It's my 16th birthday! What type of tattoo should I get?

Question

I was thinking of something kind of like this:
http://photo.platonoff.com/Nature/Our_Garden/.t/20040630c.Japanese_Flower.jpg

or this:
自然な美
(it means natural beauty in japanese)

Answer 1

Obviously, step 1 is having a parent/guardian to come with (if they're giving permission).

***Remember, any place that does not ask you for ID or is willing to give you a tattoo at 16 anyway is sketchy and you should NOT get tattooed there***

In all honesty, at 16 you really shouldn't be getting tattooed anyway. The problem with being 16 is that you will be changing your mind constantly, and you should never do something as permanent as a tattoo without 200% sure and having thought about what you want for AT LEAST a year.

As a recommendation (from experience and knowing as many people as I do in the field of body modification), your first tattoo should be something that means something to you (something symbolic to your life, a tribute to something significant in your past, etc.) I waited until I was 19 before I got my first and it represents something that has been a theme in my life and will always be. My husband is about 70% covered in ink and regrets some of the tattoos he got when he was your age.

I have a flower somewhat similar to yours but its about the size of a man's closed fist and its on my chest. Most shirts can hide it if need be.

One more pointer - you should probably get it on a part of your body that isn't too visible (hidden under average-day clothing), since you most likely don't know what field of work you're going to be involved in 10 years from now; just as a precaution. Oh yeah, and in a place where time won't do too much damage (your stomach if you plan on having kids, your boobs, and your butt)

Overall though, I'd recommend waiting a while before you make a major decision like getting a tattoo. Piercing is only as permanent as you want it to be, and if you wind up hating it tomorrow, you can take it out! Tattoo removal costs thousands of dollars and hurts like hell. Good luck and happy birthday!

Answer 2

The stars are cute, but you might want to get something a bit more personal. Those are all so...generic. I'm not saying that you have to have some deep meaning behind it or anything, but try to do something to make it your own. If it reflects a part of you, you can never really regret it. Of course, maybe those stars ARE you, in which case you should go for it. Personally, I suggest getting something on your shoulder. The stars (and the heart) would look nice there and you can easily cover it up...and it doesn't hurt much. The ankle, however, KILLS. It is, after all, a thin layer of skin and a lot of bone. You might also consider getting something in a very neutral color - blue or something that will go with basically anything. If you ever do enter into a very professional career you want to make sure that it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. It also kind of looks like a temp if there's too, too much color and the design is simple. I strongly suggest using color as an accent - that looks great. Just a word of caution...if you ever want a "big" tattoo - one that you've designed yourself, one that means a lot to you - wait for your 18th. I'm not saying you're too young to get one now - I'm just saying that there no rite of passage like going into a tattoo parlor without your mommy or daddy and getting something that important. That's when I really felt like an adult. Anywho, I wish you the best of luck. Happy sweet 16!

Answer 3

I would recommend against getting a permanent tattoo. There are alternatives which could be changed in the future. Three things; first I know many situations where you may regret getting a tattoo. As an example, many jobs require no tattoos be visible at the workplace. I have even heard a friend who is a hiring manager say she automatically reject an applicant with a visible tattoo. Secondly, you may someday be attracted to of fall in love with someone who is very against tattoos. There are some older members of my family who left Germany in the late 40s with tattoos for a VERY different reason. They would be horrified if anyone of their offspring decided to get tattoos for fun. Finally, if you ever wanted to remove the tattoo for any reason the cost could be quite high. Imagine spending hundreds of dollars to get a tattoo and thousands to get it removed.

While lots of things seem cool to do while you are young, you don't have the ability right now to see (or care about) the long term.

Get a temporary tattoo for now and you also have the option to change and try different designs as well. Here are some places to start:

http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Temporary_Tattoos
http://www.temporarytattoos.com

Happy Birthday!

Answer 4

If your parents let you, then why not! I think for girls little tattoos are the best to get. You should get something simple, abstract, or something that is very special to you and has meaning. If you still want a flower, why not a small rose? I can't see what natural beauty means in Japanese becuase all I see is the little squares. But it sounds pretty!

Answer 5

They both sound great! One reccomendation from me is to think of an interesting place to get it. There are way too many girls with ankle and lower back tatoos, it makes me crazy. Another thing is, you may want to put it on a place where clothes usually cover, but if you wear a revealing top you may be able to see it. Otherwise you could risk losing a lot of opportunities for careers, since some places may not want to hire a girl with a tattoo. It's not fair, but it's life.
Happy Birthday, BTW and good luck with you're tatoo!

Answer 6

What ever it is that you get make sure it's something that you can live with. I got a tattoo for my 15th birthday and now i deeply regret it. I hate it. I'm planning on getting it removed or covered up with something that I really like.

Answer 7

Personally I wouldn't suggest you getting any tattoo especially at 16. Wait until you are older.Tattoos are forever and you may regret getting it put on even if it is pretty.
Also not everyone takes to them and I'm talking health wise such as infections or allergic reactions.
Give yourself time to think it over.

Answer 8

Oh god i never met any girl who didnt regret her tattoo that she got when she was under teh age of 25. DONT GET A TATTOO!! But it dosnt mater what anyone says your going to get one anyway because thats the way life works, you learn from your mistake and not others...sigh.....I hope you change your mind.

Answer 9

None....just think about it. A tattoo is permanent and you cant get rid of it no matter what and if you get that laser thing done...then you'll probably get cancer and when your old and wrinkly...you wont look as good.

BTW: happy sweet 16 sweetie!

Answer 10

why are you getting one so young? you have to be 18 to legally get a tattoo. are you just getting one because you're 16? have you thought about it at all.
my suggestion, pick a design you like, and think about it for 2 more years. if you still like it, then do it.
INK IS PERMANENT.