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Regret — we all experience it at one point or another, and nothing stirs up remorse quite like a bad tattoo. An estimated 32% of people in the United States have a tattoo, and about one-quarter of them may end up regretting their funny tattoos or wanting them removed.
Before getting a tattoo, most of us spend a long time picking the design, consulting with the tattoo artist, and choosing the perfect spot for our body art. The lesser part of the people get drunk, find a guitar string, some fountain pen ink, and presto — they now have a truly regrettable tattoo.
As far as we can tell there will never be a lack of tattoo fails nor a shortage of people willing to share their ugly tattoos. Bored Panda has added a new list of bad tattoos that either didn’t go as planned or will make you question what goes through people’s minds.
From bad artists who didn’t quite nail it to bizarre artistic choices, scroll down below to see these cautionary tales of the worst tattoos ever!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist's Work - Tattooed A Nipple On His Arm
RELATED:
#2
Nice Tattoo, Dave
#3
This Guy's Haircut
When Do Tattoos Go Wrong?
It usually starts with a bad design or a spur-of-the-moment decision. Imagine someone picking a tattoo on the fly, not thinking about how it’ll look years down the road or if it really suits them.
Then, there’s the actual tattooing part. Things can go south if the artist isn’t… qualified, to say the least. You know, shaky lines, words spelled wrong, colors that blend into a muddy mess — basically, a great idea getting lost in the process.
And let’s not forget aftercare. Tattoos need TLC to heal right. Skipping out on the care tips can lead to all sorts of trouble, like infections or a faded, sad-looking tattoo.
And while you’re checking out these hilariously stupid tattoos, think about where it all went wrong. Was it a quirky idea that didn’t work, an artist’s slip, or maybe just bad luck in the healing process?
#4
Today I Learned That My Friend's Chinese Tattoo Literally Means "Turkey Sandwich"
Sophia Cai 6 years ago
I know some people have tattoos in Chinese, but when I read them it's like, EPIC FAIL.
#5
For Real, Man?
#6
El Señor Nippleriño
How Common is Tattoo Regret?
It turns out that tattoo regret is a real thing for quite a few people. In a Pew Research Center survey involving 8,480 adults, they found that about 24% of tattooed Americans have some regret about their ink. This isn't a tiny number, considering 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo.
Interestingly, the level of regret varies among different groups. For instance, 30% of tattooed Hispanic adults reported some regret, compared to 23% of White and 21% of Black adults.
There also appears to be a slight variation in tattoo regret based on education levels. Those with some college or less education are more likely to regret their tattoos (25%) compared to those with higher educational levels (19%).
This info helps put things into perspective, doesn't it? As you’re scrolling through these bad tattoo choices, it’s interesting to think that a good number of these people might be part of the 24% who regret their decision.
#7
"It's Is My Life" - Jon Bovi
Coreen Kerr 6 years ago
Great attitude Jef I like your comment. Take care
Load More Replies... Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
This is what happens when you get plastered and let your mates tatto your arm...
Karen Serwatowski 6 years ago
That's what I was thinking... or should I say that's is.... lol
Load More Replies...
Michael Newcomb 6 years ago
This is one of those events in my life that I will always remember. Saw this tattoo while Bon Jovi it's my life was playing on my radio
Gerry Cummings 4 years ago
Ya, the story being both the tattoo artist, or person who did the tattoo, and the person who received the tattoo were both illiterate.
Load More Replies... 
Sarah Rassier 1 year ago
This is actually from a SNL skit. They were an anti-Bon Jovi cover band
Aélia Potter 2 years ago
When you want to quote a famous singer but also use a moderately ’fancy’ language.
Susan Phillips 4 years ago
Uh, besides an attribution to a scrambled name, doesn't anyone see the grammatical error? Once the contraction is spelled out in full, the sentence reads, "It is is my life."
Maria Prilutskiy 6 years ago
Wtf is this handwriting. Not only they wrote "Jon Voni", it's terrible handwriting to!
Rachel Hamrick 6 years ago
I need to print this for my students, and use it to show how important it is to double check your work.
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Don’t you mean “There’s is nothing wrong with this tattoo.”
Load More Replies...
#8
Roar
Chris Pitch 6 years ago
Its the eye of the tiger...nope...hold on...I think that's a nose. or a penis
#9
This Tiger Though
What to Do When You Get a Bad Tattoo?
So, you’ve got a tattoo that didn’t turn out as awesome as you thought it would. Don’t sweat it! First off, give it some time — what seems like a disaster at first can grow on you. If not, you’ve got options.
Cover-up tattoos are a popular choice. A skilled artist can work wonders, turning your regret into a piece you’re proud of. Laser tattoo removal is another route, though it’s pricier and takes several sessions. And hey, if it’s a small or simple mistake, sometimes a little touch-up is all you need.
But remember, the best fix is prevention. Think long and hard about your design and artist choice before getting inked. And if you end up with a tattoo fail, don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes — yours just happens to be a bit more permanent!
#10
Definitely Fits Here
#11
It's Supposed To Be A Galaxy
#12
I'm Speechless
#13
Oh My God
#14
I Don't Even Have The Words To Explain This
#15
This Tattoo Was Apparently Supposed To Be Of “Stars”
#16
Maximum Facepalm
#17
Third Into Fourth Always Gives Me Trouble
#18
Eminem Or M&M?
#19
Back Of The Head Tattoo
#20
Close, But Not Close Enough
#21
Dog Tits
#22
Turtle Head
criminalgirl 6 years ago
Having a "turtle head" means something funny and seriously different in UK!!
#23
The Bananas Threw Me For A Loop
#24
Incredible Angelina's Jolie Portrait
#25
A Facebook Friend Wanted A Very Specific Tattoo, I Think The Artist Really Nailed It
#26
So My Buddy's Step Sister Got A Tattoo Of Her Mother
#27
This Guy Got A Sunglasses Tattoo On His Face
Ohio Hands 6 years ago
Nothing says "I dont care about ever having a good job" like a face tatt
#28
Money Talks
#29
The Girl With The Vegan Tattoo
#30
Guy From High School Got The Same Tattoo As His Dog
#31
My Poor Drunken Choice
#32
I Don't Even
#33
A Girl I Went To High School With Has This On Her Upper Thigh
#34
Getting A Tattoo Of Your Newborn
Ohio Hands 6 years ago
"Dude, why you got a picture of a sleeping Vizzini from Princess Bride on your back?
#35
My Uncle's New Tattoo. Christmas Will Be Awkward This Year
#36
This Guy's Argyle Sock Tattoo
#37
Oh My
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
Oh, it's an onion. Whew. For a moment I thought that this was some sort of kinky sex thing. Still... an onion?!
#38
Not Sure If It's Genius Or Just Horrible
#39
Found This Gem Browsing Facebook
#40
Impressive Dot Work, But Why?
#41
I Think Thom Yorke Will Love It
#42
Expectations VS. Reality
#43
Happy Meal
#44
Dude Sure Loves His Turtle
#45
Interested In The Story Behind It
Aisha La Gatta Pelirroja 6 years ago
I believe that's the thing that eats socks at the washing machine.
#46
My Mom's Ex Got A Tattoo Of Her After She Passed. I Guess I Never Realized My Mom Was An Asian Man, With 5 O'clock Shadow
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
You mum will rest in peace, because her ex obviously had someone else tattooed on his arm.
#47
Unfortunate Tattoo Placement In An Engagement Photo
#48
Zipper Tattoo
#49
"Angel Wings"
#50
“My Own Design”
#51
Please Kill Me
#52
Tiger Anatomy Continues To Baffle Artists, Survey Says
#53
The Concept Looked So Promising
#55
Yeah, Let’s Just Get A Spider Tattoo
phansfanta 6 years ago
That's actually an amazing tattoo work because he got all of the shadings and it really pops out of his face
#56
Instagram Find. I Never Laughed So Hard At A Tattoo
#57
Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
I always wonder why people think that Trump is wonderful, but then I see that some people think that tats like this are great, and I realise that it's a bizarre, warped perception problem...
#58
When You Get A Tattoo At Age 11
#59
Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself
#60
Erm... A Lion?
#61
Struck Gold On Facebook Today
#62
Ryan Gosling
#63
Leopard Print Or Little Hamburgers?
#64
If Only Their Familey Had Warned Them
#65
This "Artist's" Work Comes Across My Facebook Feed Daily, Quite The Treasure Trove
#66
The Best Photo He Could Find Of Him
#67
This Just Popped Up On Facebook
#68
Is It Just The Angle Or Does She Have A Pinocchio Arm?
#69
Found On Tinder, Solid Left Swipe
#70
What A Cute Lil Sword
#71
Sadly I'm Related To This Kid
BlackestDawn 6 years ago
While definitely a "what was he thinking" type of tattoo (and they really should be higher up) I find them well made.
#72
ICP Face Make-Up Tattoo. 100% Real
Panna Amelia Niezależna 6 years ago
I was so pozzled at the left down corner he looks like 10y old boy with goat beard...
#73
Spotted On The Chicago Subway. A Paw And Bow Tie, Or...
#74
Will It Look Good When It's Done? And Yes, It's Real
#75
I've Got A Hunch That He Isn't, "Wrongfully Convicted." Call Me Crazy, But
#76
Spotted On The Beach. Go Bulls!
#77
Blurring The Line Between Art And Reality
#78
When Fashion Is Life
#79
Thus Beauty On Facebook Marketplace
#80
But Why?
#81
Okay, Buddy, Okay
#82
It Looks Like A Lawsuit
#83
Not-So-Magic Mike
#84
Was On A Dating Site And This Popped Up
#85
Got This When I Was 16
#86
Flaming Nips
#88
"Yeah, I Want A Full Sized Wrestling Championship Belt Tattooed Across My Stomach In Extreme Detail. Don't Worry About My Belly Button"
#89
I See A Lot Of These On My Feed
Paul K. Johnson 6 years ago
People have tats of all types of animals, but this is the first one I've seen of the Taco Jellyfish.
#90
Found This Butterface On A Local Shop's Instagram
#91
"I Hate Being Barefoot"
#92
It Happened
#93
You Guys Remember The Movie Spirit, Right?
StrangeStars 6 years ago
Yes! I love that movie, one of my all time favourites...but ugh. That is one damn ugly tattoo.
#94
A Tattoo Artist At A Well Known Store In My City Did This On Herself, And Posted It To Facebook. Everyone Loves It. Am I Crazy For Not Seeing What Everyone Else Sees?
#95
This Is An Abomination
#96
All Eyes On You
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
I won't say it, I won't say it... Argh! I can't fight it - what a d!@#head!
#98
When All You Want Is Long Hair
#99
I Told Him Not To Do It, My Friend Got A Centipede Tattoo On The Face
#100
Another Gem
#102
This Dope Tiger Face Tatt
#103
Rocky Dennis Tattoo
#104
Once You Go Black
#105
While We're Doing Teen Mom Tattoos. Here's Amber's Tattoo Of Her Daughter
#106
Don't People Know These Things Are Permanent?
sunnyrei82 6 years ago
Nice idea... terrible drawing, and the colors look like a serious skin disease.
#107
Wow Those Lines And 'Birds' Are Awful
#108
This Is Just Amazing
#109
Found This Nightmare On Instagram
Lars Lasersson 6 years ago
the last deciding moment: "...and now i'll just add prominent outlines"
#110
From A Legit Shop
criminalgirl 6 years ago
How legit? Just because someone owns a shop, doesn't make them an artist.
#111
Fancy Dinner, Anyone?
#112
Placement Fail
sunnyrei82 6 years ago
that's not a real tattoo, right? Just drawing on yourself with markers during a boring class? Right?
And that’s a wrap on our tour of tattoo disasters! We can't help but wonder which ones made you laugh or cringe the hardest. Have a favorite (or should we say, the least favorite) from this list? Go ahead and give it an upvote.
Better yet, drop us a comment and share your thoughts. Maybe you’ve got a tattoo story of your own to tell? We’re all ears!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Hans 6 years ago
If there was a mandarory 24h pondering phase between making the decision to get a tattoo and confirming it to be really done, 90%of tattoos probably qould not be made. That is, essentially all tattoos made out of "hey, I am drunk" and of fashion considerations.
Load More Replies...
Mickey 6 years ago
While a lot of these are really poorly done and there's no reasonable explanation why anyone would choose some of these designs, quite a few of these are well executed, even if the ideas are silly to some. Tattoo culture is like that; it doesn't always make sense. For one, most people who are heavily tattooed and/or have a good bit of tattoos do not mind getting "joke tattoos" or just all around questionable ones because it makes us happy. For anyone who isn't part of the culture, you have to consider that most people who get tattooed actually do not give a damn what you think about what they do. The art is for themselves and like-minded people.
Katinka Min 6 years ago
A ton of these are really good tattoos, just not to the taste of the person picking them.
Kitty Katty 6 years ago
Some of these are beautifully done. I have no idea why anyone would get them, but they are beautifully done.
Jef Bateman 6 years ago
If you want to be a tattoo artist but you are not sure you would be good at it, you have to have that first tattoo that will let you know if you are on the right track. It is nice of these people to give somebody that opportunity.
Cece Venticinc 6 years ago
Do tattoo artists not put that blue ink on them to show what it would look like anymore?
Tor Rolf Strøm 6 years ago
Alright, this list has got a serious identity issue.. Some of these are awful, but a lot of them are pretty damn cool. Split it into two different lists.
BlackestDawn 6 years ago
Too many of these were not bad tattoos in that that the tattoo itself was badly done but rather that the one submitting it didn't like it or didn't "get" it.
Yeah, you heard 4 years ago (edited)
We need to differentiate between bad taste tattoos and badly executed tattoos. Some of these are amazing artwork done for a client with bad taste.
Alex B 5 years ago
OMG, I guess a lot of these were made when drunk, though some require multiple sessions. Also, some of them seem to have actually nice work done - although the result is at least questionable, it might be exactly what the owner asked for.... The main point I guess is that most of the people that get tattoos don't give a damn about other people's opinion. I think that when one decides to get a tattoo, they should get at least 2 days to think it through before actually inking themselves. Removing them is not easy. The fast way (laser) is painful and leaves scars. There's also a "natural" way, but it takes time: http://bit.ly/31T9PDG
Glynis Lailann 6 years ago
These remind me of that old joke: Two pensioners chatting in an old aged home comparing their tattoos and trying to figure out what the smudges were on their wrinkled skin.
Shull GaRett 6 years ago
Damn.. so many bad tattoos, so many placement choices... and couple really good ones in places so bad it just makes me sad... But hey... Its their money (probably) ;)
Ichsan Hardy 6 years ago
i'm wondering what is these people who have bad tattoos have in mind! are they considering a low budget tattoo or what? for some tattoos i get it that they get the tattoo while drunk and so the artist.. the again it is their body and decision, who tf am i to judge them?! peace!
FABULOUS1 6 years ago
Some of the art work on these tattoos are awesome, it is the designs that are more questionable. I once walked in to a tattoo shop across the street from my house and was advised a certain person would do my tattoo once he was done with his current customer. I happened to walk over to view his work and the tattoo he was doing looked like a naked man from behind bending over to pick up a rock. I ran out of there till I found a real artist. People forget these are permanent and the ones on the face are horrible no matter if the art is good.
Mickie Shea 1 year ago
Most be horrible while a few could be saved. Some (facials) were actually good ink.
Fearhunter 2 years ago
As long it's well done it's not bad. Maybe stupid or not the own taste but not bad.
Dan Truman 2 years ago
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linda miller 6 years ago
I asked for a hawk. S'okay except for the chicken head. 20171223_1...381631.jpg 
Pius Richard 3 years ago
How can I explain this to the world that there is a man who can cure HERPES, I was diagnosed for the past 5 mouth I have being into HERPES since 5 mouth, so I decide to look for help in the internet then I found a post write about this great man called DR. Ehimare , people say good thing about him that this man have cured, a lot of people in the internet, him has power's to cure HSV1 AND HSV2 I don’t believe that there is a cure for Herpes Simplex Virus because though there is no cure for herpes that what I have in mind HERPES had no cure well , my HERPES is negative through the using of herbal cured of DR. Ehimare , I contacted this man for help because of what i see in the internet. if you need his cured just add him now on Hangouts Drehimare3@gmail.com , thank you DR.Ehimare i will never stop shearing you testimony DR. Ehimare him Can as well CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASE:-1, HIV/AIDS, 2, Diseases of the hear 3, Malignant tumors 4. Cardiovascular diseases 5. Diabetes mellifluous 6.In
Jace 6 years ago
My face was pretty much frozen like this the whole time, on every page of this thread: batman-1.jpg 
Alan Aurmont 6 years ago
Do people not realize that at some point in their lives they will have to go to a job interview? And how do you go to one with a pig's a*s tattooed all over your face?
Lyone Fein 6 years ago
Anyone who gets a face tat is basically asking to be unemployed for life. Are folks really this stupid?
Hans 6 years ago
If there was a mandarory 24h pondering phase between making the decision to get a tattoo and confirming it to be really done, 90%of tattoos probably qould not be made. That is, essentially all tattoos made out of "hey, I am drunk" and of fashion considerations.
Load More Replies... Mickey 6 years ago
While a lot of these are really poorly done and there's no reasonable explanation why anyone would choose some of these designs, quite a few of these are well executed, even if the ideas are silly to some. Tattoo culture is like that; it doesn't always make sense. For one, most people who are heavily tattooed and/or have a good bit of tattoos do not mind getting "joke tattoos" or just all around questionable ones because it makes us happy. For anyone who isn't part of the culture, you have to consider that most people who get tattooed actually do not give a damn what you think about what they do. The art is for themselves and like-minded people.
Katinka Min 6 years ago
A ton of these are really good tattoos, just not to the taste of the person picking them.
Kitty Katty 6 years ago
Some of these are beautifully done. I have no idea why anyone would get them, but they are beautifully done.
Jef Bateman 6 years ago
If you want to be a tattoo artist but you are not sure you would be good at it, you have to have that first tattoo that will let you know if you are on the right track. It is nice of these people to give somebody that opportunity.
Cece Venticinc 6 years ago
Do tattoo artists not put that blue ink on them to show what it would look like anymore?
Tor Rolf Strøm 6 years ago
Alright, this list has got a serious identity issue.. Some of these are awful, but a lot of them are pretty damn cool. Split it into two different lists.
BlackestDawn 6 years ago
Too many of these were not bad tattoos in that that the tattoo itself was badly done but rather that the one submitting it didn't like it or didn't "get" it.
Yeah, you heard 4 years ago (edited)
We need to differentiate between bad taste tattoos and badly executed tattoos. Some of these are amazing artwork done for a client with bad taste.
Alex B 5 years ago
OMG, I guess a lot of these were made when drunk, though some require multiple sessions. Also, some of them seem to have actually nice work done - although the result is at least questionable, it might be exactly what the owner asked for.... The main point I guess is that most of the people that get tattoos don't give a damn about other people's opinion. I think that when one decides to get a tattoo, they should get at least 2 days to think it through before actually inking themselves. Removing them is not easy. The fast way (laser) is painful and leaves scars. There's also a "natural" way, but it takes time: http://bit.ly/31T9PDG
Glynis Lailann 6 years ago
These remind me of that old joke: Two pensioners chatting in an old aged home comparing their tattoos and trying to figure out what the smudges were on their wrinkled skin.
Shull GaRett 6 years ago
Damn.. so many bad tattoos, so many placement choices... and couple really good ones in places so bad it just makes me sad... But hey... Its their money (probably) ;)
Ichsan Hardy 6 years ago
i'm wondering what is these people who have bad tattoos have in mind! are they considering a low budget tattoo or what? for some tattoos i get it that they get the tattoo while drunk and so the artist.. the again it is their body and decision, who tf am i to judge them?! peace!
FABULOUS1 6 years ago
Some of the art work on these tattoos are awesome, it is the designs that are more questionable. I once walked in to a tattoo shop across the street from my house and was advised a certain person would do my tattoo once he was done with his current customer. I happened to walk over to view his work and the tattoo he was doing looked like a naked man from behind bending over to pick up a rock. I ran out of there till I found a real artist. People forget these are permanent and the ones on the face are horrible no matter if the art is good.
Mickie Shea 1 year ago
Most be horrible while a few could be saved. Some (facials) were actually good ink.
Fearhunter 2 years ago
As long it's well done it's not bad. Maybe stupid or not the own taste but not bad.
Dan Truman 2 years ago
where to buy marijuana flowers online buy 24K gold strain online buy 24 k gold strain online where to buy ace killer og online buy alien og weed buy alien og clones online buy amnesia clones online where to buy animal cookies online where to buy apple fritter marijuana clones on
linda miller 6 years ago
I asked for a hawk. S'okay except for the chicken head. 20171223_1...381631.jpg
Pius Richard 3 years ago
How can I explain this to the world that there is a man who can cure HERPES, I was diagnosed for the past 5 mouth I have being into HERPES since 5 mouth, so I decide to look for help in the internet then I found a post write about this great man called DR. Ehimare , people say good thing about him that this man have cured, a lot of people in the internet, him has power's to cure HSV1 AND HSV2 I don’t believe that there is a cure for Herpes Simplex Virus because though there is no cure for herpes that what I have in mind HERPES had no cure well , my HERPES is negative through the using of herbal cured of DR. Ehimare , I contacted this man for help because of what i see in the internet. if you need his cured just add him now on Hangouts Drehimare3@gmail.com , thank you DR.Ehimare i will never stop shearing you testimony DR. Ehimare him Can as well CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASE:-1, HIV/AIDS, 2, Diseases of the hear 3, Malignant tumors 4. Cardiovascular diseases 5. Diabetes mellifluous 6.In
Jace 6 years ago
My face was pretty much frozen like this the whole time, on every page of this thread: batman-1.jpg
Alan Aurmont 6 years ago
Do people not realize that at some point in their lives they will have to go to a job interview? And how do you go to one with a pig's a*s tattooed all over your face?
Lyone Fein 6 years ago
Anyone who gets a face tat is basically asking to be unemployed for life. Are folks really this stupid?
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