Celebrity Tattoos: Inkspiration From The Stars

Let’s start with the dudes who’re leading the charge.

Travis Barker

The Blink-182 drummer and Kardashian baby daddy is a tattoo icon! In fact, his body is a living diary, with over 100 tattoos:

• “I Love You” on Thigh - A romantic gesture for wife Kourtney Kardashian. Why say it out loud when celebrity tattoos can whisper your sweet nothings for you?
• Head-to-Toe Coverage - Barker’s ink celebrates his punk rock roots and personal milestones, from skulls to sacred hearts.

Barker’s mantra? “When I’m gone, my body will tell my story.” What a story it is!

David Beckham

The football world’s most famous No. 7 is like a walking museum exhibit. In fact, Mr Metrosexuality has used his body as an intricate canvas of family tributes and personal milestones. Some of his inked highlights include:

• Solar System on Scalp - He answered when LA Galaxy called. But who needs a galaxy far, far away when you can tattoo one on your head? This astral celeb tattoo showcases Beckham's fascination with the solar system. Not to mention his ability to rock a tattoo, even in an unconventional place.
• Roman Numerals on Forearm - What’s in a number? For Beckham, the Roman numeral VII represents his legendary football career and iconic jersey number.
• Rose on Neck - This delicate yet bold tattoo is intertwined with “Pretty Lady” and “Harper” in tribute to his daughter.

Oh, and don’t forget the guardian angel on his back and Sistine Chapel-inspired art on his chest. As far as celebrities and tattoos are concerned, if you’re going big, you might as well channel Michelangelo.

Justin Bieber

The Biebs was young, gifted and inked at just 16. And he hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down since. His 60+ tattoos include:

• Cross on Face - A subtle outward nod to his religious faith.
• Lion, Bear, and Eagle on Chest - This majestic trio symbolises the strength and courage he’s needed to pursue a pop career from boyhood.
• Rose on Neck - The rose is often speculated to represent love or growth. Perhaps he had it done for model and socialite Mrs Bieber, Hailey?

And like Bieber, yes, you can wear your beliefs and personality on your skin.

Post Malone

Let’s face it. The American rapper, songwriter and producer is stomping all over tattoo norms. His facial tattoos, like “Always Tired” have divided opinions, while consolidating his position as a modern-day ink rebel.

Ed Sheeran

Forget the shape of you! What about the shape of his walking colour palette? Ed’s tattoos are like his music - vivid, personal, and impossible to ignore (for better or worse, depending on your musical tastes). His collection spans Damien Hirst to childhood memories, including:

• Heinz Ketchup Bottle on Arm - A tribute to his love of the condiment. Who needs Galway Girls?
• Paw Prints on Chest - A physical embodiment of his love of animals, with a playful yet meaningful touch.
• Matisse-Inspired Designs on Body - Abstract shapes bring a splash of culture, colour, and creativity to his tattoo game.

Celebrity tattoos don’t always have to be serious. They can be quirky, fun, and totally personal. Ed’s ink is a great reminder of this.

Harry Styles

Former One D singer turned millenium man is the human equivalent of a doodle-covered notebook. But being him, he makes it work. His tattoos are a quirky mash up of whimsy, nostalgia, and randomness:

• Butterfly on Chest - A centrepiece celeb tattoo screaming freedom and transformation.
• Mermaid on Arm - Is it cheeky? Mysterious? A nod to folklore? All of the above.
• “Hi” on Bicep - Just a simple "Hi" tattoo. It’s weirdly cute and very Harry.

Styles’ ink has a playful, DIY vibe, like a treasure map of his thoughts and adventures, from Halloween skeletons to song lyrics.

Pete Wicks

From Essex to the Strictly ballroom, Pete is also known for his extensive tattoos. In fact, he used to present a podcast called ‘Just a Little Prick’, where he interviewed tattoo artists while they inked him.

• Ghost on Torso - The tattoo artist who inked the ghost was apparently the oldest working artist in the world. As for the result, Pete is embarrassed to liken it to Caspar the Friendly Ghost!

Let’s be clear, celebrity tattoos aren’t just for the guys. Female celebs with tattoos are showing ink can be feminine, ferocious, and everything in between.

Cardi B

Minimalist signs and symbols aren’t for this Grammy award-winning, colour-popping rapper:

• Peacock on Lower Right Torso - This is one of the largest inkings among female celebs with tattoos. It’s less statement and more spectacle, stretching from her right thigh to her back, and blending vibrant shades with intricate detailing.

Miley Cyrus

Life’s a canvas for this rabble rouser. Miley’s ink ranges from pet tributes to bold, philosophical pieces. You could say she wears her heart (and her art) on her sleeve.

Billie Eilish

Unsurprisingly, this girl isn’t afraid to dream big. There’s nothing small or subtle about Billie’s tattoos. 

• Chinese Dragon on Hip - A standout piece among celebrity tattoos.
• Abstract Back Design - Takes ink to the next level, showcasing her fearless creativity.

Lady Gaga

No surprises art meets edge with the celebrity tattoos gracing Gaga. They’re a mix of personal symbols and larger-than-life designs as Poker Face herself, like her Mother Monster tribute on her side. (Little monster, anybody?)

Ariana Grande

With more than 40 tattoos, inspirational pop Princess and Wicked’s big screen Glinda proves size doesn’t matter. All her ink is a testament to her whimsical and sentimental side, from Harry Potter-inspired designs to celestial bodies on her hand.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie’s tattoos are a deeply personal map of a life lived, each one marking a chapter in her life:

• Coordinates on Shoulder - Each coordinate represents the birthplace of her children, marking the importance she places on her starring role as a mother.
• Bengal Tiger on Lower Back - A striking symbol of her Cambodian citizenship and birthplace of the first of her six children Maddox, who she adopted as a baby from an orphanage there.
• Binding Tattoos on Back - These intricate designs were created in Thailand and meant to bind her to Brad Pitt during their marriage. Like many Hollywood romances, the celeb tattoo has long outlasted the love affair.

Jolie’s ink demonstrates tattoos can be a living diary; beautiful, raw, and unfiltered.

Rihanna

A goddess among female celebrities with tattoos! Truly, her ink is as regal and powerful as the star herself, unapologetically bold and meticulously placed. Some of her most admired tattoos include:

• “Shhh…” on Finger - A cheeky little reminder to keep secrets.
• Stars on Neck - A subtle yet striking constellation tattoo mirrors Rihanna’s celestial vibe.
• Nefertiti on Ribcage - A tattooed tribute to the iconic Egyptian queen reflects Ri-Ri’s love of African culture and powerful female figures.

Every tattoo Rihanna has tells a story of strength, beauty, and rebellion.

Celebrity tattoos are more than reflections of the personal journeys of the rich and famous. They set global trends. And here are a few of the biggest celeb tattoo movements making their way off the catwalks, screens and stages, and getting under (or on) our skin right now:

Micro Tattoos

Think Ariana Grande and Hailey Bieber, with dainty designs like tiny planets, minimalistic initials, stars, and moons. These bijoux celebrity tattoos are ideal when you want ink without the commitment of larger-scale designs.

Facial Tattoos

Post Malone and Amber Rose have broken traditional boundaries and gone a step further with face tattoos. These bold statements aren’t for the faint-hearted and can be unfeasible for everyday life and work. But it shows how famous celebs with tattoos can push societal norms.

Hand-Poked Tattoos

Celebs like Miley Cyrus and Zoe Kravitz have revived hand-poked tattoos, which are done the old-fashioned way, without professional equipment. This technique is typically used for smaller tattoos and brings a raw, vintage vibe. But that’s the appeal. They’re perfectly imperfect.

Script and Quotes

Meaningful quotes are timeless. Angelina Jolie’s Sanskrit script and Cara Delevingne’s “Made in England” tattoo are prime examples of simple words with a lasting impact.

Celebrity tattoos are great starting points for your own ideas. Want something bold like Cardi’s peacock? Or subtle like Rihanna’s stars? Alternatively, Beckham’s tributes to his family have personal meaning that never goes out of style.

Use their ink as a springboard to find your inspo and choose a meaningful design.

Then consult a pro. Tattoos are forever (or costly and unappealing to remove if you change your mind at a later date). So, choose an artist with a stellar portfolio who’ll help turn your vision into a reality.

Getting a tattoo is one thing. But keeping it fresh is another. For this purpose, it’s smart to follow these aftercare tips to keep your ink looking red carpet ready:

• Wash it Right - Use unscented antibacterial soap or, better still, a professional tattoo cleaning product.
• Maintain Moisture – Keep it juicy with purpose-designed tattoo aftercare products.
• Avoid Sun Exposure - The sun is your tattoo’s worst enemy. Either cover it up or slap on the SPF once healed.
• Skip the Soak - Showers are fine. But keep your new tattoo out of pools and hot tubs.

You’ll always get the best out of your new tattoo and maintain its colour and condition by using specific aftercare products.

And the following are the current best buys around for treating your ink like celebrity tattoos:

So, who else is inspired to channel their inner rockstar or Hollywood royalty? Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to an existing collection, Stretch It Body Jewellery has your body mod needs covered, from exciting jewellery ranges to aftercare products fit for celebrity tattoos.

Visit us now for tips, tricks, and tools for expressing yourself, just like your favourite famous people with tattoos.