderate to severe anxiety had tattoos, and only 20.2% didn't.

The study also showed that individuals with medical conditions are slightly more likely to get tattoos in general. For instance, 35.3% of the participants who had moderate to severe depression had tattoos, and only 22.9% didn't. Those who suffered from migraines were also more likely to be tattooed (24.5%) than not (16.9%). Similarly, there were more tattooed people with chronic pain (13.2% vs. 9.2%). On the other hand, participants without tattoos had higher blood pressure (32.1% vs. 24%).

Sometimes, people assume that people who like pain or needles like to get tattoos. Yet, research shows that those who get tattoos are actually more prone to needle phobia. According to a 2021 dental study, people with tattoos and piercings had more injection anxiety than those who were tattoo-free. As a fellow needlephobe and tattoo haver, I can confirm: I'd rather have a hundred tattoos before having a nurse [jerk] my finger for blood.

Still, even people with needle phobia can get tattoos. According to experts at the Bunker Tattoo salon in the Netherlands, there are ways to accommodate those who are afraid of needles. Even simple things like the right artist and a calm, soothing environment can make a big difference. There are also techniques one can use during the tattooing session, like visualization, deep breathing, and mindfulness. In some cases, CBT can be helpful in addressing the causes of the phobia.

What do you think of this cornucopia of tattoo disasters, Pandas? What do you think is the worst body part to tattoo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. And if you're in the mood for more painful tattoo fails, check out previous compilations of tattoos so bad that they're not even funny here, here, and right here!

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