November 29th, 2021

You’ve Gotta Hand It to These Hand Tattoos

Hand tattoos may be incredibly painful, but all the suffering is definitely worth it

It wasn’t all that long ago that hand tattoos were known as “job stoppers,” which was a way to say that most employers wouldn’t even consider hiring somebody with visible ink on their hands. While tattoos have become more accepted in society at large and in the workplace specifically, that doesn’t mean that all prejudice against it has been eradicated. As such, getting hand tattoos is a pretty big deal.

You can’t really hide your hands. Unless you live in the most northern reaches of Alaska wearing gloves all year long isn’t really an option. Hand tattoos require dedication and commitment. We always talk about how getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment, and that’s true, but especially so with hand tattoos.

Thus there are three really important things to consider when you get your hands tattooed.

1. Make sure you’re ready for your life to change. Yes, we’ve been harping on this for three paragraphs already, but it is something you do really need to consider.

2. Really, really, really make certain that you are going to a reputable artist and that you’re in love with the design. Beyond all the social ramifications, you’re going to be looking at that hand tattoo for the rest of your life. Have you ever considered how many times you look at your hands on any given day? It’s constant. I’m staring at my hands as I type this sentence because despite decades of writing on a daily basis, my typing accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I gots to check in on those digits and make sure they’re mashing the right keys or else my editor is going to chew me out. I cannot think of a single place on the body where your tattoo will be more visible, not necessarily to others, but definitely to yourself.

3. You’re going to have to earn this one. Hand tattoos are brutally painful. It doesn’t matter if it’s the palm, the top of the hand or the fingers, that shit is spicy. A couple of months back we made a video of a gentleman getting both of his hands tattooed at the same time and with no exaggeration it was the toughest thing I’ve ever seen a person endure.

As long as you consider those three things, getting a hand tattoo can be a truly beautiful thing. We’ve collected a gallery of some of our very favorite hand tattoos down below for your viewing pleasure. Have fun!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jake Gordon (@handshakesnaketattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicholas (@deadmeat)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WolfTownTattooParlor (@kubec_wt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mr Preston (@mrprestontattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peggy ‍♀️✨ (@misspeggybrown)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sean Hall Tattoo (@seanhalltattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matt Webb (@mattwebbtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Walker (@walkerx)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattoo Snob (@tattoosnob)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arielle Gagnon (@mermaidsketches)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parker Hollie (@parkerhollietattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bert Krak (@bertkrak)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DAN SMITH (@dansmithism)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melody Crow (@melodycrowtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ornamental Tattoos (@ornamentaltattz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@daanboets)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spider Sinclair (@spidersinclaire)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by miami tattoo artist (@borisbianchi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ✨ ✨ (@torritattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HAJIN (@hajin_irezumi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by carlos torres (@carlostorresart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anrijs Straume (@anrijsstraume)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by stoppertattoo (@shauntopper)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danny Lepore (@dannylepore)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carl Grace (@carlgracetattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Max Estes (@maxestestattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@lukewessman)

Editor's Picks

Events
Met Gala 2025: The Best Tattooed Celebrity Looks

At the 2025 Met Gala, inked celebrities like Rihanna, Cardi B, and Lewis Hamilton proved tattoos are the ultimate high-fashion accessory.

Culture
May the 4th Ink Be With You: Best Star Wars Tattoos for Superfans

Celebrate Star Wars Day with tattoos that showcase the Force—from Darth Vader portraits to minimalist Baby Yoda ink. May the ink be with you!

Events
Diplo, Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and More: Highlights from Stagecoach 2025

Stagecoach 2025 delivered epic performances, unforgettable moments, and nonstop energy under the desert skies of Indio, California.

InkedMagCover