Men’s small tattoos may have deep meaning or be the result of a passing thought. You want a small tattoo for a variety of reasons. These small tattoo ideas for men will inspire you to choose the perfect new ink!
I love tattoos and honestly, the only bad thing about them is their price. I have to save up for months to be able to get a tattoo. Sometimes though, you get that itch and don’t want to wait. So what do you do then? Easy, you get a small tattoo.
I have found the sickest small tattoos men need ASAP. These are all affordable, small, and hideable (if you are worried about that?). I took my time looking through these, so you don’t have to waste your time on the internet. These are serious gold, from meaningful mom and son tattoos to more funny options, take a look at each and every one of them.
This may be your one and only tattoo, and you really want to make it count, but you are trying to figure out where to start.
But first, I thought we should go over some of the stuff that you may have questions about, like price and pain. These are important things for you to know about, so let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
How Much Will Small Tattoos Men Love Cost?
One of my absolute favorite things about small tattoos, apart from the fact that they are adorable, is there a price range. Smaller tattoos are significantly less expensive than larger tattoos. These tattoos can range anywhere from $50-$200! This price is much more affordable than larger tattoos that can get up to $1000.
The only way that you can get an exact amount for your small tattoo is to speak with your local tattoo shop. Show them the idea you would like, and they can give you an estimate about how long it will take and the price that it will cost you. Feel free to let your shop know about your budget and see how they can work with you.
Will They Hurt?
I love this question! Yes, small tattoos are going to hurt. But they will hurt significantly less than larger tattoos. If only because they take a shorter amount of time to get done. So they hurt you less physically and financially! I am honestly not seeing anything wrong with getting a small tattoo. I think they are a wonderful idea!
On the chance that you are still worried about how badly this will hurt, there are a few things that you can do to limit your pain during your tattoo. For example, certain parts of our bodies are more prone to pain, including the ribs, hands, and spine. Basically, any area where the bone sits closer to the surface. So avoid this!
If you are determined to get a tattoo on a rough area, then I recommend bringing in some numbing cream if you would like to save yourself some pain. These creams are amazing! You put them on the area where you plan to get tattooed, and they numb it so that when you are in the middle of getting it done, you don’t feel as much pain as you would.
Now that we have covered that let’s jump into the small tattoos men will love!
There are many locations on your body where you can get a small tattoo. Have you decided where you want yours yet? Here are a few of our favorite designs and locations for small tattoo ideas for men.
Small Tattoo Ideas for Men
The best accessory for anyone looking for a little edge is a small, meaningful, well-placed tattoo. Sure, the arms and huge back parts look cool and make a pretty big statement, but a little tattoo can be both tasteful and sexy without excitement.
1. Most people stick with more substantial tattoos on their chest. However, you can absolutely make a statement with a small chest tattoo. Look how cool the Bat signal is!
2. You might be surprised by how fantastic a tree tattoo looks. Get a small pine tree or any other kind of tree if you love the outdoors!
3. I personally love the placement of this small tattoo idea. It’s masculine and unique. This sleek flower tattoo looks especially cool in this location. Definitely one of my favorites!
Small Tattoos Men Need ASAP
I like to walk you through the different styles and techniques on the first list. This way, you can have an in-depth understanding of the many options that are out there. Ready? Let’s go!
4. Yin and Yang Idea–You can never go wrong with a yin and yang tattoo. That is why I put it first! This ink symbolizes the duality of life and the balance of light and dark.
5. Crown King Finger Tattoo –If you were thinking of a finger tattoo, this one looks pretty cool. You don’t need a reason for every design you get, so don’t worry about that. If you like it, that is enough.
6. Little Cat Tattoo Idea–If you are a cat lover then I think you need to check out this cute cat doodle idea. This tattoo can symbolize an animal in your life that is near and dear to your heart.
7. Matching Little Tattoos–Next up, if you are planning to get some matching tattoos with someone that you love, I think that this is definitely the way to go.
8. Anime Tattoo Idea–Ifyou are an anime lover, what better way to showcase your favorite show than by getting it tattooed? They always look great in ink form!
9. Beetle Tattoo for Bug lovers–I personally am not much of a bug lover, but if you are, then I think that you should seriously get a kick out of this beetle tattoo.
10. Customized Quote Idea–You can get a small quote of whatever phrase you want. It doesn’t have to be what I show here; this is just an example.
11. Small Antler Idea–I think this antler idea is pretty cool. If you enjoy nature or hunting, maybe this is a small tattoo for you. Lots of options here!
12. Little Bat Idea–If you like bats, then I think you will absolutely love this tattoo! There are so many cute ways to get it as well; this could be your jumping-off point.
13. Mini Frog Idea–I love frogs, and they make even cuter small tattoos men will love.
Cool Small Tattoo Designs
If you loved those ideas, prepare to get even more excited. These are perfect for anyone, whether this is your first tattoo or you need some filler for your sleeve. Take a look, you will not be disappointed.
14. Small Dog Idea
18. Music Note Idea
23. Wishbone Idea
24. This wolf finger tattoo is a wildly tamed small tat. It totally shows your wild side but in the best way possible.
25. If you want a permanent reminder of your heritage, childhood, or a defining moment in your life, consider getting a skyline tattoo of the city that has had the most impact on you.
26. Many people have a deep and abiding love for the sport of track and field and distance running. Take a look at this awesome little track and field icon. Plus, you can always include your preferred sports gear if you don’t care for track.
Sickest Small Tattoos Men Need ASAP
Lastly, I have some of the sickest small tattoos men need ASAP. These vary in terms of favorites and ideas so I hope that there is something for everyone. I know that tattoos are a highly personal thing, but it never hurts to get some inspiration from the wonderful world of the internet.
29. 2 Bone Idea
32. Dandelion Idea
34. Bunny with Horns
36. Banana Boat Idea
38. I love this two-part small tattoo idea for men. If you are a lover of the sea then this fun little combo is perfect for you.
39. This King of Spades tattoo is simple, discrete, and small tattoo idea for men is such a classic.
40. We all have that four-legged friend that fills our heart up to capacity. Pay a special tribute with this small and beautiful tattoo idea.
The Best Small Tattoo Ideas
Small tattoos are a smart option for those who are a little nervous about the pain factor! They can be quick and add that little edge you have been looking for.
41. This placement is another one of my favorites. I love the simple text message writing is this perfect place.
42. This wickedly detailed skull tattoo is the perfect inspo for your next tat.
43. A fiery small tattoo idea for men is uniquely awesome and totally rad.
44. Temporary. This totally permanent but oddly symbolic tattoo is not only unique but perfectly placed. I love this placement and the simple nature it brings.
45. Part of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is covered in a fresco by the Italian artist Michelangelo entitled The Creation of Adam. It depicts the story of Adam, the first man, being created by God in the Book of Genesis.
46. I love this modernly minimalist tattoo it is super crisp and the perfect small tattoo idea for men.
47. Sleek lines are a simple tattoo that you can have anywhere on your body and they will always look super cool.
48. A rather different location for a tattoo but a quit funny pun associated with it! I think this is such a fun way to get a tattoo that can always be covered up if needed.
Rad Tats for Men
Whether you’re looking for an inspiration tattoo to remind you of something special or looking for a little added art to your sleeve these small tattoo ideas for men are perfect for you.
49. Is skateboarding your thing? Then this tat is for you. If not, then check out this awesome small tattoo placement.
50. A little crazy, kinda silly this small toe tattoo is a simple reminder to stay happy!
51. If you like things that are badass, consider getting a small gun on your arm.
52. The Koi fish symbolize good luck, abundance, and perseverance. And We could all use a little luck on our side, right?
53. We are obsessed with the tiny music note tattoo! Whether you are in a band or just have a passion for music, this is perfect for you.
54. We can’t get enough of this tattoo of the moon phases. It’s a fantastic representation of all the different phases and events we go through in life.
55. A good line art tattoo is one of my personal favorites. This thin rose tattoo is one of my favorite forearm tats.
56. Take it a step further with this small cross face tattoo. Its simple design is sleek and classic.
57. Check out this stunning wave tattoo within a perfect circle! It is full of detail and precision.
58. This anatomical heart tattoo is captivating in all the senses.
Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas For Men
59. Heartbreaker cherub
I love the clean, fine lines on this little cherub tattoo by artist @tatts.mo. It could symbolize that you’re innocent and fall in love easily… or that you’re a heartbreaker.
60. Head vs. heart
This badass tat is the perfect representation of the struggle between the head and the heart.
61. Rising phoenix
The phoenix is known to represent going through struggles and coming out stronger on the other side. This design would also look cool as an outline tattoo.
62. Tiny ghost
Tend to ghost people, or been ghosted? Or maybe you just like spooky things – either way, this little spirit is one of the most awesome small tattoo ideas for men.
Men’s Small Tattoo Designs
63. Bon appétit
Lol, I love a tattoo that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This dinner plate tattoo works with the anatomy you’ve already got to make some hilarious body art.
64. Serotonin
This sick tat design shows the molecular structure for serontonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and happiness.
65. Optimist
Always looking on the bright side? Show off your sunny attitude with this simple small tattoo.
66. Dagger
You could customize this dagger tattoo design as much as you want by adding meaningful symbols to the hilt – a heart would be cool in place of the diamond shape on this one.
Best Tattoo Designs for Men
67. Scorpion
A scorpion is a great small tattoo design for men if you’re a Scorpio (born between October 23 and November 21), but this deadly little guy looks awesome no matter what your zodiac sign is.
Pro Tip: Go with the astrology theme for a small tattoo – get a zodiac symbol, a crab if you’re a Cancer, the scales if you’re a Libra, etc.
68. Tiny hammer
The details on this super small hammer by @kristinevodon are amazing.
69. Star cluster
A little group of stars in different styles makes a great subtle tattoo design for men.
70. Chaos
Obsessed with the font on this word tattoo by @mikel_ink_. A small tat doesn’t have to be a full phrase; it can be a single word that’s meaningful to you.
71. Planetary portal
This ink opens the door to another world right on your skin – yet it’s the perfect tiny tattoo design for guys.
Best Small Tattoo Ideas for Men
72. Stick figure
There are a lot of creative ways to use tiny stick figure tattoos, but I love how this little guy is kicking a molelike a soccer ball.
Pro Tip: Work with what you’ve already got to turn your unique features into body art.
73. Alien invasion
Aliens make great small tattoos for men, and I’m obsessed with the creative twist with the newspaper about the invasion on this one by @nancydestroyer.
74. Sneaker
This tiny shoe tat is ideal for any sneakerhead.
75. Cool Squirtle
Check out this rad-looking Squirtle with sunglasses – he makes the perfect tiny tattoo for guys. You could substitute any favorite animated character, like:
- a different Pokémon
- Charlie Brown
- Homer Simpson (or Bart, Marge, Maggie, etc.)
- a Family Guy character (Stewie, Brian, Quagmire, etc.)
- the Pink Panther
- the Grinch
- Tom and Jerry
I could go on and on…
Small Tattoo Designs for Men
76. Pickle Rick
Any Rick and Morty fan will appreciate this funny tattoo idea – the location is pretty clever, too.
77. Beer mug
Love this beer mug tattoo design by artist @litleaqua. The foam bubbles are the perfect finishing touch.
78. Compass
@inkblottattooz came up with this design, but there are tons of ways you customize a compass tattoo – use finer lines, add some color, have the arrow point in one direction, etc.
79. Rolling Stones Hot Lips
The Rolling Stones Hot Lips has got to be one of the most widely recognized symbols in music. You could use other famous band logos, like:
- The Grateful Dead dancing bears or stealie skull
- Aerosmith logo
- Nirvana’s smiley face
- the Pink Floyd prism
… or many, many others. Pick your favorite band and check out if their logo would make a cool small tattoo.
I hope this is all the inspiration that you could ever want for your small tattoo! Let us know in the comments your favorite tattoo location.
For a little more ink design inspiration check out these HALF SLEEVE TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN!
So, what are your thoughts? I bet you loved this list of the sickest small tattoos men need ASAP. Honestly, I am not even a man, and I feel like I want to go and get some of these tattoos. I love them!
Tattoos are such a cool thing – you get to make your body into art, art that you carry around with you for the rest of your life. I think this makes any tattoo special and meaningful. What do you think?
