38 pretty finger tattoos to inspire your next ink, plus how to look after your new design

Our obsession with finger tattoos continues to grow as more and more A-listers popularise this placement. Spotted on the hands of Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner (to name just a few), finger tattoos can look seriously cool and, as the celebs prove, are extremely versatile. From Hailey’s delicate dots to Rihanna’s bold Māori-inspired design - you can go as subtle or as bold as you like.

There’s also a choice of placement. These small tattoos can be inked on top of the finger for all to see, or down the sides of the finger for a more secretive design. Whichever you go for, it’s important to know that there are a few factors to consider before you commit to this trend and get inked.

First, finger tattoos can be pretty painful. This is because there’s less muscle and fat tissue between the skin and bone. Your fingers are also full of nerves, so if you have a low pain threshold, you may want to ink another area. Another factor to consider is that finger tattoos are known to fade fast – meaning regular touch-ups are often required (so more pain).

101 best tattoo ideas for your next ink, from big and bold to small and delicate

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With all the said, the payoff is worth it for many as these pretty designs can make a subtle (or bold) statement. The key is finding a style you love (scroll on down to see our carefully selected edit for inspo) and learning how to take care of your new design (expert tips below).

Keep new tattoos clean and moisturised

"As with most tattoos, it's best to keep the area clean and prevent it from drying too much," New York City tattoo artist Ron Mor advises. "This is usually difficult with hands because we use them for so much. A gentle approach is best."

Tattoo aftercare is essential, so here's the expert advice to keep your ink as fresh as the day you got it

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Unscented soap and moisturiser is a standard aftercare combo that basically all tattoo artists share — but Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara recommends adding one more product to the mix for added healing power. "Lube up with barrier repair creams," she says. "I love Avène Ciclafate+ Restorative Protective Cream."

Whatever you do, don't pick or scratch your tattoos

Tattoos can itch during the healing process, so this one's easier said than done. Our advice? Load up on moisturisers as they can help keep itching at bay.

“The skin should be kept covered and moist while healing,” advises San Diego board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm. Look for a flexible, breathable covering. “I prefer Hypafix for a bandage,” Palm says. “A hydrogel bandage is also a good option, especially if wetwork is unavoidable."

Don't forget sunscreen

“Ink can immediately begin to fade with UV light exposure,” Gohara says. The solution? Look for a physical sunscreen that's at least an SPF 30. Frequent dermatologist recommendations include EltaMD Active, Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen, and Neutrogena Clear Body Lotion SPF 30.

Ready to get inked? Here are 38 pretty finger tattoos to inspire your design

1. White heart

Hearts make ideal finger tattoos because they can be any size and are a recognisable icon. We love this delicate white heart on the front of the finger.

2. Flowing florals

A bold-but-still-pretty floral design that stretches across the fingers and hand is a great way for impact.

3. Dots

Opt for simple, minimalist dots like Beyonce and Hailey Bieber - perhaps one to represent children or siblings.

4. Constellations

A burst of various shaped stars and dots make for a dazzling constellation-style design across hands.

5. Black-lined heart

Chic and timeless, you can't go wrong with a black-outlined heart-shaped finger tattoo.

6. Botanicals

Wrap-around botanicals are a way to inject some bohemian style into your finger tattoo design.

7. Star

A simple star on the side of the finger is a chic, stylish way to flash your inky piece of art.

8. Tree

A fan of forest bathing? Carry a tree on your finger everyday to remind you to stop and breathe.

9. Sun

A sun finger tattoo is a lovely way to carry a little sunshine with you, even in the darkest of days.

10. Scribble

Why not opt for an abstract finger tattoo design like a small scribble? Make the lines crisp for impact or soft for aesthetics.

11. Rose

A symbol of everlasting love, we adore this classic, statement rose design.

12. Paw prints

Whether it’s a gesture for your love of animals or a memory of a pet that’s passed, these paw print finger tattoos are too cute to resist.

13. Love

Carry your heart on your finger, wherever you go with this simple mantra.

14. Cherry

We love this fun, eye-popping outline-only design that’s hidden in the inner finger for extra intimate vibes.

15. Flower

Will we ever get enough of elegant floral finger tattoos? The answer is no.

16. Simple ring

Abstract lines and rings are a stylish way to incorporate design elements into your finger tattoo choice.

17. Eye

Follow inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphs and opt for a bold eye finger tattoo symbol to represent well-being, healing, and protection.

18. Initials

Show yourself or a loved one some extra love with elegant initials tattooed onto your fingers.

19. Musical notes

If music runs through your blood, this stylish music symbol is a wonderful ode to your skill set.

20. Emoji

Spark some joy with a happiness-boosting colourful emoji finger tattoo.

21. Side finger tattoo

Don't want the world to see your finger tattoo? Place it on the side instead. We adore this dinky star.

22. Ring finger tattoo

Getting married? Pair your real ring with matching finger tattoos on your ring finger. Super cute!

23. Group finger tattoo

Make memories and mark the moment with matching tattoos

24. Family finger tattoo

Make it a family affair with show your allegiance with surname tattoos inked on your inner fingers

25. Finger tattoos with words

Whatever your mantra say it with words inked on your digits as an ever present reminder

26. Inner finger tattoo

Prefer a subtle inking? Try placement on your inner fingers

27. Elegant finger tattoo

Create a chic pattern of inkings with different designs placed across fingers

28. Cuticle finger tattoo

Place a chic, small symbol under your cuticle

29. Finger tattoo for couples

The ultimate way to demonstrate your other half partnership

30. Butterfly finger tattoo

The prettiest way to ink your fingers with a pair of butterflies

31. Wolf finger tattoo

Love to live wild and free, perhaps this wolf is your style?

32. Mandala finger tattoo

Find ink-spiration from Mandala patterns

33. Flower finger tattoo

Love wearing florals? It's a pretty and chic way to ink that will never go out of style.

34. Date finger tattoo

A date to remember? Then why not mark it in ink.

35. Smiley finger tattoo

A permanent happiness reminder, we love this smiley face emoji ink.

36. Wreath finger tattoo

Simple and subtle, this wreath on the inner finger proves it's a pretty way to ink.

37. Evil eye finger tattoo

Ward off spirits with a traditional evil eye symbol inked on fingers.

Love a little colour in your tattoo? Go for a rainbow shades in your chosen design.