7 Types of Tattoos to Avoid ...

By Jennie

If you are considering the idea of getting a tattoo, keep in mind there are certain tattoos to avoid. I have a couple tattoos of my own, but I am not entirely happy with them. Learn from my mistakes. Both of my tattoos were done on a whim, with very little planning ahead of time. Take a peek at the following types of tattoos to avoid.

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1

Names

A tattoo of your boyfriend’s name may seem romantic at the time, but it tops the list of tattoos to avoid. Never tattoo the name of a love interest on your body. I know, I know, you two will be together forever. Hopefully, that will be the case, especially if you have his name tattooed on your chest. Personally, I wouldn’t tattoo my kid’s name on my body, either, because she’d die of embarrassment. However, a child’s name is more acceptable than a boyfriend’s name.

2

Hands, Face and Neck

You are 22, footloose and fancy-free. During Spring Break, what if one of your girlfriends concocted the idea that you should all have matching tattoos on your hands? Before you head to the tattoo parlor, you need a reality check. There is a strong possibility that you will someday have an employer that discourages visible tattoos. A visible tattoo, no matter how benign it may seem today, could cause you to miss out on the career opportunity of a lifetime. Is it really worth it?

3

Tramp Stamp

A tattoo on the lower back (a.k.a. tramp stamp) looks hot during bikini season. I won’t debate that point. However, how will that tattoo look in about 20 or 30 years? I really don’t mean to be a buzz kill, but age does funny things to our bodies. While a tramp stamp may look great today, it will probably end up looking silly later on.

4

Pop Culture

Tattooing a pop culture reference, like a popular movie, video game or TV show, is unwise. I realize you may be a Walking Dead fan who has watched every episode ten times. Forget the zombie tattoo idea. Just because you like it today, you may not like it 5, 10 or 15 years from now. Pop culture tattoos become dated very quickly.

5

Foreign Symbols

Before going under the needle, are you sure that is the Chinese symbol for “tiger”? Unless you fluently speak the language, avoid foreign symbol tattoos. Imagine finding out your Gaelic symbol tattoo for “courage” really means something completely different. It doesn’t matter if the tattoo guy told you the meaning. A tattoo of a foreign word or symbol is far too risky.

UPD:

Many people have truly regretted their choice to ink a foreign symbol without proper verification. Stories abound of individuals who intended to sport exotic words for strength or love, only to later discover that their skin was permanently etched with nonsense—or worse, an offensive term. Ensure due diligence by consulting a native speaker, and even then, question whether that kanji or Arabic script will stand the test of time and cultural nuances. Your future self will thank you for sidestepping an embarrassing tattoo faux pas.

Famous Quotes

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

Laozi
6

Anything on a Whim

If you enter the tattoo parlor with only a vague idea of the tattoo you want, turn around and walk back out. You are not ready for this tattoo. Never pick a random picture from the tattoo book because you’re impatient. Do yourself a favor and think about it first. Describe your ideas to a tattoo artist, who will sketch the rough draft for you. This is a lifelong decision that should not be made on a whim.

7

Drug References

If you get pulled over for speeding, do you really want the officer to walk up to your car and notice the 420 tattoo on your bicep? You may be the most responsible person you know, but unfortunately, we live in a world where first impressions count. A drug reference tattoo is a bad idea on so many levels. Even if your party days are long behind you, a drug tattoo will do more harm than good. Just avoid it.

Tattoos can be fantastic works of art on your body, if they are well-planned. Even a simple tattoo can have great meaning when you put some thought into it beforehand. What are some other types of tattoos that you should avoid?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Well.. I plan on getting my wedding ring tattooed on my finger. Possibly a My Little Pony reference or a Robin Williams quote. I believe that names are the most important tattoo option though. I mean, no. A 16 year old girl should not get a random bf's name on her. But I will be engaged very soon, so it depends. Ya know? Good advice for the most part I believe.

I have to agree with all o these besides pop culture. I believe that if you really feel passionate about something then go ahead, do it! I suggest that when u get the idea wait one or two years and see if u still like it.

When people get "Japanese" tattoos... I honestly feel sorry for some of them.

Me too.. :) I've got Simba from the Lion King on my underarm. Not planning to get another one. I feel complete with this one, and it's something I can proudly carry for the rest of my life.

Lol oh so glad I read this. I was gonna get a tramp stamp (haha) of my boyfriend's name! & a finger matching finger tattoos of an infinity symbol .

Great article ...... I totally agree with all of them!! :)

marijuana is not a drug!

Yikes this article had far too many somewhat offensive opinions in it. Put whatever you want on your body, wherever, whenever. And using the term "tramp stamp" is not only rude, but very dated. The placement of a tattoo shouldn't matter to others. And though it is a good idea to think through your tattoos, getting them on a whim can be fun, and provide a good story. Just make sure your tattoos are done safely and you are good to go

Agree agree agree

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