New Study Reveals the States with the Most Tattoo Regret: 1 in 4 Americans Have It

Tattoos have been a form of self-expression for centuries, and with the rise of the tattoo culture in recent years, more people are getting inked than ever before. However, what happens when the initial excitement and novelty of a new tattoo wears off, and you’re left regretting your decision? According to a recent study conducted by LaserAway, one of the country’s leading tattoo removal businesses, this is common. In some states, it is exceedingly more prevalent than others.

While tattoos can depict a meaningful message or symbol, they are also permanent and can often lead to feelings of remorse in some individuals. According to LaserAway, as many as 1 in 4 Americans regret getting tattoos, but which US states have the highest percentage of tattoo regret? Using this new data, we are ranking the states below and will share some interesting stats and facts to paint a complete picture of tattooing in the US.

1. Alabama

Regret Score: 75.5

Alabama is the number one state with the most tattoo regret. It also happens to be the state where folks said they spent the most on their tattoos. The average person said they paid $1,005.90 on tattoos. Residents in the state are also the most likely to regret four or five of their tattoos.

2. Arizona

Regret Score: 70.5

Nearly 1 in 6 Arizona residents say they regret two or three of their tattoos. On a more local level, Phoenix, AZ, ranked first for the cities with the most tattoo regret, with a score of 75.0 out of 100.

3. Iowa

Regret Score: 70.3

Iowa is the state to come in third place. Tied with Arizona, nearly 1 in 6 Iowa residents say they regret two or three of their tattoos. The state is also tenth in terms of the average a person spends on tattoos, with responders saying they spent $699.69 on their ink.

4. Ohio

Regret Score: 69.0

Ohio ranks seventh in the average amount a person spends on their tattoos, coming in at $769.20.

FUN FACT: Some tattoo placements on the body are more regretted than others. The most is the upper arm, followed by the lower arm, and finally, the lower leg.

5. Colorado

Regret Score: 66.5

The average Colorado resident says they spent $737.60 on their tattoos, making the state the ninth. Folks in Denver spend even more than that, $776.11, making it the third most tattoo-spending city.

6. Maryland

Regret Score: 66.0

Tied with Alabama, residents in Maryland are the most likely to say they immediately regretted their tattoos right after getting them.

FUN FACT: Nearly 1 in 10 tattooed Americans admit to instantly regretting a tattoo once it was on their body.

7. Tennessee

Regret Score: 65.5

Tennessee ranks seventh with a regret score of 65.5.

FUN FACT: Tattooed Americans are more likely to regret their tattoo's placement and/or size than the imagery itself.

8. Nevada

Regret Score: 62.0

We likely have Las Vegas to thank for much of the data collected from Nevada. In Sin City, the city ranks ninth in average spend on tattoos.

9. Texas

Regret Score: 60.5

Texas came in ninth place with a regret score of 60.5.

FUN FACT: Women are more likely than men to regret at least one of their tattoos.

10. Michigan (Tie)

Regret Score: 59.5

The state of Michigan tied with Wisconsin in tenth place, ranking 59.5.

FUN FACT: 1 in 25 say they regret getting someone's name tattooed on them.

10. Wisconsin (Tie)

Regret Score: 59.5

Along with its fellow upper midwest state, Michigan, Wisconsin ranks tenth.

12. Oklahoma (Tie)

Regret Score: 58.5

Oklahoma and Virginia tie for twelfth place, both ranking 58.5. When it comes to money spent on tattoos, Oklahoma residents spend the least amount on their tattoos of any state. After Phoenix, Oklahoma City ranked second among the cities with the most tattoo regret.

12. Virginia (Tie)

Regret Score: 58.5

Oklahoma and Virginia are twelfth, and while Washington, DC, is its own thing, we will take this opportunity to point out that DC ranks high among cities with the most tattoo regret, with a score of 55.6.

14. Georgia (Tie)

Regret Score: 57.5

Georgia and Louisiana are two states in the deep south that tied for fourteenth.

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14. Louisiana (Tie)

Regret Score: 57.5

We wonder if some wild days and nights spent in the Big Easy fuel the tattoo regret in Louisiana. The data does not imply this, but we think we're onto something.

16. West Virginia

Regret Score: 57.0

After Oklahoma, residents in West Virginia spend the least amount on their tattoos, with an average of $341.70.

17. Pennsylvania (Tie)

Regret Score: 54.9

Pennsylvania and South Carolina tie for seventeenth place. On a more local level, Philadelphia ranks fifth among cities with the most tattoo regret.

17. South Carolina (Tie)

Regret Score: 54.9

For South Carolina to rank so highly among tattoo regret, it is curious that its neighbor to the north, North Carolina, is one of the states with the least tattoo regret.

19. Kentucky

Regret Score: 54.5

Kentucky takes the nineteenth spot with a 54.5 regret score.

FUN FACT: 1 in 6 people say they regret their tattoos now that they’re older.

20. Oregon

Regret Score: 52.0

Oregon ranks twentieth with a score of 52.0.

FUN FACT: Women are more likely than men to get another tattoo as a cover-up.

21. Massachusetts

Regret Score: 51.5

Massachusetts ranks third among states where residents pay the most money on their ink. The average is $884.82 in the state. On a city level, Boston ranks second among cities, with residents spending the most on tattoos, with an average of $791.94.

22. California

Regret Score: 51.0

California ranks twenty-second with a score of 51.0.

FUN FACT: 1 in 5 people say they cover their tattoos(s) while at work.

23. New Mexico (Tie)

Regret Score: 50.6

New Mexico and Idaho tie for twenty-third. It is surprising the difference a border can make. New Mexico's neighbor, Arizona, ranks second with tattoo regret.

23. Idaho (Tie)

Regret Score: 50.6

Idaho comes in twenty-third, tied with New Mexico.

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25. Nebraska

Regret Score: 50.0

Rounding out the top 25 states with the most tattoo regret is Nebraska. About half the folks polled there report ink remorse.

FUN FACT: A city that many Nebraskans flock to, Chicago ranks first among cities that spend the most on tattoos. The average person pays $970.34 for their tattoos. Cha-ching!

Tattoos reflect a person's personality, beliefs, and aspirations. However, it's essential to carefully consider the long-term implications of getting inked, including the possibility of experiencing regret. While some states seem to have higher instances of tattoo regret than others, it's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique.

If you're considering getting a tattoo, take your time, research thoroughly, and reflect on what it means to you. Remember, a good tattoo artist will work with you to create a design that matches your vision and results in a piece of art that you'll love for years to come. And if you do end up regretting your tattoo, take comfort in knowing that there are now many effective tattoo removal options available.

For even more tattoo fun, we've got some of the worst tattoos we've ever seen to share with you. Certainly, some of these folks have some ink regret.

You Might Regret It But Check Out the Really Bad Tattoos Below:

Her Angle

The fact that this tattoo is at an angle really is just the icing on the cake. What do you think mom said?

Microwave Dave

Is this Dadaism? Is this one of the bad tattoos that's actually a smart tattoo? We're spiraling.

They Should've Given Up

In general, read and then re-read the text you plan on getting tattooed. That's the first step. The second step involves asking a friend, asking an editor, asking a priest, and asking tattoo artists to check the grammar of the words you are getting tattooed. This is not okay and neither are we.

Going Strong

The adversity he will face after getting this tattoo will only make him stronger. Please think long and hard before getting a neck tattoo. Bad tattoos can happen anywhere but on the neck, you're toast.

Not Enough Pen

This budding writer knew that the pen was his only ticket out. Wow.

'Thy Known Self'

"To thy unknown self be false." Is that the other part of this? Is that how this works? Help!

Living and Learning

It's a cliche at this point, but people still do this. Learn from others' mistakes not just your own to avoid bad tattoos. Names are generally a no-no.

Not Cool

What in the actual heck is going on with the bad tattoos all over this man? Mr. Ice? Does he think these are cool? Have mercy!

He Should Have Got a Life

He did it his way! Are there ever any adults in the room? How does this sort of thing keep happening?

A Stunningly Stupid Marvel

We don't even like comics and we spotted the mistakes here. If you're getting "MARVEL" tattooed across your shoulders you might want to know which characters belong in that universe. We could be wrong, but that seems like common sense.

Seize a Dictionary

Looks like someone was too caught up in the moment. Take your time and think things out. Moments are fleeting, bad tattoos last forever.

One Who Embodies His Faith

The personification of his own belief? This tattoo makes absolutely no sense. Time to make an appointment with a laser.

Stay Strong

At least this bad tattoo is on her back. If she ever finds out, we know she'll stay strong.

The Irony Is Painful

No one is defined by their mistakes... unless those mistakes are tattooed down an arm. At least they're in the right headspace.

The Importance of Spacing

We're all for messages of peace and choosing activism over violence. But... layout needs to be taken into consideration as much as spelling and grammar. What a shame.

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Just Sad

The masks were already bad tattoos on their own but the spelling error is just a chef's kiss. Get your act together or bad tattoos can plague you for a lifetime.

Get Help

Clearly, no one was able to change his mind before getting this awful tattoo. It is riddled with mistakes. Take some advice the next time around?

Stay Clam, America

Please check on the tattoo artists in your life. Are they okay? How did this happen? Does she live in Florida? Bad tattoos often raise more questions than they answer.

Thankfully, He's the Only One

Is that so? He should ask him for a little guidance before he goes to get any more bad tattoos. The power of prayer!

Regret Is Powerful

We're all about a carefree and guilt-free lifestyle. Worrying? Who needs it? Live your life with no ragrets, people.

Haunting

We often appreciate tattoos that resonate so deeply that they haunt us. However, this is one of the bad tattoos that will haunt you for the wrong reasons. Don't stare too long or this demon will claim your soul.

We Want Off This Ride

Who needs actual hair when tattoo ink gets the job done just fine? Who are we kidding? This is one of the weirdest bad tattoos we've ever seen.

Baby Body

This person that it was a great idea to get a little body tattooed on his big body. Unsettling, no?

She Lives Abroad

Why would... Tattoos aren't relationship status updates. Take a moment and think about how things are perceived before getting your bad tattoos.

The Lion Ding

Oh boy. This monstrosity takes up this man's entire upper back. How could they do Simba like this? Bad tattoos are even worse when they're enormous. Food for thought!

Not the Face!

Face tattoos should be considered very carefully if you enjoy being taken seriously. "The Illusionati" the forehead tattoo says in the above example. We wish it were more elusive.

What. Is. Happening?

Do people actively anger tattoo artists to get them to commit such atrocities? A yin-yang clown is not something we knew we needed to fear. Thanks for that, bad tattoos.

Making a Splash

We hate to yuck someone's yum but this seems like a pretty big mistake. Do you think they got a refund?

A Great Question

If you have ever wondered what an existential crisis looks like in tattoo form, now you know. Carry on.

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No More Sleep

We leave you with a couple of bad tattoos that will make you lose sleep. Nightmare fuel!

There you go! What did you think of these terribly bad tattoos? We hope they reminded you to take a breath and make good choices. You should always do your homework before getting a tattoo. Find an artist you can trust with a portfolio that establishes their experience. Otherwise, you could end up with some very bad tattoos.