Are You Too Old For a Tattoo?

I got my first and only tattoo when I was 32. I don’t know what triggered the desire, but suddenly I just knew I had to have one.

I was a busy mother of two small children, and I was working full time. Amidst all my family and work responsibilities, I realized that I needed to do something that was just for me. For my tattoo, I chose the astrological symbol for Pisces, which is my horoscope and rings true for my “fishy,” artistic, emotional, fluid/water nature. So that fateful night, for whatever reason, I dragged my already much-tattooed friend to the Electric Rose tattoo parlor and got my “sign” tattooed just above my panty line (the notorious “tramp stamp” location—sexist labeling, whatever). The procedure hurt, but I was proud of my new tattoo and didn’t really care what anyone thought.

Sadly, I realized later that I could not see my tat without looking in the bathroom mirror and turning my head at an uncomfortable angle. Looking back, I wish I had it on my arm, my ankle or somewhere else to help ground me when I have those self-doubt moments of “who am I?”

Of course, I’m hardly a trailblazer when it comes to having a personally meaningful symbol inked onto my body. Take a look around any beach, or peruse the latest red carpet celebrity photos, and you’ll see that tattoos have become increasingly common within the female population. According to “Sailor” Bill Johnson, vice president of the National Tattoo Association, women now make up a large portion of tattooed Americans. “I would say it’s around 60 percent men, 40 percent women, and the ratio has closed over the years,” said Johnson, who for the past 35 years has been a prominent Florida tattoo artist and advocate. “There is definitely more coverage on women nowadays. [Females] are just not so worried about what people think about tattoos anymore.”

More women are getting inked these days, and the decision is often a personal one.

So what inspires women to get a tattoo? It’s often very personal, said Nikki Buchanan of Overland Park, Kansas, who waited until her 30th birthday to get a tattoo that was significant to her. “Originally I was going to get one in LA while visiting friends…I didn’t, but [the idea] stuck with me, and several months later I went by myself and got one with my dad’s jersey number (86) inside the team logo.” Her father was Kansas City Chiefs pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Buck Buchanan, who died in 1992.

The personal nature of tattoos is a theme for most women who get “inked.” After some regrettable hearts and peace signs in her 20s, Katie Mangino got a four-leaf clover for her Irish heritage, followed by a personal design created by her son. “It’s some musical notes and says ‘I love you Mama’ in his handwriting. I love it because it’s unique and from my kiddo.”

Family seems to be a recurring theme with women and tattoos. After her first flower tattoo at 30, Stephanie Cederholm of Olympia, Washington, had the state flowers of where her two sons were born inked on her left shoulder and upper arm when she was 44. “I just wanted to do something for my kids and I thought about it for a couple of years and saved up.” Her tattoo took about six hours and nearly $1,000 to complete. “I look at it as artwork. Two artists put their work on me. Instead of hanging on my wall, it just happens to be on my shoulder.”

Incredible inking woman: Musician Christina Perri

Still, a tattoo is a big commitment. Sure, it can be wiped out (Angelina Jolie surely had her “Billy Bob” tattoo erased long before hooking up with Brad Pitt), but that procedure is often more painful than getting inked to begin with. So before you follow in the footsteps of Angie—or Christina Perri (above), Megan Fox or Lady Gaga, or one of the many celebs who have gotten tattoos—here are a few important things to consider, according to Johnson.

How do I choose a tattoo studio? Visit in person, and when you enter look for an overall atmosphere of cleanliness. The bathrooms should be clean. The work area should have washable surfaces, chairs and floors. Ask questions about the sterilizing process. All tattoo parlors should have an auto-clave to sterilize. After entering the facility, you should be acknowledged within a few minutes. Ask to see photos of the tattoo artist’s work and, if they are in the process of creating a tattoo on another patron, ask if you can watch or listen in. The best rule of thumb is to follow your instincts. Cheap tattoos are not good, and good tattoos are not cheap. 

Cheap tattoos are not good, and good tattoos are not cheap.

How much does a tattoo hurt? The best way to describe getting a tattoo is that the outline feels like a cross between a mosquito and a bee sting. The coloring in feels like a sharp scratch. It’s really not as bad as most people think, Johnson says. Different areas feel more or less uncomfortable, but there’s not a great difference in discomfort. More sensitive body parts include feet, hand, genitals, neck and sternum.

Think twice before getting inked with the name of a boyfriend, as Angie did.

How much does a good tattoo cost? Much like hairdressers, tattoo artists set their own pricing. Most charge by the hour. Be sure to ask around and check out portfolios ahead of time. The larger and more detailed the piece, the more costly. The more colors you choose can also increase the price. Plan on anywhere from $50-$300 per hour.

What type of design should I get? Your first tattoo should be personal and not on a whim. Take time to think about a theme that fits your personality, purpose and artwork idea. Remember, you don’t want to have to get cover-up surgery later!

Megan Fox’s waxes poetic on her back.

Looking for some tattoo design inspiration? Visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest Board for some cool ideas. And tell us what message or image you’ve decided to show the world.