A new study has found that women are more likely than men to have second thoughts about their tattoo and visit dermatology clinics for tattoo removal. The study was published in the journal Archives of Dermatology.
Tattoos are a part of the culture in the US, as around 25% of Americans aged 18 to 30 have a tattoo somewhere on their body.
For the study, researchers led by Myrna Armstong of Texas Tech University went to tattoo removal clinics in Colorado, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Texas.
At these clinics they found that 2/3 of those who were getting a tattoo erased were women.
The reasons for women wanting to remove their tattoos included social stigma associated with body art, negative comments and embarrassment. Many were also unhappy that they could not cover it with appropriate clothing.
In the next few years, the number of people aged 18 to 30 with tattoos is expected to jump to 40%, and with that the number of women wanting them removed may increase.
Most women stated that they were happy with their tattoo when they first got them inked, but reported changes in their feelings over the following 1 to 5 years.
About 1/5 of tattoo wearers are estimated to be dissatisfied with their tattoo, although only about 6 percent seek removal.
The main reasons listed for seeking tattoo removal included the following:
- Just deciding to remove it (58 percent)
- Suffering embarrassment (57 percent)
- Lowering of body image (38 percent)
- Getting a new job or career (38 percent)
- Having problems with clothes (37 percent)
- Experiencing stigma or marking an occasion such as a birthday (25 percent)
- Marriage or newly found independence (21 percent)
(Getty Images)
