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Tattoos are a lifelong commitment. They will remain on your skin throughout your entire existence, unless you go through the extensive, expensive, and more painful process of having them removed. 

It’s why most people put a lot of thought into the designs, which, for the most part, hold a significant meaning to them. However, some seemingly have zero qualms about having random, and quite frankly, unflattering images permanently inked on their bodies. 

Check out these examples. If you’re planning to get inked for the first time, let these photos be your cautionary tale.

#1

Black ink tattoo of three winged cherubs on upper arm, styled with detailed linework and shading, unusual body tattoo design.

unknown Report

Roger9er
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to hear about it, I don't want to talk about it and I don't want to see it!

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    #2

    Hand tattoo with large black ink reading self made and fingers tattooed with letters and a leaf symbol seen up close.

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    #3

    Colorful bird tattoo spanning a lower stomach showing a phoenix design, part of unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Danielle Legere Report

    Roger9er
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Supposedly a phoenix I reckon, but it would do fine in Sesame Street..

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    It can be baffling to see a person proudly sporting what many would consider a “clichéd” or “horrible” tattoo. Upon seeing one, you may even think to yourself, “What was this individual thinking?”

    Former University of Massachusetts professor Dr. Kirby Farrell gave some answers in an interview with VICE many years ago. As he explained, one of the reasons is related to our innate need for connection and affirmation.

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    #4

    Man with a realistic eye tattoo on his forearm covering his eyes, one of the 91 tattoos people allowed on their bodies for life.

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    amy lee
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does his arm look so disproportionately small?!?

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    #6

    Close-up of a large, detailed neck tattoo of a three-eyed creature with orange accents, part of extreme tattoos on bodies.

    unknown Report

    Oscar
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a completely reasonable life choice

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    “We feel most real when other people are affirming us, reassuring us, and reinforcing our identity,” Dr. Farrell said. As he also noted, that sense of belongingness through shared interests is why many would choose to have a hackneyed song lyric inked on their body. 

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    “They’re urging you to be a strong individual by imitating all the other animals who are out there putting clichés on their skin,” he added.

    #8

    Tattoo of a spider with a man's face and the text Ryan Gosling on a person's upper arm, unusual tattoos on bodies.

    Matt Hicklin Report

    Min
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have said Cary Elwes so I'm glad they labelled it.

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    #9

    Large detailed wolf tattoo covering entire back of a person showcasing unique tattoos you wouldn’t believe people allowed.

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    Jae
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A*s crack, no extra charge.

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    Dr. Farrell also points out that culture itself is constantly tempting us with “fantasies of uniqueness and heroism.” He used the example of buying a new BMW to stand out and “feel heroic” on the street. 

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    The same thing happens when getting the clichéd barbed wire tattoo wrapped around the bicep, where you may want to share the same feeling of “glamor” that others may feel.

    #11

    Large black and gray wolf head tattoo with open mouth and sharp teeth on a person's upper back, unusual tattoos.

    Kat Foisy Report

    #12

    Tattoo of praying hands and a cross with a dated memorial and handwritten-style text on a person's thigh.

    misticRaccoon9922 Report

    amy lee
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like they did it themselves with their other hand. Why is the format of the years not being the same... Why is it so wonky.. There's so much wrong with this my eye is twitching. Send help...

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    Some people may also feel addicted to getting inked. The Los Angeles Outpatient Center describes it as the “compulsive desire to obtain tattoos,” which is typically “driven by emotional and psychological factors” more than aesthetic enjoyment. 

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    Much like the dependency on illicit substances, tattoo addiction is due to the endorphin and adrenaline rush brought on by the experience of getting new artwork on one’s skin.

    The addiction to getting tattooed may also come from the slight pain from the needle burying into the epidermis. As Dr. Farrell wrote in an article for Psychology Today, “People do sometimes inflict pain on themselves because they feel pain makes experience feel sharper and more meaningful.” 

    Dr. Farrell also noted that people may view tattoos as “proof of courage,” which makes the experience more memorable to the person while also making it visible to others.

    #17

    Close-up of a man’s face with a colorful Domino’s pizza logo tattooed on his cheek, a unique tattoo example.

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    Mreoww
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Face tattoos in general are bad. And then there’s this.

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    #18

    Tattoo of a band-aid on skin, one of the unusual tattoos people allowed to be placed on their bodies.

    itescratcher101 Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must have been plastered to have that done

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    #20

    Outline tattoo of hearts and flowers on upper arm, one of the 91 tattoos you wouldn’t believe people allowed on their bodies.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Mreoww
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the doodles I drew in the margins when I was a little kid.

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    #21

    Colorful flower tattoo with wings and a halo on the upper back, one of the unusual tattoos people allow on their bodies.

    unknown Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't befriend her, you might end up a statistic on her back!

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    #22

    Tattoo of black wings and a shield with text on a person's upper back, an unusual design from 91 tattoos collection.

    Sam Mcginley Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm guessing Max was a Harley guy.

    #25

    Tattoo of an eye inside a star on the hand with additional small tattoos on the fingers, part of unusual tattoos collection.

    unknown Report

    #26

    Arm tattoo featuring a crudely drawn cigarette labeled Lindsey, a dark rain cloud with raindrops and lightning, and text with misspelled words.

    Ubiquitous Homeostasis Report

    #29

    Close-up of an unusual wrist tattoo featuring abstract hand shapes and a semicolon, showcasing unique tattoo designs.

    unknown Report

    HistoryNerd
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The semicolon has significance for those who have attempted to unalive themselves. The hands are just bad.

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    #30

    Black and gray religious tattoo on forearm depicting a bearded man with a halo and intricate patterns, unique tattoo design.

    Levi Abelson-Harman Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Richard Chamberlain and a roll a bills!

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    #31

    Large black ink bird tattoo with spread wings on upper back, one of the 91 tattoos people allowed on their bodies for life.

    unknown Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Presumably Huginn was on the other shoulder ? That way the human would be Muninn us all...

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    #33

    Black ink tattoo on skin featuring a heart with flowers and cursive text, an example of unusual tattoos on bodies.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some beautifully broken tats can't be fixed.

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    #34

    Lower back tattoo of two swans forming a heart shape surrounded by stars, seen on a person wearing black clothing.

    unknown Report

    NapQueen
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The concept is very cheesy but not the worst - if it was done a bit more professionally, it would look a lottttt better

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    #35

    Faded owl tattoo with large eyes perched on a branch, an unusual design among tattoos allowed on bodies.

    Kristen Esquivel Report

    jasper
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the "How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?" owl?

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    #36

    Close-up of a delicate rose tattoo on collar bone with text describing tattoo pain and twitching sensation.

    unknown Report

    NapQueen
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You AND the tattooist must have been twitching....

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    #37

    Close-up of unusual tattoos on skin featuring a skull, heart, crown, and other abstract shapes, showcasing unique body tattoos.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worry my nephew is going to end up with tattoos like this on his hands when he's 18. He wants an Ace of Spades tattoo (not sure if it means something and I'm too old to get the reference, he just said he liked it) but his idea of what a tattoo should cost is totally unrealistic. He's gonna let one of his friends do it for free/practice. I just know it...

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    #38

    Tattoo of a distorted human face and figure on forearm, one of the unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    PastelWallaby3937 Report

    Mreoww
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really, really bad hair day.

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    #39

    Hand tattoo showing realistic skeletal bones covering fingers and back of the hand, an unusual tattoo design.

    unknown Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's *so* difficult to get hands right - especially the carpal bits ...

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    #40

    Arm tattoo depicting a man's face with distorted features, an example of unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

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    Ali Sherlock
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's unfortunate, 1) because they are a Broncos supporter and 2) the tattoo

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    #41

    Tattoo of a poorly drawn lipstick, teardrops, and a skull on leg skin, showing unusual permanent body tattoos.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We hate it too.

    #43

    Yin yang tattoo with melting effect on skin showing unusual and unique tattoo design on body.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yin Yang or a Pokeball. Whatever.

    #44

    Tattoo of a sinister face with a hat and long nails, showcasing one of the most shocking tattoos people allowed on their bodies

    unknown Report

    #45

    Intricate tattoo of a classical face and ornamental design on forearm showcasing unique body tattoos.

    Brooke Guess Report

    #46

    Forearm tattoo of a small bear and paw outline, an unusual design among tattoos allowed on bodies for life.

    Sarah Lee Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might look OK to the wearer but it's upside down for everyone else.

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    #47

    Close-up of a hand tattoo featuring a fierce wolf head and wing designs, showcasing unique tattoos placed on skin.

    unknown Report

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    #48

    Close-up of a hand tattoo with stylized lettering, showcasing unusual tattoo designs people allowed on their bodies.

    Brooke Guess Report

    Space Invader
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how the marketplace app suggests "Hello, is this still available?", which makes a lot of sense with tattoos...

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    #51

    Chest tattoo of red lips with the numbers 04 12 below it, an example of tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Levi Abelson-Harman Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What in God's name happened to those lips!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

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    #53

    Matching wrist tattoos with cursive text phrase, showcasing unique tattoo designs from 91 tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Lexi Austin Report

    GalPalAl
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This only lasts until you break up and begin to hate each other

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    #54

    Tattoo of a stylized blue-haired female character on leg, featured in unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Chris Langford Report

    Oxford Ranch
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the blue color

    #56

    Tattoo of a sword and crossed lightsabers with circular script on upper arm, showcasing unique tattoo designs on skin.

    unknown Report

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    #58

    Realistic lion tattoo covering entire back with detailed shading and tribal elements in permanent body tattoo design.

    unknown Report

    Roger9er
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The proportions are off, but the shading is fine. But that's just my opinion.

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    #59

    Abstract black ink tattoo on wrist featuring an anchor with wings and sunburst detail, unusual body art placement.

    Levi Abelson-Harman Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a voicemail, it's your mom calling to say what an Eejit you are!

    #60

    Simple black outline ghost tattoo on skin, an unusual and surprising example of tattoos allowed on bodies for life.

    unknown Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one's cute! I actually don't see why this is on ink shaming?

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    #61

    Tattoo of a girl and a dog on a swing with a paw print above on a person's upper arm among other tattoos.

    unknown Report

    #64

    Simple black ink tattoo of a broken heart with flowers and a misspelled banner on light skin in unusual tattoo designs.

    unknown Report

    #65

    Butterfly tattoo with the year 2005 on a person's elbow, showcasing one of many unusual tattoos placed on skin.

    unknown Report

    #66

    Close-up of a unique heart-shaped sunflower tattoo on a person's arm, showcasing unusual tattoo designs.

    unknown Report

    #67

    Colorful butterfly tattoo in purple and blue ink on a person's forearm, one of the unusual tattoos on bodies.

    unknown Report

    Jane Doe-Doe
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Colours are pretty but the butterfly just looks wrong

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    #68

    Tattoo of a sword with wings and two snakes wrapped around it on a forearm, unusual body tattoo design.

    unknown Report

    Dave Baxter
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, at least we can see that some thought went into this. The e*******n is lousy, but the plan was pretty good.

    #69

    Black ink dragon tattoo covering a large portion of a person's upper back, a unique example of body tattoos.

    Gabrielle Komis Report

    #71

    Black ink tattoo of a coiled snake wrapped around a katana blade on a forearm, showcasing intricate scales and design.

    unknown Report

    #72

    Colorful abstract tattoo covering forearm with assorted household items in background, example of tattoos people allowed on bodies.

    Sam Mcginley Report

    #74

    Close-up of a colorful dragonfly and flowers tattoo on a person's upper chest, showcasing unique tattoo designs.

    unknown Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lines in the wings are awful, but actually the rest doesn't look too bad. Maybe I've been looking at too many really bad ones though!

    #75

    Forearm tattoo of a woman sitting on a brick wall above a colorful cityscape in a unique and bold tattoo design.

    Rachel LaVon Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At what point in a man's life does he admit to his friends that "Dorothy's hot man!", and gets a tattoo of it!!!

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    #76

    Tattoo of a crying character with a rose and sad boy text inked on hairy skin, showcasing unusual tattoo choices.

    Cody Wallace Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On reflection, this looks quite relevant

    #77

    Zombie tattoo with broken arm and hearts, an unusual design from 91 tattoos you wouldn’t believe allowed on bodies.

    unknown Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Artist clearly needed a hand with this

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    #78

    Close-up of hands pulling torn jeans revealing unusual tattoos beneath the fabric on a person's leg.

    Lucki Zavala Report

    #81

    Tattoo of a detailed castle with a large moon in the background, one of the unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Marshall Rosno Report

    spacer
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this one is cool, its clearly going for a style but alas i wonder what it will look like in a few years

    #82

    Minimalist wrist tattoo featuring sun, moon, and wave symbols on a person's inner wrist, showcasing unique tattoo designs.

    Isabelle Alexandra Report

    NapQueen
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like the picture was taken years after having the tattoo done as the lines are blurry

    #83

    Matching skull tattoos on two arms showing unique tattoo designs people allowed on their bodies for life

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    #84

    Red and black cartoon-style tattoo with rough lines on red-tinged skin, part of unusual tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Spitescratcher101 Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's clearly a learning process, but once you've made a start, you can make progress

    #85

    Black abstract tattoo with heart, star, and clover elements inked on upper chest, showcasing unique body tattoo designs.

    Emily Lorraine Riggs Report

    #86

    Black and gray abstract tattoo with arrow and star elements on a person's forearm, unusual body tattoo design.

    Will Stewart Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kingdom Hearts Keyblade?

    #87

    Arm tattoo featuring a mix of skeletal fish and animal designs, showcasing unique tattoos people allowed on their bodies.

    Michael Howard Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dinosaur bones w/the Alien monster popping out?? Ah, nope, a triceratops.

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    #88

    Finger tattoo of a dagger and a small spade symbol, showcasing an unusual design people allowed permanently on their bodies.

    unknown Report

    #89

    Side-by-side image showing a colorful design graffiti and a matching tattoo on a forearm from the 91 tattoos collection.

    unknown Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should have left it on the wall of the cave

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    #90

    Close-up of unusual tattoos on a forearm, displaying intricate designs and bold dark ink as part of unique body tattoos.

    Notta Lemon Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a little known fact that Dobby had a sideline as a tat artist

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    #91

    Black and grey tattoo of a vintage pocket watch surrounded by detailed flowers on a person's arm, unique body art design.

    unknown Report

    Jane Doe-Doe
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not great but not the worst on this list