Getting ink isn’t just for sailors and gang members anymore! These days people get tattoos to signify love and commitment, commemorate life-changing experiences, bonding (think group trips to the tattoo parlor to get matching tats), memorialize a loved one, to stand out (although it would have to be pretty unique to do that these days), or as a way to express one’s identity. All of these reasons would not have been as socially acceptable, say, 15-20 years ago when it was considered “deviant” to get a tattoo.
A 2006 study done by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 26% of adults (18-50 year-olds) in the U.S. have at least one tattoo. That’s almost one in four! 36% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 also admit to having at least one tattoo. Additionally, “tattoo” is the third most searched term on the web! Tattoo parlors are cropping up all over the place, and for good reason. People see celebrities and professional athletes with tattoos and then the general public is more accepting of them.
Today tattoos have inspired popular reality television shows like TLC’s Miami Ink, and A&E’s Inked. Many fashion designers such as “Ed Hardy” and “Affliction” have also taken to producing designs reminiscent of the tribal tattoo look. You can even create your own designs on websites like ours (CustomizedGirl.com Wooot).
So what are the top five most popular tattoos? According to RankMyTattoos.com, the top five are as follows:
- Tribal
- Stars (Nautical)
- Cross
- Angel
- Wings
While tattoos are in vogue right now, it’s still a good idea to give it a lot of thought before you make the decision to get one because they are permanent, pricey, and painful to get removed. Otherwise, if it’s something you have wanted for a very long time and you know you won’t regret it, go for it! You’ll be in good company in today’s tattoo society.