Finger tattoos are so hot right now! While once they were limited to those fierce words emblazoned across knuckles, we’ve seen a whole lot more fresh and fun designs popping up all over the place. They’re the perfect small tattoo when you don’t know what it get! We’ve come up with 65 of the best for you to check out!
The tradition of tattooing the skin traces back thousands of years, and widespread acceptance of this art form means that you’ll seldom meet a person under 30 in America today without some form of indelible ink decorating their skin. Once upon a time, tattoos were for sailors. In the Baby Boomers day, tattoos were only acceptable if they could be covered or hidden. Today, Millennials recognize this spectacular art form as a commitment to their passions, and fewer and fewer industries are demanding that ink be covered to be acceptable.
This has opened up a world of possibility when it comes to tattoos that you can display proudly no matter what the season, and creative solutions abound for those looking to express themselves with visible ink!
Finger and hand tattoos are a way to say a lot with just a little bit of ink. From the precious and the petite, to the full hand collection of runes and symbols, finger tattoos walk the gambit from the whimsical to the wild. Before you choose how to decorate your paws with permanent ink, take a look at 65 unique, fun, funky, and fierce tattoos that are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Gorgeous Gem Inspiration Finger Tattoo
Why spend a ton of money on rings and jewels to decorate your fingers when you can mimic the sparkle and radiance with the help of a talented artist? This tasteful combination of traditional cut and cabochon “gems” frame some truly unique cross designs that make no mistake about what the owner of these hands is passionate about. The best part? Neither of these gems can be removed or misplaced, so there’s no need for a trip to the jewelry box every morning and evening!
Sing it Loud and Proud
“Practice only on the days you eat,” is the musician’s motto. If this applies to you, why not commemorate your commitment to audible art with a simple universal musical symbol, like this amazing hidden treble clef? Symbols of your most consuming passions can be the perfect subject of a finger tattoo. This one is cleverly hidden so that the bearer can choose who she shows her heart’s desire to. If you spend the majority of your time pursuing a difficult path, why not remind yourself of your commitment in a way that warms your heart whenever you look down at your skillful hands?
Meeee-ow! Cat Finger Tattoo
Keeping it simple is the secret to a great finger tattoo. After all, you want your piece to be recognizable even from a distance, and that’s no easy feat on such a small area. The secret can be to break it down to basics, like this charming kitty face that anyone will know at first sight. If felines are your first love, this is a classic way to say it to everyone you meet.
You can go another way with your feline frenzy and evoke the ever popular “Hello Kitty” for a little twist of the feminine as well as the furry. Again, the simple outline of this design clearly defines the look you are going for. The clever placement will allow this one to remain hidden, at least until you’re ready to reveal your wild side.
You can try maximizing your impact by cropping the image creatively to get the most bang for your buck out of your feminine lust for feline companionship!
Endless Love Finger Tattoo Idea
The infinity symbol is an eloquent way to state your intent to endure throughout any trials and tribulations. This simple, playful twist on a timeless symbol indicates your enduring love. For what? That’s up to you! The effective color contrast in this example speaks volumes, even on a simple outline. Consider incorporating this element into your finger tattoos to give them some extra flair!
Never Compromise
A promise you make to yourself or your loved one is sacred and special. Commemorate your life long commitment and show the world how precious your integrity is to you. When you keep your promises, you show your character. This fun 1/2 script, 1/2 print style of lettering is pretty and flowing without being too complex or flowery. The sweet heart shape adds a touch of whimsy to lighten up the subject so that the piece becomes more playful and fun and less serious.
Single word script is a theme that we can’t get enough of when it comes to finger tattoos. This hidden “Believe” is eloquent and evokes a range of emotions without excess wording. The placement once again gives that ever so subtle peek-a-boo effect that allows you to give a handshake without showing all of your cards. Still, this petite and pleasant tattoo with a little whimsical bird accent speaks volumes and will start a conversation about what you believe in with anyone you choose to show it to.
Black Rose Finger Tattoo
The depth of this classic half-hidden rose tattoo is so mesmerizing, it’s difficult to realize that it’s created in simple black and white! Effective highlighting is the key to this bold and bright design, which will intrigue the viewer with it’s placement. This is a great example of what can still be done to take a simple rose design to the next level, even on the smallest scale!
Creative Combination
Consider clever combinations with your finger tattoos, since they’re one of the few locations on your body that you can manipulate and combine with ease. This sweet cupid’s quiver and arrow dual tattoo takes a very simply style and makes it unique by adding the element of surprise! With such a creative mind, this bearer is sure to capture her intended’s heart with ease.
Simple Stipple
Stipple designs are a new twist on an old tradition, and make simple statements like this bow tie your heart in knots as you contemplate it’s meaning. The placement on the outer heel of the hand keeps this hidden through a handshake or two, and keeps your eye moving over the outline as your mind completes the gaps in the simple linear design. Feminine and fun, this stipple bow is a winner for everyone!
Outstanding Outlines
Bold designs inspired by Indian henna tattoo traditions are always a winner in the hand and finger category! You’ll have deep moments of contemplation as you stare into this stylized evil eye protection symbol or lotus blossom.
A playful pachyderm is a new twist on the traditional black outline tattoo. This one is hidden from view, but we’re willing to bet there can’t be many objections to the cuteness that this simple and sweet design embodies.
Playful Pastels
Take the edge out of finger tattoos with cute, clever designs that incorporate pastel colors and fun and flirty motifs. The culinary cutie within would celebrate this stunning combinations of taste inspired tats.
Intricate Indian Inspiration
As the remover of obstacles, Ganesha deserves the five star treatment as a tattoo subject, even on the smallest skin canvas. This petite and pretty finger piece will remind you that you can remove any obstacle that gets in your way with a simple glance at your hand!
Complete Coverage
When you find your love for hand tattoos is enduring, it can be hard not to cram everything you can into this area. Make use of the sides of your fingers and you’ll be able to manipulate the colorful combinations to show what you’re all about!
Simple Finger Tattoos
This simple ellipsis tattoo is a subtle, tantalizing hint that there is more to your story than meets the eye. No one can deny the classy intrigue that this sweet piece evokes in the viewer.
Moon Maven
The crescent moon is a symbol that is easily recognized as a sign of larger things to come. As your own moon “waxes” and you create new opportunities for yourself, you’ll be able to look back on your start and know that you are living up to your dreams.
Minimize to Classic Colors
Who says complex designs can’t go in a small area? With the right artist, you can take the best color combinations you love and simplify them to look just as beautiful on a smaller scale. Take your tattooist’s guidance on this one. They want you to have the best tattoo possible, so their advice will be key to great results in this style.
Bold and Feminine
The secret to keeping a bold outline tattoo feminine is rounded lines and the illusion of movement. This playful bow does this beautifully, and is placed to get noticed by everyone you meet.
Couples Craze
This couple’s tattoo is truly unique and intricate in it’s detail, speaking volumes about the love that ties these two together. If you’re considering a tattoo as an alternative to a traditional wedding ring, why not think outside the box and express your love in a way that is as different as you are?
Enigmatic Ellipsis
This teeny ellipsis tattoo is placed in a most intriguing fashion, just below the fingernail. It’s a testament to how you can take a popular idea and turn it on it’s head with proper consideration of where it’s placed.
Musical Magic
This combination treble and G cleff symbol is right up front for all to see. Even better, the love of music is accentuated by the stylized heart outline that these two symbols create when positioned just so and faced outward toward the viewer.
Second-knuckle Sweetness
Try standing out even further from the crowd when you place your finger tattoos in between your first and second knuckle, rather than your second and third. The smaller area will demand simpler designs, but the overall look is quite stunning!
Hidden Symbology Finger Tattoo
Take a classic and sometimes overused symbol, and place it in a unique location, and it’s like you’ve reinvented the whole concept of the tattoo! This “OM” creation sound is perfectly positioned to remain hidden unless you’d like to reveal your true nature.
Full Moon Frenzy
These four fingers contain all of the phases of the moon, which for many represent the phases of our lives. A combination of bold outlines and subtle stippling make these moon designs special, along with the consistent circle shape that keeps it consistent and recognizable throughout.
Simple Stunners
Sometimes, all you need is a touch of ink in the right places to make a truly bold statement. These two simple pieces speak volumes while they seem not to say much at all.
Placing your symbols even higher toward the nail bed gives you a unique combination that you don’t see everywhere. You can choose one simple accent or go all out with these minimized designs that are truly terrific!
Your simple trinity symbol doesn’t have to be in-your-face to be effective and essential to your outlook. Remind yourself of your faith in a subtle way that only you need to recognize.
These simple skulls are a great example of how you can minimize your design and still keep it fun with a few rays of stipple color that draw the eye toward the center statement. Here are some more simple designs that we are truly in love with:
Single Finger Fun
Why just do one symbol on your knuckle when you can dance a series of stars up the full length of your finger? The single-finger treatment will make you stand out from the crowd without the commitment of a full four finger tattoo collection. This ring finger placement doubles as an alternative to always wearing a traditional wedding set for this remarkable finger tattoo.
You might be all grown up, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop believing in magic! This stunning and feminine rainbow unicorn makes a great use of this small space on the finger in a vivacious and vibrant way.
This Boston terrier enthusiast makes no bones about his favorite dog breed. Pet portraits are a popular way to commemorate your undying love for those who love you wholly and unconditionally. This teeny version captures a lot of personality with a little bit of ink.
These two owls are a hoot and a half, with a sweet and special motif all their own. Owls are becoming very popular as a subject of art, tattoos, and home decor that can be depicted in a variety of styles and color combinations while remaining recognizable. Perhaps this couple is using these ring finger tattoos as a stand in for traditional wedding rings. How wise of them!
Eclectic Effect
Not all of your finger tattoos need to be on the same theme. Simply adhering to one unique style will keep your combination of symbols looking cohesive and creative at the same time. Take a look at several eclectic finger tattoo collections below that combine differing subject matter in the same artistic style to create collections that look as though they are made to be together. From the traditional American tattoos to the tribal and beyond, these pieces are enough to make us think perhaps the style is more important than the subject when it comes to our favorite finger tattoos:
Writing Weirdo
As a writer this humorous and distinctive piece might be just the ticket for your finger tat selection. The oversized piece makes use of the knuckle and the area just below the nail bed, as well as the space in between.
Nautical Nature
Show off your preference for sailing the high seas with this traditional anchor tattoo that everyone will recognize right away. This classic style anchor is as old school and modern cool as it gets!
Simple waves are another stunning way to express your love of the sea and sunshine. These parallel waves are placed peculiarly on the inside of the hand, a very daring choice that is only now starting make it’s way onto the modern tattoo scene.
Henna Finger Tattoos
The beautiful traditional hand henna tattoos of India are known around the world as one of the most treasured and well recognized aspects of that culture. With modern tattoo techniques, you no longer have to see the designs wear away in weeks! Try this inspiration if you’re looking for a larger motif that will make your hands stand out.
White Whimsy
You might want to keep your commitment to the finger tattoo simple and subtle. In which case, consider a white ink tattoo like the sweet script above. Designs should be clean cut and well considered, as white ink has special care. Still, the sweetness of this tribute is undeniable.
Gamer Love
Nostalgic eighties and nineties babes will know this tattoo well! Why not use your fingers as a tribute to your childhood? This guy is bringing smiles to the faces of every Millennial he meets.
Terrific Tiger
The tiger is a great subject for a tattoo, as it will be recognizable even as the years go by and only uses tones of three colors: black, white, and orange, to create a stunning realistic effect.
Full Hand Frolic
This classic rose design is cleverly positioned to make the most out of the back of the palm, which transitions nicely into some classic tattoo lettering that balances a sweet emotion and concept of truth with a more masculine font style. When you use a larger area like the back of your hand, and drop elements onto the fingers, you can opt for more intricate designs with a deep exploration of color.
Tribal tattoos are still the rage when it comes to decorating your hands. This one changes shapes and directions across all the fingers in a similar manner as the tribal motif works its way from background to foreground, blending the hand designs all the way down to the fingertips.
Another way to do traditional on your hands is to keep the old school look without any color! Larger areas can benefit from the depth that some gray scale provides, and when it transitions into simple black outlines the whole design looks incredibly seamless and effortless.
This full hand tattoo combination looks old school at first glance, but look a little bit harder and you’ll find traditional roses and lettering combined with some elements of tribal tattooing and even the eastern influence of the “Evil Eye” protection symbol. This kind of creative style combination becomes possible when you open yourself up to using the hands as a full canvas for your tattooist to take your ideas and express their creativity!
This tattoo enthusiast has taken the traditional skull and rose motif of old-school American tattoos and turned it on it’s head by dividing the subject over both hands. The combination of traditional Wiccan symbols looks super edgy bordering on sinister, if it weren’t for the bright colors that liven up the pieces and create a brightness that we can all enjoy.
Your traditional American tattoo collection can gain the ultimate expression with clever placement over the hands and fingers. Take a look at the consistent color combinations that give these hands and fingers so much life!
Dancing With Death
These two lovers are bonded together not just by the same hand, but also by the same style. The truly creative aspect of this dual tattoo is the way they turn toward one another, making no mistake that they are lovers of the most serious and passionate variety. That’s quite a bit to say with a couple of fingers and some black and white ink!
Collect Your Characters
From Pepe LePeu to Che Guavara, how is it that all of these characters look like they belong together? Sticking with the same scale, style, and placement is the key to collecting all of your favorite cartoon characters and historical figure sin one row that is uniquely you. Who are your favorite figures?
Another way to go that’s making big waves in the tattoo industry is to only tattoo the fingers, and leave the hand alone. This method is the most striking when you go all-in, fingertip to fingertip, like in the photo above. When you’re confident in your hand tattoo choice, you’ll be able to tell the rest of the world to Fuck Off!!!
