But there are so many different ways you put your hands together as well as different designs and ideas to spell out. The side of the thumb is a unique choice for small tattoos, or when the fingers are linked like in prayer. And if you pick a piece that’s naturally fragmented, it’ll look even cooler when put back together.

6. Intricate Knuckle Tattoos 

Go all out with an intricate knuckle tat! The skeleton is a common motif that you can embellish with an x-ray feel. Or you can add detail and use shading for a more elaborate depiction. Incorporating the movement of the body can also be done to add to the complexity of the piece, like staring at the fingers and running back onto the knuckles. It’s best to have an experienced tattoo artist, as with more intricate pieces, there is more of a chance for the ink to blur and spread and undo the design.

7. Skin Breakthrough Knuckle Tattoos 

Skin breakthrough pieces are some of the coolest tattoo ideas out there. Using negative space, they give the three-dimensional appearance of the tattoo cutting through the skin or breaking through one side and emerging from another.

This is most often done with daggers, with the traditional style being the boldest and most recognizable version. It also works particularly well on opposing sides of the knuckles since it avoids tattooing the knuckles and incorporates the unblemished skin into the imagery of the piece. For a less bold piece, a good idea is to consider using a fadeout technique with a skeleton motif.

Knuckle Tattoo FAQs 

How bad do hand tattoos hurt?  

The hands are one of the more painful areas to get tattooed due to the fact that the area is mostly bone and ligament. And since the tattoo artist will have to repeatedly go over some areas, the skin may feel especially tender.  

How long do hand tattoos last? 

Hand tattoos last just as long as other tattoos and are equally permanent. However, because hands have more bone and ligament, it’s more difficult to get the ink to hold, so the artist may go over areas repeatedly. Due to the constant exposure and wear that hands undergo, hand tattoos may also fade much more easily. This can be combated through regular moisturizing.