Getting a Tattoo in Your 20's

[Kiwi Mustache]

So, I'm 26, male and thinking of getting a tattoo.

I’ve been asking other family/friends about it and doing some research online.

Seems people either love them or hate them. There is no middle ground. People that have them either think they are the best thing ever or they regret having them and wish they had never got them when they were “young”. All this has left me pretty unsure on the whole thing.

In the past, I’ve had dreadlocks and a piercing. Things are things I’d always wanted to try. However, both of these are reversible. I just had a quick haircut and took the piercing out and that was that. However, obviously a tattoo is a bit more permanent.

I guess my reasons for thinking of getting a tattoo would be to be unique, a bit alternative and rebellious against social norms. It is almost like a bucket list item too. I think the one I want to get is meaningful to me and has been for a few years. However, I’m not quite sure if this will be in the years to come. I’m 26 now and will have no idea when I’m 40, 50 or 70 if I will be happy I got it or I will regret getting it.

The thought of getting one excites me and scares me at the same time. I’ve decided I’d have it discreetly on my left shoulder. The only time someone would see it would be when I would be topless or wearing a singlet.

What do you all think?

[Mr Dorothy Dollar]

Thought about it a bit however never found anything that I would want to live with. If I was 20, ten years ago, I would have gotten some gay pride thing or mechanical gear. Fast forward to today, I do not feel the need to have a rainbow or a gear being in the legal field. I would think of what you loved ten years ago. If it is still the same thing then go for it. If you change your world view a lot then it is better to just hold off.

[Eric]

I think your reasons for getting one aren't that great.  Tattoos aren't unique or rebellious anymore.  In fact, I'd wager that more people in their 20s have tattoos than don't.  (or maybe I've just been living in California for too long)

I don't have any.  My wife has several and is planning more.  I've never been able to find anything that I'd want on my body for the rest of my life.  She loves hers.  If you get one, do two things:

1. Make sure it has some significance or meaning to you.
2. Make sure you go someplace that will do a good job.  This is not the time to find the cheapest place.

[Papa bear]

Why ask a FIRE forum?  Will it make you money? No.  Can you eat it? No. 

Go borrow a sharpie =)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Quinn]

imo I don't think tattoos age well

[firewalker]

If anything, get a tattoo of the greatest thing in your entire life. You wont know what that is until you are in your 80s, so wait till then.

[LLCoolDave]

First off, I think that nobody should be able to get a tattoo until they're 40. During your 20's you don't really know who you are yet. Secondly I think there is an inverse correlation between tattoos and 401k balances. lol. When 75% of millionaires have tattoos then I will consider getting one. I also see plenty of 300lb women that are 5'4 and are covered in tattoos and I wonder how that makes their life better. I also had a coworker who got the Honda symbol tattooed on his calf when he was 16. He grew a couple inches and now its all distorted.

Yes, I'm judging...lol

[iamlindoro]

I have a tattoo.  I love my tattoo.  It has deep meaning to me.  I think tattoos are great if they are acquired for right reasons.

To be unique, alternative, or rebellious are not among the reasons I would consider right.  This is made especially true by the fact that tattoos are incredibly mainstream.  36% of all Americans 18-25 have a tattoo.  Don't get one to be unique, unless you want to be unique just like everyone else.

[okits]

I got a tattoo at 20 (more than a decade ago).  It's nothing more than decorative (no special meaning), but it's small and almost always covered by clothing.  I mostly forget it's there.  Nowadays, I neither regret it nor especially love it.

The tattoo you've described is of the date you almost died, and subsequently turned your life around.  Your fervour about that event may fade with age, but I can't see how it will ever lose its significance to you.

You could "practice" having that tattoo by drawing on or wearing temporary versions for a year or two.  See if you like it, see if it's unexpectedly inconvenient at times.  A tattoo is expensive to get rid of, so I wouldn't recommend rushing in.

[Mrkineticz]

I have my left arm half a sleeved  tatted. when i FIRE i will get my whole arm finished. my right chest is fully tatted to my shoulder.. My right ribs are tatted as well. I am a medical professional and I got this all done within my 20s.

I got my tattoos because I liked it and had vision of what i wanted it to look like. I dont love my tattoos or have any real special meaning to it but i dont regret it either.

[Kris]

Meh. Everyone in their 20s has at least one tattoo these days, it seems, so you won't be unique or alternative. 

An idea or concept can be significant for you without your needing to put it on your body.  I think today's tattoo craze is tied to social media and the need to broadcast what one thinks is one's unique identity to the world.  It strikes me as a little insecure... But I suppose it's just the way of things now.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what a bunch of strangers think. It's your body.

[MrsPete]

Something I heard that makes sense:  If you're thinking of getting a tattoo, start by going out and buying a shirt that you really, really love.  Something that represents who you are and makes a statement about your life.  Wear it every day for two years.  After that, if you still love the shirt, you've shown that you remain attached to things -- get the tattoo. 

Seriously, I'm mid-40s, and most of my same-aged friends who have tattoos regret them.  I know a number of people who've had them removed (or who are saving up to have them removed). 

As someone else said, they tend not to "age well", so consider that seriously.  And remember, too, that you'll need touch-ups periodically, so this is not a one-time cost. 

[rocksinmyhead]

I think Mr Dorothy Dollar and Eric both have good advice.

I am 27 and have a tattoo I got when I was 20. I still love it. Probably the most annoying thing about it is having to explain to people that it's not a sorority thing (it's a dove with an alpha and omega).

I had been thinking about getting that specific tattoo for 2-3 years before I went for it. I also thought long and hard about a location that would be easy to hide in professional situations and wouldn't stretch out if I got pregnant (it's on the top of my foot).

I don't think "to be unique or different" is necessarily a great reason, but I like tattoos. If it is something you care deeply about and want to be reminded of every day, then go for it.

[Caoineag]

I got a tattoo when I was 20 (I'm almost 34). My tattoo was chosen BECAUSE it was something I wanted to be reminded of for the rest of my life. I wouldn't get one to be unique or rebellious because nowadays they are neither (they weren't either even when I got mine and that was 14 years ago). If you aren't sure, don't get one.

As to them not aging well, I hate to break it to you but humans don't age well. When I am old and wrinkly, none of me is going to be especially attractive. I would imagine the old tattoo will still look more attractive than liver spots, lol.

I did choose to put mine where it would be naturally covered in all work situations.

If you are the type whose interests don't dramatically change, tattoos are fine. If you are the type to have a new passion every couple of years, do NOT get a tattoo. You will be paying shortly for removal services and they are not cheap or comfortable.

[Stagleton]

I have 4 siblings and none of us have tattoos. My mom is 70 and just got her first tattoo. I am kind of tempted to get something but since I don't feel strongly enough and enough people are saying "don't do it" I cannot see it happening.

If you feel strongly, go for it. Nice to have something to remember your 20's.

[rubybeth]

I'm unique and rebellious by NOT having a tattoo. I'm 34. Seriously, I know so many people who have them, to not have one is more interesting and unique. My sister keeps debating getting one as her medical alert bracelet (she's Type 1 diabetic) but she's waffled on it so many times, I don't know that she ever will (she's 27).

If you want to be unique... learn to ride a unicycle (I've done this, and you definitely get attention because it's unique!).

If you want to be alternative/rebellious... become rich and retire early (barely anyone does this, most people spend whatever they earn).

[soccerluvof4]

I have 2. One on my ankle thats the logo of my biz and one on my forearm from 1982 military. My suggestions is if you get one make sure its small and in a place that isnt easily covered. I never see the one on my ankle and when i do it brings back memories. The one on my forearm is all faded as others mentioned and in business it always bugged me. Again that's just my opinion. Small and in discreet spot if any but also a waste of money.

[takeahike]

The problem with getting something that has meaning to you is that you may HATE that *thing* in 10 years.

Don't ever get a tattoo out of a rebellious moment. It will seem silly one day.

[GuitarStv]

Getting a tattoo in your 20s is the most painful place to get one.  It ends up hurting more with each passing year too . . .

"Rebellion" is a shitty reason to modify your body permanently.  Particularly at a time when tattoos are so commonplace as to not really be rebellious.

[tmac]

I got my first tattoo when I was 20, because I wanted to show my sister (the tattoo artist) that I loved and accepted her for who she was. It was on my right shoulder blade. I didn't really care what the tattoo itself was, and so got an off-the-shelf rose.

When I turned 40, it finally sank in that I needed to stop hoping for a good relationship with her, and had the tattoo covered with something that I wanted just for myself. I also got a second one that represented my husband and children. It's on my back, along my spine. It's a line from the old song about Daisy and the bicycle built for two -- "All for the love of you."  We used to sing it to our babies. Occasionally, they hum the melody when they're around the house, so I know they remember.

I'm 43 now. I haven't regretted getting the tattoos, but have regretted the motivation of that first one.

My sister had a full back tattoo done in her early 20s. At 47, she's just finished the last of the laser removal process. There's still a shadow of it visible. Very painful and costly. Major regrets.

[infogoon]

Tattoos used to mean you were a carnie or a sailor. Now it means you're a kid who went to the mall with Mom's gold card.

There are perfectly good reasons to get them, but rebellion ain't one of them.

[Sibley]

I personally don't like tattoos. Don't have any and never will. I work in a professional setting, and if anyone has a tattoo its covered up. I also tend to think badly of people who have tattoos. I'm aware of my bias and try to fight it, but secretly I still do it sometimes. Especially when the tattoo is really big, visible, or anything other than sweetness and light.

So, if you get one, make sure it's somewhere where it won't be seen if you're wearing a short sleeve shirt and shorts. Make sure someone who's really good does it so it turns out well. And don't get one anywhere a medical professional may need to stick a needle.

[Cougar]

imo I don't think tattoos age well

second.

and its supposedly not fun as in painful to get removed. i'd think long and hard.

if it were me, i know jewerly is anti-mustaschian; but i'd try and get something made like a ring, bracelet or necklace. i've done that and have changed it with something else within 5 years because i changed.

[Pigeon]

I hate them.  I've never seen one that I thought was attractive.  Graffiti of the skin that just gets worse and worse looking as you get older.

Since every other person your age has one, I'm not seeing how it's unique or rebellious.  It's more conformity than anything else.

For so many people a tattoo is a permanent reminder of a fleeting impulse.  Remember those posters you hung on your walls when you were 14?  Would you still want them up in your room?  Why would you do the same thing to your skin?

I have a nephew who is a tattoo "artist" and a BIL who is a dermatologist.  Nephew has made himself and his wife essentially unemployable because they are both so disfigured at this point.  He works part time at Home Depot, but they won't put him out where the customers can see him.  He jokes that when he walks down the sidewalk, people cross the street to avoid him.  He's the sweetest guy in the world, but he's hard to look at.

BIL, the dermatologist seldom has a day go by when he doesn't have somebody come in to ask about tattoo removal.  He tries to talk them out of it because it's painful, expensive, not covered by insurance and doesn't generally work very well.  It is great fun to have the two of them together at family parties.

[iamlittlehedgehog]

Sorry to tell you this - but there is no one-size-fits all answer. I have 3 (well, technically 2). My first was a spur of the moment decision in my early 20's and I never regretted it. My second was planned months ahead of time and well thought. The day after I got it I regretted it. So I spent (a very unmustachian) 1.5k and 15 hours in the chair for a chest piece I adore. My only true piece of advice is get it somewhere that can covered with clothing. At least to start and don't be afraid to drop some serious money on a good artist. They will make all the difference.

[RunningWithScissors]

When our kids were teenagers and wanting tattoos, we asked them to print out the design and keep it in an envelope which would be opened on their 18th birthday.  At that point, they no longer needed parental permission.  However, their feelings on the 'Justin Beiber 4Ever' design they had longed for desperately  had diminished significantly. 

Obviously, tattoos mark a moment in your life.  Whether you want to commemorate that milestone forever, or evolve/change and move past it, will determine if getting a tattoo is the right choice.  But I agree with other posters in that there's no longer any sense of non-conformity or rebellion associated with it. 

[The_path_less_taken]

I have seen some beautiful tattoos. Some are art, some are truly graffiti in tone.

But at this point, since everyone and their brother has one...not having one is much more unique.

Or getting "rent this space" maybe.

When Rocky Horror Picture Show first came out the line, "Any tattoos? And how about you, Janet?" provoked giggles.

Now it would just be assumed she has them.

Disclaimer: I hate needles. They would have to outrun me and have several linebackers hold me down to tattoo me, so my bias may be showing.

[big_slacker]

I got 4 in my 20's. Even in the 90's there was nothing rebellious about them, haha! I would just say put some thought into the art, what it represents to you and if you'll enjoy it for the rest of your life. Other than that, have at it if it's something that speaks to you.

[Gone Fishing]

In theory, your ability to get a tattoo never goes away (unless you die).  So you can never regret not getting one, because you can always get one.     

[frugalnacho]

I regret nothing.

[infogoon]

[LiveLean]

If you're in great shape, the tattoo takes away from the work you've done on your body.

If you're in bad shape, the tattoo only accentuates the fat.

One reason artistic nude photography is so popular is because it's about the beauty of the human form. When you have a beautiful nude model with ink, your eyes are always drawn to the ink. I have heavily inked model friends who have to do serious makeup coverage to take jobs. They've lost work because of ink.

Whenever I see someone wearing a "Tattooed and Employed" T-shirt, I'm tempted to say, "As a Chipotle fan and stockholder, I want to thank you for your service."

[scottish]

FrugalNacho, is that *your* back?

[CopperTex]

I got several tattoos in my 20s and wish I didn't have them. If I had waited until I was past 30 to get them, I wouldn't of.

[gimp]

I want a small one on my shoulder / near it that says "Nothing lasts forever."

I think I'll wait another ten years before deciding whether to get it :)

[P938LVR]

I have several tattoos. I love them all and I am planning on getting many more. Right now I would rather save the money and put it towards paying off debt. :)

[Emilyngh]

I have four tattoos.   One of them is large and takes up the majority of my back.   I got all of them when I was between the ages of 17 and 20.   

I'm now 34 and I don't regret any of them.   I still really like the large on one my back and feel pretty "meh, whatever" about the others-don't regret them, but don't love them.   I think there's a decent chance that one day I may add on to the one on my back.

[LonerMatt]

I think the OP kind of speaks to the futility of trying to predict how a choice today will be felt about in 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 years. There aren't that many choices that have easily predictable outcomes (finances might be one of the few!).

OP: if you want it, get it. They aren't expensive, cumbersome, or difficult. If you don't, then don't. Personally, if I were in your shoes I'd just get it. Sometimes you can lose a lot worrying about how you might feel when you're older and a completely different person - I don't even know if such lofty projections are helpful.

[GuitarStv]

^ Exactly.  This whole website is really about not planning for the future so you can chase whatever want happens flit through your head at the moment, consequences be damned.  YOLO.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Only tatoo I plan to have is a big "D.N.R" on my heart.

(DNR -> Do Not Resuscitate)

[rocksinmyhead]

I don't know, now that GuitarStv mentioned it, I might get one that says "YOLO" on my face

[MandalayVA]

I'll just leave this here:

[iknowiyam]

Just thought I would throw this in here...

http://theoatmeal.com/pl/minor_differences5/tattoos

[iknowiyam]

And these:

http://www.ydr.com/lifestyle/ci_28025506/tattoos-be-gone-removal-grows-among-millennials

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-yaremchuk-md/tattoos-infection_b_2814444.html

[big_slacker]

If you're in great shape, the tattoo takes away from the work you've done on your body

I dunno about all that. I'm 40, pretty lean with musc-les and abs 'n schtuff. Wifey is 37 and also has visible abs and lean, also with tattoos. Everyone our age is fat, so we're supa-dupa hot/jealousy inducing anyway. Guess the tattoos matter exactly nothing. Don't really GAF anyway, only time I'm shirtless in public is the beach and I have 2 toddlers running around, and I'm married and old. So who cares? Haha!

[mozar]

I got tattoo's in my twenties for dumb reasons. I don't regret them. I think there is a good question though. Do you do dumb things and regret them, or do you do dumb things and go AWESOME!.

[Sofa King]

For the most part tattoos I think are stupid. But to each his own.  I do find it amusing that EVERY person who has one automatically becomes a tattoo "expert" on giving tattoo advice!!!  LOL!!!

[hybrid]

I'm no expert on tattoos, but I do know that I am far from the person I was at 24. There are many ways to express ones self that aren't quite so permanent.

I'm not saying don't get one. I just agree with everyone who has mentioned that tattoos are incredibly common now, so get one only if it feels right for you. And do think about where. I would venture some folks would say the location of a tattoo no longer matters in 2015, I would venture that depends on what career you choose.

And Mandalay, your post wasn't remotely PC. Most of it was hilarious!

[Outlier]

If you're going to do it make sure you pick a good artist. I got two when I was in my 20's. One looks pretty mediocre because I went to a friend of a friend who had "real good" prices. The other one looks really cool and I've enjoyed it for years. I've wanted a chrome toaster with wings on my arm for a long time. I really ought to do that once I hit FI. Yeah it's silly and i don't care.

Overall it's a waste of money but you could get a lot of ink for less than most people pay for a year of cable with premium channels. In the end it's your money and you have to look at the thing in the mirror every day for the rest of your life.

[DCW]

I have one, and one only. Got it 8 years ago when I turned 19. Still means quite a bit to me, but honestly I forget it's even there most of the time; it's on my right shoulder blade so I don't even see it (I wanted to pick a spot that wasn't going to droop with age, haha).

IMO, ask yourself this question:

"Would I still get this tattoo if I were the only person able to see it/know it was there?"

If yes, go for it.