Celebrity Tattoos: Which Ink Stands the Test of Time?

Scarlett Johansson's recent appearance at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of her thriller "Paper Tiger" showcased her extensive back tattoos, prompting a closer look at celebrity body art and its enduring appeal. The actress's shaded rose and lamb designs, acquired nearly a decade ago, highlight the evolution of tattoo styles and techniques, according to celebrity artist Claudio Traina of Sixty Ink.

Traina, along with semi-permanent makeup artist Jasmine Diebelius, have analyzed various celebrity tattoos, considering factors such as ink migration, execution, and the potential difficulty of removal. They suggest that the success of a tattoo lies in its quality, how well it suits the individual's personal style, and whether it was designed with long-term aging in mind.

Johansson's tattoos, a lamb under her right shoulder blade and a rose vine over it, were first debuted in 2017. The floral design is speculated to be a tribute to her daughter, Rose Dorothy, while the lamb is often associated with purity. Traina described the rose design as "elegant" and "photographs beautifully," noting that roses are a "timeless choice." However, he observed that the lamb tattoo appears "a little faded" and "could benefit from a touch-up." Diebelius commented that Johansson's tattoos have a "more traditional style that some might consider dated," but emphasized that tattoo trends are subjective. She also noted that the "densely filled areas" of Johansson's tattoos could make removal more challenging.

Other celebrities' tattoos were also examined. Josh Brolin's intricate back piece, featuring a lighthouse in stormy waters and the Greek word 'Arete,' was praised by Traina as an "excellent example of traditional, old-school tattooing." He noted that this style, while perhaps less popular in the UK, retains a "huge following in the USA."

Ben Affleck's widely discussed phoenix tattoo, first unveiled in 2015, drew mixed reactions, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez both criticizing it. Despite the public's polarized views, Traina expressed admiration for the large-scale commitment, stating, "Personally, I think it’s a really well-executed phoenix."

Lady Gaga's collection of over 24 tattoos includes a large "monster paw" on her back, a tribute to her fans, created in 2014. Traina pointed out that due to multiple artists and varying times of application, her back tattoos, including a rose stem, lack cohesiveness. Diebelius suggested that these smaller, outline tattoos, with "plenty of negative space," might be easier to remove if Gaga ever desired.

Angelina Jolie's intricate Thai Sak Yant-style tattoos, done by master Ajarn Noo Kanpai, were noted by Diebelius for their delicacy. However, she cautioned that if pigment is implanted too deeply, "there's a risk of ink migration, causing lines to blur and merge over time."

Cheryl Cole's large English rose tattoo, a 2013 cover-up over older ink, was praised by Traina as a "great" cover-up design executed by artist Nikko Hurtado.

Billie Eilish's abstract spine tattoo, revealed in 2023, drew comparisons to the "Stranger Things portal." Traina described it as potentially a "gothic sigil or cybersigilism design," popular for its aesthetics among younger people, but added, "Let’s see how they feel in five years!" Diebelius warned that Eilish's "bold, heavily saturated" tattoos could require eight to ten laser sessions for removal.

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton's religious and inspirational tattoos, such as his 'Pieta' and cross with angel wings, were noted for their quality, despite common imagery. Pink's tattoos, including a barcode on her neck and an angel reaching for a star on her back, were characterized by Traina as having a "classic ’90s feel," acknowledging that while they might appear dated, he appreciates older tattoos that have become part of a person's story.