August 11th, 2022

50 Severe Safety Pin Tattoos

These tattoos are sharp!

When it comes to iconic pins, safety pins are at the top of the heap. Safety pins contain a simple spring mechanism and clasp, which allows the pin to be fastened to a variety of materials and prevents the user from being poked by the sharp point. The modern safety pin was invented by American mechanic Walter Hunt in 1849 and he created the safety pin to pay off a $15 debt to a friend. After obtaining a patent for the safety pin, Hunt sold that patent to the W.R. Grace and Company for $400 dollars, which would come out to approximately $13,000 in today’s dollar. W.R. Grace and Company would go on to make millions to profits from the safety pin over the coming decades.

Not only do safety pins have an important function, they also have a great deal of cultural significance. During the 1970s, safety pins became a staple of punk rock fashion. Many associate the origin of this association with American musician Richard Hell, who was a member of several notable early punk rock bands. Safety pins as a fashion statement soon spread throughout the punk scene, whether they were used practically to hold together ripped clothing together or worn as jewelry. To this day, the safety pin remains a distinctive symbol of punk rock music and culture.

Take a look at 50 of our favorite safety pin tattoos from talented artists around the world in the gallery below. Then let us know if you’d rock one of these tattoos in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EDINSON ESN ️ (@edinson_esn)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bobby Von Grimm (Bosak) (@bobbybosak)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by B E B E (@bebe.tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @lydia_sticks

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Christopher Vasquez (@tattoovasquez)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MARO 마로 (@maro_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gony (@gonytattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by modul.schwarz (@modul.schwarz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ✞ ✞ (@_hobocatink_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by [Co.Sa] (@sara.commodi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HAND POKED TATTOOS (@clodeea)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ✺ sunny tatts ✺ (@sunny_tatts)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @foxx.teeth_

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by simona (@moonchild.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HANS (@hanstattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by f.59 / 프로그 (@tattooist_f.59)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Magdalena Klinar (@megartica)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ✞ ✞ (@_hobocatink_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natalie (@i.am.natalie.x)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Al. Bustillos (@al_bustillos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by .NINI. (@ninistattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by STUDIOBYSOL_Oble (@oble_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matteo Formicola (@cecio_inkdrop_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by STUDIOBYSOL_QBIN (@qbin_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @artdoze.tattoos

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Inked Magazine (@inkedmag)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marc Döner PMA (@doenerpma)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@jdiamondtattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KATE (@venomisssss)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mikey Brannon (@mikeybrannon)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by INKSOMNIAK (@inksomniak)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by George (@georginaleightattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by lixi (@lixi_sickandnormal)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | (@inkbyjoowei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @tattanna_

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@joiex)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by modul.schwarz (@modul.schwarz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@loz_tattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Little Tattoos (@little.tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@loz_tattooer)

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