The obscure permanence of a trend

We all know that tattoos have a variety of associations based on the audience in question. Stigmas last through generations as permanently as tattoos. Contrastingly, so do trends. Tattoo trends are particularly interesting because of the juxtaposition of it – tattoos are forever, while trends are temporary. How does getting something so permanent reflect the trend at the time? And what does the everlasting body art gotten during a certain trend say about the person?

Tattoos themselves have been around for hundreds of years, with several trends going in and out of popularity. Past trends have included tribal designs, white-ink tattoos, and pre-drawn tattoos. As of February 2023, common trends consist of micro-tattoos, full-color pieces, and bold, subtle line tattoos. For younger Millennials and generation Z, patchwork tattoos are all the rage.

Compared to past trends with big, bold, bright pieces, patchwork tattoos are small and scattered among the body. Celebrity examples of these trends can be exemplified on Jason Momoa contrasted with Miley Cyrus. Jason Momoa has 9 tattoos – big pieces that are dark and can be seen from afar. Miley Cyrus has 75 tattoos, but from afar, appears less tatted than Momoa due to the line work being so delicate.

Tattoo trends also come and go as celebrities make them popular and are widely advertised due to their fame and media presence. But what the audience doesn’t always know is the regret behind such permanent decisions.

Tattoo removal depends on the size, color, and location of the tattoo – and is more painful than receiving the tattoo in the first place. Not to mention twice as expensive! If the trend you had followed was big and bold, later down the line when it’s no longer trendy, there could be unforeseen consequences. Such as deciding between living with a tattoo that no longer is popular or resonates with the person – or choosing the removal route.

This art style is nothing to take lightly – literally. Tattoos are a gorgeous form of self – representation and are forever. It’s wise to think on your chosen poison before indulging because following a trendy style might affect the stigma of the era in which you received your piece, or perhaps cause you personal anguish in later years.