Tattoos have become much more socially accepted in recent years. We now see them as a powerful form of self-expression displayed through artwork on our bodies. However, as a twenty-year-old with seven tattoos, I believe the legal age for getting tattooed should be raised from 18 to 21.
Reflecting on my tattoo journey, I recognize that my first tattoos were not as well thought out as I initially imagined, and a little more maturity would have made a big difference in those choices. While I do not regret any of them, I believe raising the legal age would help young adults make more thoughtful decisions about something that is ultimately permanent.
My first tattoo was a stick-and-poke that I did in a Walmart parking lot at 17. It was a quick decision made out of boredom with a friend. The tattoo did not hold any deep meaning, but now it is a permanent constellation on my stomach.
When I turned 18, I could not wait to get my first “real” tattoo. I went straight to the Seattle Tattoo Emporium, feeling like it was a rite of passage and a step toward adulthood. I realize now that I was more focused on the thrill of making a grown-up decision than actually thinking it through.
This impulsive excitement is something I see others experience too. Many people I know have rushed to get tattoos as soon as they were legally allowed, sometimes even before, often choosing designs they found online that looked cool. When people get tattoos on impulse, there is a big risk of regretting them later. Just as my early tattoos were done this way, I see that some of my choices were made in the heat of the moment simply because I could. And removing a tattoo is much harder and more expensive than getting one.
Raising the tattoo age to 21 would give people more time to think things through and gain experience before making a choice they will live with forever. At 18, most of us are still figuring out who we are. This is a time filled with newfound independence, new experiences, and the heavy influences of trends, peer pressure and social media. Waiting until 21, an age associated with greater responsibility and maturity, could mean that by the time someone actually gets tattooed, they have a clearer sense of what they want and the assurance that it is something they will appreciate in the long run.
Another reason people rush into tattoos at a young age is that it feels like an exciting adult choice. For many, it is one of the first big decisions they get to make on their own. This excitement can blur the line between thoughtful choices and impulsive actions, leading some to get a tattoo just for the sake of it. I know people who have waited years for a specific design and finally got it at 18 without a single regret. I feel like that is different from getting a tattoo just because you can.
Tattoos are an art form, and like any art, they are best done with thought and care. Raising the age to 21 would not take away anyone’s right to get tattooed. It would give them a chance to make sure their choice is meaningful and represents who they are. Waiting until 21 would allow people more time to think it over and truly understand what they are committing to. Tattoos can mark the start of adulthood, but it is better to have one that reflects something meaningful rather than something you will regret later.
