75 Unique Arrow Tattoos & Meanings (2022 Guide)

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Arrow tattoos, despite their inherent popularity, come in so many different styles and types that it’s possible to make them all your own. They are especially popular among women, and they make excellent options for couples’ or best friends’ tattoos, as well.

The arrow tattoo design itself is simple in nature, but they can carry some very complex, and deep meanings. The only limit when it comes to arrow tattoo ideas is your imagination – and your tattoo artist’s ability.

Contents

1 Arrow Tattoo Meaning
- 1.1 Arrow Tattoo On Wrist + Diamond
- 1.2 Simple Broken Arrow Tattoo
2 How To Keep Your Tattoo Vibrant
3 Arrow Tattoo Designs + Ideas
4 Bow And Arrow Tattoo
5 Small Arrow Tattoos
6 Arrow Compass Tattoos
7 Feather Arrow Tattoo
8 Geometric Arrow Tattoos
9 Crossed Arrows Tattoos
10 Arrow through the Heart
11 Couples Arrow Tattoos
12 More Arrow Tattoo Designs

Arrow Tattoo Meaning

Meanings behind arrow tattoos can vary depending on the type of tattoo you choose. They are symbols of everything from protection and positivity to love, achievement, and friendship.

More often than not, women choose arrow designs as a symbol of moving forward. The arrow literally points outward in an effort to direct the wearer to keep moving and keep going. Think about what you want your arrow tattoo to mean, then choose a design that is an accurate reflection of that.

Arrow Tattoo On Wrist + Diamond

For example, a broken arrow represents peace and destroying your weapon. An arrow pointed downward represents peace as well. Also, crossed arrow tattoos represent friendship, where two arrows pointing away from each other represent conflict.

Simple Broken Arrow Tattoo

Whether you choose to have a single arrow, broken arrow, or an arrow within a compass, they all have general symbolism but should most importantly mean something to you. We will discuss more meanings of each of the different arrow tattoo designs below.

How To Keep Your Tattoo Vibrant

There’s a lot of argument over the best way to help your tattoo heal – especially in the first few days after it’s finished. Though many artists still recommend triple antibiotic ointment or even A&D Ointment (commonly used for diaper rash), there are better options.

Small Watercolor Arrow Tattoo on Forearm

Ora’s Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve

This tattoo salve is one aftercare product no tattoo aficionado should be without. Ora’s Amazing Tattoo Salve is petroleum-free, which is a huge plus, and it’s infused with herbs that help to reduce the risk of infection. Bonus: it’s also great for minor burns and wounds, so after your ink heals, keep it in your first aid kit.

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Coppertone Tattoo Guard Continuous Spray

Though it won’t happen immediately, the sun can (and absolutely will) cause the colors in your ink to fade. To prevent this, use this Coppertone Tattoo Guard spray made directly for tattoos every time you expose them to the sun.

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Tattoo Goo Tattoo Aftercare Kit

If you want to avoid buying multiple products, this is the option for you. This Tattoo Aftercare Kit is affordable and comes with everything you need to properly care for your new arrow tattoo. It comes with a protective healing salve, a moisturizing lotion, a special soap, and a sunscreen all in one cool kit.

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Arrow Tattoo Designs + Ideas

Designs for arrow tattoos are endless, but if you’re having trouble deciding what to get, the following arrow tattoo meanings and ideas may help:

Bow And Arrow Tattoo

One of the most popular arrow designs is the bow and arrow tattoo. This is a design that is perfect as a stand alone tattoo or as a couples or friendship tattoo.

If you see an arrow being pulled back on a bow this can symbolize life struggle or tension. On the other hand, if you have an arrow that has been released from the bow it represents moving forward, or a positive transition.

Simple Arrow Tattoo + Bow and Arrow

Flower Bow + Arrow Tattoo

Though you’ve probably seen this design in many variations, the bow and arrow can symbolize love for couples or friendship for besties. One person gets the bow and the other the arrow, ideally in the same place.

Small Wrist Bow And Arrow

Couples Bow And Arrow Tattoo

Also, some will use the bow and arrow to symbolize the Sagittarius zodiac sign.

Sagittarius Tattoo

Detailed Geometric Bow + Arrow Tattoo

It is also believed that when you have a bundle of arrows together this represents strength as a bundle of arrows is rougher to break than a solitary arrow.

Bundle Of Arrows Tattoo

Bow And Arrow Tattoo

Small Arrow Tattoos

If you’re interested in an arrow tattoo, but you aren’t really keen on a large tattoo that’s overly visible, they are perfect for tiny tattoos. Small arrow tattoos can be placed on the side of your foot, on your shoulder, or even on the side of a finger where they’ll be more dainty than noticeable.

Perfect Small Bow + Arrow Finger Tattoo

Tiny Heart + Arrow Finger Tattoo

Infinity Ankle Arrow Tattoo

Geometric + Arrow Finger Tattoos

Small Broken Arrow

Small Heart Arrow Tattoo

Arrow Charm Bracelet Tattoo

Small Geometric Arrow Tattoo

Small Arrow Tattoo On Collarbone

Perfect Simple Arrow Tattoo On Foot

Arrow Compass Tattoos

Compass arrow tattoos can represent many different stages in life, but for the most part they will always represent moving forward. For example, this can symbolize a new relationship, starting on a new path, or changing your path towards the unknown. Compass tattoos are very sentimental and can be extremely simple or very detailed.

Watercolor Arrow Compass Tattoo

Compass Arrow Tattoo On Arm

Detailed Arrow Compass + Feather Arrow Tattoo

Arrow Compass Tattoo On Back

Classic Arrow Compass Tattoo

Feather Arrow Tattoo

A feather arrow tattoo can have any number of meanings, but it most often represents overcoming one’s troubles and independence. The arrow is indicative of a warrior, and that’s exactly why so many people prefer it. Of course, you may simply choose a feather arrow for the aesthetics, and you can choose a simple black-and-white or full-color tattoo to suit your personal preferences.

Small Feather Arrow Tattoo On Wrist

Feather Arrow Forearm Tattoo

Feather Arrow Tattoo Ideas

Infinity Feather Arrow Tattoo with Initials

Native American Arrow Tattoo

Arrow And Feather Tattoo

Bow Feather And Arrow Tattoo

Geometric Arrow Tattoos

Arrow tattoos mean something different to each owner, but geometric designs give a modern spin on a simple tattoo. Diamond arrows are one of the most common geometric arrow tattoos. Diamonds are one of the hardest materials on Earth, therefore tattoos with diamond shapes represent courage and invincibility.

Geometric Arrow Tattoo On Arm

Geometric Arrow White Ink Tattoo

Amazing Arrow Tattoo On Back

Solitary Geometric Arrow

Large Geometric Arrow Tattoo On Back

Crossed Arrows Tattoos

The arrow design of two crossed arrows symbolizes friendship. Therefore, this design is extremely popular for matching friendship tattoos.

Small Crossed Arrow Tattoos

Crossed Arrows on Arm

Simple Ankle Crossed Arrow Tattoo

Matching Crossed Arrow Tattoos

Arrow Tattoo On Arm

Crossed Arrow Tattoo With Rose

Crossed Arrow Friendship Tattoo

Arrow through the Heart

Another classic is the arrow-through-the-heart tattoo. This can be done in the traditional tattoo style (with a cartoon flair) or it can be made more modern depending on what you like. This design is also known as the cupid arrow tattoo which represents love and romance.

Unique Heart Arrow Tattoo

Simple Heart Arrow Tattoo

Classic Cupid Tattoo

Realistic Heart + Arrow Tattoo

Cute Heart Arrow Tattoo

Realistic Small Cupid Tattoo

Couples Arrow Tattoos

Matching tattoos mean something special to everyone. Whether you decide for matching small tattoos or complementary tattoos, arrow designs are perfect.

Small Couples Arrow Tattoo

Couples Bow and Arrow Forearm Tattoo

Simple Couples Bow and Arrow Tattoo

Couples Arrow Finger Tattoo

Brother + Sister Arrow Tattoos

More Arrow Tattoo Designs

Finding the perfect arrow design for you may take time. Your tattoo will most likely be a combination of multiple arrow ideas, but once you find your perfect tattoo it will be worth the time and effort. Below are more unique arrow tattoo designs to help you create your own masterpiece.