Even if your body is already covered in tattoos from head to toe, there’s something fun and rebellious about secret ink. On the flip side, if you’re still easing into the idea of your first small design, getting something etched on one of the best places to hide tattoos can make it all seem less stressful.
No matter your reasoning, hidden tattoos are a great way to ink your body just for you (though don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to post it all over Instagram). Some of the best hidden places for a tattoo are your rib cage, sternum, stomach, and back. You also can’t go wrong with hidden small hip tattoos; they’re a classic. Depending on the placement you choose, you can play peekaboo or let it be your own little secret.
The best hiding places for tattoos come with different pain levels. A rib or neck tattoo might be a little more painful than a design on your thighs. Luckily, these types of designs are typically tiny with fine lines and little to no shading, so they’re relatively quick and easy.
Whether you’re a tattoo newbie or this isn’t your first rodeo, we rounded up some of the best hidden tattoo places for you to peruse ahead. Keep scrolling to see how to hide a tattoo like a pro.
Tiny Astrology Tattoo
Astrology tattoos are always a good idea, and we especially love this tiny Scorpio tattoo. Not only is it small, but it’s placed in an area that can be easily hidden.
Tulip Underarm Tattoo
This colorful tulip tattoo has the most interesting placement, and we’re honestly obsessed. Not only can it be mostly hidden when your arms are down, but with a t-shirt on no one would know it exists.
Baby Blooms Hip Tattoo
The hips are a great hiding place for tattoos. This area makes the design only visible when you’re wearing a cropped top or swimsuit.
Behind-the-Ear Lettering Tattoo
The back of your ear is a great spot for minimalist hidden tattoos.
Small Heart Rib Tattoo
A small, red heart around the ribs is an excellent first tattoo.
Angel Arm Tattoo
Hide your tattoo in plain sight with a delicate fine-line design.
Happiness Under-Boob Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features the word “happiness” in a dainty cursive font.
Nou Led Nou La (We Led Us There) Shoulder Tattoo
The shoulders are a great place for a hidden tattoo of a quote.
Butterfly Hip Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features a cute, dainty butterfly right on the hipbone.
Olive Branch Side Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features a beautiful olive branch.
Je T’aime Hip Tattoo
Tattoos located on the upper thigh and hip area are pretty easy to hide and make for a super-sexy placement.
Ellipsis Collarbone Tattoo
A tiny ellipsis around the collarbone is another good first hidden tattoo idea if you’re still unsure what to get.
Hello Kitty Hip Tattoo
Hello Kitty fits perfectly in this hidden small hip tattoo.
Astrological Symbol Rib Tattoo
Astrological symbols are small, making them really easy to hide.
Constellations Arm Tattoo
A small, colorful constellation on the inside of the arm is an excellent idea for a hidden tattoo.
Dragonfly Back Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features a gorgeous, dainty dragonfly.
Love Yourself Back Tattoo
This tattoo features the quote “love yourself” in a gorgeous cursive font around the back.
Be Kind Elbow Tattoo
Subtle lettering on the back of your arm is an amazing idea for a hidden tattoo.
Still I Rise Side Tattoo
The rib cage is the best spot if you want a quote tattoo that’s private.
Stay Strong, Stay True, Stay U Shoulder Tattoo
If you want to get a quote tattoo but don’t want to keep it hidden all the time, the back of the shoulder is a good placement option.
Happy and Sad Foot Tattoo
This happy-and-sad-face tattoo proves once again the feet are a great spot to hide tattoos.
Paper Airplane Lip Tattoo
An inner-lip tattoo is a great option if you want to keep it hidden while showing off your rebellious side.
Small Heart Shoulder Tattoo
This chic hidden tattoo is a fine-line heart placed on the back of the shoulder.
Favorite Number Wrist Tattoo
A number tattoo like this one would be very easy to hide because of how small and delicate it is.
Peace Sign Finger Tattoo
Put the peace in your peace sign by getting a hidden tattoo of the symbol on the inside of a finger.
Gratitude Ankle Tattoo
The ankle is another amazing spot to hide a tattoo.
Shark Rib Tattoo
This cute hidden tattoo features a tiny shark located on the rib cage.
Lust Butt Tattoo
The butt makes for an amazing and sexy hidden tattoo spot.
Girl Power Hip Tattoo
“Girl power” is shortened in this adorable hidden hip tattoo.
Tiny Rose Finger Tattoo
The inside of your finger is another great spot to hide tattoos.
Evil Eye Finger
This hidden tattoo features an evil eye colored on the inside of a finger.
Baby Steps Arm Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features the word “baby steps” in a cute, minimalist font.
Rose Shoulder Tattoo
This hidden tattoo features a colored red rose on the shoulder.
Small Diamond Finger Tattoo
This hidden tattoo of a small diamond is placed on the inside of a finger.
Always Wrist Tattoo
If you want your hidden quote tattoo to be a little different, try using red ink.
Stay Wild Butt Tattoo
Your hidden butt tattoo can also include a cheeky quote — no one will know it’s there.
— Additional reporting by Clara Amelia and Jessica Harrington
Catherine Conelly is a PS contributor.
Clara Amelia was an operations support associate at PS.
Jessica Harrington is the Section Lead of Beauty at Popsugar, where she oversees all vertical coverage across the website, social media, and newsletter. With over nine years of industry experience, she has interviewed numerous celebrities, reported on hundreds of beauty trends, and swatched more lipsticks than she can count. Prior to PS, Jessica worked for publications such as Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report. She’s based in New York City and has a degree in journalism from Hofstra University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, thrifting, and cooking.