Tattoo regret more common for women

KUSA - Look around and you'll notice many young people are sporting a tattoo.

What they like to show off right may become an annoyance down the road; more so for women than men, according to researchers.

Tattoos are rising in popularity, about a quarter of Americans in their late teens and 20s have at least one tattoo. Statistics show more than eight out of 10 (83 percent) are pleased with their decision.

However, as time passes some people in that group change their mind.

Researchers at Texas Tech University say 6 percent of those with a tattoo regret the decision. Among that group, 69 percent are women.

This study which is published in the Archives of Dermatology found the majority of women who got the tattoo did so to feel unique or independent, but later had them removed because of embarrassment or negative comments.

Researchers add that there seems to be more support in society for men with tattoos than there is for women.