For thousands of years, humans have marked their bodies with permanent designs known as tattoos. They have varied from plain, sometimes elaborate, other times symbolic, but always personal, and these inkings have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment.

No wonder people’s fascination with tattoos remains stronger than ever. While there’s still some stigma about them in our society, a more progressive approach to our bodies, identity, and self-expression is emerging.

We also reached out to Alex Alvarado, a tattoo artist at Santo Cuervo studio , and Adam, the studio manager at Vagabond Tattoo based in East London, who shared a couple of insights into tattoo art from the experts’ perspective.

Confederate flag tattoo with revolvers on a person's thigh, highlighting potential red flags in tattoos. - 1

The Confederate Flag is literally a red flag

EdwardPackard , Angie Report

Tattoo of five vertical lines with black ink on a person's upper arm, considered a major red flag by some people. - 2

Any kind of hate symbol/speech is going to be a no from me.

AggravatingTear2879 Report

Controversial tattoos seen on calves, wearing Adidas shoes. - 3

Frankly, I only judge people for racist tattoos. I don’t care otherwise nor do I care where people put their tattoos. I do tend to judge people with bad tattoos but solely because it generally means a) you didn’t care to do your research or b) you’re a cheap f**k. But I try not to just for the few people out there that got scammed by someone saying they were something they weren’t.

HovercraftFullofBees , hildebrand_rarity Report

Tattoo of a cartoon bear wearing a harness and wrapped in a pink blanket; seen as a potential red flag by some people. - 4

Childhood characters doing something unsavory. Like Winnie the Pooh in a dominatrix outfit. Decapitated Pikachu. Something like that.

Manateebae Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/11516128805_dff2980630_c-62e3ae3d1c624__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Forearm tattoo with “Only God Can Judge Me” text, often discussed as a red flag by people. - 5”>

“Only God can judge me”.

prophylaxitive , tausend und eins, fotografie Report

Back tattoo of a man's face on an older person's left shoulder, representing controversial tattoo choices. - 6

Anything political or weed-related. It tells me that has become their identity, basically.

User_492006 , MiamLitchell Report

Tattoo of a smiling baby next to its reference photo, highlighting potential red flags in tattoo choices. - 7

Baby’s faces, find it really unnerving, especially on the calf or top of arm. Why does it keep looking at me?

Fun-Platypus-9153 , Petkevic29 Report

Wrist tattoo with black and purple ink, considered by some as a red flag. - 8

Anything in a language they don’t speak/have a connection to

hurricanetrash , CGehlen Report

The number 88. It’s used in the Aryan Brotherhood as an abbreviation for Hail Hitler (explanation: H is the 8th letter of the alphabet)

HypnotEyes_lonely Report

Tattoo of a black and white American flag on a person's inner arm, considered a potential red flag by some people. - 9

A huge American flag. I’m sorry.

scottstots98 , Aargentino1 Report

Tattoo with colorful, abstract designs on skin, showcasing a controversial style often considered a red flag by some people. - 10

Celebrity. Any kind

A_Guy_That_Exists89 , InducedChip89 Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/15009031902_517b08245e_c-62e3d40768f70__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=““Live Laugh Love tattoo on side of a person’s body, often considered a red flag by some people.” - 11”>

‘Live, Laugh, Love’

Even-Juggernaut6678 , Lex McKee Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-29-at-161203-62e3dcb538b77-png__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Tattoo of the word “Loyalty” on a forearm, highlighting potential red flags associated with certain tattoos. - 12”>

“Loyalty” The people I see with this tattoo, they usually don’t appear to be the loyal type

ReusableBear487 , u/Dense-Significance-9 Report

Bible/gospel quotes are an immediate no from me

Snailpics Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2200728054_0195b975f9_c-62e3ab494a1ec__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Tattoo of the name “Ernesto” in script font on skin, considered a major red flag by some people. - 13”>

Sort: Exes names Placement: Face

hamiltonka , Ernest James Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/12-62e76ac5d1bac-jpeg__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Leg tattoos with text “Skate and Destroy,” often considered a red flag in tattoo choices. - 14”>

Anything misspelled.

Rothines , LaserNightingale Report

eyeball. As in having your eyeball colored permanently. No, just no. Use cool contacts. Dont take the chance of blinding yourself.

kejovo Report

Man with tattoos on forehead and below eyes, considered by some as red flags in tattoo culture. - 15

Tear drop under the eye A teardrop under the eye, if just an outline, Usually means the wearer has suffered pain, or more likely caused pain, or served significant time, for their associates (gang). Perhaps 15 years. A filled- in solid teardrop Usually means the wearer has caused death for their associates (gang).

scareintheair , [deleted] Report

Brand logos of any kind. If you like any corporation enough to get their logo tattooed on you, I’m guessing we have some major ideological differences.

P0ster_Nutbag Report

Theatrical masks tattoo with horns and crown, noted as a red flag design. - 16

Comedy and tragedy masks. First three people I hooked up with had them in places you couldn’t see with clothes on. Apparently I have a type. If I unwrap another human and find one, I may faint.

No_Lick_Asbetos , JubJubBonks Report

Tattoo of a pin-up girl in ice cream on a person's side, considered a red flag design by some. - 17

if a man has tattoo’s of naked women

Minimum-Lobster-8252 , A.T Tattoo Report

Neck tattoo script on woman's side neck in a hair salon, potential red flag tattoo. - 18

my coworker married another coworker.. Prior to that wedding.. he asked her to prove to her how much she loved him. So she got a tattoo on her neck with his last name on it.–BIG artistic letters. Now.. mind you.. this man is a douchebag and a half. and they have “issues” in their marriage.. that tattoo just proves how much self love she had for HERSELF.. which is absolutely 0. Now before any of you comment let me tell you what she is like. She’s very introverted and never speaks up. this guy controls what she eats, what she wears, and he has no shame in telling us to shut the eff up, if we stick up for her… and HR doesn’t do anything about it. This girl still sticks with him. When we ask her why.. she gets quiet and says.. she doesn’t have a car and begs us not to get involved. SO seeing their partner’s name on a very clearly visible area while the partner does not have any tatz is a major red flag.

Dimple_from_YA , KK Report

Tattoo of a Southern Comfort bottle with a butterfly perched on a whiskey glass, seen as a major red flag by some. - 19

Alcohol or weed tattoos.

ballq43 , Ella Report

A “Punisher” tattoo. Especially if they’re in any sort of authority position.

Emperor_NOPEolean Report

Erogenous zone. I’m nobody’s idea of a love god, but I’m reasonably capable of finding your happy spots without garish billboards to guide the way. You’re a partner, not a cheesy amusement park. A few encouraging words and movements is more than enough.

knockatize Report

Tattoo symbols on a person's leg, viewed as a red flag according to some perspectives. - 20

A cult tattoo. Big NO

ZenithChaser69 , bobbillinger Report

Lips on the neck

subiesaurus Report

Two arms with simple line tattoos of cartoon figures, possibly signaling major red flags. - 21

I was once friends with a girl who had ten tattoos, all of which were matching tattoos with other girl friends. She’s no longer friends with any of them. Two big red flags there- intense codependent friendships, many enemies/falling outs with past friends. She even tried to get me to do a matching tattoo with her once. No thanks.

pbd1996 , j46290 Report

Tattoo of an Apple logo with an incomplete fill on a wrist, considered a major red flag by some people. - 22

I used to work at an all purpose gas station in Pittsburgh, and was constantly told about a customer who had our store logo tattooed on his arm. Didn’t make me proud, made me feel like I was joining a very corporate cult.

Ok_Sheepherder_8313 , Terry Johnston Report

A tattoo of their own face… Unless they’re Steve-O.

TheScarletSho Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-29-at-151757-62e3d00faea9a-png__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Tattoo on forearm reading “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere,” possibly considered a red flag by some. - 23”>

An inspirational quote tatted on someone screams they’re trying desperately to prove something to themselves.

Ok-Limit5517 , tacotruck4me Report

Wrist tattoo of the word 'flawless' with a backward '3' as 'E', considered by some as a red flag. - 24

Stupid baseless words like “Pay2play” or “Boss movezzzz”

OkLemon1033 , reddit.com Report

It’s rather inexplicable, but Tweety Bird tats attract the worst

COL_Schnitzel Report

Tattoo artist inking arm, showcasing tattoos often seen as red flags. - 25

I know this guy with a tattoo across his collar bones that says “Uneducated genius”

ProcessImpressive211 , Allef Vinicius Report

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6405480379_74053fd235_c-62e3dde154281__700.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Tattoo reading “Carpe Diem” on a forearm, considered a major red flag by some people. - 26”>

Carpe diem.

RAB2204 , cayooo Report

I think this might just be an Australian thing but having the southern cross tattoo anywhere is a red flag. Don’t know why it’s specifically the southern cross but holy s**t every person I’ve ever met with that specific tattoo has been a walking red flag

imuncomfy5 Report

Leopard print tattoo on leg, associated with red flags in tattoos. - 27

Cheetah print 🚩🚩

BamboozledBum46 , pinterest.com Report

I swear guys with roses on their hands are generally a**holes.

a_china_doll Report

Being a tattooist for 11/12 years. Really in my eyes it’s usually people with not well done house tattoos who throw up the most red flags. Thinking they are owed something and plain rude especially when someone is about to stab you lol In no way am I trying to say house tattoos are bad what I’m saying is the sense of self entitlement and the need to have it done then and there breeds a different type of client that is usually rude or is an a*****e in my experience.

Lumpy_Objective1458 Report

Simple tattoo on a hand that some people consider a red flag design. - 28

Zodiac signs

samiam871 , u/fatmonk8 Report

Insane clown posse..

Suspicious-Living951 Report

Any symbols of Soviet Union or other socialist countries. Portraits of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Mao etc. The red flag with hammer and sickle of course too.

sladkayaKonfetka Report

The old feather and infinity symbol is mostly a giveaway for being a bit uninspired.

MrSquanchy010 Report

Usually initials, normally of three letters, most associated with gang names

-Wildhart- Report

Name tattoos are generally distasteful. You really couldn’t think of a different way to honour your loved one? Knew a guy who had “family” written in a huge terribly overstated script across his forearm… what, like you’re gonna forget? ETA if you want to honour someone, get a symbol for them or smth that you actually put some thought into. It’s just the effortless name tattoos that get to me

oillampe Report

If I see the Eureka stockade flag on someone I get a bit nervous.

Needmoresnakes Report

People Claim These Tattoos Signal Major Red Flags On People, Here Are 40 Of The Worst Ones - 29

Anything that’s trending. Trends DIE. It tells me that the person isn’t willing to put anything unique on their body & they just want to follow with what’s cool right now. For example people who get clocks, eyes, lions, etc.. are probably the same ones who would’ve gotten tribal tattoos back in the 90’s-00’s just because it was cool at the moment. I dont have any hate towards these tattoos by the way. They look nice.. its just people get them because its trending.. so to me that’s a red flag to permanently put something on yourself just because its trending at the moment. Also anything with your ex’s name.

1keric , Najib Kalil Report

Om symbol- not hating because I imagine a lot of people have one, but I feel like the person is very clearly telling me not to hang out with them lol.

Automatic_Moment_320 Report

Any kind of emo/goth cartoon character. Like Spongebob or Patrick.

coolkidswithasthma Report

my ex is 17 so he doesn’t actually have this tattoo but he genuinely wants to get a harry potter death eater tattoo edit: need to clarify it’s not HP that makes me cringe it’s the death eater specifically

iwpsutiad Report

Clock tattoos. Especially if it comes paired with roses or a lion. It a very specific tattoo but the people who get them are always so rude.

bugzdumpster Report

People Claim These Tattoos Signal Major Red Flags On People, Here Are 40 Of The Worst Ones - 30

I knew a girl whose initials were VW and she had a Volkswagen logo tattoo. She was obsessed with their cars too; she didn’t just get the tat because of her initials.

C_IsForCookie , imgur.com Report

Tattoos of anime characters. I watch anime from time to time, I’ve seen so many. I read a ton of manga as well. I get if it’s a small tattoo referencing an anime, but big tattoos of anime characters are red flags.

dereyanyan Report

Getting the generic lion with crown and hourglass or pocket watch, just like the wolf and the owl…

Much_Committee_9355 Report

this seems to be an unpopular one and may just be from personal experience but full or half sleeves of one particular fandom/media. Never met someone who commits that hard to harry potter and isn’t a bit off somewhere else

bigboytuesdays Report

Anything tribal on a neon white man

Yeetster3000 Report

Nightmare before Christmas tattoo because you know their going to be very annoying.

bolliehollie Report

Those semi-colon tattoos. Met, maybe half a dozen men and women with one. All bats**t, and unapologetic entitled about it…

Choice-One-249 Report

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People Claim These Tattoos Signal Major Red Flags On People, Here Are 40 Of The Worst Ones - 31

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