If you have to unlock hem, you wouldn't have to make another character to use them - you would just have to wait until after they are unlocked to apply a tattoo. If I discover that there are tattoo;s that need to be unlocked (since locked customization items will be labeled with a "lock" icon) I will simply wait until I have them all until applying my tats.
That's true, but as long as I can see them all clearly, and not have anything blocking my view of it, I'll be fine then.