Meaning of Finger Tattoos – Introducing Stylish Designs such as Ring Tattoos

Fingers are a part of the body where people who like fashion can subtly show individuality—not only with tattoos but also with rings and more.

However, before getting one, I think there are many things you will wonder about, such as what design to get, pain, and price.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the meaning of finger tattoos, design examples, pain, price, and more.

What Do Finger Tattoos Mean?

Some people give finger tattoos the same meanings as rings, such as “the left pinky makes wishes come true” or “the right thumb increases leadership.”

However, in Japan, generally speaking, finger tattoos do not have meaning except for one.

As the only exception, the left ring finger is considered a place with the meaning of a “juvenile ring / detention ring.”

What Is a Juvenile Ring / Detention Ring?

A juvenile ring refers to a ring-shaped tattoo on the left ring finger. As the name suggests (“juvenile” / “detention”), it originally originated from juvenile detention facilities.

It is a tattoo that expresses a person’s determination never to repeat the same mistakes again, often by people who have experienced juvenile training school or a detention center.

However, recently, more people get it not necessarily on the ring finger, or simply because it looks cool, and the original meaning is gradually fading.

So you do not need to avoid it just because “it will become a juvenile ring”!

Finger Tattoo Designs

We will introduce finger tattoo designs.

We separate them into men’s and women’s designs, but if you want something gender-neutral, we recommend looking at both!

Designs For Men

First, here are design examples for men.

Lettering Tattoo from the Finger to the Back of the Hand

This is a lettering tattoo using the back of the hand and the ring finger.

The idea of crossing two favorite English phrases is highly versatile, and it is recommended because it is very unlikely to overlap with someone else!

Ace of Spades

This is a design with an ace of spades tattooed on the side of the finger.

In card games, the ace of spades is often a strong card.

So the ace of spades can mean good luck or being on a lucky streak.

Also, playing cards are often used in gambling such as baccarat and poker, so it is also a popular design among people who like gambling.

Thorn Ring Tattoo

Thorns have meanings such as patience and faith, associated with Jesus Christ.

They can also be used as a motif to show proof of overcoming painful and difficult experiences, like thorns.

Simple Ring Tattoo

This is a simple ring design drawn only with thick and thin lines.

Because it is simple, it can be said to match any fashion.

Lettering Tattoo on the Fingers

It is also common to put one Roman letter on each finger to form a single word.

In this design example, “ACAB” is tattooed as an abbreviation of “All Cops Are Bastards.”

Snake Tattoo on the Finger

Snake tattoos have meanings such as rebirth and change because of the way they shed their skin.

American Traditional Tattoos on the Fingers

Between the second and third joints of each finger, American traditional motifs are drawn.

If you line up typical American traditional tattoo motifs such as playing cards, anchors, hawks, and lighthouses, it creates a nice sense of unity.

Tribal Tattoo on the Finger

This is an example of tattooing tribal patterns, which are very popular in tattoos, on the fingers.

It has a different kind of appeal from the coolness of filling the whole arm or leg with tribal, and has a one-point charm unique to finger tattoos.

For Women

From here, we will introduce designs for women!

Moon Tattoo on the Finger

This is an example of placing a crescent moon on the pinky.

Because the moon is often depicted together with goddesses in many myths, it has meanings such as a symbol of feminine beauty and mystery.

Heart and Lettering Tattoo on the Finger

Under the wedding ring on the left ring finger, there is a one-point heart, and between the second and third joints, “Home” is lettered.

It is a design that expresses feelings for family very well.

Leaf Motif Tattoo

This is an example where a leaf looks like it is wrapped around the index finger.

Compared to other body parts, fingers are thin and long, so designs that highlight that feature are recommended!

Also, the small one-point heart included is stylish too.

Moon and Star Tattoo

This is an example of tattooing the moon and stars on the ring finger.

Rather than filling the finger completely, leaving gaps creates a stylish design without giving a scary impression.

Lettering Tattoo on the Side of the Finger

This is an example of a lettering tattoo on the side of the finger.

A solid, clean font is nice, but a handwritten-style font also has a polished, casual feel.

Heart Tattoo on the Finger

This is an example of drawing a heart on the side of the finger.

A heart is not only cute in appearance, but also has meanings such as love and passion.

Line-Only Tattoo

This is an abstract design drawn only with lines on the side of the finger.指の側面に線だけで描いた抽象的なデザインです。

It is a stylish design that gives a mysterious impression.

Pair-Ring-Style Tattoo on the Finger

This is a design example of a pair-ring-style tattoo drawn with thin lines.

It’s nice to get it with a partner or spouse, but I think it’s also great to get it with a best friend!

Finger Tattoo Pricing

From here, we will introduce typical finger tattoo price ranges while using images.

These are only rough guidelines, so if you already have a tattoo artist and design in mind, we recommend contacting them once!

For a ring design of this size, 5,000–10,000 yen would be the typical range.

If it extends not only on the finger but also onto the back of the hand, many tattoo artists will do it for around 10,000–15,000 yen.

We introduced a rough price range, but the price may go up or down depending on how much is filled in, the size of the design, and the complexity.

If you want to know in more detail how pricing is determined, or you want to know price ranges for other sizes, please refer to this as well!

Do Finger Tattoos Hurt?

Finger tattoos hurt a lot compared to other areas because the skin is thin, the distance to the bone is short, and there are many nerves.

Also, the finger joints are especially likely to be painful, so you need to be prepared if you want to tattoo there.

However, finger tattoos tend to be smaller designs than other areas, so the session time tends to be short.

You will likely feel strong pain during the session, but endure it by thinking about the fact it will be over quickly and the happiness you’ll feel when it’s finished!

Do Finger Tattoos Fade?

To give the conclusion first, they almost never completely disappear.

However, fingers are an area where ink tends to fall out more easily because they rub a lot and the skin is thin.

Also, it is difficult to live without using your hands even after getting tattooed, so it is an area where infections and other troubles can happen more easily.

To prevent such troubles, more careful aftercare than other areas is necessary.

We introduce detailed aftercare methods in the article below, so please refer to it if you like!

If ink fallout happens even with careful aftercare, after the wound heals, ask the tattoo artist who did it for a touch-up (re-inking).

Conclusion

In this article, we explained the following.

• The tattoo on the left ring finger is called a juvenile ring / detention ring, but more people are getting it as fashion
• The typical price range is often around 5,000–15,000 yen
• Getting a finger tattoo is very painful, but the session time is short
• Because it rubs easily, ink fallout is more likely

Finger tattoos are difficult tattoos because they hurt and ink fallout is more likely, but they are also highly fashionable, and the more effort you put into them, the more attached you can become to them.

If you get one, do careful aftercare and finish it beautifully!