beauty

'I surprised everyone.' Women showed us the tattoos they got after 40.

There's something about getting a tattoo over 40 that seems empowering. Freeing. Like you finally don't give a s**t what anyone thinks.

From those who've wanted one for ages to others who've never really thought about it until now, there's a whole new generation of tattoo enthusiasts. And they're women over 40.

Just take a peek at the Mamamia Out Loud Facebook group.

Watch: Tattoos you can HEAR are a thing, and they're pretty awesome. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia

An Outlouder by the name of Holly shared, "So, it would appear my 40s is my tattoo era. I got four when I was young(er) but have collected another five since hitting my 40s."

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cue: A wave of fellow midlife Outlouders sharing their very own tattoos. And, friends — if you've been waiting for a sign to take the leap, this is it!

From sentimental to badass and pretty florals, below women share the tattoos they got after 40.

Emma.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I just got a family portrait which I adore! (I'm the short one). The cat you can see passed away about a year ago at the ripe old age of 21, and what originally was going to be a tribute to her became a family portrait."

Donna.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I got my first tattoo last year at 53 (on my leg) at the same time my daughter got hers for her 18th."

Deb.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I got my fourth tattoo for my 40th birthday and I love them!"

Melissa.

Image: Supplied.

"I spent so long worrying about having a visible tattoo. At 41, I did it! I love it every single day."

Lisa.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I got my first tattoo at 47 then had a COVID gap and got two more. This is one of the most recent ones (I have three). I wanted to have this song for our wedding a few decades ago but I did a 'test walk' to it and it's so slow I'd have needed to do laps before I got to my husband. My fave lyric though. "

Peta.

Image: Supplied

ADVERTISEMENT

"I had my two sons tattooed on me in about 2012. Last year I added everything else. My daughter’s name and a hydrangea for my Nanna, a little thing my husband and I say to each other, a hawk for Taylor Hawkins and the feather (I'm a huge Foo Fighters fan). I have about six more planned but I always sit on them for 12 months before I go ahead and do them. I will be 49 in November. I also have a special one planned for my 50th!"

Alicia.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I just got my first tattoo today for my 45th birthday."

Melanie.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I got my first at 48. I surprised everyone because I've always been against having one. I arrived at a time in my life when I just wanted one. And it had to be leopard print as it's something I'm known for — I've worn this print for decades in some shape or form! It's a micro feather with a leopard print and I LOVE IT. Considering one more."

Linda.

Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

"My first one — just in time for my 50th in a couple of months."

Tanya.

Image: Supplied.

"I got this tattoo (right) in memory of our eight-year-old son, Jack, who sadly passed away from brain cancer in 2015. One of our favourite songs was Blackbird by the Beatles. He was finally free to fly."

ADVERTISEMENT

Emma.

Image: Supplied.

"My daughter and I got matching tattoos (my daughter is on the left)."

Would you ever get a tattoo? If so, what would you get? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.

As women our bodies are constantly changing! Tell us about your experience and go in the running to win one of four $50 gift vouchers.
00:00 / ???