7 Things You Never Knew About Tattoos

According to a study by Statista, approximately 44% of the U.S. population have at least one tattoo, which accounts for 145 million individuals. A little over one-third have only one tattoo, while 37% have between 2 and 5 tattoos. What’s even more surprising is that the ratio remains high even for those with over 10 tattoos, with 9% having between 11 and 20 tattoos and 3% having more than 20 tattoos on their bodies. 

Getting a tattoo is an appealing thought that requires a form of commitment. For some people, it’s all about the artistic and fashionable display, while for others, the tattoo is a souvenir. It’s fair to say that a tattoo should not be chosen lightly. The ink will be a part of you, and it can come at a high cost depending on your preferred design. If you want to get inked, you’ll need to consider also your maintenance routine, as tattoos tend to fade over time. They might require a refill, which will revive their colors and contours but can be a painful process. Tattoo removal is, thankfully, more accessible nowadays. But that doesn’t mean you can erase a bad decision effortlessly. The removal process takes time. 

The bottom line: Nobody should get a tattoo on a whim. You want to think carefully about your options to pick the right choice for you. But, you should also consider how ink can transform the way others perceive you. Tattoos may be a popular and fashionable expression of self, yet they will have consequences on your future. 

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#1. You may be judged in your career

Opinions are divided about tattoos. Some people love them; some loathe them. Unfortunately, when opinions are against you, you might find that the artsy ink drawing on your wrist plays against you in your career progression. Traditionally, customer-facing roles can find it hard to expose their inks. Depending on the position of your tattoo, it may not be a problem. Small tattoos can easily be hidden underneath clothing or specialist makeup. Besides, the public may not always regard tattoos as an issue. However, it’s best to read about the trends in your sector before deciding on a tattoo. For instance, did you know that some hospitals require nurses and other medical professionals to cover up their tattoos completely with long sleeves or bandages? You may also struggle with hand and collar tattoos that can’t be hidden smoothly. Are all health care centers against tattoos? There is no strict regulation, but some hospitals ad institutions might have strict views. Ideally, if you feel stuck, you may want to consider moving your career elsewhere with the online msn program that can let you learn new specialist skills. Leveling up can give you more freedom of choice. 

#2. You’ll make friends quickly

Having tattoos can sometimes act as a magnet for new friendships. Indeed, tattoos often carry a unique sense of belonging. It’s not uncommon for close friends to plan matching tattoos. People who share a similar experience are more likely to get matching or meaningful tattoos that nurture their bonds. Did you know, for instance, that 90% of all US Army soldiers have at least one tattoo? It gives them a sense of pride and a way to remember those they have lost in the job. Tattoos create a community of people who instinctively look out for each other. So, if you decide to get a meaningful tattoo, you might find yourself joining a happy family of like-minded people. 

#3. They’re not a modern trend

Ink art might sound like a fashionable trend, but it’s not a novelty. Tattoos have been a major part of history throughout the ages. They were used to mark prisoners, show your belonging and loyalty to a clan, display unique art, etc. In fact, if you thought tattoos were a modern invention, you’d be surprised to learn that the world’s oldest tattoos belong to a prehistoric man buried around 3250 B.C. Named Ötzi, the Tyrolean Iceman was discovered in the Alps, as the Austrian-Italian border. Scientists have counted 61 tattoos on his body, making him the oldest visible proof of tattoo art. Previous scientific articles determined the start of tattooing back to the fifth century B.C. Evidence exists in written format, but Ötzi is the oldest and best-preserved evidence on human skin available.  

#4. Tattoo is art

Talented tattoo artists can create a work of beauty. There is no denying that inked bodies can be just as beautiful, especially if you know how to maintain and preserve your ink. Retired school teacher, G. Ostling, is well placed to know about the artistic importance of the ink pattern on his body. Indeed, while at a seminar in 2009, Ostling received a curious request from a museum curator. As nearly all his body is covered with floral ink, the curator wanted to know if Ostling would be willing to donate his skin posthumously for display. 

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#5. Surprisingly some industries are biased FOR tattoos

We talked about negative bias against tattoos. But there is also a form of positive bias. Indeed, some professions are openly hiring individuals with ink art to meet their audience’s expectations. According to a research study carried out in the U.S. and U.K., individuals with visible tattoos have high chances in bartender, barista, and creative positions. The tattooed individuals convey a youthful and positive image for edgy organizations. 

#6. People with tattoos are less anxious

Psychologists agree that some personality traits are more common amongst the inked population. Indeed, tattoos have a unique power as they symbolize a promise for more in life. Symbolic and meaningful inkings can take away the fear of death and mortality. A tattoo means rebirth, new beginnings, constant changes in your body and mind. As such, tattooed individuals are less likely to struggle with anxiety as they use the ink as a defense mechanism. 

#7. There’s an odd link to anger issues

Psychologists have also uncovered a worrying connection between the number of tattoos and anger issues. A person with more tattoos tends to display more verbally aggressive and rebellious behaviors. According to a study, people with tattoos tend to display higher reactive rebelliousness and anger responses. 

Hopefully, this article gives you a lot to think about when it comes to body ink. There is no right answer. But, figuring out whether a tattoo is right for you is the beginning of your journey!