Image: Shutterstock
If you are looking for the coolest tattoo ideas for teens, you have arrived at the right place. Tattoos are a creative way to express yourself through body art. And, if you have a teen who wants to get inked with quotes or images that may or may not hold much meaning, it is worth considering some options before you decide on one for life. While tattoos show creativity and have an aesthetic appeal, they are also meaningful works of art that can significantly impact your personality or how you are perceived in the world. It’s a great way to make a fashion statement and stand out in the crowd. It is also a way to flaunt your culture, tradition, and identity.
Laura Díaz de Arce, a writer, expresses her perspective on selecting a tattoo design. She says, “I love words, but I do not want someone else’s on my body. I love art, but I don’t want someone’s defined or well-known artwork to be displayed on me. Rather, I want the tattoos I have to speak something of me, to be outward expressions of my internal values, or that they add an aesthetic appeal to my body (i).”
However, it’s best to opt for a temporary tattoo before your teen decides to get themselves permanently marked with a tattoo design. Instead of jumping on the latest trend wagon, it is better to consider unique choices. Read on to get inspired by beautiful tattoo ideas and pick one that best suits your teen’s taste.
Point to consider10 Amazing Tattoo Ideas For Teens
1. Wrist tattoo
Image: IStock
The wrist is one of the best places for teens to get a tattoo. It is an exposed body part, so everyone can admire the great work. Here’s an example of the wrist tattoo. The teenager is flaunting a Coptic cross tattoo. It is beautiful, understated, and utterly tasteful. The slender lines make this cute tattoo for teens look oh-so-feminine, and the placement on the wrist adds to its cool and classy effect. You can add a pattern with meaningful symbolism on your wrist where everyone can see it (and also make it a point to begin a conversation).
2. Finger tattoo
Image: IStock
A finger tattoo is for teens who want something unusual and attractive, yet not too obvious. We totally love the arrow design. It exudes a fierce aura but still looks extremely feminine. The delicate and clean lines always go well with teens. A finger tattoo could also be an expression of teenage rebellion.
3. Word tattoo
Image: IStock
Could any tattoo design be more elegant? We don’t think so! A word tattoo can have a very profound meaning. It could make a personal statement or could be a universal fact. So if your teen likes a particular font and wants to make a bold statement, then she can get a word tattoo. While there are plenty of options to choose from, like a name or a quotation, we loved this ‘family’ tattoo the most. The font used for this tattoo is stunning.
4. Floral tattoos
Image: IStock
Floral tattoos are cute and make an excellent feminine statement. It is one of those designs that can never go out of fashion. A floral tattoo design does not always have to be showy blooms with leaves and winding vines. A tiny rose or an unusual flower like gardenia or dahlia can also be great picks. This rose tattoo is not one of the most distinctive designs but looks incredibly adorable. We love the placement of this tattoo as well. Floral tattoos are always in style and widely used, you can choose one that shows off your individuality.
5. Musical note tattoo
Image: IStock
A musical note tattoo is perfect for young music lovers. It is stylish, refined and looks great everywhere on the body. The young lad is flaunting an oversized musical tattoo. Females can get smaller musical note tattoos on their fingers, neck or leg.
6. Bird tattoo
Image: IStock
This lovely silhouette of birds in motion is graceful. Your teen can ask the tattoo artist to ink the birds in different stages of flying to give a sense of movement. It will make the tattoo look lively. Do you know what a bird tattoo symbolizes? It is considered a symbol of freedom and elegance.
7. Bow tattoo
Image: IStock
We are seriously enamored with this tattoo design. Even you cannot deny that it looks fantastic. The bold, yet delicate lines are making this cheeky polka dotted bow tattoo stand out. Teens can either opt for a completely black tattoo or make it colorful. The mustache tattoo isn’t looking bad either.
8. Heart tattoo
Image: IStock
Hearts are a symbol of love. So let your teen show his/her romantic side with this simple heart tattoo. We adore this delicate and clean little heart. A touch of color adds beauty to it.
9. Star tattoo
A scattered star tattoo on the foot is one of the hippest designs your teen can flaunt.
We loved the detailing in this tattoo and the artistic impression that it creates. We are sure that this teen tattoo idea will catch on real quick.
10. Butterfly tattoo
Image: IStock
The butterfly is a classic girl tattoo design. Pretty and feminine, this medium sized yin-yang butterfly tattoo looks beautiful on the shoulder blade. Minimal colors, mostly black and bits of red are used for this tattoo. We loved the idea of putting twinkling stars around the butterfly. Your teen will rock the look with off shoulder or strappy tops.
Caution11. Crescent moon tattoo
Teens who love looking at the stars and moon will like this tattoo as a magical one. Your teen may ask the tattoo artist to make the tattoo on their index finger or a little above the wrist. The crescent moon design is simple but nice, making it a sweet picture for teens. Whether it’s by itself or with other celestial tattoos, it’s a cool and meaningful way for teens to show their happy and dreamy feelings.
How To Remove A Tattoo?
There are always chances that your teen may not like a tattoo that she has on her body, due to change in their beliefs or their partners, or because their school or college restricts them from having a tattoo.
Fortunately, getting rid of such unwanted tattoos is now possible. Read on to know more about these procedures.
1. Laser tattoo removal
Laser tattoo removal is one of the safest and most effective ways of eliminating an unwanted tattoo. Doctors shoot highly concentrated pulses of light in the skin, shattering the tattoo and leading to a remarkable reduction in the ink. Red and green lights are used for breaking tattoos of green, blue, black, brown and red color. The particles are absorbed into the body through the bloodstream and then excreted through the digestive system.
2. Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL)
In the IPL method, a gel is applied to the area, and the skin is then exposed to a wand that emits high-intensity light pulses on it. This process is said to be a lot less painful and much more efficient than the laser therapy. The IPL method may require teens to sit through a few sessions and carries a hefty price tag.
3. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is administered under the supervision of highly trained professionals. In this method, the skin is slowly sandpapered to remove the tattoo. The surgery is done by an abrasive friction. It may leave unwanted scars.
4. Chemical peels
Chemical Peel
is another way to remove the tattoo. It blisters and sloughs off the skin, removing the tattoo ink.
5. Surgery
Surgery should be the last resort for teens. During surgery, the doctor will remove the skin with a scalpel and place old skin around it. The process can be painful even after administering local anesthesia and may lead to the formation of a new scar.
Cryosurgery is another option, where the skin is frozen and then ink is burned off using liquid nitrogen.
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many teens have tattoos?
Some studies show that around 10-23 percent of teenagers have tattoos (1). However, there are no significant studies on the prevalence of tattoos in adolescence.
2. Who should not get a tattoo?
Consult a tattoo expert or a doctor if you have (2):
- History of keloid scar
- History of conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo
- Bleeding disorder
- Incomplete vaccination of hepatitis B
- Increased risk of infection or a previous reaction to the ink
3. What are some tips for finding the right tattoo idea for a teen?
To find the perfect tattoo idea as a teenager, it is crucial to reflect on your own interests, values, and passions. Conduct thorough research on various designs, styles, and symbolic meanings that truly connect with you. Seek advice from a professional tattoo artist who can help guide you in choosing a design that is suitable for your age and holds personal significance.
4. What should be considered before getting a tattoo as a teen?
Prior to getting a tattoo as a teenager, it is crucial to thoughtfully evaluate the decision. This entails understanding the permanence of tattoos, being prepared for potential discomfort and pain, and conducting thorough research to select a reputable and skilled tattoo artist. Also, understand the importance of hygiene and proper aftercare, and consider long-term implications.
5. What are the long-term effects of tattoos on teens?
The long-term effects of tattoos on teens can include professional limitations that may arise due to visible tattoos, affecting future job opportunities and career paths. Furthermore, the need for tattoo removal can emerge, which can incur significant expenses and time commitments (3).
6. Are there any age restrictions when getting a tattoo?
Age restrictions exist for getting tattoos, as the legal age to receive one without parental consent is commonly 18 years old in most US jurisdictions. However, there are variations, as some regions may permit tattoos at a younger age with parental permission or have different age criteria in place (3).
7. How can teens ensure that they are getting a safe, quality tattoo?
To ensure a safe and high-quality tattoo, teenagers can take the following steps:
• Thoroughly researching trustworthy tattoo artists.
• Personally visiting the tattoo studio to evaluate cleanliness and hygiene measures.
• Inquiring about sterilization procedures.
• Examining the artist’s portfolio for previous work.
Some teens may be all excited about getting themselves inked. Tattoos are a permanent part of your body, and therefore it is necessary to put some thought into it before going for one. These quirky and unique tattoo ideas for teens may help them choose the one that would suit them best. You can consider asking your teen to go for a temporary tattoo of the same design before they get themselves inked permanently to avoid any disappointments later. When they opt for a permanent tattoo, make sure they choose a good tattoo artist. Check the ratings of the artist and make sure they use a new needle for tattooing every time.
Infographic: Things Teens Should Consider Before Going For A Tattoo
Tattoos are a symbol of commitment to forever. While various tattoo removal methods are available nowadays, it is still considered better to think it through before tattooing. Check out the infographic below for some pointers a teen must consider before getting a tattoo.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Popular areas where one can think of getting a tattoo include fingers, ankles, and wrists.
- Teens can consider getting a temporary tattoo first before they go for a permanent tattoo.
- Always choose a well-skilled and hygienic tattoo artist and take appropriate aftercare when getting a tattoo.
- Despite tattoos being permanent, one can go for a laser treatment, chemical peels, or even surgery to remove them in case they no longer resonate with the tattoo.
Waiting until you’re older to get a tattoo is a smart decision. James Withee brings to you some important tattoo tips for teens to be followed before getting one done for yourself.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i.Morbid, part 4: tattoos;https://lauradiazdearce.medium.com/morbid-part-4-tattoos-456c52a92be6
References
- Adolescent Tattoos Body Piercings and Body Modifications;
https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Adolescent-Tattoos-Body-Piercings-and-Body-Modifi - Can You Get A Tattoo If You Have Eczema?
https://nationaleczema.org/blog/eczema-and-tattoos/ - Talking About Tattoos with Your Teen: AAP Report Explained
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Tattoos.aspx
Read full bio of Jingxi Gu
Read full bio of Manjiri Kochrekar
Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
