Getting tattooed young: advice before you make it permanent

Getting tattooed at 16, 17 or 18 is an increasingly common wish. Inspiration is everywhere on social media, tattooists seem easy to reach, and the idea of marking something meaningful on your skin can feel natural, almost necessary.

But at Ray studios we also see young adults who come to have a design removed because it was chosen too quickly, in poor conditions, or without weighing up the consequences. Here are the key things to know if you want to get tattooed young, so that a first tattoo does not become a first regret.

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1. Understand what a tattoo actually is

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A tattoo is ink placed under the skin, permanently. Even though laser tattoo removal can now erase or lighten tattoos, it remains a long process that takes time, money and can be uncomfortable.

Before getting tattooed, be aware that this choice will stay with you for years. It is a commitment, both physical and symbolic.

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2. Take your time

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When you are young, the urge to get a tattoo can be very strong, but also very tied to the moment:

• A period of transition,
• A relationship,
• A trend or a dare,
• A group of friends.

So it is essential to:

• Let the idea settle,
• Come back to the design several times,
• Ask yourself: "Will I still like this drawing in 5 or 10 years?"

If the answer is "I don't know" or "maybe not", it is better to wait.

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3. Choose a suitable area

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Some areas of the body change a lot between 15 and 25:

• Chest, stomach, hips: the skin can stretch,
• Hands, fingers, neck: very visible tattoos, hard to cover,
• Arms, legs: easier areas to live with and to rework.

Think about the professional side too: some workplaces still expect tattoos to be out of sight.

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4. Avoid rushed tattoos

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A tattoo done "between friends", at a festival, on a night out or by an amateur can seem fun at the time.
But the risks are numerous:

• Hygiene problems,
• Poor healing,
• A badly executed design,
• Removal that is far harder afterwards.

A good professional tattooist will always offer you:

• a bespoke design,
• time to think it over,
• a clear quote,
• faultless hygiene.

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5. Ask for opinions, but stay in charge of your choice

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When you are young, you often want to ask your friends, your family or your partner what they think. That is natural.

But the most important thing to remember is:

• It is your skin,
• It is your story,
• It is your decision.

You should never get tattooed to please someone else or under pressure.

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6. Consider the alternatives

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Before taking the plunge, why not test it out?

• A good quality temporary tattoo,
• The design drawn in marker for several days,
• A deliberate waiting period of a few months.

This lets you picture the result, see how you feel about it, and avoid irreversible decisions.

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7. And what if you regret it later?

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It happens: many people come to see us to remove a tattoo they got very young.

• A name that has become awkward,
• A symbol that was misunderstood,
• A style that no longer fits,
• A design done in a hurry.

Fortunately, laser tattoo removal can now erase or lighten a tattoo, over several sessions, with professionalism and respect. Individual results vary.

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Key points

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Getting tattooed young is not a problem in itself. But it is a decision that calls for:

• Thought,
• A considered choice of design and area,
• A qualified professional,
• And a real awareness of what it involves.

At Ray studios, we never judge first tattoos, whether you are proud of them or regret them. Our skin therapists are here to support you, whether this is a first step or the wish to erase something written a little too quickly. You can discuss your options at an initial consultation, and our Full Remove plan gives you unlimited sessions at a single fixed price.

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