20+ TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN FOR AN IMPRESSIVE GLOW-UP

If you want to have a beautiful body art design but don’t know where to start and what to go for, our list of tattoo ideas for women can help.

There are thousands of silhouettes to tattoo on different parts of your body. All are meaningful, stunning, and can match your personality. 

Skin art is like an accessory, defining your perfect appearance. Here are some suggestions to help you decide what your next piece of art will be. 

Tattoo ideas for women – Image source: Wikimedia commons

20+ TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN

The most popular tattoos among women are flowers (such as roses), floral ornaments, and botanical elements. Many girls also like to get the moon or stars inked. Besides, animals, including cats, birds, elephants, and wolves, are among the most favorite choices.

BUTTERFLY

Talking about butterflies, people usually think of beauty, femininity, and freedom. It is one of the most popular and beautiful women’s back tattoos. You can also have it on the upper arm or wrist.

There are many butterfly tattoo options, such as butterfly with symmetrical ornaments, crystal butterfly, butterfly and the moon, or minimalist butterfly. 

RIBBON

Placing a cute ribbon on the back of your body is a great idea to express yourself. A pink ribbon with small blinking stars will spark a sense of adorable, childish, soft, and shining.

You can also experiment with one or even both hands. Small inked ribbon silhouettes moving with your hand movements will be playful. 

FLORAL ORNAMENT

It would be a mistake if we didn’t mention the floral tattoos for women on this list. All women love flowers, which are one of the best feminine expressions. 

Here, you have unlimited options. You can choose to get inked with any type of blossoms you like, any color you want, or just simple black. Flowers can stay alone or combine with other ornaments such as leaves, moon, butterfly, etc.

Flower tattoo designs – Image source: Deviant Art

MOON

If you’re inspired by the moon, why don’t you ink one on your body? It can be a crescent or full moon.

You can keep it simple or turn this ordinary object into an extraordinary piece of art by combining it with other elements (flowers or stars) or coloring it. A blue and purple full moon on your back is a good suggestion. 

TREE 

Trees indicate life and growth. If you’re a person who values time, patience, and persistence, a tree tattoo is a great idea.

You can get a tree along your spine or trees of four seasons to remind us that time is moving forward and you should cherish every moment. 

ROSE

Roses are the source of unlimited creativity. This symbol of love and passion will make you more beautiful and elegant.

You can place a small red rose on your back, a metallic rose on your arm, or a stunning rose covering up your forearm. No matter what size it is, it’s hard for a rose tattoo to go wrong. 

A rose tattoo is a popular option for women – Image source: Flickr

BAMBOO

Bamboo is the symbol of strength, longevity, and perseverance. This tattoo idea is suitable for strong and wise women. 

An example is to put the bamboo with sparrows on the back. Sparrows will create more motion and make the picture more alive. 

PAPER CRANE

Have you ever heard of famous Japanese origami? Having a small paper crane tattoo on your back or wrist can be a great idea. 

This cute silhouette presents the artistic side of you and sends hope in the future. You can choose to make it black or blue. 

NAMES

Choosing a name as an inner bicep tattoo for women is popular. It can be your baby’s name to welcome this new family member to the world or the name of your beloved one who passed away to honor them.

There are various types of calligraphy, so you can go for any that you think is suitable. It can be only a moniker or combined with small ornaments such as a heart. 

WINGS

Getting an inked wing on the body is not innovative, yet it’s still a great idea to make you look elegant. The wings symbolize strength and freedom; you can choose a big and colorful one on the arm.

Yet, it’s possible to have a minimalist wing on your hand. Besides, the matching wings on two elbows can also make you stand out.

FEATHERS

Feathers are soft and fluffy, very suitable for feminine characteristics. The tattoo can come in a colorful version or just black and white.

Placing it on the back of your shoulder or around the collarbone creates a soft and somewhat secretive feeling.

A beautiful feather tattoo on foot – Image source: Flickr

CAT

Most women love cats, and cats feature women’s characteristics. That’s why having a cat tattoo is common and works well, whether you follow a cute or sexy style. 

A minimalist kitten design is enough to show you are a cat lover. Or you can try the matching cat idea on your two hands. Seeing your furry friend’s picture on your body is such a loving and relaxing feeling.  

ELEPHANT

Elephants are more fun to play with as a tattoo than you think. The animal represents family, loyalty, and protection. 

It’s not necessary to have a huge and ferocious elephant face (unless you want to); it can be a minimalist, cute, and playful tattoo. The most suitable places are not the arm or above the elbow.

STAR

If you love how the star shines at night in the sky, have one (or more) on your body. The small blinking object is simple but stunning. 

You can get it with minimal fuss on your wrist. There are also options to combine the star with the moon, rose, or other flower to craft a gorgeous feminine picture.

BIRD

Birds symbolize freedom and hope, and it’s one of the inspirations for women’s back tattoos. A big, colorful bird on your back can present you as a person who values liberty.

Or you can try the symmetric birds, but the minimalist style, a simple but elegant option, will also work.

A cute bird tattoo – Image source: Flickr

LEAVES

Botanical elements such as vines and leaves are an excellent hand tattoo option. You can put one or multiple leaves and tailor-made their shapes to fit the space.

Besides, you can have it colored. Green is basic and simple, yet a touch of blue will make the silhouette more interesting and unique. 

GIRLY WOLF

Wolf is a fierce and strong animal, but that doesn’t mean a woman can’t have it as body artwork. There’s a way to make it more girly and become one of the most cool tattoo ideas for women.

The animal represents friendship, loyalty, and protection. Having a wolf decorated with flowers will add a feminine edge while keeping the original meaning of the animal. 

MEANINGFUL WORDS OR NUMBERS

Just like names, you can ask the tattooist to put a word or number that is meaningful to you. It’s a good way to save your special days, such as your wedding or your baby’s birthday.

Besides being a person’s name, the phrases to tattoo can be places or any quotes that motivate you in life. You can put this tattoo on your hand, arm, or around the chest.

A meaningful tattoo – Image source: Flickr

Floral Bracelet 

A permanent piece of jewelry such as a floral bracelet can flatter a young girl or those who want to have a tattoo but are not too striking. You can choose a simple version of black and white or color it white and green, bringing a refreshing feeling.

You can have it wrapped around your wrist or arm. It’s also a good idea to have this floral combination with one tattoo on your finger as a ring. 

TINY AIRPLANE

A tiny airplane is one of the cool tattoo ideas for women. It’s perfect for those who love to travel and explore the world. 

The airplane is small, cute, and very suitable for young souls. You can have it on your hand with a minimalist style. 

PINNED HEART

The heart shape is the source of inspiration for many designs. You can try something extraordinary with it by placing a pinned heart on your body.

This unique conventional heart-shaped tattoo shows your personality as a rational person, yet at the same time, possesses the softness and wisdom of a woman. 

ABSTRACT DESIGN

The abstract design is simple but grabs attention quickly. It is a great inner bicep tattoo for women. Besides, you can have it on your thigh or ankle.

The bonus of the design is it’s delicate, clean, and sleek. Sometimes, people may also want to try guessing the silhouette’s meaning. 

CONCLUSION

There are thousands of tattoo ideas for women that can resonate with your character and present your beauty. 

You can have one or more silhouettes on your body. But if you’re a first-timer, we suggest you choose something small and simple, as the getting inked process will be easier and less painful.

30 MEANINGFUL SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS TO INSPIRE YOU THIS SPRING & SUMMER

Butterfly tattoos are an excellent choice for those. Despite their widespread popularity, these tattoos retain their allure. To help you find unique tattoo ideas, here is a collection of 30 small butterfly tattoo ideas and from black and white to vibrant colors. These artworks are sure to inspire your next tattoo. Keep reading!

BUTTERFLY AND SWORD

A samurai sword symbolizes the soul and honor of a samurai, treated as an extension of their identity in Japan. The combination of swords and butterflies in tattoos reflects the courage and fighter spirit, with butterflies historically representing samurai clans like the Taira clan. Despite its apparent simplicity, this intricate butterfly tattoo carries significant weight and meaning due to its historical context.

BUTTERFLY AND CHRYSANTHEMUM NECK TATTOO

If you’re born in November, you might know the chrysanthemum, the month’s birth flower. Beyond its beauty, the chrysanthemum represents life and rebirth, similar to a butterfly. Each color of chrysanthemum holds a distinct meaning; for instance, the red chrysanthemum in this butterfly neck tattoo symbolizes love and passion.

BURNING BUTTERFLY

While butterfly tattoos typically symbolize change and beauty, this burning butterfly adopts a more serious tone. With one wing vaporized, it narrates a story of challenges and struggles, portraying a poignant metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity.

BUTTERFLY AND SEAHORSE TATTOO

The butterfly embodies the spirit of spring, the seahorse symbolizes the essence of summertime, and the maple leaves serve as a nod to the vibrant colors of fall. This tattoo beautifully encapsulates the ever-changing seasons, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s transitions.

BUTTERFLY AND MORNING GLORY FLOWER

The exquisite flowers forming one of the wings are morning glories, known for their vibrant blooms that thrive from summer to early winter. These flowers, easy to cultivate, often attract butterflies, creating a harmonious and lively atmosphere. Just like in this colored butterfly tattoo, the combination of morning glories and butterflies forms a beautiful symphony of life.

SIMPLE SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOO

Butterfly tattoos don’t always need vibrant colors; they can be just as beautiful in black and white, as seen in this simple outline wrist tattoo. An advantage of black and white tattoos is their longevity, as they tend to preserve better over time. If you’re concerned about color fading, opting for a straightforward outline butterfly tattoo might be a more suitable choice.

DRAGON BUTTERFLY TATTOO

The distinctive feature of this butterfly tattoo lies in the concealed oriental dragon intricately woven into the wing patterns. This extraordinary blend of delicate beauty and mythical strength forms a captivating narrative on the wearer’s skin.

BUTTERFLY TATTOO COVER-UP

This shoulder tattoo, unlike the typical combination of butterflies and flowers, has a unique twist. Originally a single butterfly tattoo, it underwent a transformation as the patterns faded, evolving into a design featuring both a flower and a butterfly. Vibrant colors now conceal most of the old tattoo, but upon closer inspection, the original butterfly can be found at the center of the new one, symbolizing a sense of rebirth.

SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOO IDEAS

A small butterfly tattoo need to convey its profound meaning. Compact butterfly tattoos can create a striking visual impact, reflecting your individual character. Amidst various small butterfly tattoo ideas, the most compelling ones embody themes of love, hope, and positive transformation. From my perspective, an exemplary small butterfly tattoo serves as a potent talisman, serving as a reminder of the wearer’s remarkable achievements.

HAND BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

One of the prevalent butterfly tattoo designs is the butterfly hand tattoo. Opting for a design that is not overly elaborate, the hand placement complements the butterfly’s shape effectively. Although hand butterfly tattoos are exposed for everyone to see, they convey warmth, friendliness, and a loving nature. Additionally, these tattoos symbolize open-mindedness, adventurous spirit, and a connection to nature. Ultimately, a hand butterfly tattoo on a well-groomed hand can enhance your overall allure.

unique BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Butterfly tattoos don’t always need intricate details or colors to be beautiful; simplicity and subtle shading can be just as captivating. Black and white simple butterfly tattoos often age well over time. Choosing a minimalistic approach, akin to a moth tattoo style, adds a touch of uniqueness to your overall style. If longevity and avoiding color fading are concerns, a simple outline butterfly tattoo is a timeless choice.

NECK BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Neck tattoos carry symbolic significance related to communication and engagement. Specifically, neck butterfly tattoos symbolize an individual’s openness to new connections and experiences. These tattoos represent the wearer’s willingness to share their journey of overcoming past challenges and evolving into a better version of themselves. Currently, a prevalent choice for neck butterfly tattoos features a light-shaded butterfly design with intricate wing patterns.

BUTTERFLY WITH FLOWER TATTOOS

Combining flowers with butterfly tattoos adds an extra layer of beauty and meaning. Whether it’s roses or chrysanthemums, flowers complement butterfly tattoos, infusing them with additional symbolism of love, passion, and sensuality. The choice of flower colors also plays a crucial role, allowing for variations that make your tattoo stand out uniquely.

SEMICOLON BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

The semicolon tattoo, when standing alone, serves as a symbol of support for individuals facing suicide, depression, addiction, and various mental health struggles or for those who have triumphed over these challenges. Much like the semicolon prompts a pause in a sentence, those adorned with the semicolon butterfly tattoo use it as a powerful reminder that their narrative is ongoing. This tattoo is a meaningful choice for suicide survivors and individuals confronting emotional trauma daily.

MANDALA BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

In various cultures, the back and spine are symbolic of life’s core. A butterfly tattoo on the back serves as a celebration of life, embodying vitality and strength, especially when paired with complementary symbols. A mandala-style butterfly tattoo covering the entire back can be breathtaking! Additionally, incorporating quotes into your back butterfly tattoo, with delicate flowers serving as stems, adds a unique touch.

THIGH BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

The wrists, neck, shoulders, fingers, and ankles, being among the most visible parts of the body, are well-suited for small butterfly tattoos. Conversely, larger butterfly tattoos find an ideal canvas on the back, legs, chest, and thighs. Thigh butterfly tattoos, in particular, bear a deeply personal or sentimental touch, narrating tales of love and synergy. To personalize the effect, you can complement your butterfly thigh tattoo with flowers according to your preferences.

BLUE BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Blue butterfly tattoos serve as a reminder to find inner peace and harmony in your life. The color blue, associated with calmness and joy, paired with the butterfly’s symbolism of birth and rebirth, signifies transitioning into a new phase on your life journey. Additionally, the blue butterfly tattoo carries meanings of faithfulness and reliability.

3D BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Taking a literal approach, 3D tattoos elevate tattoo art to a new dimension. Representing one of the contemporary trends in tattooing, these photorealistic tattoos demand creativity, thoughtful design, and, most crucially, exceptional talent from the tattoo artist. The finest examples of this style aim for a level of realism that closely resembles photographs.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Witnessing the migration of Monarch butterflies in autumn, with their stunning orange and black colors, is a truly beautiful experience. I had the privilege of encountering this spectacle during a hike near the Delaware Water Gap, where thousands of monarch butterflies filled the air. The transformation from an unassuming worm to a majestic butterfly makes the monarch butterfly tattoo a symbol of evolution and profound life changes.

RED BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

In the vast spectrum of tattoo colors, there are numerous matching options for butterfly tattoos. Throughout history, red shades have symbolized femininity, and red butterflies, in particular, have been linked to themes of love and romance. Across various cultures, the fluttering wings of a red butterfly are believed to convey a lover’s promise. Red, with its associations of desire and passion, becomes the ideal color for a butterfly symbolizing love.

SKULL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Skull tattoos carry symbols of strength and power, offering a sense of protection. They can also represent the demise of an old life, the conquest of the past, and the emergence of positive changes. Combining skulls, symbolizing death, with butterflies, representing new life, signifies triumph over challenging obstacles or a transformative journey through death and rebirth—a symbolic representation of the circle of life and death.

SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON WRIST

Wrist tattoos gained popularity in the 50s and 60s, particularly within the gay and lesbian communities. During those decades, individuals in these communities embraced wrist tattoos as symbols of their sexuality. Today, butterfly tattoos on the wrist continue to carry profound personal meaning, reflecting an individual’s sexual perspectives and the challenges they have successfully navigated.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS BEHIND THE EAR

Behind-the-ear tattoos symbolize “hearing the word of God and letting your faith guide your decisions.” Small butterfly tattoo designs behind the ear carry a similar profound meaning, serving as a constant reminder of your strength to continue walking the path towards a new and improved life.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON SHOULDER

Combining vibrant butterflies and flowers remains one of the most popular tattoo choices for women. The shoulders and clavicles are considered the most feminine spots for placing tiny butterfly tattoos. Striking the right size balance is crucial; going too big may look drastic against your overall look, while going too small may make your tattoo less noticeable.

TRADITIONAL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Traditional American, Western, or Old School tattoos stand out as one of the boldest and most iconic tattoo styles, known for clean black outlines, vivid colors, and minimal shading. Traditional butterfly tattoos embody these characteristics, irrespective of the color, shape, or size of the tattoo.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON ANKLE

Placing tattoos on ankles carries profound meaning. In the past, individuals would wear an “anklet” in memory of a loved one, serving as a lasting tribute. Today, an anklet tattoo signifies the conclusion of a meaningful relationship. When a butterfly tattoo is positioned on the ankle, it signifies the closure of a significant chapter in the wearer’s life, yet the memories persist.

ORIENTAL-STYLE RED BUTTERFLY TATTOO

In China, butterflies symbolize the quest for love and freedom, as seen in the well-known Chinese legend, The Butterfly Lover. This tragic love story revolves around two individuals who, despite stark differences in their backgrounds, fell in love. Ultimately, they chose to end their lives and transform into butterflies together. This oriental tattoo not only captures the beauty of the butterfly but also conveys the yearning for freedom, reminiscent of the legendary couple.

DALI’S FLOWER

This tattoo draws inspiration from Salvador Dali’s 1981 painting, Flordali II. The tattoo artist, inspired by the original artwork, reimagines the butterfly wings as flower leaves. While maintaining the essence of the concept, there’s a departure in the choice of patterns and colors. The tattooist opts for a more vibrant and intricate version, making it an ideal choice for individuals who appreciate rich and lively colors.

CONCLUSION

In summary, small tattoo butterfly ideasnot only serve as powerful and inspiring symbols but also encapsulate personal journeys, transformations, and the beauty of life. These designs are a testament to the enduring strength of the symbol and its ability to express individuality in the world of body art. Hopefully, you will discover a butterfly tattoo that truly reflects the essence of yourself.