25 tiny, pretty wrist tattoos that'll inspire your next inking

Whether you're wanting to add to your existing collection of body art or you're looking to get your very first inking, may we suggest a wrist tattoo? Hear us out: there are many decisions that go into permanently marking your body (gulp!). We're talking tattoo design, style, size and placement. And trying to decide all of those things at once can be more than a tad overwhelming. Perhaps that's even the reason you've been holding off going under the needle.

Opting for a wrist tattoo immediately decides two things for you – location (duh), but also size. The wrist isn't really a big area to work with, so you're automatically limited to a small tattoo. Rather than viewing this as a negative, this is exactly the reason we're lusting for a wrist tattoo RN. And you soon will be too.

Guaranteed to be delicate, some of the best wrist tattoos are simple line designs. The small size also means a wrist tattoo can be easy to hide should you need to. Whether you work in an industry that has a strict employee appearance code, or from parents or grandparents who perhaps might not approve. (Sometimes long sleeves are better than a family argument!) Though there are some super cute mother-daughter wrist tattoo designs if you can convince your mum to get matching ink with you.

Plus, celebrities including Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, Emilia Clarke, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone and Eva Longoria all have wrist tattoos, so what further proof do you need that this should be the next tattoo for you?

Is a wrist tattoo painful?

Advance warning, tattoos on the inside of the wrist can be *quite* painful. This is because the skin here is quite thin, with a surprising amount of nerve endings located in this region too. If your tattoo wraps around the wrist, it will be much less painful on the outer part or top-side of your arm as the skin here isn't as close to the main nerves.

So, now you've decided where you're getting your new tattoo, we need to talk about what it will look like. The wrist, like an ankle tattoo, is a prime location for something simple like a single letter, number or a symbol. Plus, it'll be super easy for you to catch regular glimpses of your new artwork – unlike your back or outer arms – so you could take the opportunity to get a meaningful word or a loved one's name tattooed onto you.

Luckily, the internet is full of great tattoo ideas and we've rounded up some of our favourites for you to add to your Pinterest board or camera roll immediately, ready to take to your tattoo artist.

P.S. Don't forget about tattoo aftercare! It's crucial not to skip this step, or you could end up in real trouble...

1. A heart

Single symbols created using just a solid line or outline are so pretty. And depending on your tattoo artist, the line can be as thin and delicate or bold and thick as you like.

2. A letter or character

We love the idea of something simple like an individual letter or the 'and' symbol in a bold, gothic font.

3. A meaningful phrase

Seeing a phrase, word or name that means something to you written on your wrist every day can have a really positive impact on your mood and mental health.

4. A sun and moon

Depending on if you're an early bird or night owl...

5. A planet or galaxy

We think these tattoos are pretty out of this world (...sorry).

6. A skyline

Commemorate your favourite city on your wrist.

7. A lightening bolt

Weather geeks, Thor fans, or those wanting to represent illumination will all love this lightening bolt tattoo.

8. A rocket

We love the cartoon-style of this tiny tattoo.

9. A semi-colon with a heart

Semicolon tattoos have come to symbolise hope for those who have battled depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues. The heart addition imbues a sense of optimism we can get behind.

10. An infinity symbol

This could stretch the entirety of your wrist, or sit asymmetrically and on a smaller scale.

11. The Deathly Hallows symbol, an arrow and a triple triangle

Calling Harry Potter fans! These delicate line drawings are as impressive as they are subtle.

12. A doodle

Who says it has to be anything? This swirled design is *so* elegant.

13. An emoji

Want something really tiny? Pick your favourite emoji. Ours would def be the sparkle emoji.

14. A sword

The sword symbolizes many things including protection, power, strength, and courage.

15. Abstract clouds

Just as you can lose track of time cloud gazing, we'd spend forever studying the intricate swirling lines of this artistically abstract design.

16. Butterflies

Take inspo from Harry Styles' butterflies.

17. A flower

Look to nature and have a botanical tattoo etched onto your wrist.

18. Bracelets

Taking permanent jewellery to new levels, we're low-key obsessed with bracelet tattoos.

19. A star

The best part about star tattoos? They can look sooo different and come in a number of different styles, shapes and sizes. This design by renowned tattoo artist to the stars Bang Bang (he's inked Rihanna and Cara Delevingne, to name a few) almost looks like a compass.

20. A wave

We love a nautical theme, from waves to anchors.

21. Your fav Disney or Pixar character

Disney tattoos and animated characters from our childhood are super popular tattoo designs. Think of them as wholesome homages to your youth.

22. Your pet

Why go with a fictional character when you can honour a loved pet? Plus animal tattoos are super cute.

23. A feather

If you go for a detailed design that requires a lot of texture for a realistic result, like these feather designs, make sure you pick a tattoo artist who's up to the job as this requires skill.

24. A heartbeat

We're not surprised heartbeat tattoos are so popular.

25. A black and white tattoo

Don't be afraid to experiment with colour or contrast black and white ink into your design. Worst case scenario if you don't like it, most tattoo artists can go over it in black – especially if it's a small-scale design.

JiveDash