Decoding Celebrity Ink: Science Reveals What Tattoos Say About Stars Like Ed Sheeran and The Rock

Celebrity Tattoos and What They Say About Personality, According to Science

From David Beckham to Justin Bieber, celebrities often use tattoos to express themselves—but these inked designs might shape how others perceive them. A Michigan State University study revealed that people make snap judgments about personality traits based on tattoo styles, though these assumptions rarely match reality. Here’s a breakdown of how celebrity ink influences perceptions:

Cheerful & Colorful Tattoos = Agreeable

Those with vibrant, lighthearted tattoos—like Ed Sheeran’s cartoon penguin or Ulrika Jonsson’s pink floral sleeve—are often seen as more approachable and kind. The study found life-affirming or comforting designs correlated with perceptions of agreeableness. Sheeran’s 60+ tattoos, including quirky symbols like a ketchup bottle, highlight his playful side.

Ed Sheeran’s eclectic ink collection.

Expressionist Tattoos = Less Conscientious

Abstract or emotional designs, such as Cara Delevingne’s arm tattoo or Chris Hemsworth’s geometric forearm piece, may signal creativity but also imply lower conscientiousness. These pieces, often open to interpretation, can suggest unpredictability to observers.

Cara Delevingne’s expressive ink.

Large Traditional Tattoos = Outgoing

Bold, classic designs—like Dwayne Johnson’s Samoan tribal tattoo or Jason Momoa’s shark-tooth arm ink—are tied to extroversion. These striking pieces often reflect cultural pride or personal milestones, projecting confidence and sociability.

Dwayne Johnson’s homage to his heritage.

Low-Quality Tattoos = Neurotic

Regrettable ink, like Zac Efron’s now-removed “YOLO” hand tattoo or Gucci Mane’s face ice cream cone, can imply impulsivity. Poorly executed tattoos may lead others to question decision-making skills or attention to detail.

Zac Efron’s short-lived hand ink.

Death Imagery = Less Agreeable

Dark symbols, such as Post Malone’s skull head tattoos or Zayn Malik’s chest skull, often link to perceptions of brooding or eccentricity. The study noted death-related designs might suggest lower agreeableness or higher neuroticism.

Post Malone’s morbid motifs.

Tattoo Regrets

A UK survey found name tattoos and "trendy" designs (e.g., tribal patterns, star constellations) top regret lists. Nearly 30% consider removal, while others opt for cover-ups.

While tattoos offer self-expression, their subjective interpretations remind us that first impressions aren’t always accurate. As lead researcher William Chopik noted, “Tattoos may reveal glimpses of personality, but they’re rarely the full story.”

Images: Getty/Daily Mail | Words: ~600