Tattoos are quite commonplace these days, with many people having at least one. Tattoos can be removed at a later date, but this can be expensive, painful and possibly leave significant scars. Therefore it is important that when you choose your tattoo it is one which you are not going to regret in a few years time. Here are some tips to make sure you get one which is right for you.

Do you really want a tattoo? Ask yourself why you are getting a tattoo in the first place. Tattoos are possibly painful, expensive and most importantly permanent – you are not buying a pair of pants. If you are only getting one because it seems like the fashionable thing to do at the moment then the simple answer is don’t get one.

Religion – do not take this option if you are fickle about your faith and think you might change your religion in future. If you are committed, a religious tattoo can be a good idea – you could get a portrait relevant to your faith or a religious symbol such as a cross or crescent.

Names – it might seem like a good idea to get your girlfriend’s name tattooed across your arm right now, but it may not in five years time, when you are dating someone different – it can be quite a put off, to possible new love interests. If you are set on getting a name it is safer to make it your parents or your kids – they generally do not change.

Symbols – Symbols are quite a safe bet for those new to tattoos as you can say a lot with only a small tattoo. Make sure you read up about the meaning of a symbol you like before you get it. Lots of people opt for Chinese or Greek lettering. This can be embarrassing if you do not realize what it says though and you end up with something undesirable written all over your body.

Ethnic Heritage – This could be a family crest or a rendering of your family name, or something related to your country of origin, for example a flag or prominent symbol. This can be a good way of getting a tattoo that really means something to you.

Political Influences – Another one to be careful of because your political affiliations may well change in the future. You could be a little craftier and opt for something not related to politics, but then get it colored in red or blue depending which way you swing politically.

National Pride – This could include your national flag or motto. You could also opt for a symbol, for example the statue of liberty.

Foreign Languages – As with symbols, make sure you know what it says first.

Zodiac Signs – If you are interested in astrology you could get either a pictorial representation of your star sign (e.g. twins) or the actual astrological symbol.

There are some tattoos which you are more than likely going to regret some years down the line and should definitely avoid:

Matching tattoos – not all relationships last, whether lovers or friends, so only get it if it truly means something to you individually

Trendy tattoos – they may be trendy now, but in barbed wire now just looks a bit 90s.

Anything which is in full view all the time – employers don’t like tattoos, so getting one on your face is a big no-no if you want to keep your job

If you are at all unsure about the design you want, you should try wearing a henna version of the one you like for a while, as this will help you decide whether you really like it or not.

Where to go from here:

• The Top 3 Worst Places to Get a Tattoo
• Why Do People Get Full Body Tattoos, They Are Totally Ugly
• The Many Religious Tattoos
• Find Out Why Tattoos Are So Popular