3 Ways to Get a Tattoo on Your Fingers (2024)

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Co-authored byBurak Moreno

Last Updated: February 14, 2023

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   Decide on placement. Determine where on the fingers and on which finger you’d like to place a tattoo, as you have several options.

   • Knuckle tattoos are generally placed between either the first and second or second and third knuckles of any finger, on the flat back surface. Lettering across multiple “knuckles” is commonly suited to this placement, which is more likely to hold ink well than anywhere else on the finger, given that it is less often in contact with other fingers.
   • Tattoos can be placed on the side of any finger, as in where two fingers might touch when together. Small images and even words are commonly inked here.
   • Ring tattoos mimic the band of a metal ring by going all the way around a finger. Note that this and any other finger tattoo that has ink on the inside of the hand can more easily blur and fade because it is frequently exposed to movement, sweat, sun, and washing.^[1]
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   Choose a design for the tattoo. Come to a sure decision about the design of your tattoo and whether it will be in color or black and white.

   • Consider popular designs for finger tattoos, which include simple lettering, symbols, and sentimental or marital themed pieces for a creative alternative to traditional rings and wedding bands.
   • Avoid very intricate, detailed, or precise designs, as a finger affords very little space for tattoo art, and the ink may not hold color and detail as well as other areas due to the nature of the skin.^[2]
   • With any tattoo, it’s a good idea to visit a tattoo artist in your process of deciding on a design, whether you are familiar with their art and want to leave more creative control to them, or you want to see how they’ll interpret a very specific design that you want.^[3]

   See Also

   Van Sierlijk Tot Gedurfd: 21 Leuke Tattoo Ideeën Voor Vingers Om Uit Te ProberenAn Essential Guide to Getting a Tattoo on Your FingerThinking Of Getting A Finger Tattoo? Here’s What To Know FirstA Guide To Finger Tattoos: What To Consider Before Getting Inked - Glam

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   Find a tattoo shop and artist. If you are getting a permanent tattoo done, do your research into any tattoo parlor you’re interested in, as well as the specific artist who will work on you.

   • Note that there are some tattoo shops and artists who will not perform finger tattoos as a general rule, usually because they believe ink does not take as well to the skin on the fingers. Definitely be sure to check with the shop about their policies ahead of time.
   • Examine the shop itself for cleanliness and proper disposal methods, as well as looking into the license and certifications of any artist. Be willing to pay more for a quality shop or an artist with more experience.
   • If you are opting for a henna tattoo or other temporary method, search for shops that apply henna or buy your own online or in stores.
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   Test out a design before you get it permanently. Get used to having a finger tattoo design by creating a temporary one and continuing to redo it to determine if you still like it over time.

   • Get a henna tattoo with your design for something that will last for up to a couple weeks. You can have the tattoo redone or do it yourself to test it out for an even longer period.
   • Try a premade temporary tattoo from any store, or make your own using Sharpies or pens, eyeliner, or nail polish. Reapply as it wears off to test the tattoo for a longer period of time.
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   Consider career limitations. Remember that many job industries and those hiring you may prohibit visible tattoos, or visible tattoos may hurt your chances at a job. Consider this before getting a permanent finger tattoo, as they are nearly impossible to cover or hide.^[4]

   • Those in the medical industry, law, corporate offices, etc. are more likely to have restrictions on visible tattoos like finger tattoos. Retail, service, creative, and physical labor industries are more likely to be accepting of body ink.
   • Keep in mind that even if there are no written restrictions in your current industry or one you plan to pursue a job in, any unexpected job interview in the future may be negatively impacted by tattoos. About 60 percent of human resource managers surveyed in 2012 said a tattoo could hinder the chance of getting hired.

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   Get the tattoo done by a professional. Go to the shop you researched and decided on, allowing plenty of time for the process of getting the tattoo.

   • Be prepared for the tattoo to hurt while getting it done, as any tattoo does. Finger tattoos can be particularly painful, as there is very little muscle to pad between bones and tendons, through which the vibrations of the tattoo machine will then resonate.^[5]
   • Remember to hold still and be patient, as a finger tattoo is very small and requires the artist’s attention to detail to complete it carefully.
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   Follow care instructions. Always listen to your tattoo artist and follow any guidelines for cleaning, moisturizing, and otherwise dealing with your tattoo after application.

   • Because the skin of the hands and fingers regenerates quickly, it’s typically advised that you moisturize frequently with an unscented lotion and refrain from exfoliants or harsh soaps, especially in the initial healing period.
   • Keep hands clean, and wrap the tattoo with your aftercare cream and plastic wrap if you must cover your hands with gloves of any sort during healing.
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   Be prepared for upkeep with touch-ups. Know that a finger tattoo is nearly guaranteed to need touching up by a tattoo artist later on in the life of the tattoo, due to “fall out,” bleeding, fading, or any of the other common issues associated with tattoos on sensitive skin such as this.^[6]

   • If you see blurring in the lines of your tattoo, or parts of the color didn’t take right away after getting your tattoo, notify your tattoo artist and make an appointment for two to four weeks later to go back in and get it cleaned up.^[7]
   • It’s always a good idea to return to the same artist that did your initial tattoo to get touch-ups done, whenever possible, unless you had a negative experience with him or her.

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   Use decal or “waterslide” paper. Purchase paper meant for applying decals or temporary tattoos and design your finger tattoo on it before transferring it to your skin.

   • Remember that any design you create on paper will appear flipped as in a mirror image when you transfer it to your skin.
   • Make sure that you place paper decals exactly where you want the image to end up, as the finger is a tricky surface to place the flat paper on before it is made wet for the transfer.
   • It’s best to use non-toxic markers or inks for designing temporary tattoos on paper.
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   Try a henna or airbrush tattoo. Visit a shop, ask a friend, or apply your own temporary tattoo using natural henna ink or airbrushed paint.

   • Get an airbrush tattoo, which uses stencils to create crisp designs, usually in a gradient of colors. This is typically done by an artist with the airbrushing equipment, unless you already own the correct materials.
   • Get a henna tattoo by visiting a professional mehndi artist who can create beautiful designs by freehand, or apply your own, for a lasting temporary tattoo. Make sure to allow the ink to dry before rinsing, and follow any other care instructions your artist or kit recommends.
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   Apply a simple pen drawing. Use a permanent marker or an eyeliner pencil, or another similar tool, to create a temporary design on yourself.

   • Avoid toxic inks for use on your skin, especially if you continue to reapply when your design wears off.
   • Keep the finger with the temporary design as dry and undisturbed as possible. This may be difficult due to the frequent and varied use of the hands.

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