Commemorating the “Unluckiest” Day of the Year

LONG BEACH – While many will be avoiding walking under a ladder, stepping on a crack, or breaking a mirror on Friday; others will be glued to their phones today to take part in one of the hottest Friday the 13th trends: getting a tattoo. 

Yes, it’s a thing and I have to admit – I am a proud victim of it. The once ‘unluckiest’ day(s) of the year, Friday the 13th is under a massive rebrand thanks to the tattoo world and the growing trend of $13 tattoo flash sales.

With the evolution of social media, and the ease of posting sales day of, more and more tattoo shops around the country are hopping on the bandwagon to offer an exclusive set of images for as little as $13 for one day only. In past years, those interested in receiving a tattoo could just log on to their favorite shops’ social media pages, a day prior or on the day of, to view a post which would feature a flash sheet with an array of tattoos available during the sale. No appointments were needed; which caused wrap-around lines to form hours before shops would open until closing time.

Tattoos would range depending on the venue, and were usually a little larger than a quarter. Images could be as simple as a single palm tree (which I have); or as complicated as a baby farting fire with a 13 on its belly. In Long Beach, many local shops are planning to offer a deal on the 13th, but some have modified the tradition to fit their own style and/or to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. 

Paper Crane Tattoo, 530 East Broadway, could not confirm exact plans yet but said they plan to post the artists who are participating and their deals when the sale begins. A general plan was to have their artists post exclusive pieces available by appointment only, and offer sessions to the first 13 people who book. Instead of a one-day-only small tattoo, those who book will get exclusive deals like $130 and $230 toward an exclusive piece. 

Port City Tattoo, 4290 Outer Traffic Circle, will have exclusive designs available ranging in price from $60-$200. The shop plans to operate during normal business hours, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, artists will only be tattooing arms and legs.

Baron Art Tattoo Studio, 1364 West Willow Street, has already posted their plans to their social media pages. Following the popular trend, those seeking a tattoo can choose their body art from a flash sheet. Instead of one sheet for all artists, the shop has posted one for each participating artist, allowing each to showcase their specific style. Designs range from anime, crayon style, character tattoos like Mickey Mouse and Snoopy, and much more. 

The $13 tattoo trend reportedly began with famed tattoo artist Oliver Peck who started offering $13 tattoos as a flash sale exclusively on Friday the 13th. Peck, co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas, and the owner of True Tattoo located in Hollywood, California is a former judge on the hit show Ink Masters and also tattooed his way into the Guinness Book of World Records when he completed 415 tattoos of the number 13 in a consecutive 24-hour period. 

For more information on Friday, the 13th tattoo deals happening in Long Beach, check out your favorite tattoo shop on their social media pages.

By Alysia Burke