Despite what your parents might think, tattoos aren't some fad humans picked up in the wake of 60s counterculture. They go back to the beginning of recorded history on the body of Otzi the Iceman.
Throughout history, though, the meaning and purpose of tattoos have changed drastically. Some used tattoo designs for religion and healing purposes, others as tribal tattoo markers for one's community. How has the new generation, Gen Z, used them to express themselves?
In this guide, we discuss popular Gen Z tattoo trends, their effect on the world market, and tips and ideas for your own tattoo designs.
Tattoo Market Insights in 2025
The tattoo market is a massive one, with an estimated value of approximately $1.89 billion. Projections estimate that it will increase to $2.08 billion by the end of the fiscal year. As soon as 2030, that value may leap to a whopping $3.93 billion.
Tattoos have always been popular, but now the focus is on caring for health and sustainability. Those in search of tattoos want options that are "natural" and use vegan-friendly materials without animal byproducts.
There is a great deal of concern about the chemicals in tattoos. In particular, the blue and green dyes, which the EU has sought to ban for their toxicity. Gen Z tattoo trends may cause people to lean toward "safer" tattoo inks.
The largest uptick in tattoos has to do with a change in Gen Z spiritualism. There's been a multigenerational shift toward non-Christian fads like paganism and Eastern religions. Many are getting tattoos popular in East Asia, such as mandalas or Mandarin characters.
Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown
Like with most industries, the COVID-19 pandemic forced studios across the world to close their doors. Given that tattoos require hand-to-body contact, people shied away from tattoo work out of fear of getting sick. Regulations to prevent the spread of disease hit tattoo parlors the hardest.
Further, like the lifestyle and fashion industries, the government did not award "essential" status to the tattoo industry. Similar to other artistic industries, tattoo artists have had to seek alternative revenue streams until reopening.
They have had to be adaptive to remain competitive with so little business. These days, they focus on catering to new tastes and keeping to the highest hygienic standards.
This precipitated the rise of temporary tattoos and other tattoo options that work from home. Many people who lost their jobs during the pandemic also changed industries and careers. Some of them took the economic slowdown as a chance to pursue their lifelong dream as a tattoo artist.
Rise in 3D Tattoos
One of the biggest and most popular trends has been 3D tattoos. 3D tattoos use forced perspective to give the impression that a tattoo is "leaping" off the skin. These can include embroidery, stickers, and suspended objects with shadows.
Merging of Related Industries
Perhaps as a result of the pandemic, tattoo procedures have become a part of existing, popular recreational activities. For example, many spas and clinics offer temporary tattoos or piercings in addition to regular spa services.
The popularity of tattoo academies has also risen. Would-be tattoo artists learn the tricks of the trade from industry professionals, rather than through experimentation.
Boost in Laser Removal Services
Tattoo regret has been, and always will be, a big part of tattoo culture. Young people get tons of tattoos and only later in life realize how silly they look. Recent trends have shown large numbers of older generations (such as millennials) warning newer generations about overdoing it.
As a result, laser removal services have exploded in popularity. This may seem like the popularity of tattoos is going down, but that's not the case. In reality, it's providing confidence to consumers that they can remove unwanted tattoos with ease and start again.
Laser tattoo removal is no longer a procedure limited to expensive clinics. Now, people can purchase at-home laser tattoo removal machines that they can use after proper training. This is a drastic change since past tattoo removal has always been costly.
Allergic Reactions and Skin Infections
There has been increased awareness in recent years of detrimental tattoo practices. Namely, using inks and dyes that provoke skin reactions or allergic reactions. Keloids and inflammatory tumors can result from a tattoo machine's repetitive injections.
There's also raised awareness about diseases such as hepatitis B and C, both of which can result from reused needles. The new generation is avoiding tattoo parlors that do not practice strict autoclave sterilization procedures. People are taking greater care with new tattoos, keeping to the clear bandages and avoiding sun exposure just after getting a tattoo.
This keeps with the trend of better skincare that has taken the world by storm. Just as people have been maintaining skincare routines, those in search of tattoos treat their skin better after getting them.
Rise of Temporary Body Art
Temporary body art, or temporary tattoos, have experienced a new heyday, even for adult Gen Z. These include water-applied tattoos, waterproof tattoo stickers, and longer-lasting henna tattoo designs. Naturally, these allow people to try out different tattoo designs without the long-term commitment.
Permanent Makeup
Permanent makeup was a niche market just a couple of decades ago. Now, tattoos used in makeup are one of the biggest trends.
Unlike most tattoos, permanent makeup involves injecting ink into the upper layers of the dermis. The tattoo strokes and lines are more subtle to mimic eyebrows, eyelashes, and other types of hair.
A popular example of this is to tattoo the eyebrows for those who have thin, less visible eyebrow shapes. Others may include "lip blushing" to make lips look larger, fuller, or more colorful.
At-home machines make these cosmetic procedures accessible and affordable for those who want to do it DIY.
Tattoos in Less-Common Areas
Certain areas of the body are more sensitive to tattoos, or may not hold them long-term. For example, the inside of the mouth, or on the white sclera of the eyes. Gen Z is getting more tattoos in these places, in particular, challenging areas such as the collarbone, upper thigh, or along the rib cage.
Tattoos in intimate areas, such as on the chest, rear end, or near the genitals, are growing in popularity as well. These tattoos provide a new level of personal self-expression and for their romantic partners.
Women Are Getting More Tattoos
Tattoos for most of Western history have been predominantly for men only. For over 100 years, it was unseemly for women to get any sort of non-cosmetic tattoo work done. Now, more and more women are getting tattoos without the stigma that once plagued them.
This is especially the case in Asian countries where tattooing has a criminal stigma. Women in South Korea, China, and Japan are beginning to embrace clearly visible tattoo designs on their exposed skin-shoulders, arms, and legs. This is an evolving trend since there may still be steep social consequences for getting these tattoos.
Shifts in Cultural Norms
As a whole, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the world for tattoos, despite cultural taboos. Demand for tattoos is higher than ever, causing many to shift careers to cater to this market.
That said, certain trends seem to remain consistent. When women do get tattoos, they prefer certain areas such as their ankles, shoulder blades, and busts. Men still predominantly prefer their biceps and forearms.
The only place in the world where the tattoo trend is not growing is in the Middle East, Levant, and Gulf region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman have strict religious beliefs against body decoration. Even though newer generations are significantly less religious, this cultural norm against body art holds sway.
Gen Z Tattoo Trends
Clearly, the tattoo industry is only growing in popularity. Trends show that it is bucking cultural norms and expanding in accessibility for brand-new artists.
Now, let's take a look at specific trends that Gen Z is fond of. Whether you're looking for a small tattoo, or a larger design, this can give you some ideas for how to approach your own self-expression.
Fine-Line Tattoos
Fine-line tattoos are all the rage on social media apps like TikTok. As their name implies, they focus on thin linework with simplistic designs. They're easy to get, cheap, and can be done in a single sitting.
The subject matter of fine-line tattoos depends entirely on the person. Some people stick with classic, timeless motifs: butterflies, hearts, and cursive-written phrases.
Fine lines are the all-rounder crowdpleasers of modern tattoos. They give a sense of being very clean, discreet, and non-offensive. They tend to be small, so people get them in a wide variety of places across their bodies.
Additionally, these fine-line tattoos allow budding tattoo artists to begin their work. If you have friends or family who want to do tattoo work, a fine-line tattoo is an easy way for them to start. It's very difficult to mess up, and easy to remove or cover up.
Souvenir Tattoos
Sometimes, it's not the specific design, color scheme, or art style that matters. Many people are instead using tattoos as a form of sentimentality. Souvenir tattoos, "destination ink," or "tattourism" are an explosive trend that is reshaping the industry across the globe.
In essence, a souvenir tattoo is a tattoo you get at your vacation destination. This is oftentimes just a tattoo depicting the place you have visited. For example, getting a tattoo of a landmark like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty.
In other cases, this is a tattoo that features a wanderlust quote or symbols that remind you of travel. It could also show how many miles you have traveled to get to the destination. Or, how many miles you have traveled so far.
Many people travel to a specific place for the tattoos that it provides. There are tattoo artists in certain countries and cities who are world-renowned for their skills.
It gives you bragging rights to say you got a tattoo from Josh Lin in Taipei, Taiwan. You will, however, have to wait years, in some cases to get your appointment with the greats. Famous artists like these will also charge you far more than the competition for the privilege of their marks.
Tattoo Coverups
Many members of Gen Z are still figuring out their political beliefs and cultural ideals. Sadly, some fall victim to the rise in extremism. In particular, hateful ideologies like Nazism and white supremacy.
Some people may get tattoos that reflect these hateful ideologies and only later realize they were wrong. Removing large tattoos of swastikas and other undesirable symbols can be expensive and painful. Instead, many people are choosing to get tattoo coverups.
Tattoo coverups draw over existing tattoos to create new ones. The new tattoo hides the old one, giving said person a new start in life. They can move on and heal from having such beliefs-and may be able to get them for free.
Those with former, hateful ideologies are not the only ones getting coverups. Many members of Gen Z bear the scars of self-harm from their past struggles with depression. These are things like self-inflicted cuts, burns, and scratches that are quite unsightly.
Self-harm cover-up tattoos help change this trauma into something positive. Instead of having cuts on one's wrist, one can have an eagle to symbolize freedom and happiness. It's one of the wonderful ways tattoos can transform the body's unfavorable aspects into something new.
Traditional Tattooing
The modern tattoo gun is not the original way that people started doing tattoos. In fact, the tattoo gun was not invented for body art at all. Thomas Edison created it as a means to duplicate documents.
For thousands of years prior to the invention of the tattoo machine, tattoo artists used the "stick-and-poke" method. This involves coating a needle with ink and then poking or tapping it into the upper layers of the skin. This is why older tattoos have a less-detailed, "dotted" aspect and require much more time to make them.
That said, the beauty of traditional tattooing is that it's simple and easy to do. Anyone can try it, as long as they use sterile needles and keep their skin clean. It's highly advisable that you follow a tutorial or get help from a stick-and-poke expert before doing so.
There is a higher risk of blood poisoning when using the stick-and-poke method. When ink enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious health hazards and could be fatal. Anyone who resorts to stick-and-poke needs to do so with great care and extreme hygiene.
Otherwise, you can get a stick-and-poke souvenir tattoo from an indigenous tribe.
Tiny Tattoos
Tiny tattoos, or micro tattoos, are a variant of fine-line tattoos. As their name implies, these are very, very small tattoos. Smaller than you're imagining; think of something less than two inches in diameter.
They are versatile, easy to get, and result in very little pain. They often incorporate very simple designs with fine lines, one or two colors, and limited shading.
Gen Z is getting tiny tattoos everywhere. You can put them on your fingers, on your earlobe, or on your ankle. Some people decide to get hyper-realistic micro tattoos that you can only appreciate up close.
Astrology Tattoos
As mentioned earlier, younger generations are turning away from the religions of their parents. Instead, they're adopting less dogmatic, more spiritual traditions. One such tradition that continues to live on and thrive is astrology.
Astrology holds just as strong a sway-if not stronger-with younger generations compared to older. Approximately 62% of Gen Z believe there is zodiac sign is an accurate representation of their personality.
It only follows, then, that astrology tattoos would be all the rage. On TikTok, the astrology hashtag garners over 60 billion views.
Like with micro tattoos or fine-line tattoos, this is often just a simple astrological symbol to represent one's horoscope. In other situations, people get highly elaborate tattoos of Greek mythological characters that relate to their signs.
Anime Tattoos
Anime was something of a niche trend among millennials and older generations. It wasn't something you admitted to watching or enjoying 10 or 20 years ago. These days, Gen Z has embraced this Japanese style of animation and comics-especially in tattoo form.
Again, these can be simplistic or complex depictions of anime characters, manga comic page squares, or phrases in kanji characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting tattoos is a huge decision for anyone, even those who already have tattoos. Even with tattoo removal and the wide availability of artists, it's easy to mess it up. Let's take a look at some questions people ask about tattoos.
Should You Get Tattoos?
Getting tattoos is a personal choice, and it's impossible for anyone else to decide if it's right for you. You have to ask yourself questions related to the following:
- Having a design for life
- Choosing something meaningful
- Expressing yourself through body art
- Your field of work
- Cultural and familial stigmas
Do your research and talk to people you trust. It's advisable that you take a long time to think before pulling the trigger on a tattoo.
Are There Any Tattoos You Should Avoid?
Yes. A perfect example is the trend of "Z" tattoos. Several TikTokers decided to get a tattoo of the letter Z, representing Gen Z.
Unbeknownst to the people who got this tattoo, it's actually a sign that the Nazis used. It may also cause confusion, since the Russian Federation is using it as their symbol of the invasion of Ukraine.
As with any tattoo, do your research. Show it to friends, ask people online, and do anything else you can to make sure your tattoo idea is a good one.
How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?
The cost of your tattoo will depend on the complexity of the design, the size, the artist's rate, and so on. One of the tiny tattoos we mentioned could cost at least $50. A full set of arm sleeves, on the other hand, could cost upwards of $8,000.
We recommend not going cheap with your tattoos. Given how permanent they are, it's ideal to focus on quality over all else.
Buy Tattoo Supplies at Global Sources
Around the world, Global Sources receives international recognition as a B2B sourcing platform. Suppliers can easily provide their quality products to buyers through our trading website.
Our platform offers a very diverse range of products, particularly for tattoo artists and those in search of temporary tattoos. You can purchase wholesale tattoo supplies at factory prices you wouldn't find elsewhere. Let's take a quick look at why you benefit from turning to Global Sources for your sourcing.
Cost Savings
Tattoo supplies can be expensive, especially high-quality supplies that you can trust. By using the Global Sources trading platform, you save money and still get the best quality. This is thanks to our wholesale distribution efforts that give you bulk items at lower prices.
Quality Control
Global Sources does not just accept any manufacturer's products. We vet our suppliers through in-person visits, conducting quality control product testing, and verifying their business licenses. Rest assured that our products meet your high-quality standards.
Wide Range of Products
Looking for tattoo ink, antiseptic cleaning swabs, and tattoo needles all in one place? Global Sources has you covered. You can purchase almost anything you need for your tattoo parlor in bulk quantities.
Convenience
Sourcing from several suppliers at once often presents logistics issues, since you have to use different platforms for each item. Global Sources does away with this, integrating all of your needs into a single trading platform. We give you an easy-to-use system that works like any consumer website, connecting you to the goods you need.
Order Customization
Buying in bulk usually doesn't involve a lot of freedom of choice. You get what you get, and you have to deal with it-unless you shop at Global Sources.
We allow our suppliers to provide bespoke orders. You can customize the sizes, colors, and designs of your orders as needed. That way, you don't have to consign yourself to generic products that don't meet your needs.
