ADVERTISEMENT

Just like with neck tattoos, not everyone agrees that inking your palms is a good idea. The palms are unlike most other locations on the body because their callused skin presents the artist with a tricky texture to work on. Palm tattoos are also very prone to fading. However, a pro tattoo artist who's very experienced with the needle together with reasonable expectations can result in excellent tattoo design, even if it's on your wrinkled little fingers! Bored Panda has compiled a list of creative tattoo ideas that fit in the palm of your hand, and their imperfections only add to their uniqueness. From trippy 3D designs to gentle minimal strokes, these pieces definitely deserve the attention they can get!

#1

We Don’t Typically Recommend Palm Tattoos, But This One Has A Lot Of Meaning To Our Customer. Plus We Do Really Love How It Turned Out

Hand with a minimalist palm tattoo of a paper airplane and heart, showcasing one of the best palm tattoos.

impulseinktattoo Report

Inked Mag advises to not complicate a palm tattoo with intricate designs, shading, or color palettes. "Palm tattoos are extremely prone to fading and falling out, which means simplistic designs with solid black will last the longest over time," they write. "Keep your body art as simple and readable as possible, otherwise, you'll be left with an illegible mess."

RELATED:
    #2

    Dot Work Paw Print

    Hand with a paw print palm tattoo, a creative example of best palm tattoos.

    _jen.chii_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Leo H
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watch ink masters they will tell you the worst place to get a tat is the hands cause it won't last

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Instead, they suggest considering lots of dots. "If you’re not looking for a simple black outline of your small tattoo, you can opt for dot work shading. Most other shading styles won't hold. However, saturated dot work can stand the tests of time if the dots are applied in multiple passes. An artist applies dot shading like they would linework, depositing more pigment per dot than the wash-like shading you see in the whipping technique."

    #3

    Very Fun Tattoo Done Today

    Realistic spider palm tattoo with intricate details on a person's hand.

    matteoinktattoos Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Magpie
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Arrrrrrrrrg!!!!! *runs awaaaay* _____________oh it is a tattoo right *cough* i weren't tricked. _________________arrrrrrrrrrrg.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    But if dots aren't your thing, there are other alternatives that you'll see in this tattoo gallery. For example, designs that are bold and black. "Let us say this loud and clear: BOLD WILL HOLD. Small, intricate and delicate designs will fall out, but heavy blacks will stay saturated in the skin long after the tattoo has healed. Callused skin that is constantly in motion, like the palms, has a faster regrowth than other locations on the body, which means that tattoo ink fades or falls out at a faster rate."

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Minimal Palm Tattoo

    Palm tattoo with the word "EARTH" inked in different colors.

    heartbreakertattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    white ink fades sooo quickly so they would either have to live with ART once the E and H fade or get it touched up every few years.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    Got Some New Ink

    Man with intricate eye design palm tattoo, holding hand up to face outside a tattoo shop.

    theworden86_tattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Von
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    F*****g dope. Excuse my language, but mad props to the artist. The eye of the pyramid. Very clever.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Palm Tattoos Are A Serious Undertaking But I Assure You Ariel Is Up To The Task

    Hands with palm tattoos featuring a minus and plus sign, highlighting unique palm tattoo designs.

    nickwallintattoos Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    Something Different

    Close-up of a palm tattoo featuring a minimalist gear shift design.

    butchtattoos Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    S
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually know someone who has/had this same one on his palm. Cody, that you? LOL

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    My First Palm Ever! Turned The Machine Way Doooooown For This One

    Skeleton design on a palm tattoo, showcasing intricate black ink details.

    corey_stc Report

    #25

    It Was A Great Pleasure To Make This Beautiful Trifle On The Palm Of Jure

    Geometric star design palm tattoo on an open hand, showcasing intricate black ink details.

    niebuhr_tattoo Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Palm Tattoo

    Palm tattoos featuring a wave design across both hands.

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Slune
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't hope the inspiration comes from "Tsunami" the ancient Japanese wood print! It looks like frozen claws.

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #32

    Is It Shark Week Yet?

    Is It Shark Week Yet?

    jake_thorsell Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #36

    Little Old Match Stick

    Little Old Match Stick

    shardz_tattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #39

    Ant Tattoo On Palm

    Ant Tattoo On Palm

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    miaow
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    but what if there was a real insect on your hand, how will you find it? The lucky ant can blend in with the crowd lololol :D

    #40

    The Moon

    The Moon

    ysux_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #42

    Artwork On A Palm

    Artwork On A Palm

    inezalmeida_tattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #43

    Snowflake

    Snowflake

    the_sym_tattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PinkPanda
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is really pretty, I’d personally put it somewhere other than the palm, though.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    So This Happened Today, Finally Got My Other Palm Tattooed

    So This Happened Today, Finally Got My Other Palm Tattooed

    leemallett666 Report

    #46

    Snake's Spine. Traditional Berber Tattoo. Antique Protection Symbol Against Bad Things And Evil Eyes

    Snake's Spine. Traditional Berber Tattoo. Antique Protection Symbol Against Bad Things And Evil Eyes

    amj_xyz Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #49

    Palm Skull Tattoo

    Palm Skull Tattoo

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #50

    Emotional Landscapes/Don’t Tell Me To Smile

    Emotional Landscapes/Don’t Tell Me To Smile

    tinedefiore Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #53

    Nick Didn’t Enjoy This

    Nick Didn’t Enjoy This

    walkerx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #57

    Warrior Palm

    Warrior Palm

    hands.inked Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #58

    Healed And Fresh

    Healed And Fresh

    ismapnx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #59

    Palms For Emilie

    Palms For Emilie

    bastienjean Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #60

    Palm Tattoo From The Voodoo/Tribal Flashes

    Palm Tattoo From The Voodoo/Tribal Flashes

    mat_le_black Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #61

    Little Bit Red “Creation Of Adam” Hands For Jaleesa Made Today On The Palm

    Little Bit Red “Creation Of Adam” Hands For Jaleesa Made Today On The Palm

    collectivusparlour Report

    #62

    I Got To Make Brennas Day Today. Thank You For Sitting So Tough

    I Got To Make Brennas Day Today. Thank You For Sitting So Tough

    elesqueleto Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #63

    Fresh And Healed Pictures Of This Unalome In The Palm I Did Some Time Ago

    Fresh And Healed Pictures Of This Unalome In The Palm I Did Some Time Ago

    kajsa_redrosetattoo Report

    #65

    Scissors On Palm

    Scissors On Palm

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #66

    Cat Tattoo

    Cat Tattoo

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #68

    Heart Tattoo

    Heart Tattoo

    ysux_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #69

    Had The Pleasure Of Ruining Bri's Day Yesterday With These Palm Tattoos

    Had The Pleasure Of Ruining Bri's Day Yesterday With These Palm Tattoos

    taylorhealdtattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #70

    Well This Was Just A Little Bit Of Fun And Also... Ouch

    Well This Was Just A Little Bit Of Fun And Also... Ouch

    meloratattoos Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #71

    Client Of Steel

    Client Of Steel

    killndevour Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #74

    Beautiful Line Work

    Beautiful Line Work

    xolavant Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #76

    Palm Tattoos

    Palm Tattoos

    kangtattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #79

    Rose On A Palm

    Rose On A Palm

    _ericpaes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #80

    Bang Bang, Shoot Shoot

    Bang Bang, Shoot Shoot

    vomitvixen Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #82

    Born To Ride

    Born To Ride

    chrisbmtattoo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #83

    You Could Have The World In The Palm Of Your Hand, But It Don't Mean A Thing 'Til U Change It Your Damn Self

    You Could Have The World In The Palm Of Your Hand, But It Don't Mean A Thing 'Til U Change It Your Damn Self

    tgonzo1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #84

    A Hardcore One Today

    A Hardcore One Today

    miguelrangelxitras Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #85

    Stairway To Hell

    Stairway To Hell

    suezuno Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #86

    No Need To Cry

    No Need To Cry

    bdelay Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #87

    Bojack Horseman

    Bojack Horseman

    lukeaashley Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #88

    Palm Tattoo

    Palm Tattoo

    lukeaashley Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #89

    Palm Tattoos

    Palm Tattoos

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #91

    Palm Tattoos At Richmond Tattoo Arts Festival

    Palm Tattoos At Richmond Tattoo Arts Festival

    Jankx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #92

    Spider Web Palm Tattoo

    Spider Web Palm Tattoo

    Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #93

    "An Empty Hand Can Still Become A Fist" And "All We Love We Leave Behind"

    "An Empty Hand Can Still Become A Fist" And "All We Love We Leave Behind"

    vanessa.a.doutora Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #94

    Probably The Most Painful Tattoo I Have Ever Gotten

    Probably The Most Painful Tattoo I Have Ever Gotten

    nixie_smith Report

    #95

    Abduction Tattoo

    Abduction Tattoo

    the_ufo_atelier Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #96

    Both Palms Together

    Both Palms Together

    tattoosbycallum Report