Wrist tattoos are rather popular and quite meaningful, that is why we want to discuss them today. What is their origin? The tradition of wearing a tattoo on a wrist appeared a while ago. Seamen started to apply nautical stars on their wrists. They believed these tattoos to be their guides in the open sea, protectors of their long, dangerous, and exhausting journeys. Later, in the middle of the 20th century, the members of gay and lesbian communities chose wrists as places for their tattoos.
*We may earn money from affiliate links on this page. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.Over time, tattoos on wrists stopped being indicators of someone’s identity. And today anyone can wear a tattoo on a wrist. Celebrities like Lea Michele, Zoe Kravitz, Katy Perry and many others also have their creative designs on a wrist.
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Would you like to get such a tattoo? Discover some inspiring tattoo ideas here.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Wrist Tattoo Meaning
- Types of Wrist Tattoos
- Wrist Tattoo Pain Level
- Average Cost of Wrist Tattoo
- Wrist Tattoo Aftercare
- Beautiful Floral Wrist Tattoos
- Bracelet Wrist Tattoo Designs
- Side Wrist Tattoo Ideas
- Wrist Tattoo Ideas For Couple Or Friends
- Wrist Tattoos With Lettering
- Small Wrist Tattoos With Meaning
- Watercolor Wrist Tattoo Ideas
- FAQ: Wrist Tattoos
Wrist Tattoo Meaning
by @amanda.mypreciousink
You can assign your tattoo with personal meaning, but the placement bears its own connotation. It is best if you find the meaning appealing before you decide to commit.
- Connection – there are countless ways of interacting with other people with your wrist involved.
- Health – your wrist is the first place to check for a pulse, and the pulse can tell a lot about what is going on inside you.
- Spiritual adventure – while the wrist area is particularly vulnerable, it is also incredibly accessible. That is why if there is something you would like to remind yourself of on a daily basis, there is no better placement to think of.
- Strength and vulnerability – Unfortunately, your wrist is one of the most chosen spots when it comes to suicide. Thus, it is about exposure. At the same time, it takes strength to keep on no matter the life situation.
Types of Wrist Tattoos
by @mini_tattooer
It may seem that your wrist is quite a small area to have various types of tattoos placed there. However, the variety of options to consider will pleasantly surprise you!
- Inner wrist – starts at the palm.
- Outer wrist – the top side of your arm, particularly the spacing between the ulna and radius bones.
- Bracelet – think of wearing an actual bracelet to get the idea.
- Side wrist – either side of the arm. Particularly small area perfect for minimalistic tattoos.
- Half-glove – imagine the glove with no upper part. Such a tattoo usually starts at the wrist and goes up to the knuckles.
- Glove – a tattoo that takes up all the hand up to the wrist, fingers including.
How painful is getting a wrist tattoo?
Wrist tattoos can be quite painful due to the thin skin and proximity to bones and nerves. Pain tolerance varies, but expect some discomfort.
Whispers of the Heart
by @tattooist_namoo
What seems to be a mere doodle at first glance can transform into an elegant heart in a matter of a few strokes. The universal symbol of love and devotion, spiced with a delicate flower, projects all-encompassing affection and simple joys of life.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: If you encode meaningful initials of other tiny details that matter into the tattoo, you will make it truly unique and twice as important. The heart is a universal symbol, but it can also reflect your love journey and tell an individual story.
Small Chipmunk
by @soltattoo
We are tiny chipmunks in the vastness of the universe. We all seek out and gather our 'acorns' that stand for personal experiences, memories, and unforgettable moments. A lifelike chipmunk etched in your wrist can serve as a constant reminder of that. This cute design was created by New York tattoo artist Dasol Kim.
Can I get a wrist tattoo if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but it's important to discuss your skin condition with your tattoo artist. They can recommend appropriate aftercare and tattooing techniques to reduce irritation.
Playful Paws
by @soltattoo
The raw, untamed energy of cats can be incredibly inspiring. A little kitty captured in the moment of playfulness and joy can provoke thoughts and feelings connected with the unpredictability of our lives and the importance of living in the moment. You can ink your favorite pet to intensify the personal connections and emotional component of the piece.
Facets of the Heart
by @tattooist_uzi
There are so many ways you can depict the universal symbol of love, and this ruby-red gem heart tattoo proves the point. The multifaceted gem of a heart that was created by Tattooist Uzi, catches the eye with its striking depth and dimension. On top of that, it bears a vivid connotation that stresses how complicated love can be. The interplay of different shades of red and pink is a tribute to an intricate balance of passion and tenderness that makes one's love real.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: The shiniest of trinkets usually carry a hidden meaning, and this gem piece is no exception. You can integrate a slight accent that makes it truly yours. An initial, a date, or a symbol encoded into the pattern would suffice.
Golden Fish Tattoo
by @eunyutattoo
A golden fish is a symbol of abundance and harmony. The skillful hand of the artist ensured that this fish swims through your skin like through the sheerest of ponds. The fluidity and the splash of color are known to bring good fortune to the wearer.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: Everyone perceives abundance differently. Make sure you personify your values clearly. Whether it is wealth, happiness, or health – depict it through tiny symbols added to the tattoo.
Blue Rose
by @eunyutattoo
The rose tattoos are the epitome of elegance and beauty. However, if that isn't enough for you, you can make it a symbol of individuality and creativity. All it takes is to coat the velvety petals into a magnificent shade of blue. Keep in mind that sapphire hues also speak of wisdom and one's passion.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: To further personalize the ink, you can etch meaningful milestones into the designs. Add a dew drop for every meaningful event and tattoo fallen petals, signifying lost ones or missed opportunities.
Rainbow Glow
by @eunyutattoo
Even the darkest of the nights are followed by the brightest of days. A rainbow tattoo will be your personal reminder that the good is yet to come when you seem to lose all hope. Surround the gorgeous rainbow with twinkling stars to push the known boundaries and look beyond the horizon of standards and stereotypes.
Minimalistic Sunflower
by @eunyutattoo
The flower of the sun stands for loyalty, longevity, and adoration. Whichever of these characteristics speak out to you, a lifelike flower etched on your wrist will project them. Fun fact: sunflowers always turn their heads to follow the sun. You can use this to emphasize personal positivity and beliefs that the light always wins.
Daisy Delicacy
by @handitrip
A tattoo does not have to be prominent or easily noticeable to carry out an immense meaning. This minimalistic tattoo of a daisy signifies purity and new beginnings. Pay attention to the gentle coloring of the flower created by popular Korean tattoo artist Handitrip; it seems as though it has just bloomed from the outside of your skin.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: Nature comprises meaningful links and interconnections. If these matter to you, you can ask for a tiny bee or a ladybug added to the design. Or, you can dedicate the ink to your loved one and point each petal to someone whom you deeply care for.
Tiny Snowflake
by @handitrip
You may be well aware of the fact that each snowflake is unique, and there are no two snowflakes that are alike in the world. Thus, it can become your individual ode to the creativity and uniqueness of your nature. Use it as a constant reminder that being different does not mean being unfit or incomplete – entirely on the contrary.
Cloud of Positive
by @handitrip
Let the positivity rain down no matter the time of the day or the season outside. An optimistic cloud with rainbow rain projects infinite charm and positivity. Always remember – the fact that it is a rainy day does not make it a bad day!
Can wrist tattoos be easily covered up?
Covering up a wrist tattoo can be challenging due to the limited space, but skilled tattoo artists can often create a new design that incorporates or conceals the original tattoo.
Spectrum of Love
by @handitrip
Love knows no boundaries or limits. A line of colorful hearts etched on your wrist projects harmony and balance. Make it your personal banner and proclaim that love can be different, and devote each hue to a separate song of heart only you know the melody of!
Glaminati Editor's Advice: The beauty of a colored heart tat is that you can expand it as you move through your life, celebrating meaningful relationships and moments in your life. Choose those colors that define those new people and chapters that affected you.
Minimalistic Anchor
by @mugebilirtattoo
The anchor, being a marine symbol, is often related to hope and stability. In case you seek a constant reminder of support and resilience, a minimalistic anchor tattoo is one of the most suitable options to consider.
Glaminati Editor's Advice: The beauty of an anchor tat lies in its utter adaptability. You can incorporate it into a larger piece later on, or you can adorn it with meaningful elements that make sense to you and those you choose to share their meanings with. Besides, an anchor always goes hand in hand with such guiding elements as a compass or waves.
Mother & Daughter Tattoos with Doves
by @vivotattoo
The mother-daughter bond is unique and unbreakable. You can celebrate your love and care for one another with matching dove tats that hold two pieces of a single heart.
Realistic Butterfly
by @lazerliz
While butterflies signify metamorphoses that each of us goes through, there's more that these insects can inspire. Another quite powerful side of a butterfly tattoo is that it can tell your personal story coded in intricate wing patterns. You can pile up additional details as you move on through the life. A butterfly ink will constantly remind you that every change is beautiful.
Lotus Flower Tattoo
by @frommay_tat
Lotus is the universal symbol of enlightenment, purity, and rebirth. This gorgeous flower rises above the mirky waters untainted. You can use it as a sign symbolizing your own path from darkness into the light on the way to self-discovery.
Galaxy Sky
by @tattooist_sigak
There's something inexplicably captivating about the unknown that the universe holds. A personal galaxy filled with suns, moons, and unknown planets etched into your skin will tell the tales of mysterious lands and inspire creativity and boundless possibilities.
Anemone Flower
by @koray_karagozler
Anemones are often associated with protection and anticipation, not to mention the obvious – these flowers are merely stunning. This vibrant anemone pleases the eye and instills hope for a better future. This tender flower was made by an abstract Berlin tattoo artist Koray Karagozler.
Beautiful Floral Wrist Tattoos
by @handitrip by @hktattoo_mini by @gullsahkaraca
Many people wonder if the wrist area is painful for getting a tattoo. In general, it is believed that if to imagine a pain scale, then your wrist would be 4, maybe 5, and your ribs would be 10. So, it’s quite bearable. And if you are still scared, you can always pick some simple and small wrist tattoos, like a flower tattoo. And here you can find some inspo. These flower tattoos won’t require much ink because of their size. So, you will experience less pain in case you opt for one.
Do wrist tattoos stretch or distort over time?
Wrist tattoos can stretch slightly with weight changes or aging, but proper care and choosing a skilled artist can help maintain their appearance.
Bracelet Wrist Tattoo Designs
by @hktattoo_mini by @hktattoo_mini
If you’re looking for some nice small tattoo ideas, why not choose one of these adorable yet simple designs? Apply a tattoo like these, and it will bring you a daily dose of inspiration. You know, it is always mood-boosting to look at something pretty. Flowers and berries are reminiscent of the spring and are often used for female wrist tattoos. These elements are capable of making any tattoo cuter and more feminine.
Side Wrist Floral Moon Tattoo
by @handitrip
A moon tattoo is one of the most popular designs because of its meaning. In different religions, moon tattoo symbolizes mysticism, feminity, and cyclical changes.
Wrist Tattoo Ideas For Couple Or Friends
by @gullsahkaraca by @hktattoo_mini by @joannamroman
The best way to make the process of getting a tattoo more amusing is to invite someone close to join you. Happy couples often have unique wrist tattoos. Why pick the wrist, not another body part? Because thus the tattoos will match when people in love are holding their hands together. But if you don’t have a significant other, maybe you have a best friend who would like to show off your friendship to the whole world.
Unique Wrist Tattoo Designs
by @tattooist_banul by @tattooist_banul by @playground_tat2 by @tattooist_banul Credit photo: nastyafox
These tattoo designs are super charming, don’t you agree? And each of these options can represent something unique for you.
Do you know why people choose to depict fish on their wrists? Fish is often associated with wealth, persistence, power, healing, luck, patience, ambitions, strength, and wisdom. Overall, these meanings are very positive. So, a fish tattoo looks lovely, and its sense is profound, why not go for it?
Wrist Tattoos With Words
by @hktattoo_mini by @tattooist_dal by @aeri_tattoo by @mini_tattooer by @vivotattoo by @studiobysol
If you are searching for some extra motivation in your life, then there is nothing better than getting wrist tattoos words. A sign is something small and not very eye-catching, yet, it is always there for you. And you know how powerful the words can be. Words can comfort, they can give strength or self-confidence, and they can restrict. There are many motivational phrases that people pick for their tattoos. Do you want to hide its meaning? Translate the phrase into a foreign language, and no one but you will understand what it denotes.
Small Wrist Tattoos With Meaning
by @wittybutton_tattoo by @greem.tattoo by @hktattoo_mini by @hktattoo_mini
What are the most meaningful wrist tattoos? Well, these would be different for every person. As we live, we face some significant events in our lives. And getting a tattoo is one of the ways to make that event memorable.
by @debrartist by @greem.tattoo by @greem.tattoo
For many people, the birth of their child is a crucial moment, the moment of pure happiness that they will never forget. That’s why many people choose to get a tattoo with a date of birth of their child.
Simple Designs For Your Wrist Tattoo
by @hongzo_tt by @tattooist_dal by @greem.tattoo by @hktattoo_mini by @studiobysol by @frappeink by @tattooist_dal
Aren’t these wrist simple tattoos super sweet? Yes, they are very simple. But you know, in case you are an easy going, positive person, you will probably love them. Plus, not all of us are brave enough to get some intricate tattoos that require much ink and time.
Watercolor Wrist Tattoo Ideas
by @koray_karagozler by @daldam__ by @handitrip by @tattooist_banul
Are you inspired to get a wrist tattoo? Great! And we have so many curious things worthy of your attention on our blog. Don’t forget to check them out.
Wrist Tattoo Pain Level
by @hongzo_tt
Let’s face it – no tattoo is licked on by unicorns, and it will hurt. However, your personal pain tolerance is the only thing to predefine how painful it is going to be. If you want to hear a quite subjective opinion, it is safe to say that a wrist tattoo is less painful than a nipple one. On the other hand, it may hurt more than other, more fleshy areas. Most people claim that you can place the pain scale somewhere in-between 5-10. Yet, you should consider the personal reaction to pain in the first place.
Average Cost of Wrist Tattoo
by @mini_tattooer
Just like in the case of the pain level, there is no one-for-all answer when it comes to the cost of the procedure. It primarily depends on the design you choose, along with the artist’s fee and your location. Yet, you should be ready to spend at least $100 on a relatively small piece done by a professional artist.
Wrist Tattoo Aftercare
by @amanda.mypreciousink
The wrist tattoo is primarily the same as most tattoos when it comes to aftercare, with only a few critical exceptions to point out. Let’s browse through all of them:
- Clean your tattoo with gentle soap.
- Don’t itch and pick the design until it is fully healed.
- Put on moisturizer.
- Put on SPF when you are out in the sun.
- Make sure you don’t flex your wrist too often.
- Keep an open eye on various surfaces to constantly rub the tattooed area.
FAQ: Wrist Tattoos
Do wrist tattoos hurt your veins?
Getting tattooed over wrist veins is just the same as getting tattooed anywhere else on your body.
There are three layers of skin — epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis ― that separate and protect the area of veins from the surface. The needle will be penetrating the dermis layer, and not any deeper than this. Don’t worry, your artist won’t hurt your veins.
How long do wrist tattoos take to heal?
Healing time depends on your health condition and how well you care for the healing skin, but in general, you can call yourself healed after 6 months. It will usually take about 2 to 3 weeks before you can wet it.
Are wrist tattoos okay for work?
Having visible tattoos can affect your hiring opportunities as employment process can be very subjective.
However, people in the military, education, government, international affairs, religion etc. are all capable of having non-visible tattoos if they so desire to.
That being said, as long as you can maintain a professional appearance where they are hidden, no employer really has any reason not to hire you based on your hidden tattoos.
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