Living a brave life will inevitably lead to some regrets. There is always risk in seeking adventure, yet the reward is surely worth it. A regret is harder to cope with, however, when it’s permanently inked into your skin.

According to studies, about 24 percent of Americans who have tattoos regret getting at least one of them. While a tattoo you love can serve as a major part of your identity, a tattoo you regret can be detrimental to your mental health. Here are some personal anecdotes about those who have experienced tattoo regret, and how to navigate it yourself.

Do You Regret Any of Your Tattoos?

Tattoo regret is defined as the feeling of remorse after getting a tattoo, often stemming from a poor design choice, impulsive decision, a change in personal meaning associated with the tattoo, or simply not liking how it looks aesthetically.

It’s easy to feel isolated when experiencing tattoo regret. However, being that tattoo regret is more common than you may think, 21Ninety asked a handful of inked individuals whether or not they regret any of their tattoos.

I regret how big one of mine is and I don’t really know how to deal with it.

I regret my whole forearm. It can’t be covered so I’m learning to embrace my past.

Yes, but I just covered it up with another one.

I regret my first tattoo, it didn’t come out how I wanted. I’m trying to see it as a core memory.

I got a matching tattoo with an ex best friend. We had a friend break up last year and it’s the one tattoo I wish I didn’t get. For the most part I don’t think about it because it’s on the back of my arm, but I eventually want to get it removed. I just don’t have the time or the money at the moment.

Yes, I regret one of my tattoos and I’m honestly unsure how to go about it.

I stopped it before it happened so now I have one little dash on the back of my neck.

I still have the tattoo I regret and plan to get it removed eventually.

The first tattoo I ever got had no meaning to me besides the fact that I turned 18 and wanted to be a cool girl. I went to an artist that wasn’t the best and had a heavy hand so the tattoo is actually scarred and bumpy. While I regret it, now that I’m older I look at it as a part of who I was then, learning how to be a big girl. I have a hate/love relationship with it.

Currently telling myself that in the moment it was a good idea. I felt that I wanted/needed it then. It fulfilled the purpose it needed to at that time.

I’m literally just waiting for it to fade away.

Yes but I’ve just accepted it for what it is! But that’s easier since it’s small and in a hidden spot.

Yes, but the tattoo is a representation of what point in my life and I don’t regret the lessons learned.

How To Navigate Tattoo Regret

Seattle-based tattoo artist, Shane Thomas, says tattoo regret is a natural part of the process.

“So many people who collect tattoos oftentimes regret at least one of them. I think the best way to avoid that is to do your research as best as you can. Researching the artist and their quality of work, as well as making sure that if they’re getting a tattoo, the meaning behind the tattoo is something that can be permanent,” Thomas suggested.

Thomas adds that a lot of tattoos people regret are ones that they got somewhat spontaneously, or something too specific to an individual sentiment. To address this issue he suggests generalizing your ideas so that they hold value to you, even if the meaning changes over time.

“What I hear most from my clients when they talk about older tattoos that they regret is that they usually still appreciate them as a memory for a point in time of their life/as an experience they still think fondly of,” Thomas said.

While tattoo regret is common, there are ways to avoid drowning in self-blame. Here’s some advice on how to avoid or navigate tattoo regret.

Marinate on Your Tattoo Idea

Before getting a tattoo, take some time to sit with the design idea and where on your body you want it. It’s forever, so there’s no need to go about it impulsively. You can even wear a stenciled version of it on your body for a few days to see how it feels aesthetically. 

Avoid Trends

In every avenue of life, trends come and go. From peace signs to “tramp stamps,” what’s cool right now may not necessarily be cool further down the line. Make sure the tattoo is authentically you versus what’s cool on social media. Tattoos don’t necessarily need to have a deep, spiritual meaning in order to be valuable, but you should still have a personal connection to the design.

Do Your Research

Back in the day, if you wanted a tattoo, you’d ultimately have to walk into a tattoo parlor and hope for the best. With the help of social media, however, you can take your time exploring different artists’ portfolios. Make sure to find one who resonates the most with your style and desired outcome. Certain artists have certain specialties, from fine lines to portraits, so it’s important to be intentional.

Speak Up

Many women in particular feel shy about speaking up for themselves when receiving a service, whether it’s getting a haircut, nail design, or tattoo. However, potentially hurting an artists’ feelings isn’t nearly as detrimental as living with something you hate. Spend as much time as you need tweaking and re-tweaking until it feels perfect.

Shift Your Perspective

If you already have the tattoo and don’t love it, empower yourself by shifting perspective. For example, maybe you got the tattoo when you were young, wild, and free. You can allow it to represent a different chapter in your life, a version of you you’ve grown and evolved from. If it’s a new tattoo, give it some time. You may just need to get used to seeing it on your skin. It is very possible you will come to love it later down the line.

If All Else Fails, Consider Removal

It may be a bit painful and expensive, but your peace is priceless. If you just can’t get the regret out of your head, consider investing in tattoo removal. As lasers continue to advance, the results have become more and more effective. You can have a clean slate of skin back and move on from the memory. You can also consult a skilled tattoo artist to discuss potential cover-up designs that can transform it into something you like more.