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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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#1
Anne Roberts 8 months ago
That's kinda disgusting. I hope he is self employed because those tattoos would scare off future employers.
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#2
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 8 months ago
Major STD vibes, but you may/will get something new that the doctor's will name after you...so a slight silver lining
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David Morgan 8 months ago
No, that was 'Work Will Set You Free'. 'Abandon Hope' was what Dante said was carved over the enterance to Hell.
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karen snyder 8 months ago
My friend, there was no need for you to toss your dignity on to the trash fire.
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Jessica Stultz 7 months ago
Could be a replication of this person's child's drawing! 🤷♀️ I hope!!!
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.
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.
#5
weatherwitch 8 months ago
I'm glad you said as I'd no idea what I was looking at. They looked like plaits to me being unfamiliar with the character 😮😮😂
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Val 8 months ago
Okay, I want this and I don't even have any tattoos because I'll die before I let a needle touch me. This is awesome.
Child of the Stars 8 months ago
It's not to my personal taste, but it's not poorly done. Faces are hard, and Bobby's completely recognizable!
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#6
Karri Berkowitz 8 months ago
Tells us you were held hostage in a basement for years without telling us
LillieMean 8 months ago
No on e is coming. When getting a cover-up tattoo, make sure that neither you nor your tattoo "artist" are under the influence of e.
“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.”
#7
Al Fun 8 months ago
Oh, I could write a paper about this… The pregancy of the calloused hand symbolizes the liberation of men from the procreation monopoly of women through auto-erotic parthenogenesis. The juxtaposition of god and judge puts the law into a religious level, while using god as a verb emphasizes man changing the natural system of producing offspring. Maybe this tattoo should get a Nobel Price
Sophia Pandia de Delphia 8 months ago
Never thought I see "parthenogenesis" on BP....ever! Excellent thesis! You might even have a dissertation there.
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Mook The Mediocre 8 months ago
This is what happens when your tattoo artist is as stupid and illiterate as you are... It would take hours to create such a monstrous offence to the English language.
#8
#9
Lotekguy 8 months ago (edited)
Heroine adddict from the 1930s? ( I had to mispell the first 2 words.Thanks, BP.)
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago (edited)
If he had a hairy back he could have had the same thing with some judicious triming and cutting and razor work
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.”
#10
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Amazing how good the eyes are in comparison with the rest of the tat.
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago
Waaaaaaayyyyy too too much free time thinking about all the wrong subjects.
#11
karen snyder 8 months ago
Holy Ned, ballsack does not get censored!!!! I feel like a small child who just discovered the word fùçk. Ballsack, ballsack, ballsack.. haha BP censor AI, we've von this round. Ballsack!!
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Jessica Stultz 7 months ago
Hey now, this could very well be a tattoo of this person's child's drawing! 🤣
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#12
Jessica Stultz 7 months ago
He already has a bunch of those, no need to have had more tattooed!!
Load More Replies...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.”
#13
Vylnce NA 8 months ago
I am sure the tattoo was more expensive than a pair of slides, which is what the tattoo is mimicking.
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Petra Peitsch 8 months ago
Compared to others here, that's not so bad. Not, that I would ever want it.
Emilu 8 months ago
Agreed. It’s pretty decently done. Just on someone else.
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Scott Rackley 8 months ago
Looks like he has something on his spine from blade to the bottom of his ribs
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#15
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.”
#16
weatherwitch 8 months ago
Can't wait for the Divorce announcement on the other arm..... 😮🤦🏻♀️😂😂😂
#17
Louise Clarke 8 months ago (edited)
A $ sign made up of a sword and a snake with Louis Vuitton print.
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Luis Hernandez Dauajare 8 months ago
Looks like this was done in prison, in the dark, by a 5 year old using a paperclip...
CatD 7 months ago
Maybe I should become a tattoo artist, I'm better than at least two of them.
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Jessica Stultz 7 months ago
That's exactly what I thought about several of these!
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#18
K 8 months ago
To be able to walk barefooted everywhere. Even places that require shoes
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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.
#19
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 8 months ago
More sad. All that time wasted on that boring tattoo of an obscure rant...
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Michael NC3PO Torguson 8 months ago
True Emo only comes from the Emo Region of France. Everything Else is merely Sparking Ennui
Royal Stray 8 months ago (edited)
I would understand this from a 13-14 yo trying to make some strange point in a debate. But not only is this wrong by definition, he's also way too old (you'd think) to be adamant enough in his statement to tattoo it on his back. Or is it some kind of meme copypasta I've managed to miss?
#20
Chris the Bobcat 8 months ago
At least the words are spelled correctly. He won't regert that...
#21
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.”
#22
#23
Uncle Panda 8 months ago
Pleased to meet you, Dog. I'm one of God's Comics and will spend the next 10 minutes roasting you with God's Grace.
#24
Chris the Bobcat 8 months ago
As a man, I may be biased, but something tells me that men aren't going to like her very much either.
Upstaged75 8 months ago
That's a song from the musical Kiss Me Kate. Maybe they like show tunes? ;)
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago
If that's the case she's preaching to the choir, no man will ever see it tuck up under her titty
“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.”
#25
Inigo Montoya 8 months ago
If you want a PS5, you need to accept God, Christ, AND the Holy Ghost.
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Child of the Stars 8 months ago
It's weird, but really well done. The detailing is incredible.
#27
karen snyder 8 months ago
This does not deserve to be on this list. I mean, I'd never go there, but there's nothing intrinsically wrong with a Tupac unicorn and it's not on their ballsack, or anything crude. This is quality work.
Inigo Montoya 8 months ago
You know you only posted that comment so you could get another chance to say "ballsack"
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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.
#28
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago (edited)
I can't tell which two parts of the body this is on, it looks like thecalf and thigh in a squat but what's happening where the knee should be.see the sneaks but....
#29
Chris the Bobcat 8 months ago
I try not to make assumptions based on first impressions, but this just screams "Dork" to me.
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 8 months ago
Maybe a Hannibal fan (movie/book), but yeah a huge dork...at least he can cover it up with a hat or beanie.
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Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago
A more appropriate and true depiction would be an empty brain pan
#30
Inigo Montoya 8 months ago
Exactly my thought, but they slipped and screwed it up
Load More Replies... Black Cat 8 months ago
This guy looks like a Neil from Accounts, got sick of his boring image and decided to make himself look edgy with some piercings and tattoos to impress the goth girl he has the hots for.
G A 8 months ago
I know, right? It's like he can't bring himself to wax his back or get a cool hair cut!
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Jo Portway 8 months ago
Reminds me of a depiction of psychosis by a person suffering from schizophrenia
#31
eMpTy 8 months ago
Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to go, But still had the feeling that you wanted to stay, You knew it was right, wasn't wrong. Still you knew you wouldn't be very long. Go or stay, stay or go, Start to go again and change your mind again. It's hard to have the feeling that you wanted to go, But still have the feeling that you wanted to stay. Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, si, do. I'll go. I'll stay. Jimmy Durante
#33
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago
What happens when you pass out face down on the bar at a tattooists convention
#34
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#38
karen snyder 8 months ago
What is up with wannabe anti-heros? If you have to ask, she doesn't think you're a bad boy.
#40
#41
Marat Singh Farout 8 months ago
The highway to hell is paved with goofy math?
Load More Replies... David Morgan 8 months ago
Even if you take out the zeros and add the individual numbers, thats 5, 6, 7, not 6, 6, 6.
#42
Jaya 8 months ago
I love this one! So funny, and I really love that those bands are decades apart, makes it way funnier.
Inigo Montoya 8 months ago
Perhaps the other side of his arm has "Glenn Miller" and "Mozart".
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#44
PurpleTribe 8 months ago
I think this is the musician Grimes. One of the moms of three of his oddly named children.
Tropical Tarot 8 months ago
It is Grimes. It's a white ink Alien Scars tattoo. Some white ink is glow in the dark.
#45
pebs 8 months ago
Sorry, what is "M**h"? With all this censorship I don't understand certain words, I'm not a native English speaker.
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mindy katz 1 month ago
i remember a radio station shouting tats, (could be anyone they wanted as long as they put the radio station on them in the picture somewhere.. there were other rules etc ie size etc
#46
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#48
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
I've seen this a couple of times, so I checked the Urban Dictionary. Apparently, thenks is cool and hip for thanks, and Mather is an offensive term for mother.
Vivian McBride 8 months ago
Did he enjoy staying at Camp Mather? (Near Yosemite in California) Or is he stationed at Mather AFB?
#49
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#52
K 8 months ago
Me too.. like why is anyone getting tattoos of celebrities.. i mean do they get royalties from it.. no.. do celebrities pay your bills... no. Why are we glorifying these people . I still do not understand
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#54
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#58
Val 8 months ago
OR her girlfriend's name was May, they broke up, and she turned it into mayonnaise.
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John Mosley 8 months ago
One knuckle up on the pinkies and it would have worked. Well, lined up.
#60
#61
Sara Frazer 8 months ago
At first I thought it was a leg, then it would at least be corn-knee, but, why ...
#62
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What do you think ?
Gingersnap In Iowa 8 months ago
Do these people realize tattoos are permanent? PERMANENT! Can't scrub it off when you're tired of the design.
K 8 months ago
There is tattoo laser removal.. but it costs like 1500x the amount you spent on the tatt.
Load More Replies... Child of the Stars 8 months ago
There are several on this list that aren't to everyone's taste, but the work itself is extremely well done!
Peter Maxwell 7 months ago
The realism of these fake facial tattoos is astounding, and I even managed to trick a few of my friends into believing they were real! I found them at https://wannabeink.com/collections/viking.
Gingersnap In Iowa 8 months ago
Do these people realize tattoos are permanent? PERMANENT! Can't scrub it off when you're tired of the design.
K 8 months ago
There is tattoo laser removal.. but it costs like 1500x the amount you spent on the tatt.
Load More Replies... Child of the Stars 8 months ago
There are several on this list that aren't to everyone's taste, but the work itself is extremely well done!
Peter Maxwell 7 months ago
The realism of these fake facial tattoos is astounding, and I even managed to trick a few of my friends into believing they were real! I found them at https://wannabeink.com/collections/viking.
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