minimalist paper crane tattoo

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.

29 SMALL SIMPLE TATTOO DESIGNS WITH BIG MEANINGS YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH

Full-body tattoos with intricate details and large, statement-making designs will never go out of style. Small tattoos are gaining popularity for their simplicity and cuteness. These ideas not only draw attention to the inked body part but also evoke a sense of charm. If you are unsure about which tattoo to choose, refer to the 29 tattoo design ideas in this article to find the one that suits you best. Read on!

CRESCENT MOON TATTOO

The crescent moon tattoo symbolizes fertility, motherhood, creativity, growth, and manifestation. It’s often chosen to represent a new phase in life. Whether for its deep meaning or simple love for crescent moons, this versatile tattoo can be done in various styles and looks great on different body parts like the hand, the neck, fingers, wrists, and ankles.

WAVE TATTOO

A wave tattoo symbolizes the soul, subconsciousness, emotion, nature, and much more. It can represent independence, rebelliousness, and love. Whether it’s a simple fine line or a more intricate design, waves are both glorious and powerful. The esthetic appeal of waves, their elegance, and versatility make them popular choices. This tattoo is often placed where it can be easily covered, and you can personalize it with additional elements like the sun, stars, or the moon.

PAPER CRANE

The crane, considered the “bird of peace” or “bird of happiness” in Far East cultures, holds a special place. In Japan, paper cranes symbolize peace and hope, originating as a tradition after World War II. In tattoos, a paper crane represents joy, peace, protection, and prosperity. It’s chosen by those at peace or aspiring to be, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. Whether in fine line or more intricate designs, a paper crane tattoo is a wonderful choice for those seeking positive meanings.

SEMICOLON TATTOO

Semicolon tattoos, small and discreet, can be easily concealed when needed. Like an author choosing not to end a sentence, it symbolizes the resilience and strength of the wearer. The tattoo represents overcoming challenges and choosing to persevere in the book of life. Additionally, semicolon tattoos contribute to changing the stigma surrounding suicide, addiction, and mental health issues. Some embellish the semicolon with wings, creating a butterfly image. 

INFINITY TATTOO

The infinity symbol, widely popular for its representation of timelessness and eternity, allows for personalized symbolism in tattoos. Artists can incorporate unique elements such as birth dates or tributes to lost loved ones. Infinity tattoos can be adorned with flowers, quills, and other relatable images, and for small designs, fine line or dot work is ideal. The versatility of placement on areas like the forearm, wrist, shoulder, or foot adds to the appeal of infinity tattoos.

CAT TATTOO

Celebrate your love for cats with a cat tattoo, a symbol representing luck, mystery, life after death, grace, and quiet intelligence. Cats, known for their mischievous yet graceful nature, embody the idea of having multiple lives. The charm of their cute faces and big eyes is irresistible. Cat tattoos can hold personal significance, serving as a tribute to beloved pets or embracing their symbolic meanings. Combining cat images with hands, moons, flowers, or other symbols creates a unique and meaningful tattoo.

INGUZ RUNE

Viking runes, also known as the runic alphabet, are symbolic letters each representing specific ideas, personality traits, or nouns. For instance, the Inguz rune symbolizes growth, development, and the mindset of “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Shaped like two XXs, it embodies awareness, protection, love, family, and fertility. Many choose to ink the Inguz symbol on their wrists or forearms, but its versatility allows placement anywhere on the body.

YIN YANG TATTOO

The Yin Yang symbol, rooted in Chinese philosophy, embodies the concept of duality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking balance in life. Representing the idea that seemingly opposing forces can be interdependent, Yin and Yang illustrate the complementary nature of contrasting elements. This symbolizes finding darkness within light and a touch of light within darkness, maintaining a delicate equilibrium. Yin and yang tattoos may feature the classic black and white circle or utilize elements like koi fish to depict this harmonious balance.

OHM TATTOO

An Ohm tattoo is a powerful example of how a small symbol can encapsulate profound meanings. Often associated with the first sound of the Universe, Ohm, or Om, signifies the sum of all sounds. This tiny ink piece can convey diverse concepts, including silence, oneness, creation, totality, and evolution. Additionally, the Ohm tattoo symbolizes divine expression and the indestructible truth.

lotus flower tattoo designs

The lotus flower is a favored option for floral tattoos, and its popularity is well justified. Despite flourishing in conditions that might prove fatal for other flowers, the lotus thrives and captivates with its beauty. A lotus flower tattoo carries various meanings. In Hinduism, it symbolizes purity and divine beauty, while in Egyptian culture, it represents rebirth and the origin of life. In Chinese culture, the lotus embodies marital bliss and feminine beauty, and in Western cultures, it symbolizes the quest for the true meaning of life.

SEASHELL TATTOO

A seashell tattoo is often linked to a feminine vibe and conveys ideas of fertility and rebirth. Bivalved mollusks symbolize the womb and fertility, while seashells can also represent resurrection and good fortune. Beyond the symbolism, the tattoo captures the resilience and toughness of the protective covering of a seashell, symbolizing the shielding quality of love and the protection of life. Aside from its rich symbolism, a seashell tattoo is a great choice for those who have a genuine love for seashells.

 ARROW TATTOO

An arrow tattoo symbolizes achieving goals and reaching targets, reflecting strength during specific life phases and providing direction in finding one’s way. Beyond the representation of goals, the arrow signifies the challenges and fights one must overcome on the path to success. For some, the arrow tattoo is also a symbol of protection and defense against evil.

DIAMOND TATTOO

Diamond tattoos, often considered a symbol of purity and strength, hold diverse meanings based on the wearer’s beliefs. Some see diamonds as representations of love and faithfulness, while others associate them with power, luxury, beauty, glamour, and wealth. The enduring nature of diamonds also symbolizes resilience and strength to overcome hardships. Small diamond tattoos are typically executed using a fine line technique, and skilled artists can create a realistic and appealing design.

HEART TATTOO

Heart tattoos, widely popular due to their versatile meanings, commonly symbolize love and desire. Beyond romantic connections, they can also represent passion, friendship, and serve as tributes to lost loved ones. Heart tattoos are ideal for matching tattoos among friends. Whether in standard black fine line or colored variations like red, they offer a range of expressive choices.

PAPER AIRPLANE TATTOO

A paper airplane tattoo, though delicate, carries profound meaning as a symbol of letting go. Serving as a reminder to release emotions or memories holding one back, this tattoo signifies courage and embracing new experiences. Combining a paper plane with a tiny heart conveys openness to love. For those with a carefree approach or a goal to worry less and enjoy more, a paper airplane tattoo is a fitting choice. Tiny dots behind the plane artistically depict its flight, making it a meaningful work of art.

butterfly tattoos

Butterfly tattoos are highly favored among women due to their symbolism of transformation, nature, and freedom. With their beautiful and feminine appearance, butterflies are a versatile choice that can be rendered in color or black ink. Despite their small size, these winged insects make a striking and meaningful tattoo.

SMALL SUNFLOWER TATTOOS

Sunflower tattoos are a popular choice for inking designs. With their vibrant yellow color, they stand out even in a small size. Sunflowers have a rich history and meaning, representing longevity, adoration, and religious faith as they turn to follow the sun. For many, they symbolize warmth, happiness, and joy, making them ideal for those with a sunny personality.

CROSS TATTOOS

The cross holds deep significance in Christianity, symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For devout followers, a cross tattoo serves as a declaration of their unwavering commitment to their faith. It doesn’t need to be large or elaborate to carry profound meaning. Many women opt for a small cross tattoo, allowing versatility in placement on almost any part of the body. 

SMALL ANGEL WINGS TATTOOS

Angel wings can be equally stunning in a small tattoo as they are in larger designs. For some women, this symbol represents their virtuous and angelic nature. It can also signify a yearning for freedom or a desire to break free from constraints. Others may see the wings as a constant reminder of their “guardian angel” who watches over them unfailingly.

SMALL LION TATTOOS

Lions symbolize strength, self-confidence, and courage, making them an ideal tattoo design for strong and bold women. Many ladies also opt for the lion tattoo to represent their zodiac sign of Leo. Known for their optimism, passion, and spontaneity, those born under this sign love to be the center of attention. The recognizability of the lion symbol means you don’t necessarily need a large tattoo to make a powerful impact, making them well-suited for smaller inkings.

SMALL QUOTE TATTOOS

Quote tattoos are commonly situated on the forearm or wrist due to their legibility in these areas. However, if you wish to enhance readability or make the message visible in certain situations, you can opt for other body parts. Whether it’s a meaningful line from a favorite movie, book, or song, or words of wisdom, the impact of your tattoo remains significant regardless of its size.

COMPASS TATTOOS

The compass tattoo, with its nautical theme, signifies remaining true to oneself and staying on the right path. Often, individuals, both women and men, opt to pair this tattoo with other symbolic motifs. A common choice is a pair of crossed arrows, symbolizing an unbreakable friendship or bond, making it an ideal option for a matching tattoo with a best friend. Due to its simplicity, the compass design looks equally appealing whether large or small.

DRAGONFLY TATTOOS

The dragonfly stands out as an exceptionally positive tattoo design, symbolizing transformation, change, bravery, strength, and joy. Due to its nonlinear flight, the dragonfly is often associated with having a free spirit. In certain Native American cultures, it signifies purity and rebirth, while in Japan, it holds a symbolic place in art as a representation of victory, never flying backward or retreating.

SKULL TATTOOS FOR WOMEN

Skull tattoos, widely favored for their versatility, carry various meanings. In certain cultures, skulls symbolize rebellion and rebirth, while others use them as a poignant reminder to embrace each day as if it were the last. For a more feminine approach to the skull design, consider opting for a smaller tattoo or combining it with roses, symbolizing love that transcends death.

DREAMCATCHER TATTOOS

In certain Native American cultures, dream catchers are traditionally hung over the beds and cradles of babies and children to ward off nightmares. Crafted by mothers and grandmothers, these symbolic items may explain why many women feel a connection to the symbol. When transformed into body art, the dream catcher represents safety and protection from harm. For those with Native American ancestry, a dream catcher tattoo can serve as a way to honor their heritage.

SNAKE TATTOOS

Snakes are favored tattoos for women due to their sinuous forms, making them suitable for placement anywhere on the body. Whether large or small, a snake tattoo can look fantastic, especially when positioned, for instance, under the boob. The shedding of their skin associates snakes with new beginnings. Additionally, they can symbolize temptation, as seen in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, along with themes of sexuality, fertility, and protection. The beauty of a snake tattoo lies in its adaptability to personal meanings.

STAR TATTOOS

Star tattoos are among the most favored choices for women, embodying the idea of finding light in the darkness, resulting in a poignant and beautiful design for body art. Perfect for small and delicate tattoos, a string of stars often signifies a personal journey taken by the wearer. Additionally, star tattoos can hold religious significance, particularly for Christians, as the Bible references people being ‘guided’ by stars.

TRIBAL TATTOOS

If you appreciate the aesthetic of tribal tattoos but prefer a more discreet design, consider opting for a smaller version. The tribal art style is versatile and can be adapted to various inspirations, such as natural symbols like the sun, animals, or abstract motifs. Common placements for small tribal tattoos include the upper arm, wrist, ankle, or back.

ROSE TATTOOS

Delicate rose tattoos are currently trending, and their popularity is well-deserved. The minimalist and subtle interpretation of the timeless floral design is perfect for individuals with a modern and sophisticated style. A small and elegant rose tattoo can be positioned on various body parts, including the forearm, fingers, wrist, or hip.

CONCLUSION

In summary, small and simple tattoo designs offer a multitude of possibilities for self-expression. These delicate yet powerful works of art have become incredibly popular, providing individuals with a way to convey meaningful messages or showcase their personal style. Whether expressing love and spirituality or symbolizing resilience and freedom, these small inkings create a lasting impact. Hopefully, you will find small and charming designs that perfectly suit your style.