Although tattoos on men are nothing new to Vietnam, there is an increasing trend among young Vietnamese women to get them.

More young women opt to get tattoos

The art in this country has developed at a much slower pace than in other countries. Just a few years ago, the most popular tattoos were simple images of scorpions, centipedes or flowers, and the women who chose to get them were considered somewhat on the margins of society.

Even though in most countries it has come to be considered somewhat less than shocking, in Vietnam tattoos still raise eyebrows, and sometimes disdain. At the same time, more and more young women are being attracted, whether to express their individualism, or to emulate models, celebrities and friends.

Along with this trend, the art of tattooing itself is becoming more sophisticated. Not only are the older, simpler designs being thrown by the wayside, the process itself has become more simple and less painful. One of the options that has reached Vietnam is the tattoo stencil, which allows the artist to simply follow a pre-drawn design, injecting the chosen colours.

The price of tattoos in Vietnam can obviously vary depending on the intricacy and size. But they generally range anywhere from a few hundred thousand dong to millions.

The reasons for getting tattoos among young Vietnamese women vary as widely as their options. Thu Hong, a 12-grade student in HCM City’s Binh Tan District, said, “I wanted to get one after i saw that so many of my friends had tattoos. Now I have three. It's fashionable and easy."

Nguyen Hoang Phuong, owner of a beauty salon in HCM City’s District 11 said, "Before we just provided ordinary beauty care. Things like nail and skin care, and eyelash extensions. But we've started providing tattooing recently because that's what more and more of our customers ask for."

Permanent marks

While getting a tattoo may be a spur of the moment decision, it is a permanent one. And some have come to regret it because of the societal stigma that it can still carry.

Nguyen Thanh Van, 29, from HCM City, is one of those. She opted to emulate her friends and get a tattoo. However, once she was married, her husband was very displeased to find her body 'marked' on the night of their wedding. Van was forced to remove the tattoo the following day.

Tran My Tien, a student in HCM City’s Tan Binh District, also had troubles with a rose she had put on her shoulder. That tattoo actually cost her a job as a waitress at HCM City bar.

"Now I really regret the decision. At the time I was just trying to keep up with my friends. But the end result was being criticised by my family. I really wish I hadn't done it," Tien said.

Now, many girls are choosing the alternative of getting temporary tattoos, which are widely available at prices from VND3,000 to VND10,000 (USD0.14-USD0.47). This allows them to remain trendy without the burden of a possible permanent stigma.

More young women are being attracted by tattoos, whether to express their individualism, or to emulate models, celebrities and friends