Tattoos have skyrocketed in popularity recently. Much more than just a fashion statement, tattoos are increasingly seen as forms of permanent self-expression and body art. Of course, with any popular trend, new styles and techniques are constantly emerging. If you’re interested in keeping up with the latest tattoo trends, read on to learn more.
What’s Hot in Tattoo Trends?
From intricate designs to hidden meanings, tattoo trends come and go. Here are some of the latest styles and techniques to keep an eye out for:
Watercolor Tattoos: This unique style features bold, vibrant colors blended into each other, creating a fluid and painterly effect. Watercolor tattoos are usually larger and more detailed than traditional designs, so they can be a great eye-catching option for those who want a bold and beautiful piece.
Geometric Tattoos: Geometric tattoos feature bold lines and shapes that hint at a hidden, spiritual meaning. Often symmetrical, this modern style takes traditional shapes like stars and hearts and creates something new and unique.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos: This style is a modern twist on classic Sailor Jerry-style tattoos. Neo-traditional tattoos feature bold lines and bright colors, as well as nostalgia-inducing imagery such as ships, anchors, and other nautical motifs.
Minimalist Tattoos: This style features simplified lines and small, discrete designs. That being said, minimalist tattoos don’t have to be boring – as with anything, it all comes down to the artist’s skill and creativity.
White Ink Tattoos: White ink tattoos are perfect for those who want a subtle piece. This type of tattoo is done with white ink and tends to fade over time, so it’s important to get the design touched up to keep it looking vibrant and fresh.
Where to Find Tattoo Ideas?
Finding the perfect tattoo design for you can be a daunting task. Here are some ways to get inspired:
Friends with Tattoos: Chances are you know someone who’s already inked: if that’s the case, why not ask them to show off their work? You might find yourself inspired by their unique designs and the stories behind them.
Tattoo Artists: If you’ve found a tattoo artist whose style speaks to you – great! Make sure to check out their portfolio and social media pages, as their Instagram and Facebook are often filled with inspiring pieces. Keep in mind that you can also hire them to create a custom design just for you.
Instagram and Pinterest: If you’re not sure what you want, both Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of tattoo inspiration. Whether you’re looking for quotes, symbols, or artistic pieces, these platforms will provide you with hundreds (if not thousands) of ideas to explore.
Tattoo Trends to Avoid
Thanks to the prevalence of Instagram and Pinterest, many tattoo artists are seeing an influx of requests for overcomplicated, heavily-designed tattoos that aren’t in keeping with the wearer’s personal style. Before getting a tattoo, it’s important to think about how it will look in the future. That being said, here are some trends that should be avoided:
Tiny, Overly-Detailed Tattoos: Fads come and go, and tiny, highly-detailed designs are most certainly on their way out. Unless the design has a special meaning to you, we’d recommend steering clear of these kinds of tattoos as they tend to fade faster and blur with time—not to mention they can look a little busy.
Large-Scale Tattoos: While large-scale tattoos look amazing when they’re fresh, they take a lot of time, money, and upkeep. Make sure you’re up for the commitment before getting a large or intricate tattoo.
Cliche Tattoos: Getting cliche tattoos is a risk that no one should take. While they can represent a meaningful part of your life, make sure your tattoo isn’t things like a broken heart (or any of it’s derivatives), a dreamcatcher, or a Chinese symbol for “strength”.
How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
Tattoo care is essential in order to ensure that your design stays vibrant and your skin remains healthy. Here are some of the basics to keep in mind:
Keep it Covered: Your tattoo artist will apply a bandage to your new tattoo, which should be kept on for a few hours. Once the bandage is removed, make sure to cover it with a clean and breathable wrap.
Moisture is Key: Keeping your tattoo moist is essential for proper healing. Use a fragrance-free, water-based lotion to lightly moisturize the skin.
No Taking the Bandage Off Early: It can be tempting to rip the bandage off quicker than advised, but you should really let your tattoo heal naturally.
Experts Note: Don’t be tempted to peel or pick at your scabs, as this could cause scarring.
Stay Away from Public Pools: New tattoos are open wounds, and as such, you should avoid public pools for the first few weeks.
Once you finalize your design, consider hiring a professional tattoo artist to help bring your dream design to life. Relying on your friends’ recommendations and the artist’s portfolio will help you select the best person for the job.
With so many tattoo trends constantly emerging, it’s important to stay on top of the latest styles and techniques. From watercolor to neo-traditional, modern tattoo styles have come a long way in the past few years and are constantly changing. There are lots of ways to find tattoo inspiration and it’s important to research the trends to make sure you’re making an informed decision. Once you finalize your design and find an experienced artist, make sure to take good care of your tattoo to keep it looking vibrant and fresh. With a bit of research and proper aftercare, you can be sure that your tattoo will stay with you for many years to come.
