The New Rules For Getting Tattooed In Your 40s
Good workouts and body confidence can, on occasion, lead to ink. So what’s the best advice from leading tattoo artists for getting some mid-life body art?
Getting Ink can be great for your body confidence.
THE BRIEF
Time to read: 3 minutes 30 seconds
Time to action: 1 - 30 hours
Mantra: Fashions come and go, only style remains
Main message: You’re never too old to feel good about your body
Stat: 1-in-4: Ratio of people in the UK who now have a tattoo
In the 80s, it was the panther. The 90s, the Celtic band. The 00s, the Chinese symbol. The 2010s, Roman numerals. 2020s, ‘handwritten’ script.
As a Gen Xer, this is the journey my tattoos would have taken – one I gratefully moved on from each and every decade. And yet, to this day, right here and right now, I still want one. Now in my late 40s, how do I work out what I’ll still want when I’m 50? How can I be sure it won't all go a bit, 80s panther?
A quarter of people in the UK now have tattoos and the number is increasing multi-generationally. Even the 40+ market has seen a rise from 10% to 15%. It's fair to say what felt risky in our youth is now sanitised almost to the point of mediocrity. The stigma has gone, but questions remain. We gathered your questions from our 15,000 newsletter subscribers and put them to some of the most prominent tattoo artists of today, so you can make the most informed decision on finally getting the body art you really want.
If I work out, will my tattoo go weird?
No, but… highly symmetrical tattoos are more prone to show the effects of weight loss or gain, especially in areas prone to quick changes like your stomach.
Will a tattoo make me look more defined?
Yes, if… you chose a design that works to increase the contrast between the light and depth of the shadow created by the contour of your muscles. Otherwise, it might just flatten it out.
Is a tattoo bad for my body?
No, but… questions are asked about the content of tattoo ink. Some evidence suggests it strains your immune system just after being inked, although there is also some evidence to suggest that having more tattoos actually boosts your immune system long-term. too.
Do I have to stop training to get a tattoo?
Yes, if… you are getting anything substantial done, it’s probably advisable not to exercise for a few days, or at least until the covering can come off. Some people don’t stop, but why risk it?
Am I too old for a tattoo?
Absolutely not, but… it comes down to 3 simple factors: where do you want it, why do you want it, and what do you want? If you can easily find the centre of that trifecta, you’re in an honest place to do it. It is worth stating that your tattoo(s) don’t have to have enormous significance. They can just be art. So long as you’re comfortable with the answers to all 3 questions, you’re probably good to go.
We also asked prominent tattoo artists and a panel of psychologists and sociologists for their thoughts on these 3 key considerations. Here are the most common answers, alongside some insights into their application within the UK today:
Q1: THE WHERE
Where is it popular and what does it mean?
Feet and ankles
A discreet and therefore popular choice (especially with an older audience), ankle (or wrist) tattoos often honour someone/something lost. Quieter clients [introverts] often choose feet as they don't attract much attention.
Neck
Unsurprisingly, it often indicates a bold nature. Lower neck tattoos are often associated with bravery in decision-making - whether you agree with the decisions or not.
Chest
A tattoo on the chest, specifically the left side and close to the heart, seems to hold real significance. Many individuals choose this spot for symbols of loved ones.
Back
Reflects stability and highlights confidence whilst embracing personal power. Often a way to tell a specific story, just due to the size of the canvas.
Arms
Different sections of the arms convey different messages. A forearm tattoo suggests confidence, a larger piece or an entire arm suggests personality more than opinion. A half-sleeve often represents creativity and awareness.
Q2: THE WHY
Only you need to know, of course, but here are the top 10 most common reasons people put needle to skin in their 40s:
To honour a loved one
To express who you are on the inside, on the outside
To never forget
A marker for personal growth
A mark of healing
Belief and spirituality
Demonstrating cultural identity
Self-empowerment
Bonding and connection
Personal affirmation
Q3: THE WHAT
Arguably, the most critical and personal factor comes last. This list should not sway you, but will give you an idea of the 2020s design styles that are literally getting under our skin:
Watercolours
Geometric lines
Dot works
Fine line work
Nature
Microrealism
Minimalism
Abstraction
Matching (on you or with another)
Stickers (tattoos that look like stickers – Google it, it’s remarkable)
This is all trend, of course, and your body is a classic. It’ll keep you good for at least another 40 years, so don’t use this as a guideline; it's more of an analysis. Find the centre of your trifecta and embrace it.
Though she may not have been talking about tattoos, let Coco Chanel’s mantra – fashions come and go, only style remains – be your guide to getting ink.
ANTHROPOLOGY ANTELOPE
Sociology may have been that degree way back when, but can you honestly think of a time when we needed to understand our society more than we do today? Antelope is a respected and published author of numerous thesis on the human condition and the nature of human interactions.
