POPSUGAR UK

25 Small-Tattoo Ideas For Your First Ink

15/02/2024 - 04:40 PM

If you're nervous or stressed about a permanent tattoo [1], you're not alone. Removing a tattoo is no picnic, but committing to a single design among countless other letters, symbols, and shapes often has us feeling like Maggie Carpenter in "Runaway Bride" at the altar: terrified, confused, and suddenly doubtful.

Tattoo artist Mei-Li [2] believes that small tattoos [3] are ideal for people who aren't ready to commit to a larger piece of art on themselves for the rest of their lives, and can ensures that they can be just as cute and meaningful for your first tattoo or to build your collection. She tells POPSUGAR UK: "People see small trendy ideas online (that do look quite cute, to be honest) and they decide to get them done. If they get bored of it or don't like it in the future, small tattoos can be easy to cover."

Mei-Li confirms that the small tattoo trend isn't going anywhere and is the most common thing she's done for her clients in the last couple of years. Similarly, Arabella Drummond, tattoo artist and owner of One By One Tattoo Studio [4] in Soho, London, tells us that she's seen a huge rise in small tattoos inspired by celebrity inkings on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Zoe Kravitz.

"The popularity of designs change based on fashion and popular culture, but currently, fineline stars, sparkles, hearts and chef themed tattoos i.e whisk, spoon, knife and fork, micro foods and chilli peppers in particular have been popular. Micro botanicals and florals continue to be favourites of our clients, as well as angel numbers."

It seems the Beyonce effect has made it's way to the tattoo industry, as artists at One By One report a rise in "cowboy, country western and Americana style tattoos and quotes" too.

As with any tattoo, Mei-Li stresses that aftercare is important and can help maintain the vibrancy of your fresh ink. "Make sure you wash it gently and make sure to cream it three to six times a day with a product to aid the healing process, like Hustle Butter [5] (£22)" she says.

If you're stuck on where to start, we've got you covered with 25 small tattoo ideas. Whether you're seeking a deep, spiritual symbol, interested in a colourful flower, or just testing the waters before committing to a full sleeve, these adorable mini tattoos showcase an array of abstract, typographic, and illustrative designs — except without all those scary strings attached.

Small Heart Tattoo

A red-ink tattoo can take your design to the next level, and we love this dainty heart outline idea.

Small Simple Tattoo: Script Writing

Whether it's a message from a loved one, your favourite word, or a phrase you really like, go small with your script tattoo for personal effect.

Mini Tattoo: Shine, Sparkle Idea

We love this tiny sparkle tattoo, as a sweet reminder that stars, like us, come in all shapes and sizes.

Small Finger Tattoos: Cute Red Bow

Embrace your coquette era and consider this red-ink, fineline finger tattoo of an adorable bow.

Small Flower Tattoos

Get set for spring during your next tattoo appointment and add some patchwork tiny flowers to your collection, or as your first inking.

Small Flower Tattoo: Tulip Bouquet

For the ultimate spring design, with a tulip bouquet - the flower of the season - tied together with a dainty bow.

Tiny Tattoo Idea: Little Cowboy Hat

In honour of Beyoncé's new Country era, this tiny cowboy hat tattoo can be your reminder of Queen Bey's genre switch.

Small Tattoo Moon Idea

Who doesn't love a starry night? This collection of stars and the moon is adorable.

Small Simple Tattoo Idea: Palm Trees

Bring the tropical vibe to you with these thin palm tree tattoos, joined with a mini heart.

Small Cupid Tattoo

An artistic approach doesn't have to take up too much space. Let cupid roam free with this mini tattoo idea.

Unique Small Tattoo: Smiley Face

A tiny, smiley face tattoo is a simple design can brighten up the dullest of days.

Tiny Tattoo Idea: Fairy Magic

We hope you still believe in fairies (and wouldn't say so if you didn't - IYKYK) and if so, this magical small fineline fairy tattoo is perfect.

Small Wrist Tattoo: Lightning Strike

The lightening strike is a symbol of change, renewal, and transformation, and looks great as a small tattoo on your wrist.

Butterfly Outline Small Tattoo

A butterfly is always a good idea for a small tattoo and can represent so many things for it to be super personal.

Tiny Tattoo Idea: Blazing Sun

We're all missing the sun here in the UK, and this tiny tattoo is an ode to our long-lost favourite weather.

Small Tattoo On Wrist: Realistic Paw Print

Show just how much you love your furry friend with this realistic small wrist tattoo.

Unique Small Tattoos: Creation Of Adam With A Twist

The Creation Of Adam has been replicated in many forms, but this twist on the art makes the perfect small tattoo.

Unique Small Tattoo: Self-Love, Self Hug

The meaning of your mini tattoo can be personal and unique to you, so go wild and choose what makes you happy.

Small Simple Tattoo Ideas: Heart On Fire

Are you a passionate lover? A hopeless romantic? Or just love the shape of hearts and flames? If so, we love this heart on fire mini tattoo.

Small Rose Tattoo Idea

A super tiny rose tattoo with a dash of colour can stand out on your skin, especially with a realistic art style.

Tiny Gin and Tonic Tattoo

Be prepared for the moment someone asks you what your drink of choice is, with this fresh outline drink tattoo.

Small Finger Tattoos: Initials

Although finger tattoos fade, and will need retouching every few years, a small initial on your finger could be a great idea.

Small Sunset Tattoo

Small tattoos can be a bitesize image or symbol of something you love, in this case, the sun setting over the water.

Small Locket With Initials Tattoo

For your friend or your lover, these tiny lockets with an initial is a heartwarming tribute to your close ones.

Tiny Tattoo Ideas: Cuddling Cats

Realism in tattoos in super cute, and so are these cuddling cats for this small tattoo design.


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