Tattoo Statistics

January 1, 2016 3 CommentsGeneral, Tattoo BasicsBy Dr Greg Hall

A Pew Research Poll done in 2010 reviewed tattoo statistics from our current generations. They looked at tattoos as a cultural phenomenon effecting different generations and organized them by age and whether they had a tattoo or not. The current generation of young adult’s (called the “Millennials”) adoption of tattoos has been unprecedented in history. Almost four in ten Americans age 18 to 29 had at least one tattoo. There are decidedly wide variations in these numbers with tattoos as you travel the country.

Further review of tattoo statistics show there is no question that urban areas have a dramatically increased number of people getting tattoos with some individuals reporting that they “can’t think of a friend” male or female that doesn’t have a tattoo. In contrast, rural areas where the nearest tattoo shop may be an hours drive or more, tattoo adoption will be very low. So if these numbers seem high, low, or wrong, they probably are. . . depending on where you live.

Of the people with tattoos, 7 out of 10 have more than one and 2 out of 10 have 6 tattoos or more. It seems that once the tattoo flood gate is open, its difficult to stop! The 31% that only have one tattoo may or may not regret that tattoo, and its usually well hidden from the public eye.

Many report the decision to get the first tattoo was foreboding even if it was done without much forethought or planning. After the first tattoo, the decision to get subsequent tattoos was much easier for a number of reasons. An 83rd tattoo of Julia Roberts (above) would not be overkill. He reached overkill after the third tattoo of her face. Just like dents on a car, after the first one, the level of protection and preservation is much lower.

The good news here is the vast majority of people with tattoos usually hide their tattoo from plain view, not because they are ashamed, but because it is by design. They place a small tattoo on their stomach or back and no one but their family ever knows or sees it. Men tend to be more extroverted with 23% of their tattoos placed in a public location (arms, etc.) whereas only 13% of women place their tattoos in blatantly obvious locations.

Many have long believed that the liberal “hippy” democrats have been the majority of the tattoo population, and the Pew study bears that out, but there are still a significant number of closet “right wing” tattoo adopters!

Body Piercings

And finally . . . piercing (a topic we have actively avoided throughout this site). Ear piercing is so common-place here and across the world, that most people don’t consider it a piercing (although it clearly is!), nor is a pierced ear lobe a bold move. Other piercings do count (like the navel above) and the number of people choosing this option is growing among Millennials as well. 1 in 4 Millennials has a piercing other than in their ears with locations ranging from belly button, nose, tongue, eyebrow, and private unmentionable locations.

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.

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3 Comments

March 2, 2012 at 8:54 am

Jose

That is such an anaizmg story!! thanks for sharing!! I love tattoos! but I’m too scared to get a permanent one. During vacations I always get fake ones (henna or water-stick ons.) hahaI didn’t know you were married!! That’s so cool!! How long have you been married? I love your youtube personality and energy!! Wish I had half of your spunk! Your tattoos look anaizmg!
April 3, 2012 at 10:32 am

Keisha Castle-Hughes Interview

Hello. Great job. I did not imagine this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!
- April 25, 2012 at 12:55 pm
  
  Murasame
  
  i am just want to laugh .where got people want to rmoeve it . Tattoo ..Art creation is considered as a perfection of the world.Removal is one type of wasting time ,money and energy..The whole world will laugh at u if they found out that you don’t have the firm standing towards the tattoo that u make at the begining stage pls skip the idea of removing it .my sincerely advice for those have the silly thinking about it.

Comments are closed.

“Dr. Hall’s book is a must read for anyone with a tattoo or is considering getting one for the first time.”

Marty Miller, President/CEO Miller Public Relations, LLC
“As a forty-nine years old woman, my decision to get a tattoo was far from impulsive.

However, my husband and soulmate has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I wanted to have some permanent record of our love, after he is gone.

Since, as part of his treatment, he will be undergoing Radiotherapy, he would be left with a small and very discrete tattoo or two himself, (in order to ensure the tumor is targeted properly). So after some consideration, I thought it would be a nice touch to have the identical marking tattooed on myself, to express my commitment to support him until the end, and to remember him afterwards. If, by some slim change he is cured, it would be a memorial of a difficult time in our lives.

I was highly delighted to come across a website, that clearly and without prejudice, gave advice to those who were contemplating making this permanent change in their lives.

After reading all the information provided on the site, I decided that a cost of 99 cents for the book was entirely reasonable, as it would not do any harm to have as much information as possible.

I am glad I made this purchase, as in among was a short passage suggesting that if you were considering getting a tattoo, in remembrance of someone close who had died, that you think about whether there weren’t far better ways of expressing your love, and whether you would really want a permanent reminder of your loss.

It suddenly hit me, that there was a significant risk that it would interfere with my ability to grieve and move on.

Thanks to this website and book, I have avoided making an irreversible decision, that not only might I regret, but could cause me significant emotional damage.

After all, I can always reconsider the decision, NOT to get a tattoo, at some later date, when I am in a less vulnerable state of mind.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Su Mitchell
“Dr. Hall – I wanted to thank you for writing “Teens, Tattoos and Piercings.” It is clear, comprehensive and compelling. As the mother of 4 children – who definitely does not want any of them getting a tattoo or piercing, other than ear piercing, you have given me a powerful and non-judgmental tool to talk them out of it.”

Shannon Jerse
“Tattoos: Should I or Shouldn’t I?” was very easy to read and contained a wealth of information. The book really made one think about the ramifications of tattoos, all the way from health concerns to possible impacts on employment. I also appreciated the tone of the book; it did not tell you that you should not get a tattoo, but focused on directing you to make an informed decision. Parents should seriously think about having their teenaged children read this book and discussing it with them.”

Sherman Moon – IT Specialist
“If you are planning on getting a tattoo, or multiple tattoos, do yourself a favor “READ THESE BOOKS” so there will not be any unpleasant surprises. It is definitely better to be “safe than sorry”. There is information in this book that will help you make a wise decision as to “tattooing” and even the tattoos you might choose that will be with you forever. This book could be one of your best investments if you, or someone in your family is planning on a life that includes tattoos. GET THESE BOOKS!”

Tony Whitaker – Inspirational Speaker & Counselor
“Just finished reading your book, “Tattoos: Should I or Shouldn’t I.” I found it to be not only an “easy read” but also, inviting to the reader, highly informative and very thought provoking. It raises questions the vast majority of people with tattoos as well as those contemplating getting a tattoo never dreamed of considering. Given the demographics of those getting tattoos and the possible consequences of an often “in-the-moment” and seemingly benign decision, as an educator, I would strongly recommend that Tattoos become a “must read” in today’s health classes or information on tattoos become a part of our school’s health curriculum at the very least. The information you provide could prevent unnecessary regret and hours of untold pain, both physical and financial.”

Reginald C. Blue, Ph.D. – Psychologist – LPCC – CAS – CRS