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.
