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Having tattoos in 2016 really isn't an overly rebellious statement. While there are definitely still some stigmas surrounding them — especially in certain career fields — having a tattoo today is nothing compared to decades past.
There was a time when being a tattooed woman was so "scandalous" it would have made you a side-show attraction. But despite the social implications, female tattooists and tattoo lovers still flourished, and made a name for themselves and their art in the pages of inked history.
Check out some of the tattooed babes that paved the way to slay — and show them off to anyone who would dare try to throw shade at your fabulous ink.
Maud Wagner is the first known U.S. female tattoo artist. In order to learn how to tattoo, she traded a date with her would-be-future-husband for lessons.
Harley Quinn could learn a thing or two from this inked babe.
This ain't your average vintage beauty.
YAS KWEEN. Go on and love your bad self.
Check out this hauntingly beautiful inked babe.
This blonde took bombshell to a whole new level. In fact, she even changed the face of the tattoo industry.
Bev Nicholas (pictured here, above, and below) once toured Australia and New Zealand as “Miss Technicolor” and “The Classy Lassy with the Tattooed Chassis,” before planting roots in Melbourne where she's been tattooing for over 40 years.
Plus, she also just has dope style.
Princess indeed!
Naughty, nautical, tattooed vixen for the win!
Hey, Amy Schumer — was this your OG inspiration for getting a lower-back tattoo? She makes it look pretty cool.
If I had that many awesome tattoos I'd be all smiles, too!
She literally brought sexy back.
Hello, new queen of my life.
Her sexy stems will give everyone #LegGoals.
This woman defined fierce.
In the 1937 World’s Fair, Betty Broadbent made history as the first fully tattooed woman to appear in the first televised beauty contest.
If that doesn't prove tattoos are a thing of beauty, I don't know what will.
