Three in 10 tattoos are completely spur-of-the-moment decisions, according to research.
A poll of 1,000 adults with body art found for 17 per cent, their most recent piece of ink was done on the same day they decided to get one – with six per cent of these even happening within an hour.
It explored the confidence it takes for many to make a lasting statement about what matters to them, with 31 per cent making this spontaneous decision when they were with friends, and 30 per cent doing so on holiday.
The research also highlighted the bold, maverick spirit of Brits when it comes to self-expression, with 65 per cent believing their tattoos form a key part of their identity.
The survey was commissioned ahead of a free IRN-BRU tattoo pop-up in Glasgow this weekend, where brave Scots are getting the brand's new can designs inked onto their bodies celebrating the drink’s 125th anniversary and refreshed packaging.
Kenny Nicholson from IRN-BRU, which has brought back its iconic 'Made in Scotland from Girders' strapline and classic emblem alongside an updated look and revised flavour names, said: “For 125 years, we’ve proudly been Made in Scotland from Girders.
“To celebrate this milestone, we’ve brought this iconic slogan back in an evolved look that reflects our industrial roots and the maverick bravery at the heart of what we stand for.
“With our first-ever tattoo pop-up, everyone has the chance to show what they love in true style.
“We know that many fans already have tattoos inspired by what matters most to them, so whether it’s ‘tat-two’ or a first piece of body art, this is all about celebrating our history, our refreshed look, and the people who make it so special.
“We can’t wait to see people double down on their girders and toast to the exciting year ahead.”
More than half (56 per cent) said they use tattoos as a way to show off their commitment to something they love, with 33 per cent tributing their body art to parents, 24 per cent to their dogs and 23 per cent to their favourite band.
It’s not just traditional inspirations, as one in five (21 per cent) have opted for designs inspired by cartoon characters, while others have paid tribute to memes (11 per cent) and even their favourite food (seven per cent).
A portrait of Harry Potter, insects and even 'my favourite ex' are among the more unconventional tattoos people have chosen to proudly wear.
The study also found body art can have a powerful emotional impact, with 41 per cent saying their ink makes them feel more like themselves, while 31 per cent feel more creative and 17 per cent more rebellious.
Despite outside opinions, most remain confident in their choices – with only 25 per cent admitting they regret a tattoo, even though 41 per cent have been told they would.
Parents (41 per cent), friends (25 per cent), and colleagues (14 per cent) were the most likely to question their decisions – but many have proven the doubters wrong.
In fact, nearly four in 10 (37 per cent) believe people are more likely to regret a drunken text than a tattoo, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
More than half (55 per cent) believe that getting permanent ink is a brave way to show what you love, with over 70 per cent of Londoners strongly agreeing.
While some tattoos are decided quickly, they are still rooted in meaning – with 10 per cent saying even their most spontaneous one represents something they genuinely care about.
The UK’s most passionate city when it comes to body ink is London, where 64 per cent of those surveyed admitted to having a tattoo of something they love, with Wales following closely behind at 63 per cent.
Kenny Nicholson added: “There’s no clearer way to show your love for something than making it part of who you are.
“Whether it’s a person, a place, or even your favourite drink, tattoos are a celebration of individuality – and we love seeing how people choose to express that.”
