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There are certain things in life that bring a mix of nerves and excitement. Like tackling a tough hike, traveling abroad for the first time, or biting into a dish you can’t even pronounce. These moments can be unforgettable, in the best way. But when it comes to permanent decisions, like getting a tattoo, the stakes are definitely higher. A little impulsiveness can lead to a lifetime of explaining what was supposed to be a lion but looks suspiciously like a confused cat.

That’s why we couldn’t look away when we found this Instagram page full of tattoo regrets, some hilarious, some tragic, and all very permanent. Whether it's a spelling mistake, a questionable design choice, or just a terribly done job, these ink fails will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe double-check your own tattoo plans. Today, we’ve rounded up some of the most unforgettable mishaps shared on the page. Keep scrolling, you might walk away entertained and just a little more cautious.

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    We all know tattoos are meant to be forever, unless you’ve got the cash and patience for painful laser removal or decide to go the cover-up route. And even then, it’s not always a smooth ride. Getting inked can be thrilling, especially when it’s spontaneous. But before you let the adrenaline take over, maybe pause for a second. Think about whether you really want that flaming skull riding a unicorn on your shoulder for the rest of your life.

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    To understand how people go wrong and how to do it right, we spoke with Harkesh Rajpoot, a seasoned tattoo artist with over ten years of experience. Harkesh is also a skilled mehndi artist and has a solid following on Instagram. From dealing with indecisive clients to fixing “Pinterest disaster” tattoos, he’s seen it all. So, we asked him to spill the ink (pun intended) on what really happens in the world of tattoos.

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    #6

    Back tattoo with wings, cross, and handwritten text; example of a permanent mistake inked on bodies.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one will save you from your bad choices but this tattoo can be saved with a good cover up.

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    “You’d be surprised how many people walk in without any concrete idea of what they want,” Harkesh shared with a laugh. “They’ll say, ‘I want a flower,’ but won’t know what kind. Rose? Lotus? Something abstract?” And that vagueness often leads to rushed decisions. “We do our best to help them narrow it down, but honestly, you’d get a better tattoo if you walked in with something clear in mind.”

    He adds, “And then there are people who come in with a screenshot from the internet. Like this hyper-detailed rose that looks like it was drawn with a magnifying glass.” Harkesh gently explains to clients that their skin isn’t a digital canvas. “The internet designs look great in photos, but your arm isn’t a Photoshop file. You’ve got to be realistic about how much detail your skin can hold and how long it will last.”

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    Another thing people forget? Not all tattoo artists have the same level of skill. “There’s a difference between a seasoned artist and someone who just picked up the needle,” Harkesh says. “A pro might be able to pull off those complex patterns, but beginners? Not so much.”

    And don’t even get him started on clients who want complicated tattoos at bargain prices. “You want a dragon with fire-breathing eyes and scales, but don’t want to pay for it? That’s how you end up with a lizard wearing a crown.”

    #11

    Bizarre tattoo blending a cat and woman's face, showcasing permanent mistakes people inked on their bodies.

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    Skogsrået
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    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that her chin? Looks like she has a ballsack under her chin lol.

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    He also stresses the importance of choosing your artist wisely. “Just like you’d research a doctor before surgery, research your tattoo artist. Check their portfolio, ask around, and see if they understand your vision.”

    Trusting your artist can make or break the experience. “A good artist will give honest advice. If they tell you a design might not age well or won’t work with your skin type, listen.”

    #14

    Man with a zipper tattoo on his back, showcasing a unique permanent mistake inked on his body.

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    Petra Peitsch
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    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Compared to others here, that's not so bad. Not, that I would ever want it.

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    And let’s not forget the text tattoos. “Funny quotes feel like a great idea in the moment,” Harkesh laughs. “But years down the line, do you really want ‘Hakuna Mimosa’ permanently on your thigh?” He isn’t against fun tattoos, just encourages people to think long-term. “You’ll grow, your tastes will change. Make sure it’s something you’ll still smile at in 10 years.”

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    “We always try to guide people gently,” he says. “But at the end of the day, it’s their body and their choice. We give suggestions and warn them if something might not turn out the way they expect, but we won’t force them.” Sometimes, despite the warnings, people still go ahead and end up in tattoo regret forums later.

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    #20

    Tattoo reads "Victim of Circumcision" on a forearm, showcasing a permanent mistake inked on the body.

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    When asked for final tips, Harkesh listed a few things. “Think about placement. Will it stretch with age? Is it easy to hide if needed? Also, think about color. Vibrant inks can look great but may fade faster depending on your skin type and sun exposure.” And yes, spelling. Always double-check. “You’d be shocked how many misspelled names we get asked to cover up.”

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    #24

    Tattoo mistake with text "I hate men" inked on skin.

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    Chris the Bobcat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a man, I may be biased, but something tells me that men aren't going to like her very much either.

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    “So next time you’re itching to get that meaningful design or that edgy quote inked forever, take a deep breath. Do your homework, trust a good artist, and sleep on the decision. Because tattoos are beautiful, when they’re done right.”

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    Well, these posts really do echo what Harkesh pointed out. When it comes to tattoos, a little planning goes a long way. Don’t you think it’s way more sensible to really think through your design before making it permanent? So, which of these designs gave you the biggest laugh? Got a friend thinking of getting inked soon? Go ahead and send this their way, might save them from a lifetime of explaining what that squiggly “dragon” on their arm is supposed to be.

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    #29

    Person with a tattoo resembling a brain on their shaved head, wearing glasses and ear gauges.

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    Chris the Bobcat
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    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I try not to make assumptions based on first impressions, but this just screams "Dork" to me.

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    #35

    Man with tattoo of a stick figure jumping on his face, highlighting permanent ink mistakes.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Yes i want the Air Jordan logo slam dunking my eye." Just why?

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    #38

    Tattoo on neck reading "What if I'm not the hero, What if I'm the... bad guy" in black script.

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    #53

    Neck tattoo of the TikTok logo with additional designs on each side, representing permanent mistakes.

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    #54

    Barcode tattoo on the neck, representing a permanent inked mistake.

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    #61

    Tattoo of a Del Monte canned corn label on an arm, showcasing a permanent ink mistake.

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    Sara Frazer
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    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I thought it was a leg, then it would at least be corn-knee, but, why ...

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    #62

    Tattoo of a guitar on back with song lyrics and "Mr Brightside," showcasing a permanent inking mistake.

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is it with people tattooing a wall of text on their bodies? Ain't nobody got time for that.

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Have you ever experienced tattoo regrets yourself?

    Yes, several times

    Once, but I moved on

    No, always been careful

    Never had a tattoo