So, you’re thinking about getting your head tattooed? Welcome to the club! Let’s be real, it’s a bold move, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But wow, does it make a statement. Whether you’re considering a full scalp masterpiece or a subtle design peeking out from an undercut, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been obsessed with tattoos for as long as I can remember, and head tattoos hold a special place in my ink-loving heart. They’re the pinnacle of commitment, a truly personal piece of art you wear for the world to see.
Ever wondered what it takes to rock a head tattoo? It’s more than just sitting in the chair. It’s about finding the perfect design that speaks to you, an artist who can bring your vision to life, and, let’s not forget, the sheer guts to go through with it. In this article, we’re going to explore 25 of the best head tattoo ideas for women, from the delicate and discreet to the bold and beautiful. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get into the world of head ink.
Before You Take the Plunge: A Few Things to Consider
Before we get into the pretty pictures and inspiration, let’s have a quick chat about the realities of getting your head tattooed. It’s not quite the same as getting a little something on your wrist.
The Pain Factor: I’m not going to sugarcoat it; head tattoos hurt. The skin on your scalp is thin, and there isn’t a lot of fat or muscle to cushion the needle’s buzz. Some people describe the sensation as a constant, intense vibration, while others might find certain spots, especially near the temples and the back of the neck, to be particularly spicy. IMO, it’s a mental game as much as a physical one. If you can zone out and focus on your breathing, you’ll get through it.
The Healing Process: Healing a head tattoo can be a unique experience. Your hair will start to grow back, which can lead to some serious itchiness. It’s crucial to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions to a T. This usually involves gentle washing with a mild soap and applying a thin layer of ointment. And whatever you do, don’t scratch!
Job Stopper? In this day and age, tattoos are more accepted than ever. However, a head tattoo is still a very visible piece of body art. Depending on your profession, it might be something to consider. Of course, with the rise of remote work, maybe this is less of a concern than it used to be. Or, you could opt for a design on the back of your head or in an undercut that can be covered by your hair.
Now that we’ve got the important stuff out of the way, let’s get to the fun part: the ideas!
25 Best Head Tattoo Ideas for Women
Floral and Botanical Beauties
Flowers are a timeless tattoo choice, and they look absolutely stunning on the head. They can symbolize everything from love and beauty to growth and resilience.
1. The Full Floral Crown

Imagine a wreath of your favorite flowers wrapping around your head like a permanent, beautiful crown. This can be a full-color masterpiece or a delicate black and grey design.
2. Side-Swept Blooms

A cascade of flowers starting from behind your ear and sweeping up towards your temple is an elegant and feminine choice. It beautifully complements the natural curves of your head.
3. The Undercut Garden

An undercut tattoo is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the world of head tattoos. You can shave a section of your hair at the nape of your neck or on the side and fill it with a beautiful floral design. The best part? You can grow your hair out to cover it if you want to.
4. A Single, Striking Rose

Sometimes, less is more. A single, beautifully detailed rose tattooed on the side or back of your head can be just as impactful as a larger piece.
Mandala and Geometric Marvels
Mandalas and geometric patterns are all about balance, harmony, and intricate beauty. They create a mesmerizing effect when tattooed on the scalp.
5. The Crown Mandala

A large mandala tattooed on the crown of the head is a powerful and spiritual statement. The symmetrical patterns radiating outwards can symbolize the universe and your connection to it.
6. Geometric Side Piece

Clean lines, sharp angles, and repeating patterns can create a visually stunning geometric tattoo on the side of your head. This style is modern, edgy, and incredibly cool.
7. The Hidden Geometric Undercut

Similar to the floral undercut, a geometric design in a shaved section of your hair is a great way to experiment with this style. Think intricate patterns of triangles, hexagons, and dots.
8. The Ornamental Headband


A tattoo that mimics an ornamental headband, with intricate patterns and linework stretching across the forehead or around the head, is a unique and beautiful choice.
Fierce and Fabulous Animal Tattoos
Animal tattoos can represent a wide range of qualities, from strength and courage to freedom and intuition.
9. The Serpentine Statement

A snake coiling around the head or slithering up from the neck is a powerful and alluring design. Snakes often symbolize transformation, rebirth, and healing.
10. The Majestic Lioness

For a tattoo that exudes strength and confidence, a lioness is a perfect choice. This can be a realistic portrait or a more stylized, geometric interpretation.
11. Delicate Butterfly or Moth

On the more delicate side, a butterfly or moth tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your scalp. These creatures symbolize transformation, change, and the beauty of life.
12. The Soaring Bird

A bird in flight, whether it’s an eagle, a swallow, or a phoenix, can represent freedom, hope, and new beginnings. The placement on the head can give the illusion of the bird taking flight from your thoughts.
Celestial and Cosmic Creations
If you’re a dreamer and a stargazer, a celestial-themed head tattoo might be the perfect fit.
13. The Crescent Moon

A simple yet elegant crescent moon behind the ear or on the side of the head is a popular and beautiful choice. It can symbolize femininity, intuition, and the cycles of life.
14. A Constellation of Stars

Connect the dots of your favorite constellation across your scalp for a truly personal and cosmic tattoo.
15. The Sun and Moon

A classic pairing, the sun and moon together represent the balance of opposing forces: light and dark, masculine and feminine, consciousness and subconscious.
16. A Galaxy in Your Hair

For the truly adventurous, a full-color galaxy tattoo, complete with swirling nebulas and distant planets, can turn your head into a work of art.
Abstract and Ornamental Expressions
Sometimes, a tattoo doesn’t need to be a recognizable object to be beautiful. Abstract and ornamental designs can be just as captivating.
17. Flowing Linework
A design made up of elegant, flowing lines that wrap around the contours of your head can be both subtle and striking.
18. Dotwork Delicacy

Dotwork tattoos, created with thousands of tiny dots, can create a soft, almost ethereal effect. This technique is perfect for creating intricate patterns and mandalas.
19. Bold Blackwork

For a high-contrast, statement-making tattoo, consider a bold blackwork design. This can be a solid black area with negative space creating the design, or thick, heavy lines.
20. Ornamental Filigree

Intricate, lace-like patterns and filigree can create a beautifully ornate and feminine head tattoo.
Unique and Unconventional Ideas
Looking for something a little outside the box? These ideas are for you.
21. The Lady Head

A classic tattoo motif, the “lady head” can be adapted in countless ways. You could get a portrait of a historical figure, a mythical goddess, or even a design that represents a part of your own personality.
22. A Favorite Quote or Word

A single word or a short, meaningful quote tattooed in an elegant script can be a powerful and personal statement.
23. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

While not a traditional tattoo in the artistic sense, scalp micropigmentation is a technique where tiny dots of pigment are tattooed onto the scalp to create the illusion of fuller hair. This is a fantastic option for women experiencing hair thinning or loss.
24. Eye See You

An eye tattooed on the back of the head can be a striking and unexpected design. In many cultures, the eye is a symbol of protection and intuition.
25. Your Favorite Fandom

Are you a die-hard fan of a particular book, movie, or video game? A subtle (or not-so-subtle) nod to your favorite fandom can be a fun and personal head tattoo idea.
So, Are You Ready?
Whew, that’s a lot of inspiration! From delicate florals to bold blackwork, the possibilities for a head tattoo are truly endless. Remember, this is a very personal journey, and the most important thing is to choose a design that you love and that speaks to you.
Take your time, do your research, and find an artist whose style you admire and who has experience with head tattoos. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to be picky. After all, this is a piece of art that you’ll be wearing for a lifetime.
Getting my own head tattooed was one of the most empowering and liberating experiences of my life. It was a way of reclaiming my body and expressing my individuality in a way that felt truly authentic. So, if you’re on the fence, I say go for it. Life’s too short for boring hair, right? 😉