Many young people get tattoos that they later regret, and Miley Cyrus is no exception. The famous singer recently admitted that she regrets about 80% of her tattoos.
This feeling of “tattoo regret” is something that lots of people experience, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Let’s explore why tattoo regret happens and how it’s become more common thanks to social media.
Miley Cyrus Talks About Tattoo Regret
Miley Cyrus, a Grammy-winning singer, has many tattoos that she now feels unsure about. She told The New York Times that 80% of her tattoos are “mistakes” she still thinks about.
For example, Cyrus pointed to a tattoo of her pitbull on her right arm and said, “I love my dog. But like, I don’t know. Just having a pitbull in every picture for the rest of my life is kind of intense.”
Although she doesn’t regret them enough to get them removed with laser treatment, she admits there are a few she could have done without.
Why Tattoo Regret Happens
Tattoo regret is not just a problem for Miley. Many young people feel the same way. In 2024, TikTok was filled with videos of young women worrying about how their tattoos would look in their wedding gowns.
A popular trend called “patchwork tattoos” has added to this feeling. Patchwork tattoos are random clusters of small designs that don’t necessarily go together. While trendy, many people now feel they look messy or unfinished.
Some people also regret getting Ephemeral tattoos, which were supposed to fade in three years but haven’t faded as promised.
What Tattoo Artists Say About Tattoo Regret
Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Gabs Miceli says there are two types of tattoo regret: immediate regret and regret that happens later in life.
“Some people love their tattoos the whole time they have them,” Miceli told USA TODAY. “But others start to dislike them as they grow older or reach certain milestones.”
Miceli also said that social media, like TikTok, has made tattoo regret feel more common because people share their stories online. Another artist, Phia Walla, also mentioned that people are more open about their regrets now, which helps others feel less alone.
Tips for Dealing with Tattoo Regret
Miceli recommends being kind to yourself if you feel tattoo regret.
“As humans, we are always changing, and so are our tastes,” she says. “That’s who you were at the time, and you should respect that version of yourself.”