“Tattoo Fails”: 35 Times People Didn’t Even Realize How Much Their Tattoos Sucked

Back in the day, pulling off a tattoo was as slick as pulling off a leather jacket or a pair of aviators. Not many dared to do it and those who did either were reborn leather-clad or figured they're simply not cut out for it.

Of course, things have changed (perhaps not for aviators, as they can only look good on Tom Cruise, J-Lo and a few others, dare we say) since then. You're most likely to see someone sporting a tattoo on your next stroll or commute to work.

In 1936, for example, Life magazine estimated that around 10 million Americans, or approximately 6% of the population had at least one tattoo. According to today's data, that number has increased by 29%, as 145 million Americans admitted to being inked.

On the other hand, the increased popularity of tattoos also meant that more people will have second doubts whether they've made the right choice. According to one survey, 3-in-4 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. Not surprising, then, that half of those regrets come from having someone's name inked on your body.

On top of the regret list also are tribal tattoos which are a cause for regret for 12% of men (yes, it's usually men). While 15% of women revealed they can't look at their star constellation tattoos without a bit of cringe.

One of the key factors contributing to tattoo regret is impulsive decision-making. Many individuals get tattoos on a whim, without thoroughly considering the long-term implications. And while it may be funny when we see it on TV (remember Hangover's tribal tattoo?), 1-in-5 who don't sleep on their decision to get inked don't think it's that funny.

Tattoos are a form of art, and like any art form, the quality of execution plays a significant role in the overall satisfaction of it. Inks that are totally butchered, have spelling mistakes, or don't live up to what you had in mind, meanwhile, can lead to regrets that won't fade away easily.

While you might wonder who we are to judge what he, she or they decides to permanently get implanted on their skin, it's a whole different matter with tattoo masters who put stuff on people's bodies, no matter how good or bad the ideas are, for a living.

"Although I always try to respect customer's decision," Agneta, a 28-year-old tattoo artist at the Tattoo Chamber studio, told Bored Panda via Instagram, "sometimes I try to talk out people from inks that won't look good in the long run." If not for those stubborn customers who aren't open to suggestions, however, we might not be talking about bad tattoos today. 

Agneta, who's been inking people for more than 6 years, has seen her fair share of poor tattoo ideas. And while working with a client closely can elevate what could have been a lifelong regret into an elegant tattoo begging to be shared on Insta, it's only one way to steer away from appearing on one of these lists. Another is to do some homework.

"I think it's quite important not to chase what's trendy and go for what you actually like," she suggested. "Of course, not being penny-pinchy about it and choosing a trustworthy tattoo master who seems to hear what you're actually after also helps."

What most people who're about to get their first tattoo done don't consider, then, is age. While there are no statistics to base this on, most people, Agneta believes, don't factor in that their skin will get wrinkly with age, or that tattoos tend to fade as we get older.

"At the moment, tattoos made out of thin lines are quite popular," she says. "Naturally, due to our physiology, it will blur and expand," an important consideration that is sometimes forgotten by customers, even after being duly warned.