​2022 Tattoo Trends to Inspire Your Next Piece

Several countries in Europe hold a space in the top 10 countries with the highest rate of tattooed citizens in the world. Italy comes in at #1, with 48% of the population having at least one tattoo, followed by Sweden at #2, and Spain at #6. Denmark, the UK , and France round off the list. Thanks in part to constantly evolving Tattoo trends, more people than ever are getting tattoed. But, what are the top tattoo trends for 2022? Let's explore!

Nostalgia from the 1990s

Tattoo styles popularized in the 1990s are returning, but they are getting some updates! Known in the 90s as "Tramp Stamps," lower back tattoos are making a comeback. However, now they include updated modern elements such as softer shading and more feminine fine lines this time. Barbed wire and tribal tattoos will also be getting similar updates with thinner lines and gray wash shading instead of solid blackwork designs. Also, instead of only including black tattoo ink, artists will now be incorporating other colors and elements from a variety of tattoo styles in these retro looks.

Aside from specific styles from the 1990s, popular nostalgic themes from that decade will be popular this year. We will likely see cartoon characters like the Simpsons, toys like Furby, and even colorful designs inspired by Lisa Frank will be popular this year.

Micro Realism

Artists can pack a ton of detail into a tiny space by combining the art of micro tattoos and elements of realism or photorealism. Because micro tattoos are often the size of a Euro or a credit card, this style provides you with the ability to hide or cover your tattoo when necessary. In 2022, artists will bring this trend to life in either black tattoo ink or vivid color by adding pop culture icons or elements of surrealism for an updated take on this trend.

Fine Line Tattoos

Fine line tattoos are created by applying thin lines of only one solid color without any gradients. These tattoos can range from tiny to ones that cover larger body areas. However, the trend of having fine line tattoos as micro tattoos will continue in 2022. These tattoos are often done with a thinner liner needle and may not penetrate as deeply into the skin. Therefore, they can be less painful and usually heal more quickly than other tattoo styles. Many newcomers seek this style to overcome their anxieties about getting their first tattoo; however, because of this, fine line tattoos may fade more quickly than other tattoo styles. To extend the life of your tattoo, make sure to take proper care of your tattoo and use the best tattoo aftercare available in Europe. 

Sticker Tattoos

You may be thinking about Inkbox or temporary tattoos, but that is not what we mean. Sticker tattoos are permanent tattoos that include 3D effects and shading to make them look like stickers. This technique creates an optical illusion that makes you feel like you can peel the tattoo right off the skin. (Though we don't recommend trying that.) Because of their colorful designs, they create a perfect way to remember your favorite animated character from movies, television, or video games for years to come. Combined with the 90's nostalgia trend, this style is the perfect way for 90's kids to re-live their childhood. For extra effect, many tattoo artists even add a holographic look to sticker tattoos. Holographic tattoos are another trend to look out for in 2022.

Metallic Tattoos

Because metallic tattoo ink is not available on the market at this time, artists have to use standard color tattoo inks to create a metal-like texture. Because only highly-skilled artists can adequately carry out this technique, metallic tattoos are highly-coveted. Therefore the demand for metallic tattoos will only continue to grow in 2022. Combining black and grey realism with pops of metallic color creates the contrast that makes these tattoos even more spectacular.

Whether you take part in these 2022 tattoo trends or prefer more traditional styles of tattooing, make sure you are using only the highest quality tattoo inks. Starting in 2022, Quantum Tattoo Ink will manufacture a selection of REACH-approved right here in Europe for convenient shipping throughout the EU and UK. Shop the selection at quantumtattooink.eu. We will continue to offer our USA-made inks to our US customers at quantumtattooink.com.