The thing about tattoos is that they are essentially permanent. Once you get a tat, it is on you forever and ever. Even if you get a coverup, it'll still be underneath, and laser removal is expensive, long, painful and tedious. Because of how permanent tattoos are, it is important to be sure of what you want to get tattooed. Something that is meaningful, will stand the test of time and won't be cringeworthy in a year. Aside from that, it is important to trust whoever is giving the tattoo. Someone's basement with an Amazon gun is probably not the best idea. All of these factors can lead to a tattoo fail if they aren't considered properly.

Tattoo fails are embarrassing and drum up quite a lot of shame, especially when shared online. Reddit's multiple subreddits dedicated to shaming and self-shaming tattoos are full of the worst tattoo fails out there. Some are bad design, some are bad art and lots are both, and they are all probably sources of regret. Here are 21 of the worst tattoo fails out there.