Permanent Mistakes
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but we can all agree on one thing–– bad tattoos. Tattooing isn't just for prisoners and pirates anymore, it's almost more uncommon not to have one. Like fashion styles, we've seen tattoo trends that are now outdated (or should've never trended in the first place). To save you from regret, here's a list of common tatts you may want to reconsider before you get inked permanently.
1. Mustache Finger
We mustache you a question–– it might've been funny the first time, but after that, how many more times will putting your mustache finger above your lip set off laughing fits? Like a bad pun, a mustache tattoo deserves some eye rolls.
Báirbre de Bairéad on Wikimedia
2. Anchor
Unless you're a sailor, don't get an anchor tattoo–– that ship has sailed. We've seen a lot of anchors inked on the skin of people who haven't been on a boat. Let's find another nautical symbol to showcase our love of the sea.
3. Your Partner's Name
This one's a no-go for obvious reasons. If you're committing to a tattoo of your lover you better be in a committed relationship. There are other ways you can prove your true love. Life's full of surprises, ponder the consequences before you permanently sign their name on your skin.
4. White Ink
Many tattoo artists don't like using white ink because it fades much quicker than darker colors. If you have pale skin, you'll barely see the design in the first place. If you put yourself through all that pain, wouldn't you want to see the results?
https://unsplash.com/photos/white-printer-paper-with-black-line-KecgLyKCosA
5. Chinese Characters
This is why we don't let teens get tattoos without permission–– Chinese character tattoos. We wonder how many people actually know what their tattoo says. Unless you're Chinese, stick to what you know.
Stiller Beobachter on Wikimedia
6. Long Quotes
If your tattoo takes too long to read, it's too much ink we don't want wasted. They tend to become a jumbled mess because of the cursive font or tiny letters. Opt for a shorter phrase and save the script for books.
7. Live Laugh Love
It's a great motto to live by but let's save this cliche for our home decor. If you're striving for uniqueness, try a different phrase. We'll live better knowing you are laughing at the idea of this tattoo, and we love that for you.
8. Infinity Symbols
Tattooists feel like they've been drawing this symbol forever–– it's a simple design that's been used too often. The symbol can also be mistaken for the number 8 which sparks confusion. We don't want this trend to last eternity so consider a different motif.
9. Tribal (Without Significance)
If you aren't a part of an indigenous tribe it's probably not a good idea to get this style of tattoo. Generally, tribal tattoos have a deeper meaning and purpose significant to a culture. Tatt tip–– if you don't know what it represents, don't get it.
10. Feathers
Fly away from the idea of a feather tattoo or even worse–– feathers transforming into birds. They can be gorgeous illustrations but we've seen too many of them.
11. Barcodes
You are not for sale, why are you getting a barcode tattooed to your body? Barcode tattoos are often used to express irony about capitalism and overconsumption. They've been on the market for a while but it's a cheap look you don't want to buy.
flyingpurplemonkeys on Wikimedia
12. Cartoons
Leave the cartoons for TV and comic books, kids! Unless you're deeply connected to the character, do you want to look at a cartoon character on your body for the rest of your life? Your taste in television will change as you change in age.
13. Dream Catchers
Again, unless they have cultural significance to you, dream catchers are considered cultural appropriation. This tattoo design has been long overdone and misrepresented. If you want a meaningful tattoo, opt for one that symbolizes you and your heritage.
14. Animal Print
Leopard print has been trendy for decades in the fashion industry but not on our skin. If you're not half human, half horse like a centaur, don't try to morph into one with tattoos. Leave your skin in its human form and wear the clothes instead.
15. Deathly Hollows Symbol
Harry Potter fans jumped on this trend like butter beer! Muggles worldwide have been inking the Deathly Hollows symbol to their skin since the books came out–– it's time to move on to the next chapter.
Benjamin D. Esham on Wikimedia
16. Latin Phrases
Similarly to Chinese characters, people have been getting latin phrase tattoos without being certain of their translation. It might've seemed unique the first time someone came back from vacation with latin scripture, but it's no longer cool to treat your body like an ancient scroll.
17. Zodiac Signs
Today we predict you'll change your mind about getting your zodiac sign tattooed to your ankle. They're redundant and only make sense if you're truly into astrology. Only get this tattoo if the stars align.
18. Roman Numerals
Treat your body like a temple and don't get a roman numeral tattoo. Roman numerals look intriguing carved into ancient ruins and rocks but not on your skin. They're not rare tattoos to find anymore either.
19. Inspirational Words
This one is a case-by-case scenario. Some words might have a deeper meaning to you but there are some words that just make us cringe. If you're going for a word tattoo, choose wisely.
20. Chemistry Formulas
Maybe scientists can get away with "H2O" written on their forearm but that's where we cross the line. Save the periodic table for the classroom and experiment with other design options.
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