Tattoos-The Pros and Cons of Having Tattoos
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Tattoos, a little personal background.
Firstly let me say that I do not have any tattoos. That may or may not surprise you, I guess. When I was young the only females in our City that had tattoos were the rather salubrious type of females. These days though tattoos are quite fashionable and I have noticed that both young and old, male and female are getting hooked on tattoos. I have known a couple of older ladies who have had tattoos for their birthdays.
The most surprising to me was a colleague who had a tattoo for her 60th birthday. I do not have a problem with tattoos but do not understand the attraction, especially as a birthday gift, as opposed to other frivolous nonsense. Perhaps some of the older ladies just want to express a little individuality and rebellion, maybe as it was not experienced when young. Still to each his or her own but tattoos are such permanent body art that you need to weigh up the pros and cons first.
My father had a selection of tattoos along his arms that both intrigued and fascinated me as a child. Having had these tattoos done when he was abroad in the War, I often wonder if he would have had them otherwise. A huge dagger with a snake crawling around it was rather scary to me and so from childhood tattoos have never appealed to me.
Strange then that I married a man who also had tattoos. Most of his were done before he was actually old enough to have tattoos. Lying about his age to the tattooist and hiding the tattoos for a while from his Mum was essential back then.
Hubby has had these tattoos now between 45 and 49 years. His last tattoo 49 years ago was when he was only 18. Of course as many foolish young men before and since he has regretted some of these tattoos.
Whereabouts on your body that you have tattoos is important along with just what the tattoo is. Hubby has an ex girlfriends name on his wrist but it does not bother me. He offered years ago to have a tattoo to cover it up. With my dislike of tattoos I did not want him to have even one more tattoo, especially because of me. The name has faded with time though.
Although Hubby has put on weight over the years he is still slim, just not skinny anymore. This has at least meant that his tattoos are not misshapen. After all these years of marriage his tattoos are a part of him as much as any other of his attributes or faults. I would have preferred him not to have tattoos though, given a choice.
Of course there is plenty more to consider so let's consider the pros and cons of tattoos fully.
Most of my Hubby's Tattoos
The Disadvantages of Tattoos
- The Cost-Tattoos can be costly these days.
- The pain-This varies form person to person but having a tattoo will not be painless. Whereabouts on your body the tattoo will be of course plays a part in the amount of pain you experience.
- The permanency-Sure you can have tattoos removed by laser surgery these days but it can be expensive and is not always 100% successful.
- Fading-Tattoos may be permanent but over the years the colours fade and the lines can break up a little.
- Fashion and times change-Some tattoos look old fashioned within a few years. Times also change and what is acceptable today may not be tomorrow.
- What about when you are older?-A mass of tattoos or even just one large one may look fine when you are in your twenties but what about when you are in your fifties?
- No-one can predict the future-You could end up a successful lawyer with a great career. If so would tattoos be appropriate? Bear in mind also that they may even prevent your career ever taking off.
- You body shape will change-No matter how much you look after yourself your body shape will change. You may still be slim as you age but you will not be as slim as when you were young. If you are you may be scraggy. Either way the tattoo that looked so great on your young finely toned body may look dismal as your skin ages. If you put on weight the image of your tattoo may distort into something quite monstrous.
- Infections-There is the risk of infections depending how good, or not, your tattooist is.
The Advantages of Tattoos.
- I started with the disadvantages as I can think of few advantages but I will try. An expression of your individuality-Some tattoos express personal, meaningful art or messages.
- A sign of rebellion-I doubt that this is true these days as we are more of an, anything goes type of World these days. However, some people may see tattoos as a form of rebellion.
- A sign of love-Having a loved ones name on your body may be sign of love. Personally though I would disagree.
- To be different-I guess it depends on the tattoo.
- To belong-Gang membership or belonging to a particular group of people. Perhaps all of your friends have tattoos.
Overall
Well as I have already said Tattoos do not do it for me. As an adult they do not trouble me but they do some people.
Loud, excessive tattoos can ruin your work prospects and hold you back in many ways. Life is transient, especially these days and the partner who so badly wants you to have a tattoo may only be around for a few years. Will your next partner feel the same about tattoos? There are no guarantees that they will.
It is wrong but there are people who will automatically put a mental label on someone with tattoos. This label may say TROUBLE.
My husband is tall, over 6 foot, but on the whole a gentle giant. When we were young and he had long hair the combination of tattoos would put people off him before they even knew him. They would see him as aggressive and trouble without even knowing him. Their loss as he is a great guy.
However what I am really trying to say is think very carefully before you have tattoos. If you decide that they are for you consider the placement and type of tattoo. Make sure that the tattooist is reputable, has a well established business and a proven track record. If you do not you could end up with more than just a tattoo.
Remember when you see people such as David Beckham and Cheryl Cole, sporting stylish looking tattoos, that when the fad passes they will have the means to get their tattoos removed painlessly and effectively. You may not.
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Comments
Great Hub Ethel Smith!...I'm not sure if I should say wow! or ouch! about the tattos though! Such Detail! but I imagine it must be quite painful.
I enjoyed reading this hub ethel. My husband has a very clear dislike for tattoos so I guess I am not getting one, in any event I think the pain of getting one done is enough to put me off them.
what to do with the tattoos? is it for fun or fashion? is the pain really worthy?
Another disadvantage of visible tatoos: they may prevent you from being hired in many mainstream professions and jobs. so if you aspire to a mainstream type job, keep your tatoos small and put 'em where the sun don't shine. I've read that former Secretary of Labor, State and Treasury, George Schults had a Princeton tiger tatooed on his butt when he was in the U.S. Marines. This apparently didn't hamper his career.
Thanks to you all for dropping by. Shows my Hubby is a pussycat for letting me photograpoh his tattoos and put them on -line lol.
I have tried to be ojective but find it hard to understnad why anyone would want to pay to have such a painful thing done. And one that it so permanent. My hubby is 60 next year and tattoos are most unbecoming with age.
My Honey has tats on both upper arms, done when he was in Seal training, long time ago...I cant stand the thought of doing such a thing to myself but unfortunately both our children have several. Baby Girl laughs and says "Well just think Its something I can laugh about with my grandkids...I'll just pull the skin tight so they can see it again" well, at least both kids did them when they were out on their own...too extreme for me but this hub is fantastic!! way to go!!
I've always wanted a tattoo, but I could not justify the expense really, so I just stick to designing them, may get one in the future, but only one I would design myself!!
I would like to have a small tatoo.Maybe the next summer.I can get many information from your hub.Really thank you for sharing.Take care.
Thanks for the feedback guys. As I say in the hub to each his own but people need to think very carefully before getting any tatts
You bring up many very good things for people to consider if they are looking into getting a tattoo. This hub will be very helpful to others in deciding whether or not to get one. :D
Hope so k@ri
None of the advantages seem to be real advantages. :-/ Hmm..
I'm w/ you on the tattoos. Ethel I always enjoy reading your stuff. I'll want to link to this, when I get my hub done.
Please dmcrayne and let me know when it is done so that I can reciprocate.
My (now deceased) husband used to have tattoos as well, one on his calf, one on an upper arm and one on the other forearm. If he hadn't kept his tattoos well covered when we first me and for a long while thereafter, I doubt I would have married him at all as I probably would never have given myself the chance to get to know him. I dislike tattoos and well he knew it but at least he did regret getting them done. Tattoos do not look good as you get older.
Too true nemingha. Unfortunately too many people still have a tattoo almost on a whim and regret it forever.
Too true nemingha. Unfortunately too many people still have a tattoo almost on a whim and regret it forever.
Buy a diamond instead…they are forever also…pylos
Good comment pylos lol
I just got my second tattoo and wondered what tattoo related topics people have written about. Making the decision to get a tattoo is a permanent one if you get one, if you don't maybe its not permanent as you can always still get one! That said tattoos are expensive! If I had had to pay for mine I would have none! Its hard to spend so much on something you may regret. I chose a spot on my ankle that would almost always be covered up for my first one so that I could hide it easily no matter how hot the weather. I loved it, thought it was pretty and not in your face so to speak. I just got my second tattoo free, both times the artist has been an apprentice who needs the experience to graduate from apprentice, I chose another easy to hide spot so as not to risk offending anyone. I really like it and got it because it was my wedding anniversary and will always remember that special day :). I had my first one during a time in my life that was very difficult for me, I was struggling to break my (almost) addiction to self harm (cutting my arms) and I found it very powerful as a way to get what I got from self harm without the risk of killing myself and of course its more socially accepted then cutting oneself. I can gladly say that I did overcome my self harm issues and do not need that sort of thing anymore :).
i was pretty lucky and got a good artist, who didn't charge an arm and a leg for my tatoo. But you're right, I hope it won't look to bad when I'm older :)
I can't wait to see all the grandmas in their 80s with their lower back tattoos all wrinkled and nasty... Oh yeah, looks great ladies!
I've never had the desire to get a tattoo. Don't think I ever will either LOL. That pic you have at the intro is disgusting to me.....can you imagine the pain she had in her breast? Ugh.
Thanks for stopping by guys. I am glad that your tattoo turned out ok topshelf.
Darn I too wonder what the older generation will look like all tattoed and pierced lol.
Yes it is digusting to me also natural and I bet it really, really hurt.
Biggest con...a bunch of old people running around with tattoos...
I agree that a small tattoo or even a medium sized one doesn't say a whole lot about the person's personality, but I do think when getting tattooed becomes someone's "hobby" it does say something.
I know a young woman who thought a tiny rosebud on her ankle would nice. I looks fine. A middle-aged woman I know has a small-but-meaningful tattoo on the back of her shoulder, for her deceased grandmother. That middle-aged woman in the first photo (above), however, is just kind of disturbing. HER tattoos do say something, and it isn't something that would get hired for a lot of jobs. :) I can't say I'm a fan of those big tattoos that show up on the calves of chunky, middle-aged, women and first make you think they're a giant bruise.
I don't really care what other people do as far as tattoos go, but I have to say I don't really like them and think there are better ways to express ourselves than permanently using our bodies as canvases.
Tattoos are not for me. I'm a fan of art it's just the idea of getting stuck with needles and dealing with that level of pain. Ouch!
Thanks Ethel for a good article. I have no tattoos and plan to not ever have any. I particularly dislike them on women, as I believe women to be interesting enough to look at and tattoos actually detract from the beauty. Oh, and thanks for adding a word to my vocabulary: salubrius.
Thanks to you all and I am glad I added a word to Gary's vocabulary. I hoped I used it correctly lol
I have often thought of adding-getting a tattoo-to my "bucket list", in addition to sky-diving, bungee jumping and alligator wrestling. But, it's just a flair up of my mid-life crisis; and it soon passes.
Great hub, I have a tattoo and love mine. It is a panther kind of tearing out of my back shoulder. It was just something to do for me. I chose a spot that would not be seen if I didn't want it to. Though I see nothing wrong with them, I agree with you as too what the mass of tattoos will look like when they are old. I have seen pics in magazines of old women and men with full body ones and I can say it is really.......well ugly. If you must have one, make it a small or medium one and put it someplace that can be covered up if needed.
Larry enjoy your mid lfie crisis lol. I guess a tattoo as part of a bucket list would be ok if you knew when you were leaving.
Ruby, glad you are still happy with your tat.
it is to be hoped that laser removal of tattoos advances in years to come :)
Great artcile Ethel. I too am not one for tattoo's, however I do have one. A few years ago I got a tiger, with barbwire and a rose vine on my left shoulder (on my back). I love tigers, and always wanted a tatt since I was young, so of course me and my fiance got one (he got one with his sons name.. and had a prier tribal on his arm). I didn't think it was painful at all, however the more I see it (everyday) and the more I realize, I should have never gotten it. Yes it looks okay, but that's for now. I never even stopped to think about how it would look when I'm older (Im 21). All I can say is I highly doubt I'll get another one. I've also always been one of those types of ppl that can't stand a whole body covered in tatts, esp a woman. No offense to all you ladies out there, but to me a woman covered in tattoo's is just trashy. Maybe one here or there, or ones that are covered is one thing. But when I see a woman that has sleeves, back work and other area's.. that just grosses me out!
Thanks dmitchell. This article has received such interesting comments. The jury still seems to be out but many people have never thought about when they are older :)
An interesting article. While I totally respect anyone's right to get one and wouldn't treat anyone any differently for having one, I do find them a big turn-off, even the small ones. After all, what's more attractive than bare skin?
Mistakes and permanence aside, the biggest problem with tattoos is that most of them are awful, unoriginal or just plain boring. A Chinese character here, a red rose or Celtic cross there...how often do you see an interesting tattoo.
I always think that getting a tattoo is like putting a painting on a wall in your house and then leaving it there in the same position for the rest of your life.
I agree Pseudonymous. How ever interesting an image is it runs the risk of becoming boring. We also change so much during our lives. What we love to see aged 18 may not be so appealing when we are 78.
You have to make sure that you would really want one, because once its on thats it, but I have two and I love mine
I am glad aboth that wolfpack
I've always wanted a tattoo but never had the courage.
ok so i'm 24, everyone needs a way to express him/herself. i use writing as a way to express myself to let go. however, there r things that are dear to me like the #13, being my fav # for being the day of my birth, n other things such as a musical note, b/c music is everything to me. therefore, i've always wanted the one or two tattoos, just wanna make sure that they can be covered b/c in a professional level not everyone sees it as art, unfortunately
good job
Thanks all. Redrock you just have to bear in mind that you may hate this tattoo, if you have it, when you are 34 or 44 :)
Still we are all individuals so follow your heart.
that's true...let's see what happens, i'll keep you informed :)
OK redrock just take your time, there is no rush. Please do not end up like the lady at the start of this hub though lol
OK redrock just take your time, there is no rush. Please do not end up like the lady at the start of this hub though lol
My friend just had one removed. Youthful mistakes turn to heartaches.
Too true Drew :)
I am in love with the idea of getting a tattoo on my neck. I am just afraid if it's painful? your article made me think up on my idea once again.. :)
Think very carefully terrorwhite. I knew someone who has a rose tattoo on thir neck and it looked awful within a few years. Yes it was apparently very painful to have also :(
I have always found it amusing that ex cons seem to be heavily tattooed in conspicuous places. It makes them very easy to identify should they commit another crime. 6ft tall, brown hair, brown eyes; could be anyone, right? The same description with a sphinx tattooed on his left hand, well, that narrows it down a bit.
The funny thing is if the prison system tattooed them there would be a public outcry but they do it to themselves...the criminal mind is truly a thing of wonder, wouldn't you say?
i m agree with Nemingha
"Tattoos do not look good as you get older"
tattoos are very bad after the age of 45 when your skin is not as tight as it was at the age of 20-25.in 50's your skin becomes so loose.
i have a tattoo on my bicep and i m regretting why i have put this on my body.
Thanks for your input guys. You make an interesting point darkland :)
Good post.
Not sure about the 1st picture, it's scary
I like your article and your point of view on Tattoos. Wrote a similar one on Helium. Thanks.
Ah another Helium lady. Yes I think I did too.
this is vary good site not just for me for every one
Thanks hidayt
i always wanted a tattoo when i was 17, but i never really done it, because I came from a religious family, so its kinda a hypocrite thing to me, to have a tattoo but at the same time attending church activities, but some part of me..the 'rebellion' part r owez urging me to do it...now turning 25 while looking for stars tattoo design which I'm so obsessed with,accidentally came upon this article of urs..and its really make me considering it even more..so i guess now..in order to make me happy to have a star in my body..i sud juz buy myself a star necklace.. =)
I would Lisa. You can change your mind at any time however the necklace will be mmuch prettier.
Wait until you are 100% sure before taking the plunge with any sort of Tatt.
Thanks for the comment
Hay, i'm sixteen and i'm planning to get a tattoo when i turn eighteen. Not because i want to 'fit in' or 'look cool'. Just a few years back i went through some difficulty and performed self harm for awhile on my upper leg.
I just want a vine with Jasmin flowers curling around my leg, just to cover those old scars. Yeah i no when i'm older and don't have the young firm body i have today i will regret it. But i would rather regret it when im older.. because i won't be wearing bikinis then.
I would rather have people judge me on a tattoo, then on obvious self harm scars.
So to me that's another advantage.. getting a tattoo to cover up skin problems/scars/blemishes etc.
Sam that sounds one of the few good reasons for having a tattoo. However, why not check out other options first, Skin grafts have come a long way and you have more options than you may realise.
tattoos are permanent so better make sure on the meaning specially your using characters of other languages.
AllMomNeeds2know says:
3 months ago
All I can say is better make sure you like them before you get one because getting rid of it will be a pain. I have a tiny rose but I don't think it's as cute as I used to.