Australia Tattoo Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

Australia Tattoo Market Trends

Tattoos have gained widespread acceptance in Australian society, contributing to the growth of the Australia tattoo market, with demand rising, particularly among younger generations seeking unique self-expression. Australia's lively tattoo culture also attracts international tourists looking for high-quality tattoos, further boosting the market. To mark Diablo's 25th anniversary, Blizzard Entertainment launched the Diablo Hell's Ink Tattoo Shop Takeover Tour in September 2022. The tour, beginning in Los Angeles and heading east, featured renowned tattoo artists creating bespoke Diablo-inspired designs. The Australian stop took place at Little Tokyo Tattoo in Surry Hills on September 10, 2022.

The Australia tattoo market has been propelled by rising income levels, which encourage discretionary spending on tattoos, thereby broadening the customer base. Celebrity influence and visible tattoos have helped normalise the culture, while platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote artists' work, attracting more customers. Furthermore, tattoos are becoming more accepted in professional environments, reducing stigma in the workplace.

Australia Tattoo Market Growth

The increasing variety of tattoo styles, ranging from traditional to modern, enables artists to cater to diverse tastes, creating opportunities in the Australia tattoo market. Strict health and safety regulations build consumer trust, supporting market growth. Tattoo conventions and events bring together artists and enthusiasts, while personal branding through tattoos drives demand for custom designs. In August 2021, Ubiquity Lab was appointed as the Australian PR agency for Removery, a leading tattoo removal brand. As Removery expanded globally, it launched in Australia to address the rising demand for effective tattoo removal and fading services. The brand plans to open 250 clinics across Australia and North America within five years.

Tattoo removal services are becoming more popular as individuals seek to correct or alter existing tattoos, contributing to the overall Australia tattoo market expansion. The rise of mobile tattoo services has enhanced accessibility, expanding the market. Tattoos are also gaining popularity among older demographics, and the growing demand for eco-conscious and vegan ink appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Australia Tattoo Market Insights

• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), gross disposable income per household increased by 3.7% to USD 139,064 between 2020-21 and 2021-22. This rise in disposable income allows more Australians to invest in tattoos, driving demand for custom, high-quality designs and expanding the tattoo market.
• As per ABS data, people aged 20 to 44 years made up 38% of the combined capital city population, compared to 30% in the rest of Australia. This younger demographic is a key driver in the growing tattoo market, with increased interest in tattoos for self-expression and individuality.
• Industry reports indicate that 1 in 5 (19%) Australians has one or more tattoos, with nearly 1 in 4 (24%) females having tattoos. This rising popularity among both men and women reflects the growing acceptance of tattoos in Australian society, further contributing to the expanding tattoo market.

Australia Tattoo Market Drivers

Increase in Custom and Personalised Tattoos

In Australia, there is an increasing preference for custom tattoos that tell personal stories, reflect individual beliefs, or showcase artistic expression, which is a key trend in the Australia tattoo market. This movement is fueled by a desire for uniqueness, with many tattoo studios offering bespoke design services. Consumers are willing to invest in high-quality, personalised tattoos that hold personal meaning. EasyTatt, an Australian brand, provides a range of high-quality temporary tattoos, known for their convenience as a non-committal alternative to permanent tattoos. They use skin-friendly materials, catering to events, festivals, and those looking for temporary body art without permanence or pain.

Rise in Tattoo Acceptance

Tattoos are becoming increasingly accepted in Australian society, transitioning from subcultures into mainstream culture, which is influencing the Australia tattoo market dynamics and trends. This shift is noticeable across various sectors such as entertainment, business, and politics. Social media, celebrity influence, and evolving attitudes have significantly contributed to the growing acceptance of tattoos, boosting the market and expanding demand across diverse demographics. In Queensland, individuals must be at least 18 to get a tattoo, with studios required to verify age. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under 18, even with parental consent. Legal advice should be sought if tattoos or piercings are performed without consent.

Opportunities in the Australia Tattoo Market

The Australia tattoo market is witnessing the integration of cutting-edge technology, including digital design tools and advanced tattoo machines, offering greater precision, reduced pain, and faster healing. Innovations such as 3D tattoos, UV tattoos, and vegan-friendly inks are gaining popularity, providing customers with fresh options. Australia has adopted some of the world’s most advanced laser systems, with Green Lotus Laser using state-of-the-art devices for precise results. From Q-switched lasers for tattoo removal to fractional lasers for skin rejuvenation, modern technology ensures safety and effectiveness for all skin types.

Market Restraints

The Australia tattoo market faces several challenges, including strict regulations, health concerns, and high tattoo removal costs. Stigma in professional environments and economic factors may deter potential customers, while a shortage of skilled artists can increase waiting times and prices.

Cultural resistance and temporary trends also limit market growth, and rising material costs make tattoos less affordable. Additionally, competition from non-traditional tattoos, like henna and sticker tattoos, offers lower-cost, non-permanent alternatives, further limiting the market for permanent tattoos.

Australia Tattoo Market Share

Market Analysis by Type

According to the Australia tattoo market analysis, temporary tattoos dominate the market as a non-permanent, risk-free choice for consumers. They offer the opportunity to experiment with designs without long-term commitment, appealing to those looking for body art for events, fashion trends, or those hesitant about permanent tattoos, especially during festivals or seasonal occasions.

The growth of the Australia tattoo market is also driven by permanent tattoos, which provide lasting body art as a personal form of expression. Valued for their durability, uniqueness, and artistry, they serve as permanent reminders of meaningful life moments. With increasing cultural acceptance, permanent tattoos are steadily gaining popularity across diverse demographics, cementing their position in the market.

Market Analysis by Category

According to the Australia tattoo market report, cosmetic tattoos are leading, offering long-lasting beauty solutions that save time, enhance features like eyebrows and lips, and provide consistency. Ideal for busy individuals, allergy sufferers, and those with hair loss, these tattoos boost convenience and confidence. Lady Lash in Newtown offers professional services such as microblading and techniques like powder fill, ombre, and hair strokes, ensuring natural, realistic results.

Natural tattoos in Australia offer personal expression with designs inspired by nature, such as flowers and animals. These timeless, eco-conscious tattoos reflect sustainability and resonate with individuals who appreciate the environment.

The growth of the Australia tattoo market is also driven by medical tattoos, which help individuals regain confidence after medical conditions or surgeries. These tattoos provide scar camouflage, areola restoration, and other therapeutic benefits, supporting emotional and physical healing. Paramedical tattooing addresses issues like missing body parts, skin irregularities, and scars, providing essential support for those recovering from medical procedures.

Market Analysis by End User

The growth of the Australia tattoo market is driven by the increasing number of men embracing tattoos as a means of self-expression and personal style. For many men, tattoos represent individuality, strength, and cultural identity. As tattoos gain wider acceptance across industries and social circles, there is a rising demand for custom, high-quality designs, which opens up more opportunities for tattoo artists.

The demand for the Australia tattoo market has surged among women, who view tattoos as an empowering form of self-expression, creativity, and personality. Women's tattoos often reflect personal stories, beliefs, and aesthetic preferences, driving the need for intricate, custom designs. The growing acceptance of tattoos in the workplace has further propelled this trend.

Australia Tattoo Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Tattoo Market Overview

New South Wales boasts a flourishing tattoo market, with growing demand for unique, high-quality designs. People aged 20 to 44 make up 38% of Sydney's population, compared to 29% in the rest of the state. The region's vibrant tattoo culture attracts both local artists and international visitors, driving industry growth.

Queensland Tattoo Market Trends

Queensland’s tattoo market is on the rise, particularly among younger demographics. Greater Brisbane has a higher percentage of people aged 20 to 44 years (37%) than the rest of the state (31%), reflecting the trend of young adults relocating to capital cities for work and education. Custom designs, bold colours, and innovative techniques are shaping the region’s tattoo culture.

Western Australia Tattoo Market Dynamics

Western Australia's tattoo market is expanding, driven by increasing acceptance among both local and international customers. Greater Perth has a higher proportion of residents aged 20 to 39 (29%) than the rest of the state (24%), with young adults moving to the city for work or education. Demand for skilled artists and unique styles is supporting market growth, aided by improved regulatory standards.

Competitive Landscape

The Australia tattoo market key players are recognised for their expertise and commitment to delivering custom solutions across various tool categories. These companies offer a broad range of products, from traditional to modern designs, focusing on providing unique, high-quality tools tailored to meet individual customer needs, ensuring both precision and satisfaction. Their reputation is founded on dedication to excellence, professionalism, and continuous innovation in the tools industry.

Key Industry Players

Thirteen Feet Tattoo: Thirteen Feet Tattoo, established in 2011, is a renowned tattoo studio located in Melbourne, Australia. Known for its skilled artists and dedication to custom designs, the studio offers a wide variety of styles, from traditional to modern tattoos. Their team focuses on creating unique, personalised artwork for each client, ensuring both quality and customer satisfaction.

Surf N’ Ink Tattoo: Surf N’ Ink Tattoo, founded in 2009, is a popular tattoo studio based in Sydney, Australia. Specialising in vibrant and detailed designs, it is well-known for its laid-back, surf-inspired atmosphere. The studio's talented artists are skilled in various styles, including traditional, tribal, and realistic tattoos, catering to diverse client preferences.

The Black Mark: The Black Mark, established in 2014, is a highly respected tattoo studio located in Brisbane, Australia. Known for its artistic precision and innovative designs, the studio prides itself on offering a diverse range of tattoo styles, including fine line, black and grey, and traditional tattoos. The Black Mark aims to provide exceptional, personalised tattoo experiences to its clients.

Chapel Tattoo: Chapel Tattoo, founded in 2006, is a well-known tattoo studio in Melbourne, Australia. The studio’s reputation is built on its commitment to high-quality artistry and professionalism. Chapel Tattoo offers custom tattoos across various styles, including realism, traditional, and Japanese, ensuring that each design is tailored to the client's individual vision.

Other key players in the Australia tattoo market report are THE DARLING PARLOUR PTY LTD., Renegade Art Society, and Artful Ink Australia, among others.

Recent Developments

August 2024

The Brave launched its inaugural Taboo Tattoo Bar pop-up at their Haymarket office. The event featured tattoos by Zach Spiros of Bondi Ink and celebrated various artists. The pop-up is set to occur regularly, showcasing curated ink and documenting the experience in a coffee-table book.

March 2023

Thousands of tattoo enthusiasts attended the 2023 Australian Tattoo Expo in Sydney, held at the International Convention Centre. Highlights included the popular Ugliest Tattoo Competition, with regrettable designs like Simpsons characters. The event featured fire twirlers and entertained visitors with a variety of quirky and creative tattoos.