Barbed wire is back: Why ’90s and 2000s tattoos are in vogue again

“I feel a connection to these characters, especially the SpongeBob characters. As for the Bart Simpson tattoo … as children, The Simpsons was definitely a must-watch for me and I related to the family dynamic,” she says.

Nostalgia underpins much of the general resurgence in the popularity of these tattoo designs, Douglas says.

“Prompting these throwback pieces would most likely have come from an idealisation of that time period as things were so colourful and vibrant in the ’90s. I [also] think it’s a mindset being changed or people getting distance from things that were seen as tacky due to over-saturation.”

While some ink designs are nearly identical replicas from the ’90s and ’00s, others take on a modern twist, Clarity says.

“Some of the trends I have seen a resurgence of include Old English lettering and tribal designs. However, the tribal is now more often incorporated into other designs as a background or as a decorative flourish, and less often as a standalone design. I’m happy to see them return in new and interesting ways.”

Xia shares this sentiment.

“People seem to be tweaking old styles by using fine-line, creating a new wave of ’90s and 2000s tattoos, resulting in styles like neo-tribal for example. There are so many topics used back in the 90s like flames or barbed wire, just done in a very different way,” she says.

“I have also seen a few artists combining 90s and 2000s designs with more modern styles and that is quite special, it creates something new that will definitely inspire whatever comes next.”

But despite the modern take, will there come a time when the resurgence of love for barbed wire and cartoon character tattoos, along with fashion items like double denim and skelts, be considered “uncool” once more?

The answer is probably yes.

“It is definitely a trend and it’s mostly the younger generation getting them because it’s cool,” Xia says.

“I am old enough and have been in the industry and art community long enough to know this is just a trend that will look odd or outdated in a few years…. Most tattoo regrets are trends that have passed, and people wish they have space for different things later on in life.”

Xia’s advice? Remember that, unlike trends, tattoos are forever.

“Get tattoos that are as atemporal as possible and that you like, not what you are seen on TikTok or your friend has, and always done by an artist that specialises in a style that will not change when the trend has passed.”

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.