Rihanna, a global icon in music, fashion, and beauty, is as renowned for her striking tattoos as she is for her chart-topping hits and trend-setting style. Over the years, the Barbadian superstar has amassed an impressive collection of over two dozen tattoos, each telling a story and contributing to her unique visual identity. Among her many pieces of body art, Rihanna’s hand tattoos, particularly the intricate Maori-inspired and henna-style designs, have garnered significant attention and become iconic examples of celebrity ink.
From subtle finger tattoos to elaborate chest pieces, Rihanna’s body is a canvas reflecting her personal journey and artistic expression. A significant portion of her tattoo journey has been alongside the celebrated artist Keith Scott, known as “Bang Bang” McCurdy. He has been instrumental in bringing many of Rihanna’s tattoo visions to life since she was just 18, creating some of her most memorable and talked-about pieces.
This guide explores the fascinating world of Rihanna’s tattoos, with a special focus on her captivating hand ink and the stories behind her ever-evolving collection.
Pisces Symbol
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One of Rihanna’s earliest forays into body art was in 2006, when she got the Pisces symbol tattooed just below her right ear. This delicate piece pays homage to her zodiac sign, reflecting her birthdate and astrological identity. It’s a subtle yet personal mark, characteristic of her early tattoo choices.
Music Notes (Covered)
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Also in 2006, Rihanna opted for a musically themed tattoo, getting two music notes – a treble clef and a sixteenth note – inked on her inner right foot. This tattoo, celebrating her passion for music, was eventually covered later in her tattoo journey, showing how personal tastes and styles can evolve.
Star
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Another early and minimalist tattoo for Rihanna was a small star outline inside her left ear. This tiny piece of ink, while faded over time, represents the beginning of her extensive tattoo collection and her inclination towards subtle yet meaningful designs.
Sanskrit Prayer (Misspelled)
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A significant moment in Rihanna’s tattoo history was her first collaboration with Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy. She became his first celebrity client, and together they embarked on a journey of body art. Their first piece was a Sanskrit prayer inked vertically down her right hip. Intended to mean “forgiveness, honesty, suppression and control,” a misspelling led to a translation of “long suffering, truthfulness, self-restraint, inward calm, fear and fearlessness.” Despite the error, the tattoo marks the beginning of a long and fruitful artistic partnership.
“Shhh…”
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In 2008, Rihanna got one of her most recognizable and playful tattoos: “Shhh…” on her forefinger. This tiny yet impactful piece quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring countless imitations and solidifying Rihanna’s status as a tattoo trendsetter.
Trail of Stars
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Rihanna’s affinity for stars is further exemplified by the constellation of tiny stars trailing from the nape of her neck down her back. Inked by Bang Bang, this elegant and flowing design is one of her most admired tattoos, showcasing a delicate yet striking aesthetic.
Henna-Style Dragon Claw (Covered)
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An early tattoo on Rihanna’s right hand was a henna-like design resembling a dragon claw, detailed with hibiscus flowers. This piece, while eventually covered by her more extensive hand tattoo work, represents her initial exploration of hand tattoos and intricate, culturally inspired designs.
Camo Shark (Covered)
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In 2016, Rihanna and then-boyfriend Drake famously got matching camo shark tattoos by Bang Bang. Rihanna placed hers on her left ankle, a playful and personal symbol of their relationship at the time. This tattoo has since been covered, reflecting personal evolution and changes in life.
Crown (Cover-up)
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The camo shark tattoo on Rihanna’s left ankle was later covered by an elaborate crown design. This cover-up signifies transformation and the regal persona Rihanna embodies. It’s a testament to how tattoos can be reimagined and evolved over time.
“1988”
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Celebrating her birth year, Rihanna has “1988” inked across the front of her right ankle, again by Bang Bang. This straightforward tattoo is a personal marker, commemorating the year she was born and adding another layer to her self-expression through ink.
Maori-Inspired Hand Tattoo: The Right Hand Transformation
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Rihanna’s right hand became a focal point of her tattoo collection in 2013 when she received a traditional Polynesian tattoo during her Diamonds tour stop in New Zealand. This Maori-inspired design was created using traditional tools – a mallet and chisel – rather than a modern tattoo needle. This method and style pay homage to indigenous tattooing practices and add a deep cultural resonance to her body art.
Henna-Inspired Ink: Expanding the Hand Art
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Building upon the Maori-inspired base, Rihanna collaborated with Bang Bang to extend the hand tattoo into an elaborate henna-like design. This intricate artwork, taking 11 hours to complete, covers most of her right hand and showcases a blend of cultural influences and artistic mastery. Rihanna’s hand tattoo is a bold statement, celebrated for its beauty and complexity, and remains one of her most discussed and admired tattoos. It’s a prime example of how hand tattoos can be transformed into stunning pieces of art.
Large Cross
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On the underside of her wrist, Rihanna has a large, elaborate cross tattoo, inked by Bang Bang. This prominent piece symbolizes her faith and spirituality, rendered in a visually striking and detailed design.
Goddess Isis
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Arguably one of Rihanna’s most iconic and emotionally resonant tattoos is the Goddess Isis on her ribcage. Done in 2012, this large and powerful image serves as a tribute to her late grandmother, who passed away that July. The Goddess Isis, a symbol of motherhood, magic, and healing, is a deeply personal and meaningful choice for Rihanna.
Egyptian Queen Nefertiti
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Continuing her theme of powerful female figures, Rihanna also has a portrait of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti tattooed on her inner ribcage. Nefertiti, an emblem of feminine beauty and power, adds another layer of strength and iconic imagery to Rihanna’s tattoo collection.
Falcon
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In June 2012, Rihanna had Bang Bang ink a falcon in the shape of a handgun on her right ankle. She explained the symbolism on Twitter, stating, “‘Falcon: a light that shines in the darkness! Never close their eyes during sleep.'” This tattoo combines fierce imagery with a message of vigilance and inner strength.
Tibetan Script (Hidden)
One of Rihanna’s more private tattoos is a Tibetan script on her derrière, rarely seen by the public. This discreet inking reportedly translates to “lover,” adding a personal and intimate dimension to her extensive collection.
“Thug Life”
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Rihanna paid tribute to Tupac Shakur’s iconic rap group by getting “Thug Life” tattooed across her knuckles. This bold and declarative tattoo reflects her admiration for Tupac’s legacy and her own fearless attitude.
“Rebelle Fleur”
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In 2010, Bang Bang inked “rebelle fleur” on the left side of Rihanna’s neck. This French phrase, meaning “rebel flower,” perfectly encapsulates Rihanna’s blend of edgy rebellion and delicate femininity. It’s a stylish and meaningful piece that has become another signature tattoo.
Arabic Quote
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On the left side of her ribcage, Rihanna sports an Arabic quote that loosely translates to “freedom in God.” This tattoo adds a spiritual and philosophical dimension to her collection, reflecting her personal beliefs.
Gun
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Rihanna’s gun tattoo on her ribcage, also inked by Bang Bang, has an interesting origin story. Initially considering a forearm tattoo, she was inspired by a gun necklace she was wearing at the time. Bang Bang recounted getting out of bed in the middle of the night to create this piece, which has become one of her more debated and discussed tattoos.
“Never a Failure, Always a Lesson”
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Just below her collarbone, Rihanna has “never a failure, always a lesson” tattooed in a unique backward script. This intentional design allows her to read the empowering message to herself in the mirror. Bang Bang has noted this tattoo’s influence, observing how collarbone tattoos became a trend partly due to Rihanna’s impact.
Small Cross
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Opposite her “never a failure, always a lesson” tattoo, on her left collarbone, Rihanna has a tiny cross. This delicate piece provides a balance to the longer phrase and further emphasizes her faith in a subtle way.
Roman Numerals
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Rihanna’s tattoos are not just about self-expression; she also uses her body art to honor loved ones. On her left shoulder, she has a tattoo in Roman numerals representing her friend Melissa’s birthday. Rumors suggest they got these tattoos together, a testament to their friendship.
“Love”
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One of Rihanna’s simpler tattoos is the word “love” written in cursive on her left middle finger. This straightforward yet powerful word encapsulates a core value and adds another subtle piece to her hand tattoos.
Skull and Crossbones
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Adding her signature flair to her body art, Rihanna has a skull and crossbones tattoo on her right ankle, customized with a pretty red bow. This playful yet edgy design perfectly embodies Rihanna’s unique style, blending toughness with femininity.
Rihanna’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual autobiography, chronicling her journey, beliefs, and style evolution. From her iconic hand tattoo to her hidden gems, each piece contributes to the rich tapestry of her personal brand and continues to inspire and fascinate fans worldwide.
