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If you’re looking for small tattoo ideas for your first tattoo or just want your next tattoo to be subtle (but still exciting!), then you’ve came to the perfect place! I’ve gathered a collection of unique, but small tattoo ideas for women that I just know you’re going to be anxious to ink onto your skin! Making a decision on a design it tough! It is pretty much like marriage. Well, according to the legendary Chester Bennington…
If you’re considering getting your first tattoo and stumbled upon this post, then kudos to you! That probably means that you’re being mindful about the decision (rather than impulsive like I was when I got my first!), and you’re wanting to stick to something small just incase you absolutely hate it in a few years. If you weren’t aware already, tattoo removal is super expensive and MUCH more painful than actually getting the tattoo applied. So even if you get a quarter sized tattoo and want to get it removed one day, you can expect to pay around fifty dollars per session. Since it can take up tp 12 sessions for the tattoo to be completely removed, that a grand total of 600.00!
So choose wisely! Choose a quality tattoo artist that has lots of good reviews and experience, even if that means you’ll be paying more. It will be so worth it! Trust me, you do not want to go through those tattoo removal sessions – I have done it and that was some WOWZA, WILD, WICKED pain. 😂
Okay, I will cut out my cautionary tale and get to the list of some of the best small tattoo ideas for women!
The Coolest Small Tattoo Ideas for Women 🖤
The tattoo designs that I am presenting in this list prove that you don’t need a large tat to still have an exciting, unique or meaningful application of ink to be excited about. Happy hunting!
1. Small Lotus Tattoo
The great thing about considering a lotus tattoo is that it looks gorgeous even in it’s simplest form. There are tons of different variations of styles available to choose from if you want something more detailed or colorful.
Another superb reason to get this ink? The symbolism & meaning behind the almighty lotus flower:
The lotus flower is considered a symbol of strength and courage in Buddhism because of its resilience in surviving its murky and filthy environment. The lotus pushes through muddy, dark water until it reaches the surface and opens its petals in full bloom. The obstacles it has to fight through to reach the top are symbolic of the obstacles one has to overcome to reach their goals or success.
Symbolsage
Try a temporary tattoo version of this if you want to “try it before you buy it”, on Amazon: Lotus Temporary Tattoo
2. Colorful Seashell & Pearls Small Tattoo Idea
Yes, I know, I KNOW! This cute as heck seashell pearl tattoo design it PERF! If colored tattoos aren’t your thing – not a problem! All you have to do is tell the tattoo artist what you want to be adjusted, to include the colors, adding text, & more.
A seashell isn’t always associated with mermaids, as it s symbolic for many things, to include life, protection, eternity, protection & more!
A seashell symbolizes the soul leaving earth, the journey of life, eternity, strength, and relaxation.
Symbolism & Metaphor – Seashell Symbolism
3. Semicolon Tattoo Idea
You’ve likely heard of the semicolon tattoo and it’s powerful meaning (check out Selena Gomez sporting hers on her wrist), but if for some reason you haven’t, read up!
That sentiment is the idea behind Project Semicolon, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of mental illness, self-harm, suicide, and addiction. “A semicolon represents a sentence the author could’ve ended but chose not to,” reads the organization’s slogan often seen on their Instagram page. “The author is you and the sentence is your life.”
BYRDIE
You don’t have to struggle with depression for this tattoo to be a good fit, so don’t let that stop you. It can be a reminder to keep going while tackling anything from a bad day at work, a breakup & more. But it would always serve as a reminder when facing anything that makes you question your strength or ability to manage.
Lastly, you can easily make this as tiny as you want, anywhere on your body. Those perks, combined with the powerful, universal symbolism, makes this tattoo a low-threat, no-regret WIN!
4. Popular Small Tattoo Ideas for Women: A Butterfly Tattoo!
Butterflies symbolize growth, self-awareness, change and transformation. These are things we all can relate to, and being mindful of it is so important throughout all the many phases of our life. In other words, this small & meaningful tattoo idea is a great choice for pretty much anyone.
Another great thing about butterfly tattoos is that you can hide them anywhere on your body without it looking out of place. One of my favorites is this set of ink below, featuring butterflies discreetly behind the ear!
5. Small Music Tattoo
This beautiful music tat is one that I have personally always wanted to get, but I ended up sticking to just a plain treble clef. I don’t remember why I didn’t end up getting this one, but I still wish I did! I am pretty certain all pianist and music fans immediately fall in love with this one every time. Why? Well, because Music is love! 🖤
6. Small Alien Tattoo
HUMANS ARE NOT REAL. If you identify with that common alien caption, then this one is for you!
Some tattoos don’t need a clear meaning that you can google for validation & this is one of them.
7. Disco Ball Tattoo
Disco balls are perfect for anyone who has an enticing personality (like my own, if I do say so myself!) 😂 Even if you aren’t a disco music fan, this tattoo is beautiful and represents the beauty of reflective, flashy lights, making everything it touches look like absolute perfection!
Get it, girl! (Even if you’re only reason is because you adore Lady Gaga’s “Disco Heaven“).
8. Lip-Stained Coffee Cup Tattoo
The only reason you need to justify getting this tattoo is the fact that it is COFFEE. The sweet nectar of the Gods! 😂 The great drink on the planet! A legendary liquid that saves our monday morning souls! The fact that the cup has a cute lip stain on it is just a bonus!
Bright & Inspiration for Small Tattoo Ideas🤩
The selections above are definitely simple & small. However, if you want to get inspired from some larger, brighter & bolder tattoos, you gotta see these! Remember, you can always request to have the tattoo bigger or smaller than seen in the photos before your appointment.
I just couldn’t leave these amazing designs out of this post!
Trippy Eye Small Tattoo
Incredible looking, fun & mesmerizing! For similar designs for inspiration, check out this page: Trippy Tattoos
Mermaid Scale Tattoo
I definitely need this tattoo – and so do you! This is beautiful and looks as if you’re secretly a mermaid and about to go through a legs to fins transformation! LOVE IT! Check out this one and others like it here: Tattoodo – Mermaid Tats
Slinky Tattoo Idea for Women
Consider this uber adorable tattoo of a Slinky, or prepare to be amazed over all of this artist’s work on her Instagram, here: Shira Twig
Lipstick Tattoo Ideas
A fun pick for makeup lovers! And, obviously another spectacular Instagram you should follow for more fun designs: Diego Kirotoki
Pink Skull & Crystal Tattoo
Not so small, but this brilliant piece of art has a lot of little elements you can pull from! (Skulls, neon wings, crystals, etc…) Wowza!!! Prepare to be STUNNED looking at this artist’s entire portfolio: Laura Anunnaki
More Small Tattoo Ideas 💗
I had to add this cute skull tattoo last minute as soon as I laid eyes on it!
Hopefully you found something you liked in the selections above, but if not, check out the following Instagram accounts for more amazing tattoo ideas!
Miss Tea Tattoos
Hailstorm Tattoos
Janine Tattoos
Lilian Raya
Vicmesi
