“There’s nothing new under the sun” holds true even for tattoos. Like fashion, ink turns out to be cyclical and a number of inking fads have been returning to prominence, helped along by the Internet and cable television. Whether you want to join the bandwagon or buck the latest trend, it’s important to know what the kids these days are inking onto their flesh.
Biomechanical
Popularized in the 80’s and early 90’s after Alien, biomechanical tattoos have been popularized by shows like LA Ink and have been making a serious comeback. They are labor-intensive and expensive, but gorgeous when done well—and also very now.
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Biomechanical tattoosAnchors
For whatever reason—irony, sailors, gay culture, sun spots—anchor tattoos are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It definitely screams “old skool” and will suggest to anyone looking at you that you’re one of two things: a sailor or a hipster. If you’re neither, you may want to look elsewhere.
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Anchor Tattoo MeaningsPin-Up Girls
Perhaps because we’re at war (twice over), perhaps because of the popularity of the Suicide Girls, or perhaps just because of Megan Fox, pin-up girl tattoos done in the classic 50’s style are back in business. These are a fun, retro way of honoring a current or former starlet. And really, could Marilyn or Audrey really go out of style?
Eagle Tattoos
Once again, irony is likely at play among hipsters who think appropriating symbols of American earnestness is a way of expressing droll humor. Nonetheless, here we are: eagle tattoos, often clutching American flags. Of course, other eagle designs have risen with the tide as well, particularly Native American style tattoos (which are typically done irony-free), and irony-free American Eagles getting inked by Tea Baggers.
Mermaid Tattoos
These never went entirely out of style, but they’re certainly at a high tide now. The only real difference between the old skool and the new are that more vivid colors are being used now. However, as with the pin-up girl tattoos, the style tends to be very much in the 50’s vein: demurely arched head, provocative gaze, and clasped hands. The tail is a place to have some fun and really make your mark: you can go short and out of sight, tucked away, curled around the body, or splayed out in front.
Cherry tattoos
This is gaining in popularity among younger women for some inexplicable reason: abstinence-only education? Misunderstanding of the Japanese cherry blossom festival? Retro gamers repopularizing Pac Man? For whatever reason, cherry tattoos, particularly two cherries attached to a single stem, is back in vogue. God help us all.
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Cherry Blossom Tattoos Bloom with Many MeaningsShared From:
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