From my personal experience, people always make a big deal about getting a tattoo before you are the age of 25. "This is a long term decision.", "You should think this through", or my favorite, "You know this is going to be on your body forever, right?"
Much to a lot of people's surprise, most people do not get those trashy tattoos after a drunk night around town or as a last minute decision. The thing is, people usually get tattoos for personal reasons. Whether it be a daily reminder to be brave or different. Perhaps, they want to remember someone they love. None of that can be achieved with a simple temporary tat.
In my opinion, the best time to get a tattoo is before you turn 25. It is a time in your life when you are thriving. You are never going to be as curious or free as you are between 18-25. Right now, we are learning about ourselves, making memories that you will never forget (or want to), meeting and losing people, and discovering the person you want to be for the rest of your life. While you are so full of life you should capture the moment on something besides your iPhone. Like, say, your upper arm or shoulder.
When you're 20, life has a way of being wild and without (as many) responsibilities. The responsibilities you do have are at a low point and the possibilities are endless. The point is, your twenties can bring some of the happiest, untamed memories in your life.
The tattoos you get in your twenties are memories you will be able to look back on forever. How cool will it be to be a mom in your 40's and be able to tell your kids the story behind the lady bug you have tattooed on your ribs.
Most people get inked out of love. Some cynics may say "you do not know what love is at this age", and while we may not know the love that we are ready to split our mortgage payments and deciding what color to paint the bedrooms in our house, but we have all experienced love in the purest and simplest forms.
One of my favorite tattoos I have ever gotten was a matching tattoo with my mom. It shows the love I have for my Mom. That cannot be faked or replaced 40 years down the road.
I know most people have tattoos that say "Just Breathe" or "Have Faith" and while you can assume it is just a senseless saying to have tattooed on your body forever, for some it is a lifeline. If it takes seeing this phrase on your body every day to get through finals, midterms, or crying over that boy you broke your heart, then wonderful. Growing up is tough. A permanent reminder that you can do this or that you are strong enough to make it can make it feel less intimidating.
So get a tattoo while you still have the desire to do so. When you are 50 and worried about life, you will forever have a beautiful reminder on your body to look back on. Whether it is a piece of art that soothes your soul, a poem that touches your heart, or a phrase that makes you strong. Get it.
