If you're contemplating getting a tattoo, there's lots to consider [1]; where you're going to get the tattoo, what you want, and which area of the body will hurt the most [2]. But one thing you might not have considered yet is the colour of the ink. Most of us are used to seeing black ink tattoos but increasingly people are experimenting with white ink [3], rainbow tattoos, and now red ink is picking up popularity. One scroll through the tattoos hashtag on Instagram, you'll likely come across some red ink art that is anything but boring. So if you're in the market for a new tattoo or are thinking about getting your first [4], check out these blood red pieces of body art that are beyond beautiful.

— Additional reporting by Florie Mwanza