Will tattoos go out of style? (2024)

FAQs

Are tattoos going out of style? ›

If anything, young people seem more likely than ever to look for a tattoo that links them to a life event and expresses their individuality. The fact that 40-year-olds are still getting their first tattoos, and tattoo popularity is driven by younger demographics, seems to say that they aren't going anywhere.

2024 has seen a remarkable rise in hyper-realistic tattoos. These tattoos are so lifelike, they seem to leap off the skin. Artists are pushing the boundaries of detail, creating stunning pieces that resemble high-resolution photographs or intricate 3D models.

Tattoos have experienced a rise in popularity largely since the 1970s but more abruptly in the last 15 to 20 years—21% of people said they had tattoos in 2012 and 30% said they were inked in 2019. The last two decades have led to a more commonplace acceptance of tattoos in churches, schools and the workplace.

Despite this, 98% believe tattoos are more socially accepted now than in years past. Among Americans without tattoos, 27% plan to get one in the future, and 2 in 3 think more people are getting tattoos now because of the accessibility and availability of tattoo removal technology.

According to the Statista Research Department, 41% of millennials and 23% of Gen Z have at least one tattoo, as of 2021. Tattoos have not been as taboo recently due to the new generations normalizing them in society, especially with millennials and Generation Z increasing the tattoo numbers over the last years.

We don't always think before we ink. But even if we do, this doesn't mean that we will always like the design we chose for our tattoo. According to a new large-scale questionnaire, more than 25 percent of Americans regret their tattoos.

Heart tattoos will be a forever trend.

Hepcat said that that heart tattoos, as well as hearts and skulls tattoos, "will always stand the rest of time because of their history," noting that they have remained popular for years and are likely to remain a classic design.

According to a national survey by Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, tattoo regret builds over time. Six months to a year after getting one, 15% of those asked said they regret getting body art. After two years, that number jumps to 51%.

But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.

Which race has more tattoos? ›

Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans. Age: Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo. Some 41% of those under 30 have at least one, as do 46% of those ages 30 to 49.

Can tattoos ever be classy? Absolutely! Of course, we understand the question, as for a long time tattoos were considered only for sailors, bikers, and ballers.

In fact, 86% said that they don't see non-visible tattoos as unprofessional. Nevertheless, things look slightly different when it comes to visible tattoos, especially on the face and neck, as 63% of the general public would consider them unprofessional.

Delicate lines and minimalist motifs will continue to be all the rage in 2024. Stars such as Rita Ora and Kendall Jenner are already big fans of subtle fine-line tattoos. The technique makes it easy to achieve abstract motifs as well as exact depictions of animals or flowers.

Last year, popular tattoos included abstract styles and '90s-inspired designs, including "tramp stamps," but in 2024, the tattoo trends to watch include realistic styles, finger tattoos, and more. You may have a certain celebrity to thank for one of these.

Advanced Tattoo Techniques: The industry may see the development of new tattoo techniques, such as improved inks, application methods, and aftercare products. Digital Tattooing: Advancements in technology could lead to more widespread use of digital tattooing techniques, including robotic or automated tattoo machines.

Younger adults are less likely to hold this view. More broadly, Americans overall – including those with and without tattoos – believe society has become more accepting of people with tattoos over the past 20 years or so.