The Tattoo's Incredible Journey From Taboo to Trendy

As the Army prepares a ban, a look at the ink that now covers 4 out of 10 Americans in their 30s

Blame it on a society that craves personalization. Or a wave of tattooists trained in fine art. Whatever the cause, tattoos--once reserved for rebels, military men and circus performers--are mainstream, especially for 30-somethings. Nearly 4 out of every 10 Americans in their 30s have been inked. Still, tats are controversial. The Army is set to ban them below the knees and elbows for new recruits, and the health department in Washington, D.C., proposed a 24-hour waiting period for those wanting ink. Here's how body art has evolved.

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