Rihanna, a global icon known for her music, fashion, and fearless self-expression, has adorned her body with an impressive collection of tattoos. More than just decorations, these inkings tell stories, represent milestones, and showcase her personal evolution. As a style chameleon and trendsetter, Rihanna’s tattoos have become as iconic as her music, inspiring fans and influencing body art trends worldwide. Many of these significant pieces are the work of the renowned tattoo artist Keith Scott “Bang Bang” McCurdy, who began working with Rihanna when she was just 18 and has since created some of her most memorable designs.
From delicate finger tattoos to bold chest pieces, let’s explore a comprehensive guide to Rihanna’s ever-evolving tattoo collection.
Pisces Symbol
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One of Rihanna’s earliest tattoos, dating back to 2006, is a subtle yet personal tribute to her zodiac sign. Located discreetly below her right ear, the Pisces symbol reflects her birth sign and is a classic example of early celebrity minimalist tattoos. This delicate inking speaks to Rihanna’s connection to astrology and personal identity.
Music Notes (Covered Up)
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Also acquired in 2006, Rihanna’s inner right foot once featured two music notes: a treble clef and a sixteenth note. This tattoo, reflecting her passion for music at the start of her career, was eventually covered up. The choice to cover it might signify her artistic evolution and changing personal aesthetic over time.
Star Inside Ear
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Another early and delicate piece in Rihanna’s tattoo journey is a small star outline inked inside her left ear. This tiny star, one of her first foray into body art, has naturally faded over the years. Inner ear tattoos are known for their subtlety and personal meaning, often chosen for their hidden nature.
Sanskrit Prayer (Misspelled)
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A significant early tattoo marks Rihanna’s first collaboration with “Bang Bang” McCurdy. This Sanskrit prayer, intended to represent “forgiveness, honesty, suppression, and control,” was inked vertically down her right hip. However, due to a misspelling, the actual translation became “long suffering, truthfulness, self-restraint, inward calm, fear and fearlessness.” Despite the error, the tattoo remains a testament to her early spiritual explorations and the beginning of her long-term artistic partnership with Bang Bang.
“Shhh…”
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One of Rihanna’s most recognizable and copied tattoos is the playful “Shhh…” inked on her right forefinger in 2008. This finger tattoo, both whimsical and attention-grabbing, became a pop culture phenomenon, popularized by Rihanna’s influence. It’s a fun, sassy statement that perfectly encapsulates her bold personality.
Trail of Stars
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Rihanna’s iconic constellation of stars cascading from the nape of her neck down her back is a visually stunning piece. Inked by Bang Bang, this tattoo is a beautiful example of delicate yet impactful design. The star trail is not only aesthetically pleasing but also symbolizes guidance, dreams, and reaching for the stars – themes resonant with Rihanna’s aspirational journey.
Henna-Style Dragon Claw (Covered Up)
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An early tattoo on Rihanna’s right hand featured a henna-inspired design resembling a dragon claw intertwined with hibiscus flowers. This intricate hand tattoo, while eventually covered, showcased her early interest in detailed and culturally inspired designs. Henna-style tattoos are known for their temporary nature and artistic flair, and this piece hinted at Rihanna’s evolving tattoo preferences.
Camo Shark (Covered Up by Crown)
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In 2016, Rihanna and then-boyfriend Drake famously got matching camo shark tattoos, also by Bang Bang. Rihanna’s was placed on her left ankle. This matching tattoo, a symbol of their relationship at the time, was later covered up by a more elaborate design, reflecting personal changes and the permanence of tattoo decisions.
Crown (Cover-Up)
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The camo shark tattoo on Rihanna’s left ankle is now cleverly concealed beneath a detailed crown tattoo. This cover-up transformed a personal relationship symbol into a powerful emblem of royalty and self-possession. Crown tattoos often represent leadership, strength, and sovereignty, aligning with Rihanna’s status as a queen in the music and business world.
“1988”
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Paying homage to her birth year, Rihanna has “1988” inked across the front of her right ankle, another piece by Bang Bang. This straightforward numerical tattoo is a personal marker of identity and a celebration of her origins. Year tattoos are a popular way to commemorate significant dates and personal milestones.
Maori-Inspired Hand Tattoo
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While on her Diamonds tour in 2013, Rihanna visited New Zealand and received a traditional Polynesian tattoo on her hand. Using traditional methods with a mallet and chisel, a local artist created this significant piece. This tattoo demonstrates Rihanna’s respect for different cultures and her willingness to embrace traditional tattooing techniques for meaningful body art.
Henna-Inspired Hand Tattoo Extension
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Building upon the Maori-inspired tattoo, Bang Bang extended the design into an elaborate henna-like tattoo covering most of her right hand over an 11-hour session. This intricate and extensive hand tattoo showcases Rihanna’s dedication to detailed and large-scale body art. Henna-inspired designs are admired for their delicate patterns and cultural richness.
Large Cross
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Symbolizing her faith, Rihanna has a large, ornate cross tattooed on the underside of her wrist, another creation by Bang Bang. Cross tattoos are timeless symbols of faith, spirituality, and personal belief. Rihanna’s elaborate design adds a unique and artistic touch to this classic religious symbol.
Goddess Isis
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Perhaps one of Rihanna’s most iconic tattoos is the Goddess Isis on her ribcage. Acquired in 2012, this large tattoo is a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother. The Goddess Isis, an Egyptian deity representing motherhood, magic, and healing, is a powerful symbol of love and remembrance, deeply personal to Rihanna.
Egyptian Queen Nefertiti
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Adding to her goddess tributes, Rihanna has a portrait of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti inked on her inner ribcage. Nefertiti, a symbol of feminine beauty and royal power, further emphasizes Rihanna’s appreciation for powerful female figures in history and mythology. Egyptian-themed tattoos are often chosen for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
Falcon
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In June 2012, Rihanna got a falcon tattoo in the shape of a handgun on her right ankle, another collaboration with Bang Bang. She described its symbolism on Twitter: “‘Falcon: a light that shines in the darkness! Never close their eyes during sleep.'” This tattoo, combining the fierce imagery of a falcon with the controversial shape of a handgun, is a complex symbol of protection, vigilance, and inner strength.
Tibetan Script
One of Rihanna’s more private tattoos is a Tibetan script located on her derrière. This tattoo, rarely seen publicly, is reported to loosely translate to “lover.” Hidden tattoos often hold deeply personal meanings, known only to the wearer and those they choose to share with.
“Thug Life”
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Paying tribute to Tupac Shakur’s iconic rap group, Rihanna has “Thug Life” boldly tattooed across her knuckles. This knuckle tattoo is a powerful statement of rebellion, resilience, and admiration for Tupac’s legacy. Word tattoos on hands are highly visible and carry strong symbolic weight.
“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 duality – a blend of strength and femininity, rebellion and beauty. Neck tattoos are often considered bold and expressive, and this phrase is a fitting motto for Rihanna’s persona.
Arabic Quote
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On the left side of her ribcage, Rihanna has an Arabic phrase which loosely translates to “freedom in God.” This ribcage tattoo, placed near her heart, speaks to her spiritual beliefs and search for inner freedom. Arabic script tattoos are admired for their flowing calligraphy and profound meanings.
Gun
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Rihanna’s gun tattoo on her ribcage has an interesting origin story. According to Bang Bang, the idea sparked spontaneously when Rihanna was in his shop wanting a new tattoo but unsure of what to get. Inspired by a gun necklace she was wearing, Bang Bang suggested the design, and Rihanna embraced it. This tattoo, while controversial to some, represents power, protection, and perhaps a rebellious stance.
“Never a Failure, Always a Lesson”
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Inked just below her collarbone, Rihanna has the empowering phrase “never a failure, always a lesson.” Notably, this collarbone tattoo is intentionally backward so she can read it in the mirror as a daily affirmation. This phrase encapsulates a positive mindset, resilience, and continuous learning from life’s experiences. Collarbone tattoos are often chosen for their delicate placement and personal significance.
Small Cross
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Opposite her “never a failure, always a lesson” tattoo, Rihanna has a tiny cross on her left collarbone. This small cross serves as another subtle symbol of her faith, balancing the larger cross on her wrist and demonstrating her consistent spiritual themes in her body art.
Roman Numerals
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Rihanna has a tattoo of her close friend Melissa’s birthday in Roman numerals on her left shoulder. This friendship tattoo is a testament to the importance of her personal relationships. Matching or friendship tattoos are a popular way to celebrate bonds, and Rihanna’s Roman numeral piece is a discreet yet meaningful tribute.
“Love”
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One of her simplest tattoos is the word “love” written in cursive on her left middle finger. This finger tattoo, directly beside her “Shhh…” tattoo, offers a contrasting message. While “Shhh…” is playful and secretive, “love” is open and universal, showcasing the range of emotions and expressions within her tattoo collection.
Skull and Crossbones with Bow
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Adding her signature flair to classic imagery, Rihanna has a skull and crossbones tattoo on her right ankle, customized with a feminine red bow. This unique twist on the traditional skull and crossbones motif blends edgy and sweet elements, reflecting Rihanna’s ability to subvert expectations and personalize even common tattoo designs.
Rihanna’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual autobiography etched onto her body. Each piece tells a story, reflecting her journey, beliefs, and personal style. As her collection continues to evolve, Rihanna remains a true tattoo icon, inspiring countless individuals to express themselves through body art.
