32 Small & Unique Tattoos For Men (and What They Mean)
If you are not a fan of larger tattoos and you’re trying to go for something delicate you will enjoy this article! Here, we will talk about different kinds, colors, as well as prints that can suit guys who dislike the tattooing process (which can get pretty painful when working with larger tattoos). Find something that suits your personality, as well as your delicate body & preference in this article.
Why Go For Small Tattoos?
Small tattoos are for men who dislike the tattooing process, as well as the needle itself. You will enjoy a smaller tattoo if:
- You have sensitive skin
- You are a minimalist
- You prefer smaller tattoos since they are easier to get
- They are more affordable as well as budget-friendly
- You dislike the process
- You want something discreet
How Painful Are Small Tattoos?
It is never really about the size of your tattoo, but is more-so about the placement. Smaller tattoos will take a lot less time to get, that’s for sure. You can expect to leave the shop in 1-2 hours, which is great news! However, if you end up placing your tattoo around an inconvenient spot, you will feel the pain, no matter its size! Try to avoid:
- Your ribs
- Your head, face or neck
- Collar bones
- Ankle
- Knee
- Elbow
- Armpit
8 Small & Unique Small Tattoos
1. Small Tattoos For Men On Hand Galaxy & Egypt Inspired
Do you believe in the power or universe? A lot of men love to get galaxy tattoos and similar prints placed onto their bodies. This handprint tattoo is not for everyone, but you will enjoy it if you’re a fan of smaller tattoos yet showy and poppy place.
Symbolize your beliefs and your love for the galaxy, along with the appreciation of ancient Egypt, their culture, as well as the Mayan culture. This tattoo will show off your passion for history, does this sound like you? If so, make sure that you get it!
2. Side Wrist Tattoos Cat Image
How about a funny cat tattoo? Are you a cat person or a cat lover maybe? If so, you can show your love for this little pet and furry veiny with this small and precise tattoo.
Cats are seen as mysterious and devilish creatures. They are a symbol of determination and they are seen as bringers of bad luck. If you feel like you’re not capable of handling the pressure from society and you are your own enemy at times, give this tattoo a chance!
3. Small Tattoos For Men With Meaning
Do you believe in love? Or were you injured and left heartbroken at one point during your lifetime? A lot of guys feel like they can’t express their true emotions. If this does resonate with you go with this black ink print.
Do you believe in the Goddess of love, yet you want to give your tattoo a unique approach that is something right up your alley? This silly Cupid design will suit you if you’re a fan of love but in an unusual way!
4. Cute Family Inspired Tattoo Picture Of Family
Are you a family person? Maybe you’re someone who wants to show their love and appreciation for other close and important people in your life through a small tattoo? This one will suit you if you’re someone who is emotional yet afraid of the needle.
This tattoo represents your loving and caring side + it can also show and represent each member of your family. It will take you less than two hours to achieve, which is another plus side to it!
5. Small Mens Tattoos Skull Image
How about a skull image on top of your hand? This ink is simple yet pretty scary and straightforward. You will enjoy it since it won’t take you too much time to achieve this tattoo.
This skull can symbolize your grief, as well as any loss that you might have had and experienced in the past. It is a mean and scary tattoo to go for, ideal for guys who wish to show off their bold and fragile side at the same time.
Read More: Sugar Skull And Calavera Tattoo: Meaning and Design Ideas
6. Tattoo Designs For Male Hand Nike Inspired
Are you a sneaker head? Do you love to purchase new sneakers over and over again? This simple and small tattoo can be pretty and straightforward. If you prefer straight-to-business tattoos and you’re someone who knows how to have a good time, this is ideal for you!
If Nike is your favorite brand you will enjoy this tattoo the best. It is a stylish sneaker that will show off your fashionable and stylish side, ideal for men and boys!
7. Tattoo Ideas Small Ink Skull Design
Are you afraid of death? However, you wish to express that through one design in particular, but still keep that funny and cartoon-like vibe? This black ink is ideal for you.
Do you feel like you have a lot of love for some girl in your life? Thinking of showing your bold side to the world? This funny ink design will look amazing over your leg or your forearm.
8. Small Badass Tattoos For Guys
Are you a creative individual? Maybe you’re someone who knows how to express through art? This keyhole design with a pair of feminine eyes and eyelashes will suit your artsy side. This tattoo is perfect for anyone who is trying to make an amazing first impression.
Eyes are the window to the soul, as the old saying goes. This forearm image is perfect for anyone who is trying to express his or her faith as well as feelings in one unique approach. This tattoo will suit you if you’re someone who loves to stay honest with others around you and if you’re a fan of sentimental pieces.
8 Forearm Small Tattoos
1. Tattoo Designs For Male Forearm Forest Image
How about a small wrist tattoo? This piece is not painful to get yet it is an amazing choice for anyone who is trying to stand out while not spending a lot of time or money when getting their tattoo.
A forest can symbolize you and the feeling of being stuck or lost. How often are you facing a rough path, and how often are you trying to find yourself? This tattoo can speak for you!
Also Read: 30+ Outstanding Forest Tattoo Design Ideas 2021 (Black & White, Colorful)
2. Harry Potter Inspired Small Tattoos For Men With Meaning
Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Not everyone has seen all the movies or has read the books. Do you stand out when it comes to your wizard knowledge? If so, this small wrist tattoo is perfect for you.
Deadly hallows are something that shapes the entire Potter series. If you’re a nerd and a fan of unique tattoos you will enjoy getting this tattoo over your forearm.
Also Read: Top 30 Death Eater Tattoo Design Ideas (Colorful, Black & White)
3. Small Tattoos For Men On Hand Swimmer Inspired
Are you a swimmer? Maybe a diver? Either way it may be, you must love the water! This cute forearm piece will suit summer lovers, as well as men who are into water sports.
This small tattoo will show that you’re always up for some new challenges and that you love to have fun. Get this black ink tattoo if you’re a fan of adventure!
4. Cherry & Colorful Inspired Small Mens Tattoos
Do you enjoy a pop of color when it comes to your tattoos? Are you someone who loves to express their artsy side through simple yet bright tattoos? This one is for fans of fruits as well. The best part about it? It will take you only two hours to achieve it.
Cherries usually symbolize love and harmony. Does this resonate with your personality? Even men can rock such simple ink, just make sure that it suits your character and your personality.
5. Angel & Religion Tattoo Ideas With Meaning
Angel tattoos are usually quite common among men who have a strong religious side. This is gorgeous and a must-have tattoo if you’re someone who knows how to express your beliefs and you want others to understand your faith.
Angels are bringers of good luck and happiness. This tattoo will show off your sentimental side as well. Go for it if you’re someone who believes in faith and new beginnings.
6. The Moon Small Forearm Tattoo Inspiration
Are you a fan of the galaxy, as well as the moon and the stars? This is the perfect spiritual tattoo that can show off your side. Place it over your forearm and it will show others where you stand, as well as how you see the world revolve around you.
Mountain symbols usually represent new challenges that you’re willing to overcome. This design is for men who are not afraid of showing their true side and accepting new challenges. Show others how you’re willing to grow despite everything that comes your way.
Also Read: Sun and Moon Tattoos: Meaning and 47 Best Design Ideas
7. Scorpion Inspired Small Forearm Tattoo
Do you love animal tattoos? How about a scary black Scorpio tattoo? This black design will look great on guys who have a sensual side to them that they wish to show off through a smaller tattoo.
Scorpions symbolize rebirth and new change. If you’re ready to embrace this change and show everyone how far you’ve come, go with this tattoo.
8. Joker Inspired Small Badass Tattoos For Guys
Are you a fan of the Joker? If so, how about you place this Harley Quinn tattoo onto your body? It is a playful black and white tattoo that will suit guys who are a fan of Marvel the best!
Harley represents the other side of Joker. She is his better half. If you have someone important in your life that you can dedicate this design to, go with this ink!
Read More: 25 Best Joker Tattoo Design Ideas
8 Leg & Ankle Small Tattoos
1. Scary Devil Inspired Small Tattoo
Guys who prefer bright and loud tattoos that can represent their wild side will want this tattoo! It is scary and unique, ideal for those who love that pop of color.
This devil mask can represent your two moods and different struggles that you have had in your lifetime. Everyone has a devil inside of them, but how capable are you of controlling him is the real question.
2. Small Tattoos For Men With Meaning Palm Tree
Delicate and small tattoos are for people who dislike the needle, as well as any form of pain. This small palm tattoo will look amazing over your ankle and your wrist. Get it if you’re someone who wishes to get a tattoo quickly and pain-free.
Palm trees will symbolize your love for the Summer season. This tattoo also shows that you’re someone who knows how to have a good time and where to seek fun at all times!
3. Tiger Tattoo Designs For Male Arm
Animal lovers will appreciate and understand the beauty of this tattoo. It is the perfect little piece for anyone who is a fan of tigers and who enjoys their beauty, as well as people who love the wildlife!
Tigers show their teeth from time to time. They are predators who hunt their prey and who know how to get what they want at all times. Is this you, and does it sound like something that you wish to show the world?
4. Cute Elephant Small Tattoos
Guys who love cute tattoos and who prefer something different as well as cartoon-like will enjoy this pop of ink. It is a simple and small tattoo that will show your playful side while keeping the look small and minimal.
Elephants show and bring good luck. If you are someone who loves to place cute tattoos will enjoy this small tattoo. It is perfect for those who are afraid of the needle and who want to place something onto their body in less than an hour.
Read More: 50+ Best Elephant Tattoo Design Ideas (and What They Mean)
5. Small Tattoos Flower Idea
Flower tattoos are ideal for those who dislike larger and scary tattoos. This one will suit you if you’re someone who is a minimalist person and if you’re up for some color in your life!
Yellow symbolizes good luck and wealth. If you’re trying to get rich and you want a spiritual tattoo that goes hand in hand with your beliefs you will enjoy this small tattoo.
6. Scary Foot Tattoo Small Design
You don’t have to get a tattoo that the entire world can see. If you need something just for yourself and you’re looking for cute ink, this is it! Small black tattoos are for guys who love something funny yet that resonates with their low-key personality.
This tattoo can symbolize whatever you want it to. It is funny and unique at the same time. Men will love it since it is funny and out of the ordinary tattoo, different and unlike anything else that you have seen on others!
7. Funky & Funny Small Tattoo Couple Inspo
Are you a silly person? Maybe you’re someone who knows how to have fun, despite everything? A lot of guys will enjoy this black ink tattoo that you can go for if you have someone special to dedicate it to. This tattoo also shows off your unique skills and your childish side.
If you’re a fan of different and comical ink you will want this small tattoo placed on top of your leg. It will take you less than two hours to achieve it. Just make sure that you have someone special to share it with, or even get matching designs that will suit the two of you!
8. Eagle Animal Tattoo Small Design For Men On Calf
This eagle tattoo is for hunters who know how to get their prey and express their emotions with one unique tattoo. It is the best choice if you need a calf tattoo and if you’re someone who is a nature or animal lover.
Eagles symbolize longevity and pride. Are you a prideful person? If you’re someone who knows how to spread his or her wings and get away with loads of different things, show it off with this black ink tattoo.
8 Chest & Back Small Tattoos
1. Pegasus Inspired Chest Small Piece
If you’re a history lover or someone who believes in ancient stories you will want this tattoo. This Pegasus is a mystical masterpiece that will look the best over your chest or your shoulder. Ideal for guys who work out as well.
Pegasus symbolizes freedom and power. Are you going to get this tattoo? It will show everyone how special and different you are. Let the world see how willing you are to spread your wings and have fun.
2. Lemon Bright Yellow Small Tattoo
How about something different and funky? This lemon tattoo is for guys who are quirky on the outside and who need something unique when it comes to their tattoos. This one symbolizes your personality and is colorful and cute at the same time.
Lemons are symbols of new ideas and fun gifts. If you’re an adventurous person and someone who has new ideas quite often, go with this tattoo!
3. Cute Black & White Beaver Small Tattoo
How about a small beaver tattoo? This can be an amazing tattoo over your chest. It is a beautiful black and white tattoo that you’ll enjoy if you’re a fan of animal tattoos. It is a wild and unusual choice that can show off your personality.
This animal symbolizes persistence and hard work. Are you a hard-working individual? Maybe you’re someone who knows how to get what you want in your way! If so, this tattoo is ideal and is perfect for you.
4. Letter Inspired Chest Small Tattoo For Men
Unique letters and tattoos that are customizable and only sentimental to you can be an amazing shout. Guys who want a chest tattoo that pops will enjoy this piece. It is a great mix of intriguing symbols and a unique meaning that you only know of.
This tattoo symbolizes your faith. It will take you less than an hour to place it over your masculine chest. Give it a go if you’re a fan of precision as well.
5. Funny Angel Chest Small Tattoo
A small angel can be a playful tattoo for you to go for. This chest piece is quick and easy to get. It is a sentimental piece and it will show off your religious side.
Angels are bringers of good luck and faith. How strong is your faith? You can show its meaning and its power with this small black piece.
6. Trust Nobody Small Tattoo Over Chest
Trust nobody is the perfect tattoo for people who don’t believe in destiny, who dislike other individuals, and who love to get what they want on their own. If you’re not a people person and you wish to show it off in a discreet way, this is the perfect collarbone tattoo for you.
Your tattoo artist will enjoy placing this on top of your body. Heads up however since this placement is quite tricky and it can be uncomfortable to go for. It shows your personality and your beliefs, as well as your personality in a unique and simple way.
7. Crown Image & Solar System Small Tattoos
Are you a king in your surrounding? Do you feel like you can express your beliefs with one tattoo? This one is also decorated with all the moon phases and is the perfect choice for astrology lovers.
This crown tattoo shows your powerful and determined side. It also lets others know who is the king and who rules the world. If you’re a powerful and honest guy who knows what to get and how to bet it, this tattoo will rule you!
8. Important Date Over Chest Small Tattoo
Last but not least, you can go with this tattoo. A meaningful date and something personal to you will suit everyone who is a fan of customizable ink.
Go for a date that represents something big and major in your lifetime. You can go for the birth date of your wife, your child, or a date that has shaped you and that has been a meaningful and major event in your life journey.
Ready To Get Your New Tattoo?
So, are you ready to get your new tattoo? Which one is your favorite from the list, and have you always been a fan of minimalistic and petite designs? Let us know your top-pick and your thoughts, we would love to know!
More Ideas: 95 Great Tattoo Ideas for Men: Ultimate Guide (2023 Updated)
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- Place on arm, wrist, neck, leg, finger, waist, foot and more
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