20 Questionable Tattoo Choices People Regret

Tattoos are a permanent form of self-expression, but sometimes, the ink that once felt like a brilliant idea can end up being a lifelong reminder of a decision made in the heat of the moment. Whether it’s a trend gone wrong, a design that didn’t age well, or a symbol that no longer holds meaning, many people have found themselves regretting their tattoo choices. From misspelled words to bizarre images, these 20 tattoos serve as a cautionary tale for anyone thinking about getting inked.

After all, what seems cool and rebellious in your twenties might be a cringeworthy reminder in your forties. In some cases, these tattoos go beyond just being embarrassing, they can also carry unwanted associations or deeply regretful memories. Here are 20 questionable tattoos owners regret.

1. This is your first tattoo choice?

A person with short hair has a large red tattoo of a broken heart with stitches on their left cheek. They are wearing a patterned shirt and a stud earring. The background shows a blue wall with framed pictures.
thisismytrip

Nothing like a massive face tattoo to start your ink-journey.

2. At least he knows his place in this world.

Black and white tattoo on a person's skin depicts a clown face with a pointed hat labeled "#1." Above, a banner reads "GOOD BUT NOT THE BEST.
zwergenpriese

Number 2 isn’t all that bad.

3. If anything the prosthetic is a genius.

A person with a prosthetic leg stands on a concrete surface. Their other leg has a tattoo of the phrase "I'm with stupid" above an image of a hand pointing in the direction of the prosthetic leg. The person is wearing black shoes and socks.
holiday-carry-9654

This may be one of the best tattoos of the decade.

4. Every body becomes a corpse.

A forearm with a tattoo that reads, "This body will be a corpse." The skin is light and there is visible hair on the arm. The background appears to be a desk surface.
docospadeo

This will age poorly when they pass on.

5. This is going to give some mixed signals.

A man and a woman, both with tattoos on their upper backs. The man's tattoo reads, "Because of her, I will not fall. My Sister's Protector." The woman's tattoo reads, "For him, I’d risk it all. My Brother’s Keeper.
noir_her07

“My brother’s keeper” is going to turn a few heads.

6. What do you even call this?

A tattoo on a person's calf features a red cat with a small leaf on its head, nestled inside an apple that forms its body. The image is indoors on wooden flooring.
joadow420

It’s a catapple.

7. There are no words.

A tattoo features two baby footprints, one with the names "Riley & Isaac" and the date "04-07-2014," and an image of a fetus. Below, a banner reads "Tiny Miracles.
mindlessjamiroca

If this was a ten-year-old’s drawing, I’d be impressed. But it isn’t.

8. Usually when you get your tattoo idea from a decoration, it isn’t a great idea.

A person holds a black pumpkin with a cute smiling ghost design. The person's arm, next to the pumpkin, has a similar ghost drawing tattooed on it. The background shows a store aisle.
watrdog

I can’t tell if this tattoo is cute or the most idiotic thing I’ve ever seen.

9. Well, it was supposed to be a lightsaber.

A person shows a forearm tattoo featuring a green lightsaber with a black and silver hilt. The tattoo has a slightly blurred smokey effect around the blade. The person is wearing a dark blue shirt.
davidmitchellseyes

This was done by the owner of the tattoo parlor, who had 28 years of experience.

10. I hope they didn’t pay too much for this one.

A leg tattoo of a cartoon man wearing glasses, a T-shirt, pants, and shoes, holding a can in one hand. The tattoo is displayed on a pale skin tone. Nearby, part of a foot and a red blanket are visible.
userdeleted

I’ll tell you what, that’s a questionable tattoo if I’ve ever seen one.

11. There are no words.

Tattoo of a fluffy duckling standing on a small skateboard, inked on a person's skin. The duckling faces left, with simple linework highlighting its soft texture.
m0xfu1der

This one isn’t supposed to be on this list. It’s one of the most amazing tattoos I’ve ever seen.

12. This one is next-level bad.

A person with a pierced nose and eyebrow has a tattoo of a broken heart and red streaks resembling tears beneath their eyes. The tattoo is on both cheeks, with detailed shading, giving a dramatic effect.
neglectron

This might be the worst tattoo I’ve ever seen. What are people thinking?

13. “Bottom text.”

A tattoo featuring an image resembling a well-known character with smeared makeup, holding a card. The text above reads "We live in a society" and below "Bottom text.
420_sided_die

They even included the “memegenerator.net.”

14. It goes all the way around like a beard.

A person wears a tie-dye cap and sunglasses, displaying a colorful crystal-themed tattoo on their jawline and neck. The tattoo features shades of purple, blue, and green. They also wear a star-shaped earring and a gold chain necklace.
hersonmyole

Don’t get into a fight with him, this guy has a real diamond chin.

15. People shouldn’t be able to do tattoos at home.

Close-up of a forearm tattoo featuring a large semicolon between the words "my story" and "isn't over." The background shows a blurred surface with small objects, including a colorful item and a metallic object.
bishopgodyou

The semicolon is so uneven it hurts.

16. Right on the collarbone is insane.

A tattoo in cursive font on the upper chest reads, "We gain strength from the madness we survive." The person is wearing a gray shirt, partially pulled down to reveal the tattoo.
beeyyut

I’m not sure where she got this but she needs to get her money back.

17. He never has to wear shoes again.

A foot with a tattoo depicting a detailed, lace-up design resembling a corset or shoe laces, situated on the top of the foot. The background is a wooden floor with visible grain.
demonic-tooter

“Time to lace up my skin.” This one had to hurt.

18. This was supposed to be a horse.

Simple line tattoo of a playful, stylized dog on a person's arm, set against a brick wall background. The dog appears to be in motion, with one paw raised.
lapeyrouse1029

Don’t they show you the outline before they begin the tattoo?

19. I feel bad for this guy.

Person with a bare back showing an outline of wings drawn in blue ink. They are in a room with a patterned chair, books, and other objects in the background.
urjok

What kind of angel wings are those?

20. So close.

Side-by-side comparison of a detailed Joker tattoo with "Damaged" on the forehead, featuring a wide smile, and a simplified attempt of the same design with less detail on a person's arm, showing a watch below the grin.
userdeleted

These two photos are indistinguishable from each other.

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