Tattoos can be applied for a variety of reasons and are expressive.

These include reminding yourself of the important things in your life, honoring a loved one and your bond, or sharing your interests and passions. The beauty of tattoos is that they can be personalized to best reflect your preference, from simple and minimalist designs to detailed, photorealistic pieces. Choose images that are rich in symbolism, or use your body art for decorative purposes, giving you confidence and making you feel powerful. The placement of your tattoos is just as important as the design, and you can highlight the sexiest areas of the female form, like the sternum or thigh, or focus on a visible location like the finger or wrist where you can see your artwork every day. Keep reading for all the inspiration you need for your next tattoo.

Tattoo Ideas for Women

1. Butterfly Tattoos

If you’re looking for inspiration for fresh new ink, you may want to consider a butterfly. Although butterfly tattoos have been popular for decades, there is a timelessness about them, and the wide variety of designs have ensured that each piece remains unique to the wearer. Butterflies can be delicate and beautiful, but they can also represent transformation, resilience, hope, and even love. There is also a feminine element to the design, which is why it is such a popular choice among women.

2. Dragon Tattoos

Dragon tattoos can make a powerful statement, and they symbolize wisdom, fearlessness, and protection. The stories of these mythical beasts are found in many cultures around the world. They have featured heavily in both European mythologies, as well as in East Asian cultures. Often, a dragon is considered to be a fierce and powerful creature, something to be respected, but also feared. When deciding to get a tattoo, you can draw from the many inspirations and interpretations, but ultimately choose what you want the ink to represent to you; whether that be passion or mystery, or something more profound.

3. Lion Tattoos

The lion is considered the ruler of the animal kingdom, or the king of the jungle, and it is a creature that is both well respected and feared. When deciding to ink this powerful predator, many people choose to do so because of the traits associated with it; courage, bravery, royalty, and wisdom. There are many variations of the lion tattoo design, with some individuals opting for a super realistic approach, and others choosing to combine various elements, such as flowers and shapes, to create a unique and more feminine finish.

4. Semicolon Tattoos

Tattoos can have deeply personal meanings, and the semicolon tattoo design is one of them. It has become a symbol for those suffering from mental health and depression and reminds the wearer that their story is not over yet. Their journey has not come to an end, and their lives will continue, despite their struggles. It is for this reason that these tattoos work best in places where they can easily be seen, like on the wrist, so that they can serve as a daily reminder of the obstacles that the individual has overcome and how they are capable of dealing with them in the future.

5. Wolf Tattoos

If you want to ink something that represents love and loyalty, then consider a wolf tattoo. These beautiful animals live in packs, and their strength and survival depend on their numbers. It is for this reason that this design often symbolizes family, suggesting there is power in unity, and it encourages the wearer to remember the importance of these close familial bonds. The wolf also has special significance to specific cultures, namely the Native Americans, who have a deep respect for the animal.

6. Elephant Tattoos

Elephants are majestic animals, and they also represent power and prosperity. These gigantic mammals are often associated with a fantastic memory; you may have heard the saying “an elephant never forgets,” which is why they also symbolize wisdom. What you may not know is that the head of an elephant herd is always a female, and thus, this can be a fantastic piece for a woman who wants to celebrate her femininity. You can choose a large, intricate elephant tattoo design, or something small and simple, the great thing about this ink is it works in a variety of sizes.

7. Scorpion Tattoos

If you want a more edgy tattoo, the scorpion is an excellent choice. These predatory arachnids are often considered to be dangerous because of their ability to inflict pain, and those who choose a symbol like this often want it to serve as a warning. The design can be incredibly powerful and a show of strength and intimidation. It can also remind the wearer of the need to protect themselves from those who want to cause them harm.

8. Snake Tattoos

Snake tattoos represent many different things; for some, they are considered to be evil creatures, for example, in the Christian Bible story of Adam and Eve, the snake was the tempter and resulted in sin. However, for others, they are mythical and powerful. A Japanese snake tattoo can represent strength, protection, and even good luck, and in Native American cultures, the rattlesnake is of great importance. Other traits associated with serpent ink is the idea of transformation or rebirth because snakes shed their skin. They can also symbolize danger or fertility.

9. Heart Tattoos

The heart is one of the most popular tattoo choices, and for a good reason. It is a universally recognized symbol across all cultures and holds deep meaning for the wearer, including love, loss, and heartbreak. Individuals can choose from a wide range of heart tattoo designs, some simple, like an outline, and others more detailed, like a sacred heart. Color also plays an important role when choosing what is right for you; for example, red ink can celebrate friendship and love, while black represents sorrow.

10. Skull Tattoos

Skull tattoos are often intricate and take time and skill to complete. It is a recognizable image across many cultures and is typically associated with death or mortality. These pieces can take on a wide range of meanings, depending on the design, and have remained a popular choice of ink for decades. If you are looking for a way to make the tattoo more feminine, consider bold colors or floral details. Regardless of what you choose, though, there is no denying your ink will stand out.

11. Watercolour Tattoos

Standard black ink works well for some designs, but if you want something more daring, you will love watercolor tattoos. The style is relatively new, although it is quickly gaining popularity, and the technique creates a finish that looks as though someone has expertly painted a masterpiece onto your skin. Many designs lend themselves well to watercolors, but flowers tend to be the most popular, creating a bold, vibrant finish. Tattoos like this work exceptionally well when combined with a black base, which helps to keep the ink from fading quickly and creates a more recognizable outline.

12. Angel Tattoos

Tattoos can represent sorrow and warn about danger, or they could be uplifting and inspiring, like an angel design. Angels are associated with heaven and are seen as pure beings, determined to protect all that is good and sacred. For this reason, these tattoos can be a fantastic choice for those who are religious and want to honor their faith. Alternatively, they can serve as a tribute to a loved one, or as a reminder that the wearer has a guardian watching over them.

13. Compass Tattoos

If you are a passionate traveler and want a design that inspires direction, then look no further than a compass tattoo. The symbolism dates back to sailors, who are believed to have inked their skin with these images to help them navigate while at sea, and it is for this reason that these designs often represent guidance and protection. When choosing a compass tattoo, the wearer may also want to remind themselves of the hard times that they have overcome; the navigational instrument can guide you through rough patches and help you to remember where you’re going in life.

14. Sun Tattoos

Without the sun, we would not be able to survive. It is a source of light and energy but can represent the truth, or serve as a symbol of hope; someone has overcome a dark period in their lives and found a way out of it. Others may be inspired by the sun because it reminds them of the beauty of life. There are many sun tattoo designs, and its meaning can be somewhat ambiguous, allowing the wearer to customize their ink to suit their personal preference.

15. Clock Tattoos

Time is a precious commodity, and we are all living each day on earth, not knowing when our time will be up. It is for this reason that clock tattoos often represent the balance between life and death. Individuals can tailor their ink to make it unique and personal; some of the ways this can be done is by including flowers, to honor the living. Alternatively, you could take a darker approach by adding skulls or fire. The position where the hands of the timepiece have stopped can make the piece even more personal.

16. Crown Tattoos

When you think of a crown, images of royalty will automatically come to mind, but that’s not all that this tattoo can represent. The design can have powerful symbolism, with typical attributes including victory, self-control, and authority. A woman who chooses to get a crown tattoo on her skin may feel she wields her own destiny, or that she demands respect and equality. In terms of placement, crown tattoos are incredibly versatile. They work well as small designs and outlines, which can be inked onto the wrist, but also as bigger, more detailed pieces on the forearm or thigh.

17. Dream Catcher Tattoos

Individuals who want a meaningful tattoo should consider this beautiful piece. A dreamcatcher, originally a hand-woven product that is meant to replicate a spider’s web, has roots in Native American culture. It is a symbol of protection, hung to guard against evil thoughts, and a way of filtering out the negative experiences to focus on the good. A dream catcher tattoo is often incredibly detailed, and because of this, it tends to work better on larger areas of skin, with the thigh being a popular choice.

18. Eye Tattoos

When you think of an eye, the gift of sight comes to mind, right? Well, this is the fundamental concept of the eye tattoo. The eye can symbolize something that is all-seeing; for example, in Christianity, it can represent God watching over you. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a symbol of guidance or protection. There are many different choices with regards to the placement of this design; you can choose to go small and ink it onto your finger or opt for a more detailed piece on your thigh.

19. Bird Tattoos

Many people dream of having wings and being able to fly away from their troubles, and bird tattoos are a way of showing that.  These beautiful winged creatures symbolize many things, including freedom and independence. They can also serve as a reminder that we do not need to adhere to certain earthly constraints. There are many different bird designs; for example, a raven could represent death, while a goldfinch or canary are species that typically associated with happiness.

20. Henna Tattoos

Getting a tattoo is not a decision that should be made overnight because it is meant to be a piece that will be with you forever. Many people think long and hard before choosing a design that is meaningful to them, but if you are not ready for a long term commitment, you may want to consider something more temporary, like a henna tattoo. It is created using a plant-based dye, and these intricate pieces can be made using various shades, including red, orange, brown, and blue-black. Henna is popular at Indian weddings or festivals and is known as mehndi, but it is also traditional in Morocco and Egypt. Another pro to this form of tattooing is that the dye fades naturally over time.

21. Unique Tattoos

Depending on the person, unique tattoos can vary. A unique tattoo can be something personal or some sort of interesting design. Whatever it is, this kind of tattoo is probably going to be special to you, or may even be a conversation starter.

22. Cute Little Tattoos

Who said your cute tattoo had to be huge? As long as you find an artist who specializes in small designs, you can easily get something rather detailed, in a much smaller, cuter version. Little dainty tattoos are always a good idea if you’re wanting a tattoo but aren’t looking for something too bold and noticeable.

23. Small tattoos

Small tattoos are generally kept quite conservative and simple. They don’t take more than ten to twenty minutes to get done depending on the style. Though just because it’s small, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it personal.

24. Cross Tattoos

Cross tattoos can be as simple as two lines or two words in cursive, intersecting. If you want to get more creative, you could add something wrapped around it, such as a flower design. They’re a great choice if you have a religious background and it gives you the option of intertwining two ideas into one design.

25. Flower Tattoos

Flower tattoos are very popular for women, especially wildflowers. This doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box and create your own ideas though. There are so many different types of flowers to choose from. You could get anything from the outline of lavender to a water lily sitting on a pad.

26. Lettering Tattoos

Lettering tattoos are great if you have a famous quote that you love or a saying that really resonates with you. These tattoos usually look rather delicate depending on the style of font you go with.

27. Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoos are a much-loved style because they are bold and bright, as well as extremely expressive. The subject matter is very important and often based on tradition or folklore. Common images include animals, flowers, or mythical beings — for example, tigers and koi fish, the lotus or cherry blossom, and dragons and phoenixes. The colors and shading make these pieces stand out, so it is an excellent option for someone who wants an exciting and eye-catching design. Colors can also alter the meaning of your tat; for example, a black koi fish represents masculinity and adversity, while a green dragon has links to nature. Body art in Japan is shrouded in controversy, and there is a stigma attached to it. This is because of the association with the notorious Yakuza gang, which covers their entire bodies in ink to show their commitment to the organization.

28. American Traditional Tattoos

Its bold appearance defines the American Traditional tattoo technique. It uses thick black lines, a bright but limited color palette of yellow, green, red, and blue, and the pieces often involve a certain theme. Popular choices are animals, nature, humans, and nautical artwork. Your ink can also tell a story by combining several images. These pieces are symbolic and bound to get noticed and make a statement thanks to the interesting subject and approach. If you are not afraid to stand out of the crowd, then this is the choice for you.

29. Arrow Tattoos

If you are unsure of what to get for your next inking, consider an arrow tattoo. The weapon has significance to the Native American people, who used it for hunting, fighting, and protecting themselves, and it is seen as a symbol of strength, resilience, and power. There are many ways to get this piece tattooed, and it suits varying techniques from minimalist to watercolor. Some people choose to include an image of a bow and arrow; others may focus on an arrow compass design; a reminder to stay on the right path and help you find your way. After deciding on a style, consider the placement of your ink. Is it large and detailed? Then the thigh or the shoulder are fantastic options. If you prefer something simple or small, then the wrist, forearm, or behind the ear are all spots women love to get tattooed.