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This post was written as part of Peeve Week 2: Misconceptions.

I do not like tattoos. It is highly unlikely I will ever get one. But some get tattoos because of sentimental reasons, or on a whim. Here are some reasons you should never get a tattoo if you have never gotten one already.

Fifty Percent of People Want Their Tattoos Removed

The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery estimates that roughly fifty percent of people who get tattoos want them removed. I imagine this is not taking into consideration the amount of people dissatisfied with their existing tattoo, but do not want it removed.

Parents often warn teenagers that tattoos are a “phase” and that the teenager will grow out of it. Unfortunately, teenagers are in their own little vacuum and get tattoos regardless of parental advise. My advise to any teenagers is to wait to see what kind of occupation awaits after college. For example, it wouldn’t be wise to go tattoo crazy in high school and college and then decide to become a politician or pastor.

Tattoo Removal is Expensive

In case you get that tattoo and do want it removed, it is helpful to note the costs involved. Removal of even small tattoos can cost thousands of dollars. That tattoo that was bought on a whim can mean years of debt paybacks if a loan is taken out to remove it.

Tattoo Removal is Painful

Tattoos are removed through lasers, dermabrasion, and/or surgical excision.

Dermabrasion is when the skin is “sanded” so that the tattoo can be removed. I could imagine this technique would be quite painful since the tattoo is literally being rubbed right out of your skin.

The surgical excision is when the surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. I wouldn’t want this done on large tattoos. So now instead of a tattoo is a nice little scar.

Tattoos are Unprofessional

Depending on where the tattoo is located, tattoos can be unprofessional. Even tattoos intentionally placed out of sight and out of mind can cause embarrassment on wedding days, days on the beach, and other activities.

When finding that day job, certain people view tattoos as being unprofessional. I personally find it very unprofessional to see people having tattoos on the backs of their necks, hands, and other visible places.

If you get a job at Hot Topic, there’s nothing unprofessional about having a tattoo. In other places, however, tattoos can actually prevent you from being hired.

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that tattoos will be loved by its owner for a lifetime. Unfortunately, in most cases, this just isn’t true.