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.

Yeah basically, the possibility that the increasing popularity of diverging from social norms might be linked to a downward trend in IQ scores in the UK.

They are not for me.
That said, you need to be careful when travelling to some countries if you're heavily tattooed. It's best to check it out.
In Japan, for instance tattoos are closely associated with the Yakuza criminal gangs, and are socially very unacceptable. You wouldn't be able to use a public or semi-public (eg hotel) swimming pool.
If they are visible when clothed, eg on your hands, neck or face you may find you are refused entry to some hotels and restaurants too.

I don't care if anyone else has tattoos. Not my body - not my business. My argument come unstuck when I think about my children. I'd be really sad if they did get tattoos when they're older because I think they are perfect as they are. They're little at the moment so I've got time to get my head around it's not my business.

Do you think the same about earrings? If not, why not?

I don't even have any tattoos and I LOVE reading the mumsnet tattoo hate threads. It's like taking a journey back in time. I'm sure there are lots of people on here who would hate to be thought of as narrow-minded and out of touch, and yet are happy to come across as absolute Hyacinth Buckets.

Only a complete idiot would think they were a fashion or a trend. There's an irony in there somewhere when someone brings up IQ.

I accept its narrow minded, but I still would choose someone else because it would create trust issues for me. I accept that’s a me thing, but that doesn’t change my view that if professionals with large and visible tattoos lack the awareness to understand the impact of covering themselves in ink then that doesn’t reflect well on them does it?

Haha good point @EwwSprouts it's a lyric!

A friend of mine had breast cancer, had both breasts removed and had a tattoo done over the scars, do that mean she’s aggressive with mental health issues ? Oh and she’s a lawyer.. so would that mean wouldn’t you trust her?

Always hated tattoos growing up in the 60s. Only men had them and they were either anchors or a heart with mum in it. And very dark and heavy lines. Since fine line tattooing has become popular I love them. I have designed my own and now need the courage to go and get it done!

For people who judge, it's a shallow thing to do. Tattooing is no different really than piercings or cosmetic surgery.

Erm, that was suggested up thread. RTFT.

The first time I saw a "normal" person, and a woman at that, with a tattoo was around mid 1980s. She was a hairdresser so maybe more aware of street style. Ditto jeans with worn out knees.
I don't think either are edgy now!

I know someone who wanted tattoos after a bereavement as a physical reminder of their loss. It’s not all because people just like the designs.
Personally, I prefer clothes as a measure of the artist’s creative ingenuity and the wearer’s personal expression. I also can’t imagine wanting to make the same statement creatively for my whole lifetime in the way a tattoo would on my body. For myself. but I totally get it that other people feel completely the opposite and they get a lot out of having them.

Social media is the obvious contributor to the sudden take up in tattoos. It has an echo chamber effect and creates a normalising effect on whatever sort of aesthetic is in your feed. It’s a good example of what algorithms can do to behaviour.

One ear piercing is acceptable, multiple piercings nope.

Your circles sound awful. I'd far rather be friends with tattooed people than snobs like your circle. Nasty, judgemental people who think they're better than others, ugh.

Tattoos are certainly more socially acceptable than they once were, whatever your view of them. I do wonder how on earth you decide what you want permanently tattooed onto your body. I don't think I could ever decide. Maybe if I was into tattoos I'd have a better idea? Some of them are beautiful, but artistic taste is very personal. They can also be very expensive so I do wonder if there's an element of showing what you can afford for some people with tattoos?

"Or even if they are doing it for enjoyment/rebellious, it looks odd to abuse your body with needles and pain in that way. There are other ways to communicate your feelings whatever they are. The permanence is unfortunate."

How does this not apply to one ear piercing?

People think it makes them look different and unique - when in fact they just look like everyone else with a tattoo.

Things come in waves.

1. Tattoos are seen as edgy and cool as not many have them, so people start getting them
2. Tattoos become fashionable so more people get them
3. Tattoos become yesterday's fashion so fewer people get them
4. Tattoos are seen as edgy and cool ... etc.

I am quite embarrassed if we have lots of brits covered in tattoos arriving overseas. They are usually red with sunburn by the second day too. It looks like an act of self hatred and loathing to me. A lack of self care and love.

You wouldn’t put a tattoo on a beautiful newborn baby - I can’t see the difference personally.

No they don't. You just assume that's what people think.

I think there's a huge difference between small tattoos, eg a butterfly or dolphin on your shoulder or ankle, à la Sam Cam, and enormous ones covering a whole limb or back/chest.
I think the latter are sending a definite message/are done to be noticed, whether the wearer has a secondary or subsidary intent or not. Meh.

All these people who don't like and don't have tattoos opining on why other people have tattoos!

That’s the point of a forum 😊

Exactly. Plus ‘aging and sagging skin’ in late 50s? I must be remarkably well preserved to not have this at nearly 60.

Your circle is more like a square full of shit