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.

The 'worry' I was referring to in my previous post was not in relation to her income, more her questionable 'personality'

Highly questionable! But outlining our earlier points perfectly though?

Missed the post upthread about K00LAID having disabilities didn't ya.

Feel good though?

Surely she meant sitting opposite a consultant as in, being a patient?! Really reaching here to make your spiteful non-point.

I have to admit I'm not a fan of them, but I know a lot of people value theirs. Each to their own, I guess. I was especially influenced by a sibling who, when tattoos became unfashionable in the past, would not bare their sleeves in meetings because of them, even in heat.

my other half was talking about this last week but more in terms of how , at the gym we both attend , tattoos are more seen on older people than those in their early twenties and he was wondering whether this meant that they weren’t as popular or going out of fashion a bit.

Maybe - although I actually know more people who have got them done later than when they were young.

A combination of having more money to spare, more confidence in your choices, and less fucks to give I think.

But to be honest depending on who you have seen with tattoos and where you come from that can be the case. That’s what you associate it with as that’s the only people you’ve seen. I know face tattoos don’t drive someone to beat and rape and strangle women and live a life of crime but if you are seeing clients every day who do those things or seeing them hanging round your town and in the pubs and they all have these tattoos and love and hate or fuck on their knuckles that they’ve done themselves then the two kind of blend together as for them it’s a uniform the I don’t give a fuck and I can get my face tattooed as I will never be trying to get a job where it would hamper me.

that’s where the judgement or a lot of the judgement comes in I think. Not saying that’s right at all but just to offer a view.

I really don't understand the abhorrence and judgement for people who have tattoos. I don't have any but was thinking of getting one for my 60th birthday but Covid put that desire on hold.

I may get a moomin one this year. (Basically I'm a scaredy cat but this thread has enlightened me.)

Go for it @placemats

It's really not that sore. In the first minute your adrenaline will kick in and you might think 'can I really sit through this' but then you just settle in, and it actually becomes fairly pleasant.

Every few years now I just get the urge and can't settle until I feel that type of warm satisfying pain again.

Thanks @DoYouWantToStartACultWithMe

I forgot to mention that I think David Beckham is absolutely gorgeous looking.

The fuck?!

I have no tattoos and really want one - just don’t know how to choose a good tattoo artist.

I love it when people have interesting tattoos and it gives me an opening to have a chat with them.

Currently having cancer treatment monthly and one of the senior nurses has an amazing array of them including up her that and across her chest. We always have a chat about her choices, the quality of the art (amazing) and what’s next.

Her tattoos really cheer me up. No judgement and she’s doing amazing by work.

Sorry to hear you're unwell 💐

Some people just like stuff inked on them. Some like to look at them. Some like having something on there to cover their skin- (maybe scars, deformities, skin colour).

I love my tattoos, I have two and they’re a tribute to my parents who have passed away. I’ve got a lovely scenery planned for my leg, it will be like a piece of art 😍

I have had the ‘well no one can see it on your leg…’ remarks and I always say I got them for me not for you 😄

Agree that David Beckham brought it to the mainstream. The papers were obsessed with each new tattoo.

A couple of years after Beckham went for the full sleeves it felt like nearly every other footballer followed suit. It’s interesting to see that that’s fallen out of fashion with today’s generation of football players. They're probably as likely to have a tattoo, just not the 00s style sleeve.

I'm glad someone else said this. I don't have a tattoo but the judgement in some comments makes me want to go get one. Why do people care what someone else has on their skin? 🙄

Can't stand it, they think it makes them sound edgy and cool. I don't think they understand the irony either as by calling someone a "sheep" they are following a certain crowd themselves!

me too 😂

I spat my tea - reply of the thread!! Brava! 👏

Apart from the face the one thing I don’t like are heavy neck tattoos, it looks like you’re permanently wearing a polo neck jumper.

I had a naff tattoo done in the 80s but my son has a very artistic one that I like very much.

Ask your nurse who does hers. Follow them on Instagram. See if they follow any other tattoo artists (they will). Look at their work. See whose you like.
Sorry you are unwell.

Are you high? I can’t even 🤦‍♀️

Quality for sure. I got my first in 1992 in Bristol. The only options were scary dudes who had a book of transfers you could choose from and they’d slap it on then ink you. My first tattoo is approx 3&3 inches and was more painful than childbirth - most painful 20 minutes of my life. It still sometimes swells up if I have a histamine reaction

Now, I see a woman whose artwork is exquisite. There are no books of images to choose from, everything is drawn bespoke and discussed in depth, adjusted as needed etc. she is an expert in the curves of the female body and how to drawn and position accordingly.

designs are fineline and watercolour, not too deep so not as painful and no histamine reactions. I’m booked in for a full day tomorrow to add to my full leg tattoo of flowers intertwined with ivy - can’t wait!