I’m pleased to share with you a guest post by the talented writer Rainier Fuclan, who happens to freelance for a tattoo removal surgeon. So you should listen – he’s seen some shiz.
Ok, admit it. How many times has your grown-up self looked back at your teen self and asked, “What in the world was I thinking back then?” From serious fashion crimes to terrible dates and hazy drunk nights, we have all made some questionable decisions in our younger days.
However, some questionable decisions stick around longer than others. Hangovers fade, hair regrows and wounds heal. Tattoos, on the other hand, are generally with you for the long haul. Sure, all tattoos seem like a great idea at the time, but make sure you’re thinking long term before you get one. If you’re thinking of getting inked, learn from the mistakes of others and avoid these five regrettable tattoos.
Your Significant Other’s Name
I think this one goes without explaining. People break up, marriages fall apart and having that person’s name tattooed on your body will not change that. I know it seems very sweet and romantic to have your partner’s name engraved in your body, but if that relationship falls apart, that tattoo will be nothing more than a painful reminder of the past. Even if you are certain that this person is your soul mate, stick to engraving each other’s names on your weddings bands or the tree in your back yard, not your body.
The Product Placement Tattoo
There are plenty of ways to make it obvious you love a brand. That’s great, but don’t get their logo as a tattoo. I know someone with a MySpace tattoo. Do you remember MySpace? Yes, talk about regrettable. As much as you love a brand, stick to supporting them by buying their products or using their services, not by becoming a walking billboard. Besides, if they ever disappoint you, go out of business, or do something that generates a ton of bad press (anyone with a BP oil tattoo must be kicking themselves), your tattoo will just be another regret.
The Chinese Character
Unless you know how to speak and write in Chinese, don’t ever get a tattoo of a Chinese character. In the late ‘90s, Chinese character tattoos were a huge fad until people started realizing that their tattoo was Chinese gibberish. Never assume the tattoo artist or parlor actually checked that the characters mean what they mean. They don’t. Either way, character tattoos can be a little tacky and may end up with the words “sofa” or “pineapple” instead of “love” or “peace.”
The Pop Culture Tattoo
Every fad has its end. Although you may be a huge fan of an actor, a band, a song or a TV show, don’t get a pop culture tattoo. When you were 10 you may have been NSYNC or Backstreet Boys’ biggest fan, but would you want a tattoo of either band now? Probably not. (Well, maybe.) The same thing goes 10 years from now when set actor/band/song/TV show will be long off the air. As much fun as “Gangnam Style” is right now, no one will know what it means in 10 years.
The Face Tattoo
This tattoo can be regrettable in many instances, but I have seen some excellent portrait tattoos, so this is more of a “proceed with caution” kind of tattoo. As a general rule of thumb, unless the person whose face you are tattooing on your body is a permanent family member, like a parent or a kid, don’t get that tattoo. Portrait tattoos that are tributes to loved ones can be great pieces of art, but they can also morph into unsightly blobs over time. Those kinds of tattoos often involve a lot of detail and color, both components that fade and blur over time leaving you with a blotched portrait. Besides, if you get a tattoo of your kid as a baby, imagine how embarrassed they will be walking around with you as they get older.
And here’s a sixth one for free: don’t get a tattoo on your face.
Author Bio:
Rainier Fuclan is a freelance writer for Dr. Steely, a Houston tattoo removal, cosmetic, and plastic
surgeon with awards and publications in major surgical journals.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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