Should I TattooShould I Tattoo
Should I Tattoo
  • Home
  • Tattoo Basics
    • How a Tattoo is done
    • Tattoo Statistics
    • Tattoos in Health Class Curriculum
    • Tattoo Contract for Parents and Teens
    • Tattoo Information & Article Links
    • Tattoos and Hepatitis C
    • Tattoo Location Considerations
    • Tattoos and Pain
    • Tattoo Problems
  • Tattoo Ideas
    • Tattoo Ink Color Choices
    • Ambigram & Mirror Image Tattoos
    • Many Tattoos
    • Infinite Wisdom Tattoos
    • El Artista
  • Tattoo Mistakes
    • Top Ten Tattoo Mistakes to Avoid
    • Tattoo Regret
    • Tattoo Party
    • It’s the Law: No tattoos for minors.
    • Funny Tattoo Decision Flowchart
    • The Tattoo Cover-up
  • Tattoo Advice
    • Tattoo Advice
    • Teens Tattoos & Piercings
    • Parents of Teens Wanting Tattoos
    • Tattoo Places Rated: Where to put your tattoo.
    • College Tattoos Jeopardize Future Employment
    • Tattoo Video Testimonials
    • Celebrity Tattoo Advice
    • Should I Get a Gauged Ear?
  • Tattoo Removal
    • Cleveland Laser Tattoo Removal Information & Cost
    • Affordable Laser Tattoo Removal
Menu back  
December 20, 201576 CommentsGeneral, Tattoo MistakesBy Dr Greg Hall

Top Ten Tattoo Mistakes to Avoid

No.1   Any tattoo on your face or neck

vampire-bite-neck-tattooUnless it is for medical reasons, a tattoo on your face or neck is not advisable.  It will limit your career options and advancements dramatically. If you are independently wealthy, and are assured of an income for life (and thus never need a job), it may be a option for you. Otherwise at some point you will be putting make-up over it or wearing turtlenecks in July.  Particularly avoid the lipstick kiss tattoos!!

Her Name is not SusanNo.2   Your significant other’s name

In the heat of true love, most people search for a meaningful way to express their deep seated feelings for another.  Saying “I love you” seems to fall short.  Sailors and soldiers have consistently chosen MOM as a safe tattoo selection while away at sea or war, but even they rarely tattooed a love interests name on their arm.  While your ‘endless love’ may endure (despite statistics that show it won’t), it is always a bad idea to tattoo a mate’s name on your body.  Setting aside the fact that the relationship might end, and you will be left explaining the persistent tattoo to others (and quietly to yourself), the so-called act of love actually has a paradoxical effect on the relationship.  In some cases, the tattoo is seen as a manipulation. The thoughts that “I am owned by you” or “you own me, and no one else” can instill a sense of smothering or binding to a relationship that frequently hasn’t been mutually agreed upon.  It would be smarter to affirm your love of “LOVE” or “Commitment” in the form of a small easily hidden tattoo.

Chinese Symbol for stupidNo.3   A Chinese symbol

The reason for not getting  the Chinese symbols falls in the ‘avoid a fad’ category. Certainly, if you speak Chinese, are of Chinese heritage, or love martial arts, then you can still use this overused theme, but if you (or others) have to do research to determine the meaning, it’s a bad idea.  Besides, you might accidentally put something “stupid” in Chinese on your body.

 

No.4   Barbed wire

Tattoo MistakesWow, that’s really tough!  If you really want to impress someone, wrap a real barbed wire around your arm. The first guys to do it were cool and creative, now it’s just unimaginative and repetitive.

 

 

spongebob_002No. 5   A Cartoon Character

While SpongeBob is funny, and I doubt he will be going away any time soon, it also is too trendy and fleeting for your body.  Who remembers Oswald??  No one. Design your own cartoon personalized to you.  Imagine if you designed a cartoon for yourself, had it tattooed on your arm, and then the guy down the street put your tattoo on his arm, too.  That would be annoying.  Create your own stuff.

 

No.6   A pop-culture reference

Peace SignA “pop-culture reference” is something that is hot now, and gone in five years, like the peace sign, or “Yes we can.” Please be a little more creative with your permanent art, don’t use pop culture references. Especially Monster Energy Drink symbols. . . really??? . . . is that going to be around in 10 years?

 

No. 7  An iconic face

MJ Over TimeYour body should have only one face. . . yours. More than one face on a body is “just creepy.”  If the person is still alive, they will change.  What if you had Michael Jackson at age 15 tattooed (and many did), and then Michael at 45 showed up. . .two totally different pictures.  What if you were an avid Buffalo Bills fan and had OJ Simpson (an incredible running back in the 1970’s) tattooed on your arm.  Twenty years later you now have a generally hated convict prominently displayed on your arm.

Tattoo MistakesNo.8   An anchor

See Number 4 above.  Cool for the first people who got one, now. . .  just tired. And imagine if some terrorist group or inner city gang decided that an anchor tattoo will be their sign of membership . . .

 

Tattoo Mistakes No.9   A mythical animal

I’m really okay with this, unless it’s a unicorn or something overdone like that.  Do some research, be creative, and then personalize it.  Or just wait, and see what life presents down the road.

Tattoo MistakesNo.10   A super hero emblem

Avoid this unless you are the actual super hero. It’s okay for Clark Kent, although the tattooist would have trouble penetrating that steel, but this design is too short-sighted for earthlings. Imagine being 75 years old, winkled and hairy with that on your chest.

 

Also watch out for spelling errors, there the worse! Go HERE for some funny examples.

About the author

Dr Greg Hall

Gregory Hall, MD is a physician, author, speaker, inventor, professor, and public health professional. He strives to improve the quality of medical care through fair disclosure, quality care, and an honest approach to patients and their families.

Related Articles
Tattoo Ink Color Choices
Tattoo Ink Health Problems
February 4, 2018
Tattoo problems
Tattoo Problems
February 2, 2018
Parents of Teens Wanting Tattoos
September 19, 2017
Tattoo Information & Article Links
September 16, 2017
76 Comments
  1. October 13, 2011 at 4:59 am
    Elliptical

    This is the exact info i’m looking for, thanks! Arron

    • October 15, 2011 at 12:51 pm
      admin

      Thanks for coming!!

  2. October 15, 2011 at 2:09 am
    Tony Whitaker

    Dr Hall this is great I was wondering if one with a kidney transplant could get a tattoo. That is if it was done under the most sterile condition. Reason is I want this cool picture of my Dad at 65 just to be safe. Let me know Doc thank you

  3. October 15, 2011 at 2:16 am
    Tony Whitaker

    I read a little more and answered my own question no tat for me sorry Dad hope you understand. Thanks Dr. Hall

  4. October 15, 2011 at 2:18 am
    Tony Whitaker

    I read a little more and answered my own question no tat for me sorry Dad hope you understand. Thanks Dr. Hall I am trying to post this but it is being reconized as a duplicate question

  5. October 15, 2011 at 12:48 pm
    admin

    Thanks for coming!! Glad all of your questions were answered.

  6. November 7, 2011 at 3:55 am
    Best Chair

    Great! thanks for the share!
    Arron

  7. November 8, 2011 at 8:05 pm
    Hollie Whitaker

    Well…I LOVE TATTOO’S! So I have a 17 year old who wants a tattoo of his grandmother who has passed for his 18th birthday. What should I tell him?

  8. November 9, 2011 at 3:45 am
    admin

    Tell him that she is just the first of a long line of people that will pass before him. Cemeteries were also created for this purpose. . . to remember loved ones in a peaceful and dignified environment. Ask what she would want for him, and if she would have been okay with tattoos, where would she want her memory placed on his body? . . prominently for the world to see, or privately for his personal remembrance. If having a tattoo in her memory properly dignifies her life and her passing . . . then go ahead. It’s a personal decision, but one that requires thought and deep reflection. Thanks for coming, and sorry for your loss.

  9. November 27, 2011 at 12:30 pm
    Colton Loschiavo

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the closing section 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thanks and good luck.

  10. December 7, 2011 at 10:06 pm
    Gladu

    Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! What a great web site.

  11. December 8, 2011 at 2:18 am
    orange county website design

    Some really great posts on this website , thankyou for contribution.

  12. December 9, 2011 at 8:31 am
    Mitchell

    Top 10 Tattoo Mistakes reviews the ten most common mistakes that people make when getting tattoos.

  13. December 9, 2011 at 11:34 pm
    Tattoo information

    I am wondering precisely what methods you utilize for a web site like this, it’s always got great information, much like our site!

  14. December 11, 2011 at 9:11 pm
    anchor tattoos for girls

    I simply could not leave your website before suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual info an individual provide to your guests? Is gonna be back frequently in order to check up on new posts

  15. December 12, 2011 at 3:33 pm
    rugs

    Thank you, I have just been searching for info on this subject for a while and yours is the best I have come across. However, what about the bottom line? Should I or shouldn’t I??

  16. December 13, 2011 at 4:52 am
    baccarat

    Keep up the superb work, I read few posts on this web site and I believe that your blog is very interesting and contains circles of good tattoo information.

  17. December 13, 2011 at 7:29 am
    Labarriere

    Yay google is my queen aided me to find this outstanding tattoo website! . Great on-line resource!!

  18. December 13, 2011 at 9:46 am
    euro 2012 betting tips

    Merely wanna comment on few general things, All of the tattoo mistakes aren’t necessarily mistakes, it depends on the person.

  19. December 13, 2011 at 10:48 am
    Vince

    I like this weblog very much so much good info.

  20. December 13, 2011 at 2:15 pm
    Pressimone

    I believe you have made some very interesting points, thank you for the suggestions. I may still get Harrison Ford on my back. 🙂

  21. December 13, 2011 at 9:37 pm
    Alice Hobbs

    I have been thinking about getting a tattoo. I watch Miami Ink and LA
    Ink and find it entertaining. First I saw Darren on Miami Ink tattoo a
    guy with Type I Diabetes get a tat like a medical alert symbol and
    a banner with Type I Diabetic Insulin Dependent on the inside of his
    arm at the wrist. I personally think this is a good idea since bracelets,
    necklaces are clumbersome and break and get lost. I have read
    all the information on this site and now am more concerned about getting a tat so what advice can you give an ole lady……

    • December 14, 2011 at 7:24 pm
      admin

      Thanks for the note!! I tried my best to remain neutral on this site. But studies have shown that if you put thought into all aspects of getting of tattoo before you do it, you will be far more satisfied, and much more likely to not regret your decision. Watch the second video on the Tattoo Testimonials page, he’s an older person who always wanted a tattoo. If after reviewing everything, you decide to do it, you’ll be fine. I just started this site, so help me out by telling your friends!! And come back as I am always adding more material.

  22. December 14, 2011 at 5:21 am
    Eid

    Thank you for the auspicious write-up. By the way, how can we keep in touch?

  23. December 15, 2011 at 5:17 am
    Mary

    Hello, Neat post.

  24. December 15, 2011 at 1:25 pm
    Watch Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 Online

    Really wonderful information can be found on this site . Thanks for the tattoo information.

  25. December 16, 2011 at 5:08 am
    Thomasina Pflug

    You got a very great website, Sword lily I discovered it through Yahoo.

  26. December 17, 2011 at 7:15 am
    Ellsworth Whitsell

    I honestly liked you’re blog. I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You amazingly came up with perfect articles and reviews. Thank you for all the tattoo information!!

  27. December 18, 2011 at 7:15 am
    Greenberger

    Hello, Neat post. Thanks for your efforts!

  28. December 18, 2011 at 10:02 am
    Remerez

    Great site!

  29. December 22, 2011 at 11:39 am
    Mikaela Deason

    Awesome site! I will keep an on eye on your blog.

  30. December 23, 2011 at 6:32 am
    Hettie Auster

    Wow! Thank you! Can I take a part of your post to my website?

    • January 1, 2012 at 10:49 pm
      admin

      Absolutely!!!

  31. December 23, 2011 at 10:51 am
    Jenny Hardie

    Loving the info on this site, you have done outstanding job on the content.

  32. December 27, 2011 at 1:22 pm
    The tattoo blog

    Pretty great post. I stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing the many pages of tattoo information. Look forward to reading more!!

  33. December 28, 2011 at 9:19 am
    Kyle Shellhaas

    I’m still learning from your site, it certainly is comprehensive! I certainly love reading all that is posted on your website. Keep the tips coming. I loved it!

  34. December 30, 2011 at 3:46 am
    where can i get relationship advice

    Hello there, I found your tattoo web site by using Google while looking for a related matter, your web site came up, it’s great. I have added to my favourites|added to my bookmarks.

  35. January 2, 2012 at 1:38 am
    Annett Branson

    Rattling nice style and fantastic subject matter, practically nothing else we want :D.

  36. January 3, 2012 at 8:54 am
    Vania Holaday

    As soon as I discovered this website, I told my friends! Great!

  37. January 3, 2012 at 9:51 am
    Jackeline Cinquanti

    Rattling fantastic visual appeal on this internet site , I’d value it 10 10.

  38. January 4, 2012 at 3:25 am
    dionne

    This is a great site to find out about tattoos and how they can impact your life (i.e. finding a job)! I like tattoos, but I don’t have one myself. As an educator, many young people want them. When you ask them why, they don’t even have a reason or if they do it is something stupid. Unfortunately, the idiot box is raising most children these days so I am not surprised why having a tattoo is cool. I think if you are going to get one, it should be something you have researched (i.e. health issues, find a professional), you should be at least 21, and find something that is meaningful to you. “Know Thy Self”

  39. January 4, 2012 at 2:55 pm
    admin

    Thanks Dionne!!

  40. January 5, 2012 at 1:38 am
    Tats4days

    I love this website. I like the content and the make up. I have multiple tattoos and so do a lot of people i know. It makes you think a little more and be more attentive. Top ten mistake are so funny. I must admit i fall in a few of those categories!!!!!!!! lol But hey I’m me.

  41. January 8, 2012 at 1:11 am
    Elissa Glatt

    Comprehensive!!

  42. January 8, 2012 at 9:10 pm
    shopin

    Great post. Thank you.

  43. January 13, 2012 at 9:22 am
    Kelly Steiner

    Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is actually annoying. A good blog with exciting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

  44. January 13, 2012 at 9:48 am
    Carroll Humpries

    First rate composition. Continue to keep up the very reliable work.

  45. January 13, 2012 at 8:42 pm
    writing tattoo|tattoo writing|arabic tattoos|wrist tattoos|chines tattoos

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This publish actually made my day. You can not believe simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  46. January 15, 2012 at 9:08 am
    Dwight Chiu

    Notable post. Remember to keep up the good work.

  47. January 15, 2012 at 12:21 pm
    Mary Kerr

    very nice submit, i certainly love this web site, keep on it

  48. January 16, 2012 at 7:56 am
    Francesco Hamra

    Superb write up. Continue to keep up the very top notch work.

  49. January 21, 2012 at 10:10 am
    Toby Melocco

    I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest, thanks.

  50. January 24, 2012 at 3:27 pm
    Jackie Callier

    Very well written story. It’ll be good for anybody who utilizes it, including me . Keep doing what you are doing i will certainly read more posts.

  51. January 25, 2012 at 3:22 am
    Celia Sciancalepore

    Very nice style and design and great content material , practically nothing else we require : D.

    • April 28, 2012 at 4:54 am
      Greg

      My friend got a foot taotto in the winter and obviously had to wear shoes afterward. THe sweat and pressure made the taotto bleed as in the colors bleed. now the taotto is blurry and looks weird. I would suggest getting a foot taotto in the summer when you can keep it out in the open and let it heal properly.

  52. January 25, 2012 at 11:09 am
    Pinkie Bresnahan

    I love the layout on this webpage. Would you let me know where to get it? Thanks a lot!

  53. February 2, 2012 at 6:29 am
    Jadon

    Thanks-a-mundo for the article. Keep writing.

  54. February 6, 2012 at 12:13 pm
    Ericka Cademartori

    I appreciate your submission, previously it was interesting and compelling. I have found my way here through Google, I’ll go back one more time 🙂

  55. February 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm
    Vincent Carnero

    It was a very nice idea! Just wanna say thank you for the information you have diffused. Just continue composing this kind of post. I will be a loyal reader, thanks a lot.

  56. February 11, 2012 at 12:27 am
    Vender Ouro

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this web site wants rather more consideration. I’ll most likely be once more to learn much more, thanks for that info.

  57. February 11, 2012 at 7:08 pm
    roller coaster

    Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!

  58. February 13, 2012 at 4:52 am
    Jefferson Jaskot

    Hey, awesome blog you have made.. Just how long made it happen take you to definitely make this? And where did you get your background??

  59. February 15, 2012 at 5:04 pm
    Programs for Debt Relief

    You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

  60. February 16, 2012 at 2:03 pm
    web redactor

    Useful information. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I am stunned why this accident didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.

  61. February 16, 2012 at 3:26 pm
    Misty Graise

    Thanks for an unbelievable publish, can study your others reviews. i appreciate your notions within this, I felt somewhat strike by this article. Merit again! You commit a terrific aspect. Portrays natures best by the fantastic data here. I believe if a greater number of people consideration for it doing this, they’d have a very better time period get the hold ofing the difficulty.

  62. February 23, 2012 at 6:36 pm
    Star Jones

    I don’t even understand how I ended up right here, but I assumed this publish was once great. I don’t realize who you might be however certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you aren’t already. Cheers!

  63. February 24, 2012 at 3:23 pm
    Lorriane Lesch

    WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait ..

  64. February 26, 2012 at 5:51 am
    Leda Stankus

    This article is obviously written for people like me with curious minds. I agree with several of the points written in this article. Thank you.

  65. February 27, 2012 at 5:22 pm
    Tyson F. Gautreaux

    Awesome site. Good info!

  66. February 28, 2012 at 11:10 am
    Kakamike

    Great content! Keep it going

  67. March 2, 2012 at 12:17 am
    invest liberty reserve

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of Top 10 Tattoo Mistakes | http://www.shoulditattoo.com . Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  68. April 3, 2012 at 12:43 am
    in home laser hair removal reviews

    Good write-up. I definitely appreciate this website. Stick with it! http://laserhairremoval.sweetcircles.com/

  69. April 4, 2012 at 10:27 pm
    LifeCell Reviews

    I really like and appreciate your blog.Really thank you! Want more.

  70. April 12, 2012 at 12:47 am
    Android Apps

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of Top 10 Tattoo Mistakes | http://www.shoulditattoo.com . Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  71. May 27, 2012 at 2:37 pm
    Al Garey

    You completed a number of good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of folks will have the same opinion with your blog.

  72. December 13, 2012 at 5:06 pm
    it tech support funny

    A very well thought out and educational post.

Comments are closed.

shoulditattoo.com
Tattoo Advice

Tattoo Advice

Tattoo Basics

Tattoo Basics

Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo Mistakes

Tattoo Mistakes

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal

More Information
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Featured Photos
Copyright © 2016 Integrative Clinical Resources, LLC
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Footer Menu

Website by: iD23 LLC