Finger tattoos are one of the more painful places to get tatted due to both a lack of muscle and fat between skin and bone and that area having a lot of nerves. Unlike some placements, though, the pain is not a one-time experience; finger tattoos need regular touch-ups because our everyday actions tend to make the ink fade more easily. For those who are ready for a personalized and statement-making piece of ink, here are 34 amazing ideas for your next finger tattoo.
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Hyper-Colorful Designs
@me_but_you_ / Instagram
At first glance, these hyper-colorful finger tattoos look like rudimentary shapes, but they’re actually based on real-life symbols, like a rainbow and a watermelon. We love the use of a different design on each finger.
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Vine
@deathlessbeauty_ / Instagram
This creeping vine moves from the wrist down the pointer finger and extends on to the middle finger. It’s a simple and elegant black design that almost serves as a piece of jewelry.
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Birth Year
@tatt_by_ajay / Instagram
Represent your birth year with this innovative take on a classic tattoo. Rather than keeping the numbers relegated to one digit, this inking puts one number on each finger, for a nod to ’98 that isn’t too obvious.
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Fine Line Variations
@karl_thetattoo_plug / Instagram
We love the contrast of a colorful manicure and minimalist, fine-line tattoos. Here, each finger gets a different design, ranging from a cross to a vine wrapped around an index finger.
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Bands
@fredpokes / Instagram
Rather than just one wedding ring-style band tattoo, this design utilizes two very thin bands and a myriad of designs mixed in, for a bold but still simple look.
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Ribbon
@wittybutton_tattoo
For a minimal but not boring tattoo, a small ribbon wrapped around the finger is a delicate touch. A bit of color, like this red, will make it pop even more.
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Airplane
@wittybutton_tattoo
Make a small design look crisp and smooth by using only black ink. By filling in the image—like the plane here—you’re able to focus on the details of the shape without overwhelming it.
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Beyoncé’s Simple Dots
@beyonce
Keep it minimalist with a series of simple dots, perhaps one for each sibling or child that you have.
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Minimalist Stars
@lucie.tattoo / Instagram
If you want a more whimsical feel for your finger tattoo, go basic black and minimalist, like this collection of stars and a crescent moon.
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Botanic
@humblebeetattoo
A minimal finger tattoo doesn’t have to be small; this design is spread out and the empty space gives it an airy feel. Using only outlining and connecting it to more art on the wrist makes a statement without being in your face.
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Moon
@witchchiktattoo / Instagram
Moon tattoos hold a lot of meaning and make a great idea for a finger design. Inking the moon with just outlining (as seen on the middle finger above) also keeps it feeling light and dainty.
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Hypnotic Swirls
Simple swirls create a hypnotic design on the pinky and middle finger.
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Letters
@lofi_tattooer
Single letters are a great idea for the finger because there are so many placement and size options. You can also ink the design in a number of different styles to make it more personal.
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Initials
@wittybutton_tattoo
Get your own (or a loved one’s) initials tattooed delicately in a script font.
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Heart
@duky_tattoo
Hearts make great finger tattoos because they can be any size and remain recognizable. Placing it on the underside of the finger gives it a more surprising and intimate feel.
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Zoë Kravitz’s Crescent Moon (and Star)
@_dr_woo_ / Instagram
Kravitz’s moon and star finger tattoos complement each other perfectly.
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Laurel Wreath
@tattooist_hitit / Instagram
Laurel wreaths are popular tattoo designs, but they don’t need too much space. They’re easily adaptable should you want one inked on your finger. The thin leaves and lines create a crisp image, here.
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Dotted Lines
Thumbs are often overlooked, but they provide great space for tattoos. This dotted line design is minimal and delicate.
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Flower
@rnvtattoo / Instagram
There are lots of different floral designs to choose from like this unexpected doodle version. The movement pairs great with the placement, and you can ink them in any style.
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Rihanna’s “Shhh”
@badgalriri / Instagram
You’ll never have to (verbally) put someone in their place with this tattoo.
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Flame
@dovmemarket / Instagram
Make more of an impact with a flame design. The length of the finger means you have space to show movement in the flames as well.
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Star-Crossed
@_bodysoul / Instagram
Is it a glittering star or a cross with a star at the center? You decide which meaning is more important to you.
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Patchwork Vibes
When you keep the theme dainty and personal, every finger tattoo that you add to your collection will look good—the proof is pictured.
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Scribble
@tattoo_maio / Instagram
Small scribbles or abstract designs are easily designed for the finger due to their innate versatile nature. Make the lines crisp for impact or soft for aesthetics.
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Cherry
@5e_tattoo / Instagram
Use bright colors in an outline-only design to make an impact without taking up too much space. Placing it on the bottom of the inner finger keeps it hidden and intimate.
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Eye