When did the popularity of tattoos among British people start increasing, what do you think caused?

[LadybirdsTakingTurds]

Can you tell me when tattoos became very popular in British culture? I recently went to a new gym and noticed a large number of young people, both men and women, with tattoos covering their bodies, even up to their necks and covering limbs. I was aware tattoos are much more common now than they were in previous decades but it was even more noticeable with everyone showing more skin.

It's now perfectly normal in the UK to see a person with a heavily tattooed leg, whereas this would have been considered unconventional just half a century ago. What do you think caused it - was it influenced by pop culture or a trend? Do you think its here to stay?

Some of the designs I've spotted repeatedly include lions, clocks, naked women, prayer beads, eagles, elephants, mandalas, chequered flags, clown faces, flowers, skulls, butterflies, roses, stars, and crying eyes.

DD thought it was hilarious I had to lie about it but totally gets why

DD gets the disparaging look from DM re her acrylic nails

Doesn't it occur to some of you that some of us don't care that our bodies will eventually look old and lived in?

So now we've got waste of money.

I have a horse. The horse costs a fecking ton more money

My son goes skiing. Test costs a lot of money

My daughter bought an expensive handbag, cost more than most tattoos

So basically the answer is it's my money and I like them, so no it's not a waste to me.

Exactly this! I never understand the argument that they'll look terrible on sagging wrinkly skin at 80 or whatever. The skin will age nonetheless, it's not like anyone would have mistaken an 80-year-old for a 45-year-old if it weren't for the tattoos...

My tattoos have collectively cost me about 700 quid over the last 11 years. It's hardly breaking the bank.

I have six tattoos so not that many in comparison to some. Each one was done by the same tattoo artist who has a degree in fine art. Watching her take the basic outline of what I want, creating a drawing of it then tattooing it directly onto my skin is incredible. Such amazing talent.

I’m not depressed, wasn’t bullied at school, not grubby or chavvy. I am however a bit of a punk at heart and am
currently listening to The Dead Kennedys. Won’t tell you the title of the song though, the pearl clutches might faint.

I never go to the hairdressers or beautician. I don't buy expensive clothes or bags. I spend my money on tattoos. How is it a waste of money if I like them, want them and they make me happy??

Same. They make me smile so worth every penny

Did you go in January? Now there is a man that looks good with black out tattoos 😍

80s? Lots of US bands started having full sleeves. Motley Crue, GnR, Gangsta rappers. Beckham prob the crossover where tattoos became mainstream.

I am glad so many love their tattoos and are happy to have them. Your money, your choice. I can’t understand it, but I don’t need to.

The same could be said for fish lips and Botox.

I suppose it’s like all fashions - the more people do it, the more people will follow, as it becomes more acceptable. Personally I think they’re vile, but as long as my partner and kids don’t have them, I don’t care.

Mine have cost triple that but I don't see why it's wasting money any more than buying nice handbags or going out for meals or drinking nice wine. Surely anything not spent on essentials could be seen as "wasting money" if it's not something we ourselves would purchase. Thank goodness we all like different things!

And if your kids do?

The popularity of tattoos among British people started increasing significantly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While tattoos have been a part of British culture for centuries, they were traditionally associated with specific subcultures like sailors, bikers, and punks. However, several factors contributed to their mainstream acceptance and popularity.

One significant influence was the rise of popular culture, including music, fashion, and celebrity culture. Musicians, actors, and athletes began showcasing tattoos, which helped to normalize and popularize them among the general public. Additionally, the media played a role in portraying tattoos as a form of self-expression and individuality, rather than as symbols of rebellion or deviance.

Source - Wikipedia

It doesn't hurt and terrible scarring? You're commenting on something you know bugger all about. That's evident

also I'm not a kick in the arse from 50. I think I'm grown up enough to know what I want.

I'm definitely leaning towards you just posting for amusement now because nowt you're saying makes any sense.

I dont get the argument that they're a waste of money. Technically everything is a waste of money. Getting your nails done or your ears pierced or buying alcohol or buying loads of clothes.

I’ll be very upset.

You use a tourniquet and the vein should be raised slightly and you can also often feel the vein. Tattoos don't really hinder the blood taking process.

I agree wholeheartedly.

I wouldn't say it is a waste of money but I do think it is partly connected to more disposable income than previous generations (even though people think boomers had it easy financially, there really was very, very little spare cash for luxuries for many 20 somethings in the 60s/70s/80s/90s).

And I can understand if you don't like them you might be.

A poster above said that they have now become an expression of individuality and self expression, now I know you won't feel that way and that's fine!

Personally I would be more upset if my child drank too much/took drugs/did something illegal/smoked.

That said I realise it's not a race to the bottom and you are entitled to your feelings.

I can assure you it is not a peculiarly British thing. You should come to NZ, it's rare to find anyone here without a tattoo of some sort, and lots of people have many of them. No-one blinks an eye when they see a heavily tattooed person, it's so common.

I did @K0OLA1D did you?

It was incredible! And Noah Sebastian's neck tattoo gets a big thumbs up from me anyway...