19+ Pros And Cons Of Tattoo (Explained)

Having a body part tattooed is something many wish for, but only few dare to do it. This is because of the stigma attached to those who tattoo their bodies — they are labelled as rebels, delinquents, or outsiders who do not belong anywhere. This is a very dated perception, and can negatively impact those who want to get tattoos, but are afraid of society looking down on them. 

People choose to get their skin imprinted with various shapes, patterns and designs in ink, for many reasons — to commemorate something, something personal, or because they like a certain image for itself. 

Benefits of Having Permanent TattooDrawbacks of Having Permanent Tattoo
A reminder of a personal memoryAn unhygienic needle can pass off many incurable diseases
Tattoos help boost confidenceA permanent tattoo could adversely affect one’s chances of getting a job
A permanent tattoo can be marked to symbolise something in perpetuityThe ink used in a permanent tattoo can cause allergies
Permanent tattoos make people happyRemoving tattoos can be a very expensive process
If a person is not satisfied with their tattoo, they can erase and cover it with another tattoo
Permanent tattoos help cover signs or scars
Permanent tattoos help lower stress and other mental problems

Advantages of Having Permanent Tattoo:

  • A reminder of a personal memory. 

People like to remember fond memories, past happy incidents, pleasant experiences. Some people choose to click pictures of those times, write about them, or tattoo them on their bodies to be reminded constantly of that personal memory. Therefore, a tattoo can be used as a marker of good times.

  • A permanent tattoo can be marked to symbolise something in perpetuity. 

People also mark themselves in ink in order to commemorate a relationship, a friendship, family, pets, or those that can never come back. Tattoos signify that things might change, but they leave their permanence in people’s lives and minds. Tattoos can be a lovely way to celebrate and memorialize certain aspects of one’s life.

  • Permanent tattoos make people happy. 

People get tattoos simply because it makes them happy. There are many who hold reservation against tapering with their bodies, but if getting a tattoo makes someone happy, then they should simply go ahead and do what makes them feel content. Each person is different, and what makes them happy also differs.

  • If a person is not satisfied with their tattoo, they can erase and cover it with another tattoo.

 A person may get dissatisfied with a tattoo for some reason. It could be because it signifies a moment gone sour, or that the tattoo itself did not come out right. In this case, removing a tattoo is a very easy process. It is slowly erased away layer by layer, or you could just get another tattoo over the old one.

  • Permanent tattoos help cover signs or scars. 

Many people have birthmarks or old scars from surgeries or wounds. Some are self conscious about these marks, so they try to hide it with clothing. Many people opt to get these areas tattooed. There are several witty and funny tattoos that could be used to cover such signs and scars.

  • Permanent tattoos help lower stress and other mental problems. 

Many studies have shown that getting tattoos actually help lower stress. If you’re looking to reinvent yourself, getting a tattoo might be a great way to do just that. Getting tattoos lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby helping you have happier and relaxed times.

  • Tattoos help boost confidence. 

Reports suggest that people who get tattoos are actually more likeable than those who don’t. These people are included in the demographic of young working adults, and their likeability is based on their “edginess”. Getting a tattoo is not a bad idea — it can be an ice breaker, and help boost your confidence.

Disadvantages of Having Permanent Tattoo:

  • An unhygienic needle can pass off many incurable diseases. 

The fear associated with getting a tattoo is mainly because unwashed needles can pass off many diseases, like HIV, AIDs, hepatitis, etc. It is important to ensure that the tattooist uses a fresh new needle when you get a tattoo. It is also vital to choose a well-rated and well known tattoo parlour instead of skimping to save a few bucks.

  • A permanent tattoo could adversely affect one’s chances of getting a job. 

Even though we like to think we have broadened minds and are tolerable, large sections of society can still be judgemental, and ostracize a person simply because they are different. Many people are turned down for lucrative job offers just because they have one or more tattoos inked on their bodies. A tattoo could therefore get in between a person and their dream job.

  • The ink used in a permanent tattoo can cause allergies. 

While there are problems with unclean needles being used to tattoo a person’s body part, there are additional problems that can emerge because of the type of ink being used to imprint the skin. Bad quality ink can elicit an allergic response in the form of rashes, inflammation, and other insidious infections.

  • Removing tattoos can be a very expensive process. 

There can be times in your life when you want to get rid of a tattoo that meant to you a lot at one point of time, but now holds no consequence for you now. Removing a permanent tattoo is easy enough, but it costs a hefty amount. Therefore, beware of getting tattoos which you may not even like after some time.

A tattoo is someone’s personal business. They may decorate their body however they want, and should not be ostracized or shamed for the same. However, there are certain pointers to keep in mind before getting a tattoo, permanent or otherwise — splurge on a good tattoo parlour, make sure the tattooist uses a fresh, clean needle, test out the ink before injecting it into your body, and follow the aftercare regiment recommended by your tattooist.

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