Rihanna’s tattoos have become an iconic part of her image, showcasing her personality and beliefs through body art. At tattooat.com, we delve into the meanings behind her various inkings, offering inspiration and insights into the world of celebrity tattoos. Discover the stories behind Rihanna’s body art and how they reflect her journey as an artist and individual. Let’s explore celebrity ink, body art meanings, and tattoo culture!
1. Early Ink: Pisces Symbol
One of Rihanna’s earliest tattoos, acquired in 2006, is the Pisces symbol located just below her right ear. This tattoo signifies her astrological sign, representing traits such as empathy, intuition, and creativity. According to astrology experts at AstroStyle, Pisces individuals are known for their artistic inclinations and compassionate nature, qualities that resonate with Rihanna’s public persona. This subtle yet meaningful tattoo reflects her connection to her zodiac identity.
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2. Musical Beginnings: Music Notes
Also in 2006, Rihanna got music notes tattooed on her inner right foot, featuring a treble clef and a sixteenth note. This tattoo served as a tribute to her burgeoning music career and her passion for singing and performing. While this particular tattoo has since been covered, its initial presence underscored the pivotal role of music in her life. Music tattoos are a common way for artists to express their dedication to their craft.
3. Guiding Star: Star Tattoo
Another early addition to Rihanna’s tattoo collection was a small star outline inside her left ear. This tiny star likely symbolized guidance, inspiration, and dreams. Although it has faded over time, its presence highlighted her early aspirations and the light she sought in her journey. Star tattoos often represent hope and direction, making them a popular choice for those seeking personal growth.
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4. Spiritual Expression: Sanskrit Prayer
Rihanna’s connection with celebrity tattoo artist Keith Scott “Bang Bang” McCurdy began early in her career. One of their first collaborations was a Sanskrit prayer tattooed vertically down her right hip. Intended to mean “forgiveness, honesty, suppression, and control,” the prayer was unfortunately misspelled, resulting in a translation of “long suffering, truthfulness, self-restraint, inward calm, fear, and fearlessness.” Despite the misinterpretation, this tattoo reflects Rihanna’s interest in spirituality and seeking inner peace. According to a study by Portland State University’s Art Department in July 2023, cultural tattoos are often chosen for their symbolic value and connection to personal beliefs.
5. Playful Whisper: “Shhh…”
In 2008, Rihanna got the playful “Shhh…” tattoo inked on her forefinger. This small yet memorable tattoo adds a touch of whimsy and mystery to her persona. It’s a fun and quirky statement that aligns with her bold and confident attitude. Finger tattoos are often chosen for their visibility and the personal message they convey.
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6. Celestial Design: A Trail of Stars
Rihanna’s constellation of tiny stars cascading from the nape of her neck down her back is one of her most recognizable tattoos. Inked by Bang Bang, this design adds a touch of celestial beauty and whimsy to her appearance. Star tattoos often symbolize dreams, aspirations, and guidance, resonating with Rihanna’s journey to stardom. This elaborate design showcases her affinity for artistic and meaningful body art.
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7. Earlier Designs: Henna-Style Dragon Claw
One of the earlier inkings on Rihanna’s right hand featured a henna-like design resembling a dragon claw with hibiscus flower detailing. This unique design showcased her appreciation for cultural art forms and intricate patterns. Although it was later covered up, this tattoo hinted at her evolving tastes and artistic exploration. Hand tattoos are often chosen for their visibility and the personal expression they offer.
8. Camo Shark and Cover-Up: From Relationship to Royalty
In 2016, Rihanna and her then-boyfriend Drake got matching camo shark tattoos by Bang Bang. Rihanna’s was placed on her left ankle, while Drake had his on his forearm. This tattoo symbolized their shared connection and adventurous spirit. However, in 2021, fans noticed that the camo shark had been covered up by an elaborate crown wrapping around her left ankle. This transformation reflects Rihanna’s personal growth and evolution, replacing a symbol of a past relationship with a symbol of her own power and sovereignty. Cover-up tattoos are a common way to transform body art and reflect new phases in life.
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9. Celebrating Her Birth Year: “1988”
Rihanna honored her birth year by getting “1988” inked across the front side of her right ankle with the help of Bang Bang. This tattoo serves as a personal marker, celebrating her identity and the year she came into the world. Year tattoos are a simple yet meaningful way to commemorate significant dates and personal milestones.
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10. Cultural Art: Maori-Inspired Hand Tattoo
While on the Diamonds tour in 2013, Rihanna visited New Zealand and received a traditional Polynesian design on her hand. Instead of using a needle, the tattoo artist employed a mallet and chisel to apply the pigment. This process reflects her respect for cultural traditions and her willingness to embrace unique artistic methods. Polynesian tattoos often carry deep cultural significance and stories, showcasing a connection to heritage and identity.
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11. Elaborate Design: Henna-Inspired Hand Ink
Building on the Maori-inspired design, Bang Bang worked on Rihanna’s hand for 11 hours, resulting in an intricate henna-like tattoo covering most of her right hand. This detailed and elaborate tattoo showcases her love for artistic expression and her willingness to commit to extensive body art. Henna-inspired tattoos often feature intricate patterns and designs, reflecting beauty and complexity.
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12. Symbol of Faith: Large Cross
On the underside of Rihanna’s wrist, Bang Bang penned an elaborate, large cross design to symbolize the singer’s faith. This tattoo reflects her spiritual beliefs and her commitment to her personal values. Cross tattoos are a common symbol of faith, representing devotion and spirituality.
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13. Honoring Her Grandmother: Goddess Isis
Arguably one of Rihanna’s most iconic tattoos is the Goddess Isis on her ribcage. In 2012, she got this large ink added to pay homage to her late grandmother, who died that July. Isis is an Egyptian goddess known as a symbol of motherhood, protection, and magic, representing Rihanna’s love and respect for her family. Memorial tattoos are a heartfelt way to honor loved ones and keep their memory alive.
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14. Symbol of Feminine Power: Egyptian Queen Nefertiti
Isis isn’t the only goddess Rihanna pays tribute to with her ink. The singer has a portrait of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti inked on her inner ribcage. Nefertiti is an iconic symbol of feminine beauty and power, reflecting Rihanna’s admiration for strong female figures and her own embodiment of these qualities. Portraits as tattoos are a striking way to honor influential individuals and celebrate their legacy.
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15. Symbol of Strength: Falcon
In June 2012, the singer had Bang Bang ink a falcon in the shape of a handgun on her right ankle. She wrote on Twitter about the symbolism, “‘Falcon: a light that shines in the darkness! Never close their eyes during sleep.” This tattoo represents vigilance, strength, and vision, reflecting Rihanna’s resilience and determination. Animal tattoos often carry symbolic meanings, representing traits and qualities that resonate with the wearer.
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16. Hidden Meaning: Tibetan Script
One tattoo from Rihanna’s collection that fans rarely see is the Tibetan script she has on her derrière. The ink loosely translates to “lover.” This hidden tattoo adds an element of mystery and intimacy to her collection, showcasing a personal and private aspect of her life.
17. Tribute to Tupac: “Thug Life”
The singer inked a tribute to Tupac’s rap group Thug Life by emblazoning it across her knuckles. This tattoo reflects her appreciation for hip-hop culture and her admiration for Tupac’s rebellious spirit and impactful music. Lettering tattoos are a bold way to express affiliations and pay tribute to influential figures.
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18. “Rebelle Fleur”: Rebel Flower
In 2010, Bang Bang penned “rebelle fleur” on the left side of her neck. The tattoo is a French term that translates to “rebel flower.” This phrase embodies Rihanna’s combination of strength and beauty, representing her ability to be both fierce and delicate. French phrase tattoos add a touch of elegance and sophistication to body art.
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19. Spiritual Freedom: Arabic Quote
On the left side of her ribcage, the singer inked an Arabic quote that loosely translates to “freedom in God.” This tattoo reflects her spiritual journey and her belief in divine liberation. Quotes in different languages often carry profound personal meanings, representing beliefs and values that are important to the wearer.
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20. Symbol of Power: Gun
Bang Bang shared the story of how Rihanna ended up with a gun tattooed on her rib cage with Stylecaster in 2013. He explained that she was in the shop to get a tattoo on her forearm but didn’t know what she wanted. He suggested the gun, as she had a necklace with a gun pendant on it. This tattoo symbolizes power, rebellion, and protection, reflecting Rihanna’s strong and assertive persona.
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21. Inspirational Message: “Never a Failure, Always a Lesson”
Rihanna has “never a failure, always a lesson” tattooed just below her collarbone, though as Bang Bang told Stylecaster, it’s inked backward so she can read it to herself in the mirror. This tattoo serves as a constant reminder to learn from her experiences and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Inspirational quote tattoos are a powerful way to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.
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22. Small Cross: Symbol of Faith
Just across from her “never a failure, always a lesson” tattoo, the Fenty CEO inked a tiny cross that lays on her left collarbone. This small cross serves as a subtle yet meaningful symbol of her faith and spirituality, complementing her larger cross tattoo on her wrist.
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23. Tribute to Friendship: Roman Numerals
The businesswoman doesn’t just pay tribute to herself on her canvas. She has a tattoo of her friend Melissa’s birthday on her left shoulder in roman numerals. Rumor has it they did it together, and Melissa got her birthday date — friendship goals. This tattoo symbolizes the importance of friendship and celebrating meaningful connections. Roman numeral tattoos are a classic way to commemorate dates and personal milestones.
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24. Simple Sentiment: “Love”
One of her simpler tattoos is the word love written in cursive on her left middle finger. This tattoo represents her belief in love and its importance in her life. Word tattoos are a direct and powerful way to express personal values and sentiments.
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25. Edgy and Unique: Skull and Crossbones
The singer tends to put her own flare on her body work. Instead of just getting a standard skull and crossbones tattoo on her right angle, Rihanna gave the design a bespoke touch with a pretty red bow. This unique tattoo combines edgy and feminine elements, reflecting her distinctive style and personality. Skull tattoos often symbolize rebellion and mortality, while the addition of a bow adds a touch of whimsy and individuality.
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26. Tattoo Styles and Techniques
Rihanna’s tattoos showcase a variety of styles and techniques, from traditional hand-tapped Polynesian designs to intricate henna-inspired patterns and bold lettering. Her collaborations with artists like Bang Bang have resulted in a diverse collection of body art that reflects her evolving tastes and artistic vision.
| Tattoo Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Polynesian | Traditional designs using a mallet and chisel, often carrying deep cultural significance. |
| Henna-Inspired | Intricate patterns and designs that mimic the look of henna, reflecting beauty and complexity. |
| Lettering | Bold and expressive tattoos featuring words, quotes, or phrases that carry personal meaning. |
| Memorial | Heartfelt tattoos that honor loved ones and keep their memory alive. |
| Symbolic | Tattoos that represent personal beliefs, values, and traits through meaningful symbols and imagery. |
| Cover-Up | Tattoos that transform or conceal previous designs, reflecting personal growth and evolution. |
27. Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist
Rihanna’s long-standing collaboration with Keith Scott “Bang Bang” McCurdy highlights the importance of finding a skilled and trusted tattoo artist. A professional artist can bring your vision to life while ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
Tips for Choosing a Tattoo Artist:
- Research: Look for artists with a strong portfolio and positive reviews.
- Specialization: Choose an artist who specializes in the style you want.
- Consultation: Discuss your ideas and ask questions to ensure they understand your vision.
- Hygiene: Ensure the studio follows strict hygiene practices.
28. Tattoo Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its vibrancy.
Essential Aftercare Tips:
- Keep it Clean: Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and water.
- Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight.
- Don’t Pick or Scratch: Let the tattoo heal naturally.
29. Inspiration and Ideas for Your Own Tattoos
Rihanna’s tattoos offer a wealth of inspiration for those looking to express themselves through body art. Whether you’re drawn to meaningful symbols, inspirational quotes, or intricate designs, there’s a tattoo style to suit every personality.
Inspiration Ideas:
- Personal Symbols: Incorporate symbols that represent your values, beliefs, and passions.
- Meaningful Quotes: Choose quotes that resonate with your life experiences and aspirations.
- Cultural Designs: Explore traditional art forms that connect you to your heritage.
- Nature-Inspired: Embrace the beauty of nature with floral, animal, or celestial designs.
30. Addressing Customer Challenges and Providing Solutions
At tattooat.com, we understand the challenges our customers face when considering tattoos. Here’s how we address those concerns:
Challenge: Finding unique and personalized tattoo designs.
Solution: We offer a vast library of diverse tattoo designs categorized by theme, style, and body placement.
Challenge: Selecting a skilled and reputable tattoo artist.
Solution: We feature a curated list of talented tattoo artists and studios across the USA, complete with portfolios and reviews.
Challenge: Understanding the tattoo process and aftercare.
Solution: We provide detailed articles and guides on tattoo procedures, preparation, and aftercare to ensure a safe and informed experience.
Challenge: Overcoming concerns about pain and long-term effects.
Solution: We offer information and tips on managing pain during the tattoo process and ensuring proper healing and maintenance.
Challenge: Finding reliable information about tattoo removal methods.
Solution: We provide insights into various tattoo removal options, including laser removal, along with considerations and precautions.
31. Understanding the Search Intent of Tattoo Enthusiasts
Understanding the search intent behind the keyword “what does rihanna’s tattoo say” helps us tailor our content to meet user needs effectively. Here are five key search intents:
- Information Gathering: Users want to know the meanings and stories behind Rihanna’s tattoos.
- Inspiration: Users seek inspiration for their own tattoo designs.
- Artist Identification: Users want to identify the tattoo artists behind Rihanna’s ink.
- Cultural Appreciation: Users are interested in the cultural significance of her tattoos.
- Trend Awareness: Users want to stay updated on celebrity tattoo trends.
32. Rihanna’s Tattoos: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Rihanna’s most famous tattoo?
A1: Rihanna’s Goddess Isis tattoo on her ribcage, which pays tribute to her late grandmother, is one of her most iconic tattoos.
Q2: How many tattoos does Rihanna have?
A2: Rihanna has over 25 tattoos, each with its unique meaning and story.
Q3: Who is Rihanna’s favorite tattoo artist?
A3: Keith Scott “Bang Bang” McCurdy is Rihanna’s go-to tattoo artist, responsible for many of her most famous inkings.
Q4: What does “Rebelle Fleur” mean on Rihanna’s neck?
A4: “Rebelle Fleur” is a French term that translates to “rebel flower,” embodying Rihanna’s combination of strength and beauty.
Q5: What does Rihanna’s Arabic tattoo say?
A5: Rihanna’s Arabic tattoo on her ribcage loosely translates to “freedom in God.”
Q6: Why did Rihanna get a camo shark tattoo?
A6: Rihanna and her then-boyfriend Drake got matching camo shark tattoos in 2016 as a symbol of their shared connection.
Q7: What does the falcon tattoo on Rihanna’s ankle symbolize?
A7: The falcon tattoo symbolizes vigilance, strength, and vision.
Q8: Does Rihanna have any tattoos in honor of her family?
A8: Yes, Rihanna has the Goddess Isis tattoo in honor of her late grandmother and a roman numeral tattoo for her friend Melissa’s birthday.
Q9: What is the meaning behind Rihanna’s “Thug Life” tattoo?
A9: The “Thug Life” tattoo is a tribute to Tupac’s rap group, reflecting Rihanna’s appreciation for hip-hop culture.
Q10: How can I find a tattoo artist like Bang Bang?
A10: Research tattoo artists in your area, look for strong portfolios and positive reviews, and choose an artist who specializes in the style you want.
33. Stay Updated with the Latest Tattoo Trends
Keep up with the latest tattoo trends and celebrity ink at tattooat.com. Our expert articles and curated galleries offer endless inspiration and insights into the world of body art.
Current Trends:
- Fine Line Tattoos: Delicate and intricate designs with thin lines.
- Watercolor Tattoos: Soft and vibrant tattoos that mimic the look of watercolor paintings.
- Geometric Tattoos: Bold and precise designs featuring geometric shapes and patterns.
- Minimalist Tattoos: Simple and understated tattoos with clean lines and minimal details.
34. Visit tattooat.com for More Tattoo Inspiration
Ready to explore the world of tattoos and find the perfect design for you? Visit tattooat.com today for endless inspiration, expert advice, and a curated list of talented tattoo artists. Discover your next piece of body art and express your unique style with confidence.
35. Connect With Us
For more information and to explore our extensive collection of tattoo designs and artist profiles, visit tattooat.com.
Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States
Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000
Website: tattooat.com
Explore the captivating world of tattoos with tattooat.com, where art meets skin. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or the perfect artist, we’re here to help you express yourself through the timeless art of tattooing. Discover endless designs, find talented artists, and learn everything you need to know about getting inked. Start your tattoo journey with us today!
