1.1 Introduction

Tattoos are permanent artistic drawings or patterns that are pricked onto a person's skin using special tools, such as needles or tattoo machines. During this procedure, color pigments are introduced into the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, to create a permanent image. Tattoos can be created in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles and often serve as an expression of personality, creativity, membership in certain groups, or the meaning of certain symbols.

Two types of tattoos can be distinguished:

Temporary tattoos: these are tattoos in which the inks used fall into the category of cosmetic products. This type of tattoo is not permanent and may fade or wash off over time.
Permanent tattoos: These are done by professional tattoo artists and require special inks that are subject to certain regulation. They are permanent and remain visible for a long time.

The market for tattoos is booming worldwide. It is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 9.43% through 2029. The main demanders are European and Anglo-Saxon countries, where the percentage of tattooed population can reach almost half of the total population.[Fortune Business insights]

Tattoos are also gaining popularity in Germany. Between 2010 and 2018, the percentage of people in Germany who have had experience with tattoos increased from 10% to 18%. Estimates for 2021 suggest that around 27% of the German population will be tattooed. The number of tattoo artists has also increased. The market is now highly competitive, and tattoo artists are increasingly relying on creative communication via social media to set themselves apart.[YouGov]

While the tattooing profession in Germany does not require specific training, tattoo artists must be registered with health authorities and complete training in hygiene and cleanliness standards. This training lasts at least 21 hours and extends over three consecutive days.

The tattoo industry was severely impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic. During the lockdowns, tattoo studios were forced to suspend operations. Some studios experienced significant revenue losses. However, with the relaxation of restrictions in 2021, the market recovered and studios were able to win back their customers.

The following market study deals with current trends in the industry as well as the market structure and competitive situation of the market.

1.2 The world market

The tattoo market is growing rapidly. It was estimated at $*.** billion in **** and is expected to grow *.**% annually to reach $*.** billion in ****[***].

Tattoo Market Size

The popularity of tattoos varies widely by country. In Europe and the US, tattoos are very popular. Other parts of the world are far less penetrated. ...

1.3 The German market

Since there is no official market size for tattoos in Germany, we can propose below an estimate based on several hypotheses to get an approximate idea of the turnover of tattoo studios (***).

According to Apotheken Umschau, around *,*** tattoo stud ios were in operation in ****.[***] According to estimates and industry observations, the ...

2.1 Customer demographics

Age groups

The majority of the German population has no tattoos on its body and would like it to stay that way. Above all, those aged ** and over are not fans of tattoos: according to a survey conducted by the market and opinion research institute YouGov in ****, around **% of Germans have ...

2.2 reasons for tattoos

According to a survey from ****, **% of men and women in Germany said they got their tattoo as an individual statement. A tattoo serves as an expression of their personality and allows them to express their individuality and uniqueness to the outside world. Choosing a particular motif, placement or unique design reflects ...

2.3 Most popular tattoo designs and locations

A survey by Appinio identified the most popular tattoo motifs in Germany. The survey asked participants about their personal tattoo motifs, and the results were varied and interesting. The most frequently mentioned tattoo style was lettering, which was preferred by **% of respondents. Lettering allows people to immortalize important messages, quotes, or ...

2.4 Satisfaction with tattoos

A **** survey by market research institute Appinio reveals that the majority of Germans surveyed are still satisfied with their tattoos: around ** percent said they still like their tattoos. This suggests that most people are in tune with their decision to get tattoos and appreciate the artwork on their skin.

Still, there ...

3.1 Operations and employees

In the market for tattoos in Germany, there are a large number of businesses and employees who specialize in tattooing and piercing. Unfortunately, there are no specific statistical data on the number of tattoo studios and tattoo artists. However, some available information can be used to provide insight into the employment ...

3.2 Dynamics of the actors

Independent Tattoo Studios

Independent tattoo studios are often family-run businesses or small businesses started by experienced tattoo artists. They usually have a manageable number of tattoo artists, often between two and five, working in their studios. These artists may own the studio or be employed.

The structure of independent tattoo studios ...

3.3 Tattoo fairs and events

Certain events contribute to the promotion of the tattoo industry. One of the most famous events in Germany was the Tattoo Convention Berlin. This annual event attracted thousands of visitors and provided a platform for tattoo artists from around the world to showcase their work. However, the Tattoo Convention Berlin has ...

3.4 criteria for choosing a tattoo studio

When choosing a tattoo studio in Germany, there are a number of criteria that can be considered. These factors can help find the right studio that suits individual preferences and needs. Here are some of the important criteria: Experience of tattoo artists: the experience of tattoo artists is a crucial factor. ...

4.1 Types tattoos

Tattoos in Germany are extremely diverse and meet different criteria.

Type of tattooPermanent or temporary: The majority of the tattoo market consists of permanent tattoos. In recent years, however, the trend towards temporary tattoos has become very widespread. For example, a leader in this field is TATYOUS, which offers a wide ...

4.2 Prices

The average prices for tattoos in Germany vary depending on various factors. Some of the main factors that can affect the price of a tattoo are:

Size of the tattoo:

Small tattoos, such as a single word or a small symbol, can usually cost between ** euros and *** euros. Medium tattoos that ...

4.3 Trend - Social Media

The importance of social media for the tattoo market in Germany has increased sharply in recent years. In particular, the role of influencers on platforms such as Instagram has proven to be extremely relevant.

By using social media, tattoo artists and studios have the opportunity to make their work accessible to ...

4.4 Ink quality

The quality of inks

According to UFC Que Choisir, **% of tattoo inks contain hazardous or toxic substances. Out of ** inks studied by UFC, ** did not meet the standards[***]. The following table lists the various inks that were found to be harmful:

One of the banned substances is paraphenylenediamine (***), which is used ...

4.5 Tattoo removal

In recent years, there has been a definite trend towards tattoo removal, as more and more people are choosing to have their tattoos removed. There are different types of tattoo removal, and prices can vary depending on the method and individual factors.

One of the most common methods of tattoo removal ...

5.1 Healthy regulations

Regulations for minors

In Germany, the tattooing of minors is regulated by law. According to §*** para. * of the German Civil Code (***), tattooing of persons under the age of ** is generally not permitted, unless there is consent from the parents or legal guardian. This regulation serves to protect children and adolescents from ...