Empowering Self-Love Tattoo Ideas to Celebrate Yourself

The idea of self-love, and other similar positive affirmations, are one of the fastest-growing subgenres in the tattoo industry. There are many different types of self-love tattoo ideas available.

Part self help admonition, part badge of courage, self love tattoos are gathered by collectors to show, or to remind us, that loving yourself is just as important as loving someone else.

While a unisex tattoo choice in theory, self-love tattoos are overwhelmingly chosen by female collectors. Simple reminders, such as the term ‘love yourself,’ combine with more traditional tattoo imagery–flowers, rose, and hearts–to create warm positive tattoos.

Self-love tattoos are also popular symbolic tattoos for those who have suffered the ongoing effects of depression and anxiety. 

Check out this collection of the top 23 self-love tattoo ideas, that may give you inspiration for a positive piece of your own.

1. ‘Love Yourself’ Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo of the phrase "Love yourself" on a forearm in cursive writing
Source: @lamagatattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of moon phases with “love yourself” text below located on inner forearm
Source: @tattoo.jordiart via Instagram
Love yourself first tattoo on the inner forearm in cursive script
Source: @tattooartistlucaparisi via Instagram
Tattoo of flowers with cursive text spelling "love yourself" on someone's arm
Source: @vudooarts via Instagram
Love yourself" chest tattoo on someone wearing an off-shoulder top
Source: @samaipatatattoo via Instagram

2. Flower Themed

Tattoo of a woman's face with flowers and a watering can plus the text "self love"
Source: @razo_tattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of a figure with a sunflower head and butterfly wings on a forearm
Source: @tattoomariposa via Instagram
Tattoo of a figure with flower bouquet as head, arms crossed on upper arm
Source: @wynningtattoos via Instagram

3. Self-Love Tattoo Ideas Featuring the Heart

Heart-shaped tattoo with flowers and a ribbon that reads "SELF LOVE" on a leg
Source: @barbielongfox via Instagram
Tattoo of a heart with the word "Myself" inside a banner on an arm
Source: @elysian.ink_ via Instagram
Heart tattoo with flowers and the words "self love" on a leg
Source: @taintedoaktattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of a heart with 'Self Love' and flowers on an arm
Source: @tatt2_mary via Instagram

4. Affirmation/Quote Tattoos

Tattoo on an arm reading "I'M DOING THIS FOR ME" above a floral tattoo
Source: @jezz.tattoo via Instagram
Tattoo on forearm with text "Let it hurt then let it go" on pink background
Source: @treyy_tattss via Instagram

5. Self-Love Tattoo Ideas Featuring Roses

Rose tattoo with "self love" text on the upper thigh
Source: @acaldeira.ink via Instagram
Tattoo of a figure with a rose as a head on the back of someone's neck
Source: @jezz.tattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of a red rose with "Love yourself" in cursive on an arm
Source: @justink_242 via Instagram
Line drawing tattoo of a face with a rose, captioned "self love," on a forearm
Source: @miriam.freemind via Instagram
Tattoo of a seated figure with a rose for a head, holding a small red heart
Source: @tattoobyszofi via Instagram

6. Linework Tattoo Designs

Minimalist tattoo of a woman with closed eyes and a bun, embracing herself
Source: @brujadelbloquee via Instagram
Line art tattoo on arm of a woman with "Self Love" text and two butterflies
Source: @nickyartist via Instagram
Minimalist line tattoo of two hands intertwined on the inner forearm
Source: @ant_tatt via Instagram
Minimalist tattoo of two hands intertwined, each holding a flower
Source: @itsaida_handpoke via Instagram

What do self-love tattoos mean?

Part self-help admonition, part badge of courage, self-love tattoos are gathered by collectors to show, or to remind us, that loving yourself is just as important as loving someone else.

Self-love tattoos are also popular symbolic tattoos for those who have suffered the ongoing effects of depression and anxiety. 

A self-love tattoo is meant to remind you that taking care of yourself, can be at times, the most important thing you have to do, even when it seems like a difficult task.

Are self-love tattoos for men or women?

While a unisex tattoo choice, in theory, self-love tattoos are overwhelmingly chosen by female collectors. 

Simple reminders, such as the term  ‘love yourself,’ combine with more traditional tattoo imagery–flowers, rose, hearts–to create warm positive tattoos for women.

Men have a tendency to get longer quotes as affirmations, ranging from pop culture references to quotes from athletes, famous people, and religious texts.

What are the most popular types of self-love tattoos?

There are quite a few varieties of self-love tattoos, that either involve quotes and affirmations in combination with traditionally popular tattoo ideas. 

These include:

  • Love yourself, or self-love inked on the body
  • Tattoos incorporating the outline of a body or silhouette
  • Symbols of love such as flowers, hearts, and roses

The idea of self-love, and other similar positive affirmations, are one of the fastest-growing subgenres in the tattoo industry.

How much do self-love tattoos cost?

For the most part, self-love tattoos are delicate and quite simple to execute. A crisp linework self-love tattoo may cost as little as $150.

Your per hour price is greater ($200+) for more complex pieces where specialists in a particular style–think single needle, stick and poke, or realistic color–might be employed. They take more time, require more skill, and more preparation.

Always have a good idea of what the price will be when you make a deposit or sit in the chair, and allow at least 15% of your total budget as a tip.

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