30 Chic Wrist Tattoos That Are Better Than a Bracelet
Finding the best body placement for your next tattoo is a good first step in the process because it will then make it easier to narrow down the perfect design. And, if you truly want to wear your heart on your sleeve, then the wrist makes a great canvas for your next piece of ink. The entire surface area — no matter which precise placement you choose — provides a relatively flat plane that's easy to tattoo, which makes the wrist especially popular for first-timers who want small designs or short sayings.
While a tiny wrist tattoo is generally more visible than, say, a design on the ribs or back area, this placement allows for easy coverage with foundations or bracelets — making it an ideal choice for those who might be slightly hesitant to get inked in a more prominent location. Conversely, we like the wrist because of its visibility: the conspicuousness of this spot is perfect for tattoos meant to serve as a source of inspiration, support, or reminder. (Experts have also said this area doesn't hurt quite as much as other placements.)
Don't just take our word for it. From tiny ornamental designs to dainty symbols, check out our favorite small wrist tattoos ahead for serious inspiration before your next appointment.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Renee Rodriguez
Dog Wrist Tattoo
A tiny portrait of a beloved pet makes a great wrist tattoo.
Music Notes Wrist Tattoo
Whether you have music notes that represent a specific song in mind that you love or you just like their symbolism, music notes make a great tiny wrist tattoo.
Pepperoni Pizza Wrist Tattoo
Show off your love for pepperoni pizza with a realistic tiny wrist tattoo.
Pollinating Butterfly Wrist Tattoo
If you like realistic but dainty tattoos, this butterfly pollinating a flower is stunning.
Yin and Yang Wrist Tattoo
We love this tiny wrist tattoo, which is a fun twist on the yin and yang symbol.
Anatomical Heart Wrist Tattoo
Love heart tattoos but want an interesting take for your wrist? What about an anatomical heart?
Hummingbird Wrist Tattoo
This realistic tiny hummingbird tattoo is one of the coolest we've seen.
Breathe Wrist Tattoo
Your tiny wrist tattoo can serve as a reminder to breathe, especially in times of struggle.
Leafy Branch Wrist Tattoo
This simple, tiny wrist tattoo features a leafy branch in black ink with minimal shading.
Honey Bee Wrist Tattoo
This black ink honey bee is minimal and tiny.
Film Camera Wrist Tattoo
Love photography? Why not show off your hobby with a tiny wrist tattoo?
Minimalist Lotus Wrist Tattoo
We love single-needle designs like this minimal lotus flower located on the inner wrist.
Blue Blooms Wrist Tattoo
Whether blue is your favorite color or you have a favorite flower in mind, dainty floral blooms make such cute tiny wrist tattoos.
Birth Year Wrist Tattoo
Whether you're looking to get your own birth year tattooed or the birth year of a loved one, we love the idea of the wrist placement.
Arrow Wrist Tattoo
If you're looking for a simple, tiny wrist tattoo design, this arrow is cute and chic.
Microscopic Heart Wrist Tattoo
If you want a tiny wrist tattoo that's subtle, why not opt for a microscopic heart, like the image shown above?
Matching Hearts Wrist Tattoo
If you want to get matching tattoos with loved ones, wrist placement is the perfect location. These tiny hearts look stunning.
Roman Numerals Wrist Tattoo
Roman numerals make the perfect tiny wrist tattoo. They can symbolize a special date or a lucky number.
Seashell Wrist Tattoo
Into mermaid tattoos? This colorful seashell is a perfect pick.
Tiny Lettering Wrist Tattoo
This tiny wrist tattoo features dainty lettering in the shape of a cross.
Gemini Symbol
If you're into astrology, why not get a horoscope tattoo to show off your sign?
Shaded Butterfly Wrist Tattoo
Butterflies are one of the more common wrist tattoos, and we love the intricate shading on this one.
Anchor Wrist Tattoo
An anchor tattoo is as classic as it gets, and we love the placement on the wrist.
Moon Wrist Tattoo
This tiny wrist tattoo features a moon that looks 3D, thanks to the stunning shading.
Barbed Wire Wrist Tattoo
Barbed wire tattoos have been making a comeback recently, and we love the idea of a dainty barbed wire tattoo around the wrist.
Solar System Wrist Tattoo
Show off your love of all things astronomy with a solar system wrist tattoo.
Crown Wrist Tattoo
Get a matching crown wrist tattoo with the love in your life.
Guardian Angel Wrist Tattoo
This angel outline tattoo looks perfectly placed on the inner wrist.
Tiny Dagger Wrist Tattoo
Dagger tattoos have been trending, and the placement of this one is perfection.
Lemon Wrist Tattoo
When life gives you lemons, get a tiny wrist tattoo.