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.
A tiny portrait of a beloved pet makes a great wrist tattoo. You'll be able to keep your furry friend closest to you.
Whether you have music notes that represent a specific song or you just like their symbolism, music notes make a great tiny wrist tattoo.
Love a good slice? Show off your love for pepperoni pizza with a realistic tiny wrist tattoo.
If you like realistic but dainty tattoos, this butterfly pollinating a flower is stunning. It's perfect for plant lovers.
This wrist tattoo is a fun twist on the yin and yang symbol. Get it to match with a family member or significant other to make it even more meaningful.
Love heart tattoos but want an interesting take for your wrist? Try out an anatomical heart.
This tiny hummingbird tattoo is one of the coolest we've seen. From the detailed wings to the small beak, it's almost like the real thing.
Your tiny wrist tattoo can serve as a reminder, especially if you opt for script designs. This one says to breathe, which is the best tip when you're stressed.
This simple, tiny wrist tattoo features a leafy branch in black ink with minimal shading.
This black ink honey bee is minimal and tiny. If you love small animal tattoos, this one is extremely adorable.
Love photography? Why not show off your hobby with a tiny wrist tattoo?
We love single-needle designs, and you will, too, if you're a minimalist. This lotus flower located on the inner wrist is perfect if you're on the hunt for your next design.
Whether blue is your favorite color or you have a favorite flower in mind, dainty floral blooms make such cute tiny wrist tattoos.
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.
If you're looking for a simple, tiny wrist tattoo design, this arrow is cute and chic. It's also perfect for minimalists.
If you want a tattoo that's subtle, why not opt for a microscopic heart, like the image shown above?
If you want to get matching tattoos with loved ones, wrist placement is the perfect location. These tiny hearts look stunning.
Roman numerals make the perfect tiny wrist tattoo. They can symbolize a special date or a lucky number.
Into mermaid tattoos? This colorful seashell is a perfect pick.
This tiny wrist tattoo features dainty lettering in the shape of a cross.
If you're into astrology, why not get a horoscope tattoo to show off your sign?
Butterflies are one of the more common wrist tattoos, and we love the intricate shading on this one.
An anchor tattoo is as classic as it gets, and we love the placement on the wrist.
This tiny wrist tattoo features a moon that looks 3D, thanks to the stunning shading.
Barbed wire tattoos have been making a comeback recently, and we love the idea of a dainty barbed wire tattoo around the wrist.
Show off your love of all things astronomy with a solar system wrist tattoo. This version is similar to a patchwork design.
Get a matching crown wrist tattoo with the love in your life. It's an easy location to make sure you see your design every day.
This angel outline tattoo looks perfectly placed on the inner wrist.
Dagger tattoos have been trending, and the placement of this one is perfection.
When life gives you lemons, get a small design of the fruit on your wrist.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Renee Rodriguez, and Ariel Baker.
Lauren Harano
is a contributor for PS and was formerly an editor for the Living, Beauty, and Shop departments. She's a Southern-California-native-turned-New-Yorker with a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Aside from PS, her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.