When it comes to having a tattoo, there are numerous factors to consider. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, getting inked is a major (and permanent) decision. You’ll most likely be searching through Pinterest and Instagram for tattoo ideas, deciding on the type of design, size, and placement. If, like me, you find the prospect of a massive tattoo intimidating, tiny tattoos are an excellent place to begin. 

Sophie Floyd, a tattoo artist and specialist, suggests a few things to consider before scheduling an appointment. “The first step is to choose the appropriate tattoo artist for your needs. “Social media has made this so much easier because you can see an artist’s entire portfolio and make sure their style is right for you,” she explains. “Your first tattoo is always very daunting and easy to overthink, but most importantly remember it is your body—if you love it, do it!” 

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Hailey Bieber has some beautiful small tattoos on her hands.

Tiny tattoos are not only stylish, but also inconspicuous and delicate, making them ideal for a first tattoo. “Small tattoos are a great introduction to getting tattooed as you can get a feel for the experience start to finish, from being in a studio, the tattoo itself and how you feel afterwards living with your new tattoo,” Floyd said. “I frequently ask my clients what their ‘end objective’ tattoo design is. Some people only need one little one, while others wish to build a collection. If you know you’ll be adding more in the future, consider using location strategically to get the most out of your canvas,” she advises.

Another factor to consider is positioning. “Small tattoos are great as you have endless placement possibilities,” Floyd said. “If a client is hesitant about location, I ask if they want their tattoo to be more visible or simpler to hide if needed. If you prefer the latter, good sites include the ribcage, inner arm, or ankle, as most garments may conceal them. “If you want to show it off, anywhere on the outer arm is my go-to,” she explains.

Small tattoos, like any other tattoo, can be meaningful to you or used for self-expression. “I love how small tattoos can have a lot of meaning or simply be fun! Floyd’s favourites are shells, letters, cowboy boots, flowers, and cherries. Of course, you’ll want to follow up with good tattoo aftercare to ensure that your new tattoo heals properly and looks great. 

Ready for some little tattoo ideas? Scroll forward to see the best designs I’ve discovered on my feed.

Small Tattoo Ideas

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

I love Amaka’s collection of small inks, including the flower tattoo on her wrist.

(Image credit: @sophiefloydtattoo)

How cute are these matching cowboy boot tattoos?

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

These tiny hand tattoos look so pretty together.

(Image credit: @kaiagerber)

Kaia Gerber has some pretty tattoos, including this small angel design.

(Image credit: @sophiefloydtattoo)

So. Fun.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

A collection of small tattoos look great together.

(Image credit: @sophiefloydtattoo)

I’m in love with this floral oval tattoo.

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Look closely and you’ll spot that Hailey Bieber has a tiny heart on her collarbone.

(Image credit: @sophiefloydtattoo)

For those who like to wear their heart on their sleeve.

(Image credit: GETTY)

I love Laura Harrier’s dainty floral design on her wrist.

(Image credit: @kaiagerber)

Kaia Gerber’s dainty wine glass tattoo on the inside of her arm is so cute.

(Image credit: @dualipa)

Words make for great small tattoos. Dua Lipa’s read ‘angel’ on her shoulder and ‘patience’ on the top of her hand.

(Image credit: @estellepigault)

These line-drawing tattoos are dainty and understated.

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

Fingers are a great placement for tiny tattoos like stars and dots.

(Image credit: @mileycyrus)

Miley Cyrus’s small neck tattoo is a nod to her birth year.

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

Meaningful numbers or dates make a great small tattoo design that you’ll be reminded of every day.

(Image credit: GETTY)

Riri has curated a beautiful collection of tattoos, including cursive text, roman numerals and stars on her neck and shoulders.

(Image credit: @arianagrande)

Just below her left ear, Ariana Grande has a tiny crescent moon tattoo.

(Image credit: @dualipa)

Dua Lipa’s palm tree tattoo is so fun.

(Image credit: @kaiagerber)

Kaia Gerber has her middle name tattooed on her inner arm in cursive text.

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

We don’t see it often, but look closely and you’ll spot that Sofia Richie-Grainge has the word ‘clarity’ tattooed on her neck in uppercase letters.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Experiment with the thickness of the tattoo lines for a bolder statement.

(Image credit: @arianagrande)

How pretty are Ariana Grande’s floral hand tattoos?

(Image credit: LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT )

I love the combination of cute heels and a fun ankle tattoo.

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

I also love this tiny crescent moon tattoo on the index finger.

(Image credit: @ariellanyssa)

The inner arms make a great placement for smaller tattoos if you want them to be more discreet.

(Image credit: @arianagrande)

Tiny heart tattoos look great on fingertips, as Ariana Grande proves.

(Image credit: @selenagomez)

Selena Gomez has ‘Rare’ tattooed on her neck just below her ear—a nod to her beauty line and her third album.

(Image credit: @gigihadid)

Gigi Hadid has her daughter’s name in Arabic inked as a tiny tattoo on the crook of her elbow.

(Image credit: GETTY)

How fun is Dua Lipa’s tongue-in-cheek tattoo?

(Image credit: GETTY)

Ariana Grande’s neck tattoo reads ‘mille tendresse’, which means ‘thousand tendernesses’—a nod to a line in the Breakfast at Tiffany’s film.