Finger tattoos are getting considerable attention these days. Not just because of the many celebs who have one but that these are cute, delicate and exquisite to look at. The fingers are one of the most exposed parts of our body. So, if you are the type to show off your tats, there is no better way than to have a finger tattoo.
These types of tattoos does not need to have a symbolic meaning. It could be an art design you have thought about just to have uniqueness. However, some designs no matter how simple, tend to have a much deeper meaning. Many choose tattoos to express themselves so it’s no problem to have a more symbolic design.
Basic Problems for Wearers
It may not be the best to start with the cons. However, these are things you should consider before deciding whether finger tattoos should be your thing.
There are two main problems that enthusiasts will have to face when they get a finger tat. The first thing is the aftercare and the next thing is how long the ink would last. Both of these factors are linked to how often we use our hands.
Since we use our hands every day for almost every chore we do, our hands tend to get worked out. That being said, allowing our tattoo to heal could be extremely hard. Healing requires time and it is important not to get our hands working too much. The ink is still setting in our skin so it is possible it could get blotchy and blurry. The aftercare also tells how long the tattoo could last (well, tattoos are permanent so in this case, how long it would stay clear and vibrant).
Another thing to worry about is how long till our tattoos fade. Our hands tend to get the most exfoliating, especially since we wash our hands frequently than any other parts. This could result to your finger tattoos fading faster than any other.
Small and Simple Finger Tattoos
Perhaps the most common of all finger tattoos are the small and simple designs. The designs could range from simple geometric lines, arrows, letters, small words, and Viking rune symbols. Anything that could fit the side or front of the finger is applicable.
Geometric lines are are really popular these days. These symbols do not really have any significant meanings. Their popularity is mainly due to their aesthetics. Designs often include lines, shapes, swirls and dots. In most cases, these patterns tend to look like simple tribal tattoo designs.
The arrow is another popular tattoo design that you have probably seen before. The usual placement is the arm given that its space is perfect for an elongated design. Smaller and simpler arrow tattoos have also found home on the finger, mainly on the sides. In general, an arrow could represent a symbol of protection from harm.
Letters and small words are perfect on the side of the finger. However, some use their fingers to spell out words, with one letter each finger. It’s a rather funky design and perfect for quirky persons. Others are more traditional, having words such as “love”, “peace”, “blessed” and more tatted on the side of the finger. There are usually no other designs besides the beautiful script or calligraphy font.
Viking rune symbols are perhaps the best choice for simple yet powerful designs. These have very simple designs but each one have their own meanings. Some designs you can get are the following:
- Fehu – symbol for wealth
- Uruz – symbol for strength of will
- Ansuz – symbol for prosperity and vitality
- Raidho – symbol for movement, work or growth
- Gebo – symbol for generosity
- Wunjo – symbol for joy
- Jera – symbol for harvest or reward
- Eihwaz – symbol for strength and stability
- Sowilo – symbol for success or solace
- Tiwaz – symbol for victory or honor
- Ehwaz – symbol for trust, faith, and companionship
- Dagaz – symbol for hope and happiness
Cute and Quirky Finger Tattoos
While there are simple designs, there are also cute and quirky ones. These are the more unusual designs that are mostly made by the wearer. While some have deeper meanings, others are simply for the cuteness factor. Nonetheless, the wearer might have their own story about the tattoo so what the design represents is entirely up to the person.
Some designs include small and cute animal designs. Others tend to just have the face. For example, a cat would only have the eyes, nose, mouth, whiskers and the infamous cat ears. Bunnies would be known for their long bunny ears. Others would draw the outlines of the animals. If you’re a dog and cat lover, you can have both of them tatted on your fingers. The details are mostly nonexistent and only the linework is done.
Usually, an animal tattoo draws its meaning from the characteristics of the animal. For example, a dog would represent loyalty and an elephant represents gentleness and kindness.
Having the solar system or the planets on your fingers is also possible. Just a simple round blue and green one for Earth, a red one for Mars, a big round one with a little red spot for Jupiter and one with a ring around it for Saturn. It’s also a great idea to have their planetary symbols for a more sophisticated look. You can also have the stars, sun and the moon tatted on you. The designs are typically minimalist and simple.
The meanings for these celestial bodies could either mean you love astronomy. However, there are more popular representations for each of these heavenly bodies. For example, the sun is linked to vibrance and vitality while the moon is for emotion and intuition. Venus is a representation for beauty, harmony, and attraction while Mars is for energy, vigor, and initiative.
Inspiring Finger Tattoos
Many get their tattoos for the inspiring message their design holds. It does not need to be an elaborate tattoo nor a big one. Sometimes, a small finger tattoo is enough to inspire you and the people who know about your tattoo.
Some tattoo designs have gained popularity, not just because of how it looks but mainly because of what it represents. Here are some of the most common designs you can put on your finger to help spread awareness and help causes.
Alzheimer’s disease – This is a mental health condition that usually triggers older people. If you know someone dear to you who has or is going through this, there are a couple of tattoos you can get in their honor. The purple ribbon is known as a symbol for the cause. The Alzheimer’s Association symbol is another way to spread awareness.
Project Semicolon – This project was created by someone who has lost a family to depression. It helps raise awareness about this serious mental health issue and slowly take away the stigma surrounding it. A simple semicolon tattoo is all it takes. You can have it inked on your fingers to show your support or to remind yourself that a sentence can be ended but you can choose not to.
Cancer awareness – Just like with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer awareness and support is often linked with a colored ribbon. Different colors represent various types of cancer. For example, a pink ribbon is for breast cancer.
Anxiety and panic attacks – Many tend to ignore anxiety and panic attacks, thinking it’s a normal thing that happens to everyone. However, some have crippling anxiety that disables them to function properly. To help raise awareness and support people with mental health issues, the ellipses is a simple but perfect tattoo.
Autism – Autism awareness and support is as important as supporting people with various health problems. Help by getting a puzzle piece tattoo. It means that even though people with autism are different, they are still a part of the puzzle like us.
There are many other types of tattoos that you can get on your finger to help raise awareness for various causes. You can research for more tattoo designs that can inspire you and others.
Finger Tattoos for Couples
Of course, we can’t go talking about fingers without stopping by for the couples. The fingers are pretty important for any of those in a relationship. Why? It is where the rings will be placed for engagements and weddings. Some even choose to give a promise ring to their significant other and it’s an important accessory for every couple.
Just like rings, couples are also getting tattoos together. They usually choose matching ones. Getting similar tattoos is almost like getting linked forever, seeing as tattoos are permanent. Every time you look at your tattoo, you would be reminded of the person most dear to your heart.
While matching heart and love tattoos are prominent, couples are now getting their initials tatted on their fingers. Each one would have the initials of their partner on their finger, usually on the ring finger where the wedding band is placed. It’s very similar to a promise ring; promising to love your partner for the rest of your lives.
Others are taking a step further into their relationships and actually ink the name of their partners. This could be quite risky. Seeing as not all relationships have a happy ending, a tattoo of your ex’s name is pretty much not the best idea. This is especially so if you are moving on or in the future if you have a new partner. So, before getting your partner’s name tatted on you, be sure you are ready to commit to them as you are committed to your tattoos.
Another popular finger tattoo for couples are their wedding rings. This way, they are reminded of their bond even if they take their ring at home.
Tattoo Designs with Meanings
The thing with usual tattoo designs is that they are versatile. They can be placed wherever you want them as there are various styles that could make it possible to have it big or small. There are several tattoo designs that you can also get for your fingers. Here are some:
- Skull – This is one of the tattoo industry’s most common designs. Others create a more complicated design while some want a more simplified version. For you fingers, the latter would be perfect. This design is usually linked to death and negativity. But that is not always the case. In fact, the skull could also represent eternal life, wisdom, protection, and rebirth.
- Infinity – The iconic symbol is perhaps the most popular of all finger tattoos. It is very simple and perfect tattoo for those who believe in infinite love and friendship, eternity, and perfection.
- Heart – Another simple tattoo that can easily be inked anywhere in your body. This symbolizes love, passion, faithfulness, and hope.
- Snake – While snakes are often deemed as bad, it could also be positive. Its dual symbolism works for both negative and positive. This design could mean malice and aggression. However, it could also represent renewal, longevity, and wisdom. The perfect design would be having it intertwined in one finger.
- Cross – A simple and minimalist cross tattoo works perfectly for those who believe that it is a protective sign. Also, Christians often get this tattoo to show their faith as it is the biggest symbol in the religion. It means life, death, and sacrifice.
- Diamond – As a tattoo, the diamond is said to be a powerful talisman for good luck and fortune.
- Crown – The crown is a symbol of power, leadership, supremacy, and authority. Even in tattoos, the meanings remain the same.
- Roman numerals – This design can be customized by the wearer. They can create a Roman numeral version of a certain number or date. Usually, it is made to immortalize a special event and time in the wearer’s life.
For Aesthetics or for Inspiration?
When getting a tattoo, you’d always want to make sure it looks nice. However, do you really have to find something with an awe-inspiring message? Does your tattoo need to have a story behind it?
The truth is no. You can get a tattoo because of the sole reason that you feel it looks good. There is no need to find inspiring tattoos as well. However, the charm of a tattoo with a backstory is entirely different. For some tattoos, the message behind actually helps certain causes through raising awareness.
Nonetheless, you can get finger tattoos that are made to improve your look. You can even design it any way you want so long as you feel it is appropriate for such an exposed area.
If you are looking for an inspiring tattoo, you’d definitely want to research about its symbolism. If necessary, it is also important to know its history. Some finger tattoos might be from a very different culture than yours. It is always best to have culture appropriation and respect.
How Much Will It Hurt?
Whenever getting a tattoo or at least deciding to get one, the one question we always ask is “Will it hurt?” Sad to say, yes it will. It does not matter where you are going to have your tattoo placed, getting a tattoo will hurt.
However, there are some places that hurt less than the others. Various tattoo styles also have varying levels of pain. For example, the line work is much more irritating and uncomfortable rather than painful. One the other hand, the shading will probably make you grip your chair. Hard.
As for the fingers, it is also unfortunate to say that it will definitely hurt. Since the skin is thinner and it is closer to the bones, getting a tattoo on the finger will hurt. But no pain, no gain, right? If you are a first-timer, you’d probably want to get a simple tattoo first so you can get familiarize with the pain of the tattoo gun.
Tattoos and Employment
While tattoos have been around for centuries, stigma still surrounds tattoos these days. Many consider it as art and self-expression. But there are still many who consider it as taboos. Businesses and workplaces are no exception. While it may not generally be due to the owners or employers but more on their clients, some places do not actually hire people with exposed tattoos. That being said, will you get employed if you have finger tattoos?
Some places are getting more lenient about tattoos so it is entirely possible to get employed with a tattoo. However, it is best to get one after you have found a job and after you have asked whether they are alright with it.
You can cover your tattoos with clothing. If you have one or deciding to get one but is on the process of looking for a job, you’d want to have it someplace where you can hide it with your clothes. However, if you have a tattoo on your hand or your fingers, you can try hiding it with makeup. It might not work as best as you need it to but it can help.
Otherwise, the best way to do it is to ask your workplace first before getting a tattoo so your job won’t be compromised.
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