Generation Y
Tattoos: Aussies embrace body art
In the last five years, tattoos have become increasingly prevalent among Australians. Today, three in ten Aussies (30%) have a tattoo, compared to 20% in 2018. As the popularity of tattoos rises, this form of self-expression is evolving into a cultural norm.
Tattoos have particularly found popularity among Australian women, with a third of females (33%) having at least one, compared to 26% of men. This gendered preference showcases the growing acceptance of tattoos as a means of self-expression and personal adornment among women.
Individuals with tattoos are most likely to reside in Queensland (36%), South Australia (33%), and Western Australia (30%), compared to Victoria (29%), the Northern Territory (29%), New South Wales (26%), the Australian Capital Territory (22%), and Tasmania (21%).
Among those with tattoos, 26% have one tattoo, 19% have two tattoos, 12% have three tattoos, and 9% have four tattoos. More than a third (35%) have five or more tattoos.
Generational insights: Young Aussies lead the way
Across the generations, it is younger Australians who are most likely to have tattoos (39% of Gen Z and 42% of Gen Y). This trend has been particularly notable among Millennials. Five years ago, 35% of Gen Z and 27% of Gen Y had tattoos, with lower percentages among Gen X (23%) and Baby Boomers (10%).
For more than half of the Australians with tattoos, the initiation of this form of self-expression occurred between the ages of 18 and 25 (57%). A notable 17% received their first tattoo between the ages of 26 and 35, while 14% admitted to getting inked under the age of 17. Surprisingly, 12% of individuals were 36 years or older when they acquired their first tattoo. These age-related patterns indicate that people are opting for tattoos during pivotal phases of life when self-discovery and personal expression are prominent.
Not without regrets
While tattoos have evolved from a rare choice to more of a prevalent cultural norm among Australians, particularly younger generations, this permanent choice to leave a lasting mark on one’s skin doesn’t come without regrets.
A quarter of Australians (23%) express regret about at least one of their tattoos, compared to one in five (20%) five years ago.
The generations most likely to have a tattoo, are also the most likely to regret it. Millennials (29%) and Gen Z (29%) have the highest likelihood of regret, followed by Gen X (17%), and Baby Boomers (14%). Additionally, a significant proportion (81%) of Australians who obtained tattoos before the age of 25 now regret their decision.
Gen Z and Millennials, who are most likely to have tattoos, are also the most likely to have considered tattoo removal. One in five Gen Z (20%) and Millennials (18%) have contemplated removing their tattoos, compared to 9% of Gen X and 3% of Baby Boomers. This insight emphasises the transient nature of decision-making during these pivotal life phases, highlighting the evolving perspectives and changing priorities of younger Australians, but not always without regrets about such permanent decisions.
