They say that everything old will eventually be new again, and that’s the case with the recent wave of nostalgic ’90s trends making a comeback. In addition to rocking throwback fashions, some people are marking the movement in a more permanent manner.
The ‘90s tattoo trends are back and better than ever! Today, we’re sharing a few of the top styles to consider as you build your professional artist portfolio.
Sun Tattoos
In the ‘90s, celestial sun tattoos were a major hit. These were akin to the popular tribal tattoos, which were equally laidback and chill. For the ultimate representation of this look, check out boy-bander Nick Lachey’s bicep! Though he blotted out the “98 Degrees” logo, it’s still ultra-cool.
Butterflies
Maybe it was the hit song by Crazy Town or the 1997 album by Mariah Carey, but everyone was inking themselves with butterflies in the ‘90s. This was an especially common midriff motif, celebrated for its flirty femininity.
The wings are usually spread out and detailed, with bright and bold colors and patterns added throughout. Instead of one big butterfly, some choose to do multiple smaller ones flying in a cluster. Larger ones are popular on the back of the neck, so pull your hair up in a scrunchie and show off your ’90s style!
Dolphin
In the ‘90s, everyone who watched “Flipper” immediately knew what they wanted their next tat to be.
These were especially popular tattoos on the ankles, which seemed to be the perfect place to show off your love for the playful aquatic animals! We also have Lisa Frank and Sea World to thank for this obsession.
Barbed Wire
You’d expect a tough biker dude to set off the barbed wire tattoo trend. However, it was none other than Pamela Anderson who made this one of the top tattoo styles in the ’90s!
Anderson got the tat in 1995 for her film “Barb Wire” and removed it in 2014. Still, an entire generation of wannabe Baywatchers are revisiting the trend today, perhaps to recapture some of her iconic charisma and glamour.
Lower Back Tattoos
Lower back tattoos, previously known as tramp stamps, are making a major comeback, and we’re here for it. The look is the right blend of playful and spicy and can be as intricate or simple as you want.
’90s Characters
In this decade, cartoons were art. If you weren’t eating Waffle Crisp in your PJs and watching Rugrats, Hey Arnold, or Rocko’s Modern Life on a Saturday morning, were you even a ’90s kid?
It was a simpler time, and these colorful, classic characters perfectly embodied it. For this reason, they’re some of the top nostalgic tattoos around!
Join the 90s Tattoo Trend
If you’re a tattoo artist, it’s important to know what your clients will want and expect when they walk through your doors. From full-bicep butterflies to small lower-back suns, the 90s tattoo trend is shaping an entire industry. Add these to your collection and reminisce with every visit!
In the meantime, we’re here to protect your business at every turn. Contact us today to learn more about our tattoo and piercing insurance plans!
