While once strictly part of alternative culture, tattoos are now considered "body art" and a trendy part of a modern young person's life. Many young women see their peers getting butterfly tattoos or unusual piercings and they want to fit in with their peer group and get the same kinds of tattoos. Lots of young men do the same thing by purchasing tribal tattoos which have become very popular and very common over the last few years. However, there are some things to consider before you take the plunge.
Tattoos are not a fashion accessory. You cannot take them off very easily. In fact, you will probably have to go to a dermatologist to have a tattoo removed. The procedure to do this is somewhat painful and involves a laser device which burns away the ink under your skin. You will have some degree of scarring and the area where the tattoo was removed may be sore or uncomfortable for a time.
Tattoos also have a reputation, whether deserved or not, of giving an unprofessional or undignified appearance to an individual. While this is not an issue with many professions, a lot of white-collar professional positions require a more formal appearance which may not include tattoos. If you are considering going into a field, or you are already in a profession which values a professional appearance, you may want to consider either not getting a tattoo, or getting one which can be easily concealed under your clothing.
Whatever you decide, tattoos are a personal decision and one you will have to live with for a very long time. They are virtually a permanent alteration of your appearance and will cause many people to perceive you differently. On the other hand, they are very popular and many more people have them these days. This means your tattoos will be more acceptable to more people, but can still impact your professional career or personal relationships.