How Gen Z And Millennials Are Making Tattoos Mainstream

Tattoos have been around for centuries, but it’s only been in the last 40 or so years that tattoos have entered mainstream culture in North America. Gen Xers started the tattooing trend, and it exploded in the 90s and early 2000s. Today, it's estimated that over 40% of Millennials and nearly a quarter of Gen Zers have tattoos. Learn more with our top-rated tattoo shop in Orlando about how these generations are paving the way for tattooing in the future below.

From Rebel To Fine Art

For most of human history, tattoos were worn by niche groups for specific purposes. In hunter-gatherer societies and ancient Egypt, tattoos were often believed to have medicinal qualities that promoted healing and fertility. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that people started getting tattoos for commemorative reasons, popularized by sailors who got them at sea to mark nautical milestones. In the 70s and 80s, punk-rock culture inspired many people who wanted to stand out from the crowd to get tattoos inspired by rock stars like Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Tattoo popularity in mainstream culture boomed in the 1990s, when pop stars like Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson proudly displayed barbed wristlets, Polynesian tribal arm bands, Chinese symbols, butterflies, and dolphins. Fashion trends like low-rise jeans and crop tops made lower back, hip, and navel tattoos widely popular for the general population. These trends are seeing a resurgence of popularity with Gen Z, too. With the introduction of social media in the early 2010s, tattoo enthusiasts and artists could share their work on a global scale, instantly turning body artists into mini-celebrities who were highly sought after at the top-rated tattoo shops in Orlando and across the country. Today, tattooing is appreciated as a fine art form.

Cultural Acceptance

With the influx of people sporting ink in their daily lives, cultural acceptance of tattoos has also changed, allowing even more people to feel comfortable getting a tattoo. In past decades, tattoos were largely seen as unprofessional. Now, statistics show that 90% of hiring managers say workplaces are more tolerant of visible tattoos than they were a decade ago. Several of the nation’s largest employers, including Disney, Universal, UPS, Virgin Atlantic, and even the US Army, have relaxed the dress code restrictions in the last five years to allow tasteful, visible tattoos. Cultural attitudes outside the workplace have also shifted. A Pew Research study indicated that 80% of Americans think society is more accepting of tattoos than it used to be. Additionally, 66% of untattooed adults reported that seeing someone else with a tattoo doesn’t impact their impression of them.

Popular Tattoo Styles For Gen Z And Millennials

Here are a few of the top tattoo styles for Gen Z and Millennials:

Pop Culture Characters

Millennials in particular like to remember shows and cultural references from their childhood, and that’s clearly seen with many of their ink choices. From images from the Harry Potter franchise to adorable Pikachu micro-tattoos, pop culture references are everywhere. Disney tattoos are also widely popular, with one report indicating that Disney tattoo hashtags outnumber those of any other brand on Instagram.

Minimalist Tattoos

Minimalist tattoos are characterized by fine, delicate lines and designs. They are usually monochromatic, primarily featuring simple black outlines with very little shading or color variation. Their dainty nature and small surface area make them a versatile choice that can be placed nearly anywhere, which makes them a great option for first-timers and those who are well-inked.

Glow In The Dark Tattoos

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos are made with fluorescent ink that is only visible under UV/black light. These tattoos feature two distinct designs: one that can be seen in natural light and one that's only visible under black light, giving your ink a magical transformation under certain conditions.

Tattooing Innovation For The Next Generation

With the popularity of tattoos among Gen Z and Millennials, these groups seek conscious tattoo experiences that are healthy, safe, and offered in an inviting atmosphere. This has increased the demand for high-quality studios that go beyond the stereotypical back-alley tattoo parlor of years past. Now, top-rated tattoo shops in Orlando, like Fine Ink Studios, provide a clean, open, and inviting spa-like experience. Other innovations include upgrades to hygienic, environmentally friendly tattooing practices, such as vegan ink and biodegradable single-use products.

Fine Ink Studios, Top-Rated Tattoo Shops In Orlando

Fine Ink Studios upgrades tattooing experiences for the 21st century. We offer a professional, salon-like atmosphere across our top-rated tattoo shops in Orlando. With over 20 locations throughout Central Florida, getting Fine Inked has never been more convenient. Book your appointment today to get started.