why settle for less than the best love tattoo ideas? a love that lasts forever deserves an art that lasts forever. And you don’t just want the design to last. you want its appeal to last. when you’re paying tribute to the most important people in your life, nothing mediocre will do. the point of love tattoos is to encapsulate that deep, breathless feeling. you want to smile every time you see the design, even if its inspiration is bittersweet. he also wants everyone who sees his ink to say “wow” and ask about the story. having already shared your tattoo, whether you choose to share its inspiration is also up to you.
60 of the best love tattoo ideas with designs that will last
In all the languages of the world, there are hundreds of words for love. if you are lucky, then your life already contains a varied bouquet of love relationships. There is family love, there is the love of friends, the terrifying love a father has for his child, and the kind of soul-shattering romantic love that has inspired poets for hundreds of years. It’s no wonder, then, that many people pay homage to all the love they feel by getting tattoos.
some celebrities have traded gold rings for ink. others choose number tattoos with deep but hidden meanings. Most people want a love tattoo that falls somewhere between these two extremes. they want classic hearts with a modern twist or modern graphics with a sweet twist. Our gallery covers the full spectrum of love-inspired tattoo designs, from new heartbeat line bracelets to more abstract interpretations. If you’re getting ready to pay a permanent tribute to your true love, these 60 designs are sure to influence and inspire you.
1. love that is written in the stars
This clever tattoo takes a traditional mirror image heart and makes each half as unique as the lover who wears it. one side reads, “moon of my life” with a warm color palette. the other side reads, “my sun and stars” with a cool color palette. each tattoo is beautiful in its own right. when you put them together, they form a cohesive but non-traditional masterpiece.
2. sketch style hug heart tattoo
Even seemingly simple tattoos can have multiple levels of meaning. the more you look at this torso tattoo, the more you see. one shoulder and one arm are represented in black. another shoulder and arm are depicted in blue. the two arms are crossed in an embrace that also creates an abstract heart shape. the very bare stroke gives the finished product a ghostly effect that can imply lost or distant love.
3. matching ekg heart line design
ekg heartbeat lines have become the friendship bracelets of love tattoos, even more so when placed on a wrist. Also called the r-r line or isoelectric line, the design represents a beating heart. getting the same r-r line design suggests a shared heart or love. wrist placement keeps them highly visible but still professional and also places them over another pulse point on your body.
4. connected faith, hope and love
This powerful design combines the concepts of faith, hope and love. a traditional christian cross represents faith and a heart represents love. the popular heartbeat line design is the hope that connects faith and love. The placement of this tattoo below the ribs adds an extra layer of meaning by keeping the message private while also keeping it close to the heart.
5. two parts of a whole
here is a beautiful tattoo for couples who share love and faith. one carries the heart that represents love. the other carries the cross that represents faith. the heartbeat line that connects the two when their arms are placed together represents not only the love they share, but also their shared religion and morals. This unique design is another great way for married Christians to show their commitment to each other and to their church.
6. every beat of my heart
Heartbeat lines are the latest trend in tattoos. making this popular style your own is as simple as choosing a unique location. here, the ekg line is perfectly framed by the natural elevation of the user’s clavicle. this placement also allows for multiple meanings. it can represent love for another person, but it can also represent personal love and perseverance.
7. a little reminder of my love
A little mystery makes love professions even more fun. A small heart tattoo on the finger is sweet without context. But when the user sees it, remember the one who inspired him. Even better, it is a small but powerful way to show the person you love that you are always with you.
8. your imprint on my heart
a fingerprint is as unique as the person who makes it. no two in the world are the same. that makes a heart filled with a fingerprint even more unique. it is a lovely concept that shows that you have been touched and changed by the person you love. it also pays tribute to what makes your relationship special.
9. wearing your heart on my sleeve
Another big trend in tattoos is the bare lines of the sketch style. sometimes when you’re trying to convey something profound, less is more. that is certainly true with this design where two open hearts speak of everlasting love. the simple design is elevated by the artist’s decision to size the hearts to best fit each client’s wrist.
10. self love is true love
The most important love a person can cultivate is self-love. It is often observed that you cannot love others if you cannot love yourself. this romantic design reminds the wearer of that feeling. the cute script lettering is enhanced by a sketch-style rendering of the heart and cupid’s arrow.
11. because per semper means forever
The Latin phrase, “per semper” translates to “forever.” It is a beautiful and powerful statement to tattoo on your body. Combining those words with a heart and EKG line makes it clear that this tattoo is about true, committed love. one partner proudly wears the design along his arm while the other holds it close to his heart.
12. love yourself hug heart design
We are fortunate to live in an age where personal care is getting its due. this tattoo honors the importance of loving yourself first and foremost. two arms cross each other in a self-embrace that also creates a loose heart. the words “love yourself” remind the user of their own value.
13. love and family eternity pen
This whimsical design incorporates several meaningful words and symbols. “love” and “family” are written in thin italics. the words are incorporated into an eternity form that also includes a lush feather. Although the themes of this tattoo are universal, the chosen elements make it unique.
14. the power of love in ink
Few symbols are as recognizable as the heart. when it comes to conveying the idea of love, nothing more is needed. When these bold hearts are placed side by side, their message is even clearer. Sometimes the simplest love tattoos speak the loudest.
15. pinky i swear we’ll always be together
These cute matching tattoos incorporate various recognizable symbols of love and friendship. an oath on the little finger speaks of cementing the promise of “always being together”. meanwhile, friendship bracelets suggest this is out of crush. a heart adds color and emotion. and a small four-leaf clover promises luck for both parties.
more love tattoos for men on the next page…
16. love yourself first candy hearts
if you want to treat yourself this valentine’s day, and every day, consider this amazing candy heart design. three hearts combine to create the mantra, “love yourself first”. the super sweet message is further enhanced with a candy colored cloud with an ombre effect.
17. a permanent promise of love
Even the choice of font can drastically affect the appearance of your tattoo. take this eternity design, for example. the words “always with you” are written in a sweet and childish font. the other symbols echo this sentiment, but they all have an innocent vibe that speaks of young (and lasting) love.
18. self love is the charm
This self love tattoo design is downright decadent. at its center is an elegant miniature perfume bottle on a gold bracelet. the dimension gives it a realistic effect while the colors make it look expensive and girly. silhouettes of hearts with paint splatters add depth and interest.
19. lost without you love tattoo
Tattoos last forever, so if you’re going to commit, you might as well go out. this lovely couple did just that with an abstract design that speaks to a shared sense of humor that’s both dark and quirky. while some of the elements are abstract, the red hearts add a clear context of love.
20. i love you forever wedding ring tattoos
People spend a lot of money on wedding rings that are too easily lost. If you want a ring that is as eternal as your love, then you might be a candidate for a wedding tattoo. this clever couple combined the symbols of love and eternity to create a simple graphic that is still beautiful but also safer and more durable than metal rings.
21. an arrow and a heart
An arrow through the heart is a symbol of love that can be traced back to the ancient Roman god, Cupid. these lovebirds separated the two parts of that symbol. a lover carries the heart. the other lover carries the arrow. Each tattoo is fine on its own, but together they create a beautiful testament to a shared love.
22. peace and love finger hearts
Finger tattoos are a popular way to express your core values without covering a lot of skin. this design combines symbols of peace and love. the index finger suggests that those values are of primary importance while avoiding the traditional marriage associations of ring finger placement.
23. join the self love club
When people hear the word “love,” many automatically think of its romantic associations. but more and more women are finding the courage to affirm the importance of loving themselves. This vibrant floral tattoo honors that sentiment with a playful, life-affirming design.
24. bold graphics of faith and love
Increasingly, people of faith are finding ways to incorporate Christian symbolism into their ink. this design uses the popular heartbeat line to connect concepts of faith and love. when two people get the same design, it’s as bold and clear a statement as a wedding band.
25. elegant lavalier style heart ink
There are an almost infinite number of ways to illustrate the classic heart symbol. They all mean the same thing: love. this devoted couple chose a simple yet elegant design. the small bow at the bottom gives it the look of an art nouveau lapel pendant for a finished look that’s as eye-catching as fine jewelry.
26. tattoo of two hearts, one heartbeat
A mirror image is a clever way to emphasize the shared meaning of matching tattoos. Not only do these heart and beat tattoos look identical, but the open EKG lines at each end can be placed side by side to connect the two hearts. the placement of the wrist also puts them literally on each person’s pulse.
27. love and tattoos last forever
Although rings have long been used to represent engagement, they are extremely easy to remove. couples who want to express their undying love in a more permanent way often choose to get ring tattoos. Better yet, ring tattoos let you express your love without sacrificing personal style.
28. lgbtq+ coordinating rainbow heart designs
This pair of coordinating love tattoos gives each part its own distinctive design. One features a vibrant rainbow-painted heart accented with realistically colored beads. the other uses the reverse: a rainbow-stained stencil with an open heart in the center. they are beautiful on their own and move much more together.
29. I love tattoos for fans of the nightmare before christmas
jack skellington and sally are relationship goals for goths. This pair of Nightmare Before Christmas fans shows their love for each other, as well as their love for Disney’s cult classic film. one bears sally in a patchwork half heart while the other bears jack in a yellow frame with cobwebs.
30. love is all you need
When expressing love, the word itself can be very powerful. this ink fan has embraced the power of love by placing it in a vulnerable spot on her body. maybe it’s a secret message to a lover. or maybe it’s a way for the user to get their own heart back from her.
more love tattoo ideas for women on the next page…
31. three ways to wear a heart
Three simple heart motifs are combined to create this distinctive love tattoo. on the back is a dotted line heart. in front is a bold line of open heart. and at the top right, like a little star, is a solid little heart. each heart can be used to represent a different friend, child, or item.
32. love grows flower heart tattoo
This heart and flower tattoo beautifully illustrates the idea of love as something alive and growing. a heart drawn with simple lines rises with a miniature but realistic flower. the end result is an ultra-feminine design where love really blossoms.
33. dimensional triangle gem heart aspect
A tattoo artist starts with a simple heart outline and uses carefully placed triangles to create the illusion of dimension. the finished product is a heart tattoo that looks more like a gemstone than a flat black ink design.
34. personalized abstract watercolor effect heart
This striking design has a little bit of everything. Placing a name next to it makes it clear that this is not simply art but a dedication. a freehand ink technique makes the heart bold but not generic. a watercolor effect gives the classic red and black palette a contemporary twist.
35. fantasy heart and flower dreamcatcher design
Traditional dreamcatchers are used as protective amulets, trapping bad dreams and dark spirits in their webs and allowing the good ones to seep through the gaps. this dreamcatcher design is above holding on to the good stuff. the symbolism of love is rich in red roses, pearls and a beating heart.
36. a reminder to love yourself
The “love yourself” self-hug tattoo is rapidly gaining traction among women. is an important reminder to put yourself first. instead of being defensive, the crossed arms create a heart shape in a gesture that implies inner strength and healing.
37. love is a badge of honor
Clean lines are a must for simple tattoos. the cursive lettering of this “love” that gives it an almost abstract look. but the word itself is still instantly recognizable, as it must be for the design to be successful. long tails trail at the beginning and end to make the overall shape feel more organic.
38. lover love yourself first
When traveling by plane, you are always advised to put on your own oxygen mask first in case of an emergency. the same concept is valid when it comes to love. This stunning floral forearm tattoo is a much-needed reminder that if you want to truly, completely, and safely love someone, you must first love yourself.
39. a heart is worth a thousand words
Simple tattoos are fun because they allow admirers to guess the meaning. this little heart appears in an unexpected place, adding to its mystique. while its owner certainly knows the true meaning of the tattoo, the rest of us can only smile and wonder.
40. love in an unexpected place
This pretty cursive love tattoo offers a moment of unexpected warmth and humor. most people use their middle fingers to express something decidedly different. putting “love” in such a charged spot is a sweet reminder to you and the world that we can always use more love.
41. pastel tie-dye watercolor friendship hearts
why settle for a cookie heart when you can have something as gallery-ready as these beautiful complementary tattoos? a friend or lover wears the heart itself. the other bears the tracery of the heart. this allows each wearer to have their own unique design while coordinating colors signal their connection.
42. your love is always with me
A tiny heart is a wonderful way to honor love every moment of the day. this little heart is also notably placed on the left ring finger. it can serve as a precursor to a wedding ring. or it can replace a wedding ring when the wearer has a job that doesn’t fit securely.
43. tattoo poetry for romantic feminists
Too many women have felt hurt by putting others first. For that reason, “love yourself” tattoos are more popular than ever. this feeling makes you the hero of your own story and heart, while also sending an empowering message to other friends and lovers.
44. tell me you love me
This tattoo offers a fun play on the classic candy heart. Is the “I” inside this heart saying that its bearer loves himself? Or is the heart hinting at how easy it is for the wearer to be loved by others? guessing is half the fun!
45. luce in altis: light at the top
Not all love tattoos have to be obvious or literal. This beautiful illustration combines a lush poppy with the Latin phrase “luce in altis”. although the context plays an important role in its translation, this phrase usually means “light on top”. in the context of love, it means that love brings light and hope, even in dark times.
more love tattoo designs for girls on the next page…
46. nice ink for personal growth
This fantastic adaptation of the popular “love yourself” design is full of abstract imagery. in addition to the central self-hug, it turns the heart of the torso into a vase. Wildflowers sprout from the neck, promising that the wearer is “still growing.”
47. every beat of my heart
You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve. some people prefer to wear the heart on the wrist. This ink enthusiast has put an optimistic heart right on his pulse. it’s both a living ode to loved ones and a flash of warmth to passing strangers.
48. I’m beautiful like a rose
Sometimes all it takes to remind someone of their worth is a kind word. a tattoo is a foolproof way to keep that kind of word close at hand. the word “beautiful” serves as the stem of a vaguely sketched rose. it’s an important reminder for the insecure and a rallying cry for the timid.
49. find love where you least expect it
The concept of love is not always about a specific relationship. For some people, love is their own ideology. if you love love, a hidden heart is a great way to honor it. with loose hair, the tattoo is completely hidden. with your hair up, your pure heart is shown.
50. from my heart to yours
Hearts are as popular a symbol in the tattoo world as butterflies or roses. what makes this basic symbol especially fun is that you can change its meaning by changing its location. Placing a small heart on your wrist is an easy way to spread love to everyone you meet, whether it’s with a handshake or your hand.
51. your heart in my arms
These vibrant red hearts are proof positive that making a simple tattoo stand out is as simple as selecting the color. Red is the most traditional choice to convey love, but you can use pink or yellow to represent love between friends or get a stand-alone tattoo of a heart in your favorite color.
52. a love tattoo for dog lovers
Dog lovers like to express their love for their fur babies whenever they get the chance. why not make it official then? this dog lover did. Replacing the “o” in “love” with a paw print is an easy way to make a simple design something special and fun. if you like cats or horses more, you can also replace the “o” with a cat’s paw or a horseshoe.
53. my heart belongs to my children
no emotion is as powerful as the love a mother feels for her children. This is why so many women choose to honor their children in ink. This tattoo is especially brilliant because it allows you to customize the color of each heart to suit each child, and honoring a new addition is as simple as adding another heart.
54. peekaboo i love you tattoo
Who needs jewelry with such a cute tattoo? Increasingly, ink enthusiasts decorate their fingers with little symbols like this open heart. the peekaboo effect makes it suitable for any run while adding a touch of whimsy to the way others find it.
55. do all things with love
Volunteering is about love for your fellow man and your fellow man. it’s also often about putting your muscles to a difficult task. that is why this “do everything with love” bicep tattoo is so perfect. it’s a reminder of how easy it is to improve the world with an improved attitude and willingness to help.
56. child print love myself lgbtq tattoo
the colors of the rainbow have become synonymous with the lgbtq movement. and although the acceptance of that community increases every day, many of its members felt insecure or unloved as children. this tattoo is a reminder from your past self that you deserve love, from yourself and from the world.
57. a little finger of love
If you have a playful spirit, consider a tattoo that is easy to hide. not because you don’t want others to see it, but because it allows you to reveal it at your own taste and pleasure. This “love” pinky finger tattoo will feel like a treat to whoever sees it.
58. love yourself first and always
love is not always about flowers and hearts. People who have been hurt by misplaced love can only heal by putting themselves first. This tattoo offers simple yet powerful advice for the heartbroken; tips that are invaluable in helping them heal.
59. love in any other language
Even if you only speak English, chances are you’ll recognize love words from other languages. amour is a French word for love. more specifically, it can also refer to a secret or scandalous love. this definition is reinforced by the placement of the word both below the heart and below the chest.
60. love as sweet as a flower
If the love you feel springs from your heart like blooming flowers, then this could be the tattoo for you. a bouquet of roses, daisies and lilies is arranged in the shape of a heart. you can change the flowers to reflect your personal preferences or to represent different siblings or children.
60 unforgettable love tattoo designs that will melt your heart
While most love tattoos obviously refer to a deep feeling, there are many ways to make that meaning more personal. sometimes it’s as simple as color selection or tattoo placement. other times, the personalization includes the use of initials or a special number. If you’re drawn to one of these designs but want to make it your own, just ask your chosen artist. most tattoo artists are excited to collaborate with their clients and flex their artistic muscles in new ways.
