I Think Tattoos Have Never Been Prettier—These 15 Pictures Prove It

Making the decision of whether or not to get a tattoo can be a tricky one. Besides the fact it’s a decision that will stay with you forever (although laser advancements have come on leaps and bounds), it also comes with a hundred questions. From deciding what exactly it is you want to make your mind up on where you want to get inked, settling on a tattoo can feel like a big commitment.

And we get it—tattoos aren’t for everyone. But as times goes on, tattoos have become a much more welcome trend. For example, advancements in technology now mean that the sorts of designs in which we are able to get tattooed have expanded massively. From fine script to dainty symbols, tattoos have never looked prettier than they do now in 2020, and we’re kind of here for it.

If, like us, you’re toying with the idea of getting a dainty, delicate tattoo, but you’re not quite sure on where to start, we caught up with Mira Mariah of @girlknewyork to offer up some advice on how to make the big decision.

Always Speak to Other People First

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(Image credit: @REBECCARAMSDALE)

Making up your mind can be made a whole lot easier if you share experiences, advises Mira. From deciding what tattoo artist to trust to simply looking for inspiration, talking to other people is key in deciding what’s right for you. "In life, we always give each other permission to do things. For instance, if you see your favourite pop star with a hand tattoo, it feels okay for you to also get a hand tattoo. Likewise, someone could say I’m going to this really cool tattoo artist and she’s not scary. It’s all valuable information,” says Mira.

And when it comes to finding a design that’s right for you? Use all of the resources already at your disposal. "If you told me you wanted to revamp your wardrobe, I’d tell you to look at fashion magazines so, of course, if you want a tattoo, I’ll tell you to look on Pinterest and Instagram,” says Mira. But beyond scouring the internet, it’s also important to think about how you react to other tattoos you see. "I would also tell you to pay attention to the kind of tattoos you find yourself complimenting other people on. Decide what it is about them that you like and then you can start figuring it out for yourself.”

Be Set On Your Idea

Having an exact idea of what tattoo you want to get and where to get it is easier said than done, we know, but it’s also really important. Mira warns, "If someone is making a million changes to their design, a lot of the time the changes are likely not even making a difference to the overall tattoo anymore. It’s probably a sign that you’re not actually comfortable getting the tattoo.” 

In fact, if you’re really doubting your decision, it might be best to just take a breather and revisit the idea at a later date. "There’s no need to push yourself unnecessarily. I always say, if it’s right for you, you’ll wake up one day and you can’t go another minute without it,” advises Mira.

Get to Know Your Tattooist

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(Image credit: @MARIANNE_THEODORSEN)

So you’ve decided roughly on the design you want to go with and you know where you want it, but you still have one more decision to make: choosing who it is you trust to do the design. In fact, Mira suggests that having a close relationship with the tattoo artist can make all of the difference.

"I like to think of my job in the same way I think of my hairdresser. I go to see my hairdresser partially because I’m going to get my hair cut, but also because I want to talk to her about my life,” says Mira. "When someone comes in to get a tattoo, the first thing I do is ask all about them as a person. I want to know what their sign is, if they’re dating anyone, what their situation is, what’s going on in their life and, most importantly, why they’re getting this particular tattoo.”

Delicate Tattoo Ideas

Feel like you’re ready to dive right into the world of tattooing? Luckily, the internet is full of inspiration. "For 2020, everyone is going to be looking towards getting butterflies, baby angels, hand collages and vines. We’re really nodding towards a dreamy, renaissance look and with that comes a lot of imagery of cherubs, clouds and ultra-feminine designs,” says Mira.

Keep scrolling for all of the celebrity tattoo inspiration you need.

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Kaia Gerber
(Image credit: @KAIAGERBER)

Kaia's angel tattoo is right on trend for 2020.

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Hailey Bieber
(Image credit: @HAILEYBIEBER)

There are fine lines, and then there are super-fine lines. Who knew that such a delicate tattoo was even possible? Regardless, we're in love with Hailey's heart.

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Kylie Jenner
(Image credit: @KYLIEJENNER)

Kylie's teeny-tiny butterfly tattoo is super cute. 

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Lucy Hale
(Image credit: @LUCYHALE)

Lucy's crescent moon makes for the chicest celestial tattoo idea.

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Zoë Kravitz
(Image credit: @ZOEKRAVITZSOURCE)

Zoë's arms are full of amazing delicate tattoo ideas, but we're particularly obsessed with the pretty feather than runs along the side.

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Demi Lovato
(Image credit: @DDLOVATO)

Sign us up for this gorgeous floral design. In fact, we kind of want one on each finger.

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Emilia Clarke
(Image credit: @EMILIA_CLARKE)

A little bolder than other dainty designs but still just as beautiful and feminine, we love Emilia's bird design on her wrist. 

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Rihanna
(Image credit: @BADGALRIRI)

Rihanna's numeral design along the top of her shoulder is subtle but powerful. 

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Selena Gomez
(Image credit: @SELENAGOMEZ)

Selena's dainty tattoo proves that the days of blotchy looking script are long behind us. 

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Lili Reinhart
(Image credit: @LILIREINHART)

Yes to everything about this super-delicate arrow tattoo. 

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Vanessa Hudgens
(Image credit: @VANESSAHUDGENS)

This ethereal butterfly tattoo on the side of Vanessa's neck is retro in all of the best ways. 

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Ariana Grande
(Image credit: @ARIANAGRANDE)

While we do love Ariana's crescent moon, it's her super dainty bee tattoo that she had inked by Mira after the Manchester bombings that perfectly demonstrates the role of sentimentality when getting a tattoo. 

Next up, these are the at-home beauty trends the experts urge you to steer clear of.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.