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Valentine's Tattoo Ideas: Hearts, Flash and Couple Designs
Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times of year for small love tattoos. Studios put out heart flash, couples book in together, and plenty of people get one just for themselves. Here are the best Valentine's tattoo ideas and how to make the most of Valentine's flash days.
Classic Valentine's designs
1. Traditional heart with a banner
The original love tattoo. Put a name on it, a word, or leave it blank for a bold heart.
2. Heart and arrow
Cupid's mark. It's playful, and it looks good small or large.
3. Lock and key
One each, the perfect Valentine's couple tattoo.
4. Two interlocking hearts
Simple, and easy to do in one short session each.
5. Winged heart
Love that sets you free.
6. Red rose
The Valentine's flower, in fine line red ink or bold traditional colour.
Small and cute ideas
7. Tiny red heart
On the ring finger, wrist or ankle.
8. "xo" or "love"
In your own handwriting, or your partner's.
9. A love letter envelope
With a little heart seal.
10. Cherub or Cupid
Fine line or traditional, a nod to classic Valentine's art.
11. Lips
A red kiss mark, sometimes taken from your partner's actual lipstick print.
More tiny ideas are on our small love tattoos page.
Not just for couples
12. Self-love tattoos
A heart with your own initial, or a word like "enough". Valentine's is for you too.
13. Galentine's matching tattoos
Best friends getting matching hearts. See matching tattoos.
14. A heart for someone you've lost
Valentine's can be hard. A small heart with their initial can help. See memorial tattoos.
15. An anti-Valentine's tattoo
The traditional heart with a dagger through it, for anyone who's had enough of love for a while.
What is a Valentine's flash day?
Around 14 February, many studios draw a sheet of small Valentine's designs ("flash") and tattoo them at a set price, often walk-in, first come, first served. It's a fun, affordable way to get a small love tattoo, and some couples make it a yearly tradition.
- Follow your local studios on Instagram in late January. That's when flash sheets usually go up.
- Get there early. Popular designs and slots go fast.
- Bring photo ID. Every customer needs it, even for a tiny heart.
- Have a back-up design in case your first pick is gone.
Before you book a Valentine's tattoo
- Avoid a partner's name if the relationship is new. A symbol carries the meaning with less risk. Read the honest bit on our name tattoos page.
- Book early. Early February fills up fast for custom work.
- Think about a gift voucher instead of booking a surprise tattoo for someone else. Let them choose.