It’s not just twenty and thirty-somethings who get tattoos these days. Baby Boomers, especially women, are increasingly shelling out big bucks for their first tattoos.

About 15% of Baby Boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, have tattoos. This is an interesting finding because in the 50’s and 60’s when most boomers were growing up, tattoos were reserved for troublemakers, sailors and bikers.

A lot has changed since then, and apparently boomer attitudes have also shifted with the times. You’ve no doubt known business professionals, teachers and doctors with tattoos. Perhaps even your pastor has a tattoo.

Despite how tattoos might have been viewed in their younger years, women in the boomer generation are increasingly open to tattoos. However, many have them placed where they can be covered up. Women in the boomer generation like tattoos that are pretty, are remembrances of their children, grandchildren, mark important turning points or spiritual symbols.

However, it’s not just boomer women who are getting more tattoos: a 2012 Harris Poll of 2,016 adult respondents revealed that women were slightly more likely than men to have a tattoo, with 23% of women to 19% of men. The 2012 survey results were especially interesting because it was the first time in ten years of the survey where women were more likely than men to get tattoos.

The numbers were attributed to television shows about tattoos, which may have helped permanent body art become more acceptable. It’s also possible that more men already had tattoos and women are just catching up.

In terms of attitudes about tattoos, the poll showed that 30% of respondents said a tattoo made them feel “more sexy.” 25% percent said they felt “more rebellious,” 21% percent felt “more attractive” and 16% percent said they felt “more spiritual” after getting a tattoo.

Ladies, do these findings correlate with your reasons for getting a tattoo? What influenced your decision to get a tattoo, and where you put it on your body?