32 Wicked Wrist Tattoos for Men in 2024

This excellent blackwork wave tattoo uses the circumference of the wrist and numerous application features to craft detail. I like the shading effects that create a maelstrom effect within the borders of each set of waves and the lighter shading that branches off from the main images.

IG: panumart_tattoo

This classic black and gray wrist tattoo features an eyeball trapped within a broken skull. The piece uses beautiful gray wash shading effects and finely detailed linework that provides shape and structure to the facial bones. The flowing trail of ink behind the ‘skull ball’ creates the impression of rapid movement, a tremendous added touch.

IG: taesin___

This patterned wrist tattoo utilizes shape and contrast to significant effect. I like the bows’ offsetting black and gold fill colors and how neatly they’re arranged on the client’s inner wrist. The teardrop images of black ink and negative space between the colorful sections magnify the tiger-like stripes and increase their visual pop.

IG: yaku__man

I like how this blackwork tribal tattoo looks on the client’s wrist. The angled placement of the design helps the hooked shapes flow from the client’s inner wrist to the back of their hand in a smooth, clean application of bold black ink.

IG: tattooep_

I love this minimalist family tattoo inked onto the client’s inner wrist. D is for dad, and M is for mom, with the straight line between each letter representing their child – made up of two halves on either side of the line. This simple tattoo meshes the killer concept with delicate application.

IG: tivas

This creative neo-tribal tattoo runs from the forearm to the tips of the client’s fingers. The tattooer etched this piece freehand and showed off his skills by applying clean lines of differing thicknesses. I like how some patterns run over the top of others to overlap and create a 3D effect.

IG: grafsantz

This elegant wrist tattoo utilizes a ribbon to separate two faces. The faces are of the same woman but look different – the top face is intentionally incomplete – because of the ribbon’s border framing. The faces are well etched with precise detail, but the ribbon is the coolest part of the design, lazily flowing down the client’s arm in smooth curls of black and gray ink.

IG: heloisegeslain

This neo-trad piece offers 3D framing and a riotous mix of colors to depict “Love.” The cartoonish hand stands out from the graffiti framing and filler, reaching out with an odd combination of colors and shapes designed to represent flowers. Tattooing the fingers of the hand with the word love names the piece and also provides a wicked design feature, as does the chic plaid suit sleeve.

IG: 85tattooer

This tattoo gives the client a cyborg-like biomechanical hand. The piece features precise linework detail in the moving parts and complementary dark shading patterns that create the look of a robotic hand under the skin. I like the decision to only partially show the robotic limb as if a layer of skin has been torn away.

IG: debi__real

A Celtic Cross tattoo traditionally expresses faith and devotion to Christianity, especially for Irish tattoo lovers. This beautiful single-needle tattoo combines a line art ornamental Celtic cross with simple gray-shaded leaves. I love how the artist depicts the cross by inking beautifully neat geometric patterns of lines and dots, then uses the leaves to add depth and strength to the delicate tattoo.

IG: elva__ink

Tiger tattoo designs embody power, ferocity, and dignity and, in China, are seen as a protective symbol. This exceptionally applied small wrist tattoo creates a Chinese tiger head using deft linework to overlay a fur pattern of black, white, and true gray inks. The white ink highlights the big cat’s eyes and teeth and finishes the design beautifully.

IG: dokgonoing

This contemporary wrist tattoo combines a realistic strip of gaffer tape and an oversized banana. I love the idea and execution of this piece, especially the tape, which uses thick lines, folds, and layered true gray ink textures to make it seem like it’s holding the banana down.

IG: mambotattooer

I love the neo-traditional approach to this Asian dragon wristband tattoo. White filler is a bold choice, but it works nicely in contrast to the other bright colors. I also like the placement and dragon’s facial expression – he’s cruising lazily around the client’s wrist with nowhere to go.

IG: pittakkm

This new-school skull tattoo incorporates the hand, wrist, and forearm. I like the mix of gray and black shades, which make the central skull stand out against the brighter supporting colors. The artist’s excellent technical skills allow him to overlay the skull and thread the secondary shapes with bright colors.

IG: cloutiermichael

I like the color layering in this shiny ornamental tattoo. The gold, bronze, and orange colors form the central part of the design, while lemon yellow and black inks provide contrast and highlights. Bronze leaves sit behind the ornament for depth and to help the tattoo fit amongst the client’s other body art.

IG: strchn

This realistic bird tattoo is interesting because there’s no head, which has been tucked away, so there’s just a hint of it at the bottom of the design. The tattoo focuses on the wings and tail feathers designed to show the bird in motion, flowing down the wrist and toward the client’s hand.

IG: pratstattoo

Russian artist mashkow is famed for these ‘graffiti portrait’ tattoos, usually lurid depictions of famous people scribbled on. The talent it takes to create the art is undeniable – artistic skill in depth and composition mixed with a flair for underlying realism blasted by the epic use of garish colors and absurd themes.

IG: _mashkow_

This single-needle tattoo features three symbols – a cupid, a rose, and a swallow – with links to romantic love. I like the technical aspects showcasing the artist’s precise linework and skill in gradient shading. The decision to ‘cross’ the bird and rose at the wingtip and stem is a clever placement.

IG: delphinmusquet