Tattoos make a mark

A tattoo design by Wenmofang studio. [Photo by DOMINIC MORGAN/CHINA DAILY]

"Fifteen years ago, when people were getting tattoos, moms would say, 'I want to get a tattoo, but I'm afraid that when my kids grow up, they'll see my tattoo and think that's weird,'" says Zhuo. "But right now, not so much. Sometimes they bring their kids to the shop and say, 'wait for me!'"

These changes have led to a huge spike in demand for tattoos. When Zhuo founded Shanghai Tattoo in 2006, there were fewer than 10 studios in the city. Today, there are 125 listed on online directory Dianping alone.

As tattoos become increasingly common, it is also leading to a number of awkward encounters, according to Zhuo.

"Sometimes some things happen that are really funny. Like people come to the shop and say, 'I'm really worried that my boss will kick me out (if they find out that I'm getting a tattoo),'" says Zhuo, laughing.

"But actually, when they're getting the tattoo, they find that their boss is getting a tattoo here, too! That happens a lot."