There are many Americans that have at least one tattoo.

I am one of them. My tattoo has a story and a meaning behind it. My tattoo says love in Hebrew. I feel like my tattoo is rooted into me because I designed it myself.

I strongly believe that no one should receive a tattoo unless they are over the age of 18. Many people who get tattoos have regrets—especially if they received the tattoo at a young age.

We must make sure fellow tattoo enthusiasts are not remorseful of their decisions because after getting a tattoo, there is no going back.

I have met people who wish they could go back and stop themselves from getting a tattoo in the first place.

A written parental permission form is required for tattooing those under the age of 18. Many teenagers are willing and able to get a tattoo without their parents’ permission. If they have friends that are tattooing, then it is that much easier.

We all know that teens’ tastes change so quickly and abruptly that today’s tattoo dream may be a nightmare years later. No one wants to live with regret. Especially if that regret is all over his skin for everyone to see.

People need to think things through and make sure getting a tattoo is a wise choice to make.

When minors cannot find anyone to give them a tattoo, they take matters into their own hands and try to tattoo themselves.

It is best to leave tattooing to the professionals that have the proper equipment and that know how to use that equipment.

Even health care professionals say the most dangerous option is to do it yourself because the risks of an unsterile environment range from mild infections to deadly viruses transferable through blood.

Getting a tattoo as a minor is just something no one should do. Changes in lifestyle, practical consideration and professional image concerns have caused many to reconsider the tattoos from their pasts. We all do dumb things when we are young and this has fueled a relatively new industry of tattoo removal.

Honestly, to avoid the excruciating pain of tattoo removal, we should absolutely know and love the artwork we are putting on our bodies. We should also be in a state of complete sobriety.

Many teenagers regret either the tattoo as a whole—or its placement, prompting them to cover up the images while at work or on other occasions.

The best thing I can tell a young and eager tattoo enthusiast is to wait a while before getting a tattoo. It is something you live with for the rest of your life.

Life is too short to live with regret.