Tattoos are so on-trend, but you want them to either have a special meaning or to be creative. It can be hard making the decision of what to get. After all, it’s going to be there for the rest of your life (unless you get it lasered), therefore, placement is also a big consideration. Just to help you out, we’ve put together the best tattoo ideas for women and some advice to guide you through the process.

1. Butterfly Tattoo

If you’re looking for inspiration for fresh new ink, you may want to consider a butterfly. Although butterfly tattoos have been popular for decades, there is a timelessness about them, and the wide variety of designs have ensured that each piece remains unique to the wearer. Butterflies can be delicate and beautiful, but they can also represent transformation, resilience, hope, and even love. There is also a feminine element to the design, which is why it is such a popular choice among women.

2. Dragon Tattoo

Dragon tattoos can make a powerful statement, and they symbolize wisdom, fearlessness, and protection. The stories of these mythical beasts are found in many cultures around the world. They have featured heavily in both European mythologies, as well as in East Asian cultures. Often, a dragon is considered to be a fierce and powerful creature, something to be respected, but also feared. When deciding to get a tattoo, you can draw from the many inspirations and interpretations, but ultimately choose what you want the ink to represent to you; whether that be passion or mystery, or something more profound.

3. Lion Tattoo

The lion is considered the ruler of the animal kingdom, or the king of the jungle, and it is a creature that is both well respected and feared. When deciding to ink this powerful predator, many people choose to do so because of the traits associated with it; courage, bravery, royalty, and wisdom. There are many variations of the tattoo design, with some individuals opting for a super realistic approach, and others choosing to combine various elements, such as flowers and shapes, to create a unique and more feminine finish.

4. Semicolon Tattoo

Tattoos can have deeply personal meanings, and the semicolon tattoo design is one of them. It has become a symbol for those suffering from mental health and depression and reminds the wearer that their story is not over yet. Their journey has not come to an end, and their lives will continue, despite their struggles. It is for this reason that these tattoos work best in places where they can easily be seen, like on the wrist, so that they can serve as a daily reminder of the obstacles that the individual has overcome and how they are capable of dealing with them in the future.

5. Wolf Tattoo

If you want to ink something that represents love and loyalty, then consider a wolf tattoo. These beautiful animals live in packs, and their strength and survival depend on their numbers. It is for this reason that this design often symbolizes family, suggesting there is power in unity, and it encourages the wearer to remember the importance of these close familial bonds. The wolf also has special significance to specific cultures, namely the Native Americans, who have a deep respect for the animal.

6. Elephant Tattoo

Elephants are majestic animals, and they also represent power and prosperity. These gigantic mammals are often associated with a fantastic memory; you may have heard the saying “an elephant never forgets,” which is why they also symbolize wisdom. What you may not know is that the head of an elephant herd is always a female, and thus, this can be a fantastic piece for a woman who wants to celebrate her femininity. You can choose a large, intricate design, or something small and simple, the great thing about this ink is it works in a variety of sizes.

7. Scorpion Tattoo

If you want a more edgy tattoo, the scorpion is an excellent choice. These predatory arachnids are often considered to be dangerous because of their ability to inflict pain, and those who choose a symbol like this often want it to serve as a warning. The design can be incredibly powerful and a show of strength and intimidation. It can also remind the wearer of the need to protect themselves from those who want to cause them harm.

8. Snake Tattoo

Snake tattoos represent many different things; for some, they are considered to be an evil creature, for example, in the Christian Bible story of Adam and Eve, the snake was the tempter and resulted in sin. However, for others, they are mythical and powerful. A Japanese snake tattoo can represent strength, protection, and even good luck, and in Native American cultures, the rattlesnake is of great importance. Other traits associated with serpent ink is the idea of transformation or rebirth because snakes shed their skin. They can also symbolize danger or fertility.

9. Heart Tattoo

The heart is one of the most popular tattoo choices, and for a good reason. It is a universally recognized symbol across all cultures and holds deep meaning for the wearer, including love, loss, and heartbreak. Individuals can choose from a wide range of heart tattoo designs, some simple, like an outline, and others more detailed, like a sacred heart. Color also plays an important role when choosing what is right for you; for example, red ink can celebrate friendship and love, while black represents sorrow.

10. Skull Tattoo

Skull tattoos are often intricate and take time and skill to complete. It is a recognizable image across many cultures and is typically associated with death or mortality. These pieces can take on a wide range of meanings, depending on the design, and have remained a popular choice of ink for decades. If you are looking for a way to make the tattoo more feminine, consider bold colors or floral details. Regardless of what you choose, though, there is no denying your ink will stand out.

11. Watercolour Tattoo

Standard black ink works well for some designs, but if you want something more daring, you will love watercolor tattoos. The style is relatively new, although it is quickly gaining popularity, and the technique creates a finish that looks as though someone has expertly painted a masterpiece onto your skin. Many designs lend themselves well to watercolors, but flowers tend to be the most popular, creating a bold, vibrant finish. Tattoos like this work exceptionally well when combined with a black base, which helps to keep the ink from fading quickly and creates a more recognizable outline.

12. Angel Tattoo

Tattoos can represent sorrow and warn about danger, or they could be uplifting and inspiring, like an angel design. Angels are associated with heaven and are seen as pure beings, determined to protect all that is good and sacred. For this reason, these tattoos can be a fantastic choice for those who are religious and want to honor their faith. Alternatively, they can serve as a tribute to a loved one, or as a reminder that the wearer has a guardian watching over them.

13. Compass Tattoo

If you are a passionate traveler and want a design that inspires direction, then look no further than a compass tattoo. The symbolism dates back to sailors, who are believed to have inked their skin with these images to help them navigate while at sea, and it is for this reason that these designs often represent guidance and protection. When choosing a compass piece, the wearer may also want to remind themselves of the hard times that they have overcome; the navigational instrument can guide you through rough patches and help you to remember where you’re going in life.

14. Sun Tattoo

Without the sun, we would not be able to survive. It is a source of light and energy but can represent the truth, or serve as a symbol of hope; someone has overcome a dark period in their lives and found a way out of it. Others may be inspired by the sun because it reminds them of the beauty of life. There are many sun tattoo designs, and its meaning can be somewhat ambiguous, allowing the wearer to customize their ink to suit their personal preference.

15. Clock Tattoo

Time is a precious commodity, and we are all living each day on earth, not knowing when our time will be up. It is for this reason that clock tattoos often represent the balance between life and death. Individuals can tailor their ink to make it unique and personal; some of the ways this can be done is by including flowers, to honor the living. Alternatively, you could take a darker approach by adding skulls or fire. The position where the hands of the timepiece have stopped can make the piece even more personal.

16. Crown Tattoo

When you think of a crown, images of royalty will automatically come to mind, but that’s not all that this tattoo can represent. The design can have powerful symbolism, with typical attributes including victory, self-control, and authority. A woman who chooses to get this inked on her skin may feel she wields her own destiny, or that she demands respect and equality. In terms of placement, crown tattoos are incredibly versatile. They work well as small designs and outlines, which can be inked onto the wrist, but also as bigger, more detailed pieces on the forearm or thigh.

17. Dream Catcher Tattoo

Individuals who want a meaningful tattoo should consider this beautiful piece. A dreamcatcher, originally a hand-woven product which is meant to replicate a spider’s web, has roots in Native American culture. It is a symbol of protection, hung to guard against evil thoughts, and a way of filtering out the negative experiences to focus on the good. The design is often incredibly detailed, and because of this, it tends to work better on larger areas of skin, with the thigh being a popular choice.

18. Eye Tattoo

When you think of an eye, the gift of sight comes to mind, right? Well, this the fundamental concept of this tattoo. The eye can symbolize something that is all-seeing; for example, in Christianity, it can represent God watching over you. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a symbol of guidance or protection. There are many different choices with regards to the placement of this design; you can choose to go small and ink it onto your finger or opt for a more detailed piece on your thigh.

19. Bird Tattoo

Many people dream of having wings and being able to fly away from their troubles, and bird tattoos are a way of showing that. These beautiful winged creatures symbolize many things, including freedom and independence. They can also serve as a reminder that we do not need to adhere to certain earthly constraints. There are many different bird designs; for example, a raven could represent death, while a goldfinch or canary are species that typically associated with happiness.

20. Henna Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is not a decision that should be made overnight because it is meant to be a piece that will be with you forever. Many people think long and hard before choosing a design that is meaningful to them, but if you are not ready for a long term commitment, you may want to consider something more temporary, like a henna tattoo. It is created using a plant-based dye, and these intricate pieces can be made using various shades, including red, orange, brown, and blue-black. Henna is popular at Indian weddings or festivals and is known as mehndi, but it is also traditional in Morocco and Egypt. Another pro to this form of tattooing is that the dye fades naturally over time.

21. Unique Tattoos

Depending on the person, unique tattoos can vary. A unique tattoo can be something personal or some sort of interesting design. Whatever it is, this kind of tattoo is probably going to be special to you, or may even be a conversation starter.

22. Cute Little Tattoos

Who said your tattoo had to be huge? As long as you find an artist who specializes in small designs, you can easily get something rather detailed, in a much smaller, cuter version. Little dainty tattoos are always a good idea if you’re wanting a tattoo but aren’t looking for something too bold and noticeable.

23. Small tattoos

Small tattoos are generally kept quite conservative and simple. They don’t take more than ten to twenty minutes to get done depending on the style. Though just because it’s small, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it personal.

24. Cross Tattoos

Cross tattoos can be as simple as two lines or two words in cursive, intersecting. If you want to get more creative, you could add something wrapped around it, such as a flower design. They’re a great choice if you have a religious background and it gives you the option of intertwining two ideas into one design.

25. Simple Tattoos

Simple tattoos are normally something like a heart, a moon, the sun, or the basic outline of a flower or animal. They’re a great choice if you’re struggling to come up with a design. Usually, you can explain to your artist what you’re after and they’ll show you an option very quickly of something they may have already stenciled up.

26. Flower Tattoos

Flower tattoos are very popular for women, especially wildflowers. This doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box and create your own ideas though. There are so many different types of flowers to choose from. You could get anything from the outline of lavender to a water lily sitting on a pad.

27. Hand Tattoos

There is so much you can insinuate with hand tattoos, such as love, peace, and promises. They’re usually just an outline but you can make them as bold and detailed you like.

28. Lettering Tattoos

Lettering tattoos are great if you have a famous quote that you love or a saying that really resonates with you. These tattoos usually look rather delicate depending on the style of font you go with.

Where to Get a Tattoo

Finger Tattoos

Finger tattoos are definitely more on the noticeable side and are smaller in design. Fingers are the perfect location for henna tattoos, small words or designs in- between the fingers.

Rib Cage Tattoos

The ribs are a great place to get a tattoo, as most of the time, it remains hidden. It’s also a big area to work with, so you can get a tattoo of any size and don’t have to worry about people seeing it too often. Keep in mind though that this is a rather painful place to get tattooed, that may be a factor towards how big you end up getting it.

Sternum Tattoos

If you want a sternum tattoo, you better be able to tolerate pain, keep in mind that it’s pretty much skin sitting against bone. This area can look really nice with something simple sitting there and tends to be a popular region for flowers or interesting tribal-like patterns.

Thigh Tattoos

Thigh tattoos are another good one if you don’t always want them to be on display. They’re normally larger in size in this location, so if you’re looking to get a bigger piece this is the perfect placement. Thigh tattoos are usually thought to be quite sexy, so that could be another factor as to whether you want to place it there, depending on your personality.

Sleeve Tattoos

Sleeves are surely a tattoo that you want to put quite a lot of thought into. They cover over quite a lot of skin and are on display for approximately half of the year. A sleeve usually looks best if you stick with one theme and join all the tattoos together.

Wrist Tattoos

Wrist tattoos are another showy location, so make sure you get a design that really speaks to you. You have a vast option of designs in this area, so you shouldn’t have any trouble trying to come up with something.

Ankle Tattoos

Ankle tattoos can either be small and dainty or can wrap up the leg. Whichever one you decide, you’ll have a lot of options. Again, this area is practically always going to be on display so make sure you take your time to decide on something you love.

Back Tattoos

The back is a great location and one that can be hidden. Most people tend to get one that sits either to the side, underneath their shoulder or down their spine. The spine is a painful place to get a tattoo, so make sure you’re brave enough to handle it.

How to Get a Tattoo

Choose the Right Tattoo Artist

Look into different artists before you book in your tattoo and make sure that the artist you choose is capable of doing the design that you want. When you walk into the tattoo parlor, you should be able to smell the chemicals in the air. That’s how you know they’re clean.

Listen to the Professionals

The tattoo artist will be able to tell you what’s going to be the most suitable. Listen to them, they know what they’re talking about. If you’re not completely satisfied with the design or placement, talk to your artist. They’ll usually be able to change it for you but remember, they know best.

Select Something with Meaning

Get something that’s sentimental but also aesthetically pleasing. You want something that has value to you, even when you’re old and the tattoo has faded into a washed-out greyish-black.

Play it Safe

Before you begin tattooing every inch of your skin, really think about the career path you intend to go down. While tattoos are more accepted by society now than they used to be, there are still workplaces that have strict rules against them. You don’t want to throw your workplace dreams away because of this. Be cautious when deciding.

Don’t Worry About the Pain

Everyone explains the pain of a tattoo differently. Depending on the area and size of the tattoo it can be quite painful or quite painless. Tattoos are definitely bearable though and shouldn’t be spent stressing over. The best thing to do is to relax your body. Getting a tattoo was your idea after all, so just relax.

Take Care of Your Tattoo

Make sure you follow the aftercare instructions, otherwise, your tattoo can end up fading, getting infected or the ink can begin to fall out, leaving gaps in your design. Aftercare is generally super easy. Your tattooist will wrap it for you afterward, which usually gets left on for an hour or so, then you can take it off and wash your tattoo under warm water. Don’t exercise for 24 hours after. From there, general care is just applying the cream to the tattoo three times a day.

Does a Tattoo Make You More Attractive?

Will a tattoo make you more attractive? There is no real answer to this, though people have tried to find one and even made it the subject of studies. To some people, yes, to others, no. Though it doesn’t really matter what other people think, as long as you’re happy with it.

FAQs

What are the most popular tattoos for women?

The beauty of body art is that there are so many different designs and interpretations of their meanings. You can modify images and pick styles, making your tattoo unique to you. That said, some of the most popular symbols for women to get inked include a rose, butterfly, wings, dragons, flowers, and feathers.

Are tattoos attractive on women?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but tattoos can definitely be attractive on women. You can choose from a wide range of designs, big and small, detailed or simple, and many placement options. If you want your ink to make a statement, consider somewhere visible like the forearm, but if you want a more subtle spot, the wrist, thigh, or ankle are fantastic choices.

Where do tattoos hurt the most?

There are some placement options for tattoos that are considered to be very high on the pain scale because of the lack of muscle or fat in the chosen area or the presence of nerve-endings. The spots that will cause the most discomfort include the ribcage, armpit, elbows, groin, behind the knee, neck, and spine, and facial tattoos like the lip and ear. Other areas bound to hurt include the stomach, although this depends on your body weight, hips, and hands and feet.

What are the least painful places to get a tattoo?

The good news is that not all places on the body will cause you severe discomfort when getting inked, and some of the most popular and least painful options include the forearm, outer thigh, outer bicep, calves, upper shoulders, and upper and lower back. This is usually because these spots have thick skin and muscle and not so many nerve-endings.

Where should I get my first tattoo?

To ease into body art, it is advisable to get tattooed somewhere that will not hurt too much, like the wrist or arm. These are also places you can show off your ink or simply admire it yourself every day.