Comedian Pete Davidson’s recent revelation about undergoing tattoo removal has sparked discussions about the evolution of tattoo culture, once considered an alternative lifestyle and now a mainstream phenomenon. Known for his humor, mental health struggles, and a history of tattoos, Davidson’s transformation from heavily inked to virtually tattoo-free has caught the public’s eye, raising questions about whether tattooing has reached its cultural peak.
Davidson, a New York-based comedian and actor, is no stranger to public scrutiny. For years, he has been associated with mental health challenges, drug addiction, and a string of high-profile relationships. However, recently, he has emerged as a more polished figure. His latest campaign for the trendy brand Reformation, which debuted a few weeks ago, featured a shirtless Davidson lying on the ground, propped up on one arm. Fans quickly noticed the absence of his usual tattoos.
In an appearance on The Tonight Show, Davidson explained that his tattooed look reflected a period in his life when he was “a sad boy.” Reflecting on a time when tattoos were pervasive, he shared that the removal process, involving over 200 tattoos, is painful and ongoing, but he plans to keep just a few tattoos. “It was a weird time. Everyone was getting tattoos five years ago,” he said.
Davidson’s decision to remove his tattoos reflects a broader shift in tattoo culture. A decade ago, tattoos were still seen as markers of rebellion, often associated with an alternative lifestyle. Now, tattoos have become deeply embedded in mainstream culture. The sight of tattoos in corporate settings, such as peeking out from the sleeve of a blazer in a boardroom, is no longer out of place. In New Zealand, tattoo parlors are often found alongside coffee shops in gentrified neighborhoods, signaling the normalization of tattoos in everyday life.
Meanwhile, traditional Māori tattooing, or tā moko, is undergoing a revival, as efforts to reclaim cultural practices disrupted by colonialism continue. However, the rise of mainstream tattoos has led some to question if the tattoo trend, especially for non-traditional designs, has reached its peak.
Briar Neville, a tattoo-removal technician and founder of Sacred Laser in Auckland, suggests that tattoo culture may be shifting away from trendy designs. She anticipates that while the fashion-driven aspect of tattooing may decline, traditional tattooing practices will endure. “Things come and go, and I think that sort of fashion, trend aspect of tattooing may perhaps go, and then the more traditional aspects of tattooing will stay,” she said. Neville’s business has seen a growing demand for tattoo removal, with clients seeking to erase tattoos that no longer resonate with their current selves.
Neville’s husband, tattoo artist Dan Anderson, agrees that the era of small, random tattoos may be fading. He believes that today’s younger generation may “rebel” against the heavily tattooed aesthetic of their parents and prefer more restrained tattoos. Anderson, however, views well-considered, quality tattoos as a lasting trend. “Definitely after Covid, but even before that, there was this huge intake of breath where tattooing really expands, and then it’s breathing in,” he explained.
While some individuals seek to fade their tattoos for a new design or to remove poorly executed tattoos, others, like Alison Brewer, are motivated by the emotional weight of their tattoos. Brewer, a makeup artist, is undergoing tattoo removal for a large peacock tattoo she got 25 years ago while in Bali. The tattoo has been altered several times over the years, and she now regrets the original decision. Brewer, who has already completed four removal sessions, anticipates needing many more to fully remove the tattoo. “It’s a long road, and it’s really quite emotional… especially coming up to 50 [years of age] and not having this scribbling mess on my shoulder,” she said.
Brewer’s story echoes Davidson’s sentiments. Both are working to “clean the slate” and move away from the identity their tattoos represent. As Davidson expressed, he wants to be taken seriously as an actor and is striving to embody a more adult persona.
Tattoo removal is not without its challenges. Depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, removal sessions can cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. Full removal often requires six to 12 sessions, while fading for a cover-up can take just a few. In Wellington, Hayden Ayrton, a tattoo-removal specialist, works primarily with women in their 30s and 40s who are looking to erase tattoos from their past. Many of these clients regret the poor quality of the tattoos they acquired in their youth. “I find most guys aren’t really worried about it unless it’s the name of an ex, and their new partner wants it taken off,” Ayrton said.
Despite the growing demand for tattoo removal, Māori tattoos—particularly tā moko—remain highly valued and rarely removed. Ayrton, who is Māori himself and covered in tā moko, emphasized that removal of such tattoos is rare, as they hold deep cultural significance.
Tattoo artist Stefan “Spider” Sinclair, on the other hand, has noticed a shift toward more cohesive, large-scale tattoo designs. Clients who once collected smaller tattoos are now opting for full sleeves, signaling a change in tattoo trends. Sinclair, who appreciates the aging process of tattoos, sees them as becoming more meaningful with time. “It ages like a fine wine,” he said. “After 50 years, it has so much history and character and patina to it.”
As for Brewer, despite the pain of tattoo removal, she recently got a matching tattoo with her brother, who is battling cancer. For her, the tattoo represents a meaningful bond, offering a counterpoint to the painful process of letting go of the past.
In the end, tattoo culture may be evolving, but its enduring appeal and emotional significance remain unchanged. Whether it’s the removal of past ink or the creation of new, carefully considered designs, tattoos continue to shape personal identities and cultural expressions in unique ways.
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