I’ll chime in as someone with some notable tattoos...
I think to lump everyone together and say “it’s rebellious” is a little preposterous. Men and women alike have different reasons for permanently marking their bodies and rebellion is merely one reason, and furthermore it’s unlikely he/she is getting something so permanent and painful for the enjoyment of others. While many people admire my tattoos (which is lovely but never MY reason for getting them), there’s an equal amount of people who find them distasteful, not for WHAT they are, for the mere fact I chose to express myself in such a permanent way. Which is no problem, since permanently modifying my skin was simply a ME choice I started years ago.
Regarding the laser removal, yes the need for that is growing. My shop in particular offers laser treatment which was started only a few years ago. In an ideal world the individuals getting these tattoos should be at a mental maturity to make these decisions but I’m well aware that’s unrealistic. I can personally say the only tattoo I regret any part of is some words on my foot. No regret about what they say, but rather that at 18 I let my mom talk me into getting it much smaller than I had wanted.
In regards to the old leathery skin I’m bound to sport one day (FAR FAR AWAY), I’m okay with that. I didn’t get these to flaunt them at 80 years old. Also, touch ups, cover ups and simple proper maintenance can go a long way in prolonging a tattoo.
Sometimes I may look at a tattoo and think “what we’re they thinking” or “where will that person ever find work”, but it’s a personal choice. Who knows, maybe a big ol’ unicorn face tat is next on my tattoo adventures. Guess we’ll wait and see! :flypig: