It’s only normal to have a million questions before going under the needle for the first time. What to expect? Will it sting a lot? How much will the tattoo cost? Getting your first tattoo can be exciting but also kinda scary at the same time. If it’s your first time getting inked, it’s a good idea to opt for a small tattoo, so you get an idea of what you can expect, and if you want a bigger tattoo the next time. Not only do small tattoos look adorable, but they’re also less expensive. Besides, small tattoos are discreet and can easily be placed in inconspicuous spots where you can keep them hidden.
Ready to look at some small tattoos for inspiration? Scroll ahead for some fabulous small tattoo designs that can be just perfect for your first ink.
Meaningful Small Tattoos
Tattoos can serve as a reminder of things that are important to you. For some, getting meaningful words or dates inked can be a real motivator, while for others, symbols can signify certain things or values that are important to them. If you have been on the lookout for meaningful small tattoos, look no further! We have enlisted some meaningful small tattoos that you might like.
Semicolon Tattoo
There’s a lot of meaning behind the simple semicolon tattoo. It’s not a trend, but a movement to raise awareness about mental health and suicide. A semicolon is used when an author could have ended their sentence, but chose not to. Similarly, people embraced the symbol as a reminder that their story isn’t over yet, and that they should keep going.
Ampersand Tattoo
An ampersand makes for a cute small tattoo. It can represent togetherness, connection and can also indicate that there’s more to the story.
Lotus Tattoo
Lotus tattoos look adorable and creative, and represent beauty purity and personal growth. It can also symbolize rising from the murk and becoming a better, more enlightened person. This small tattoo can look amazing not just as a finger tattoo, but also as a back tattoo for women.
Butterfly Tattoo
Here’s another meaningful small tattoo that looks incredibly cute! Butterfly tattoos are quite popular and they represent freedom, transition, rebirth and change.
Sun Tattoo
Sun tattoos can mean different things for different people, but it is popularly known to represent light, renewal, warmth and positivity. It can also signify new life emerging from the dark. It makes for an adorable hand tattoo for women!
Arrow Tattoo
An arrow is yet another popular design when it comes to meaningful small tattoos. It represents strength, struggle, triumph and moving forward or launching into something better.
Viking Inguz Tattoo
The Viking Inguz symbol represents the popular phrase ‘where there is a will, there is a way.’ This small tattoo can be all the motivation you need on days when you’re feeling unmotivated. Not just the finger, it can also be a great neck tattoo design for women.
Cute Small Tattoos
It’s undeniable that small tattoos look incredibly cute, no matter where they are placed. Whether you’ve been looking for small finger tattoos for women or dainty shoulder tattoos for women– you’re sure to find something in our compilation of cute small tattoos.
Angel Wing Tattoo
It is undeniable that angel wing tattoos look super-cute, and trendy at the same time. We’re especially loving the placement of this small tattoo, and how simply it highlights the collarbones.
Word Tattoo
If you don’t want a symbol or an elaborate artwork inked, you can also opt for simple meaningful words instead! Word tattoos are quite popular, and can serve as a daily dose of inspiration on days when you’re feeling bogged down.
Rainbow Tattoo
Rainbow tattoos are undeniably cute, and can add a bright pop of colour! This small tattoo is extremely catchy and is sure to fetch you a ton of compliments.
Book Tattoo
This small tattoo idea is perfect for all the bibliophiles out there! The book tattoo looks subtle yet speaks a lot about who you are, and reflects your personality.
Tiny Heart Tattoo
Heart tattoos look pretty darn cute, especially when they’re as tiny as this one. This small tattoo can be a great option if you’re planning to get inked for the first time.
Unique Small Tattoos
Don’t like mainstream, common tattoo designs? No problem! You can take cues from some unique small tattoo designs that we came across on the ‘gram.
Four Leaf Clover Tattoo
The four-leaf clover tattoo is widely considered a symbol of good luck, and makes for a beautiful small tattoo design!
Puzzle Tattoo
Puzzle tattoos look cool and intriguing. They make for stunning couple tattoo designs too, and can symbolize two different halves that fit together perfectly!
Minimal Cat Tattoo
We’re loving the beautiful minimal design of this small tattoo! Flaunt your love for your furry pal with this stunning cat tattoo that’ll look amazing on your wrist as well.
Ankle Tattoo
Why wear an anklet when you can have it inked instead? This jewelry-inspired small tattoo looks delicate, beautiful and really stylish.
Zodiac Sign Tattoo
When it comes to small tattoo ideas, you can’t go wrong with zodiac signs! Just make sure you opt for a minimal, stylish version of your zodiac sign, and choose the perfect placement. Zodiac signs can look cool behind the ear, on your wrist or even as back tattoos for women.
Paw Print Tattoo
Paw print tattoos can represent the love and affection for your furry friend, and look incredibly adorable. The slight use of coloured ink is what makes this small tattoo design stand out.
Cool Small Tattoos
Still haven’t found a small tattoo design that you might consider getting inked? Below, we have compiled some cool small tattoos that we think you’ll love!
Airplane Tattoo
This small tattoo idea is perfect for all those who love traveling! No elaborate words or designs, just the use of a basic airplane symbol along with a heart, makes it a minimal yet stunning choice.
Daisy Tattoo
If you’re looking for a cool small tattoo that looks dainty and feminine, a daisy can be a great option. A daisy tattoo symbolizes purity, innocence, and joy, and can instantly lift your mood just by looking at it.
Side Finger Tattoo
Side finger tattoos look uber-cool and give partial visibility that lends an air of intrigue! The best part is that you can choose to flaunt it when you want to, as it’ll only be visible at a certain angle. The side of your finger is a great placement for small tattoos, but make sure you choose a simple, uncomplicated design.
Star Tattoo
Star tattoos look incredibly cute and quirky! It may be a small tattoo design, but it sure is eye-catching, and can attract a lot of attention. Star tattoos can also look amazing behind the ear, or on the wrist.
Sun & Moon Tattoo
Here’s a small tattoo idea that we can’t stop gushing over! While sun and moon is a really popular tattoo design, it’s the outer edge placement of this hand tattoo that makes it unique.
Smiley Tattoo
This tattoo artist made use of the already existing mole to create this smiley tattoo, and we’re loving it! Emojis make for amazing small tattoo ideas, and they’ll look cute anywhere.
Flying Bird Tattoos
Instead of getting just one small tattoo, you can also consider a bunch of tiny tattoos such as these. The flying birds look aesthetically pleasing, and can also represent freedom.
Did these small tattoo ideas help you decide what you want to get? We sure hope so! If this is the first time you’re getting inked, you might also wanna check out these tattoo aftercare tips that can ensure your tattoo looks fresh for years.
Featured Image: _stephhunt on Instagram