Whether your best friend has been by your side since birth, or came into your life more recently, you probably owe them a lot. From inside jokes to late night talks, they've shown you love in countless ways—and vice versa. Why not create a permanent testament to that shared love and appreciation in the form of a tattoo?
"It's a fun way to commemorate what someone means to you,” says Janice Danger, a tattoo artist with ten years of experience, currently operating out of Grit N Glory Tattoo in New York City. On top of being a lifelong commitment, the entire experience of getting tattoos together could bring you and your BFF even closer. “You come in together, you plan the design together—it's a great bonding experience all around,” says Danger.
However, that doesn’t mean either of you should take this decision lightly. “I think we all know the cons. The friendship might not last forever!” Danger cautions. For this reason, she recommends not going literal with your designs (such as initials or names), and thinking about what can signify your friendship, even if the two of you drift apart over the years. “Pick something where, if the friendship doesn't last, you have a tattoo that stands alone and wouldn't need a further explanation,” advises Danger.
She also stresses the importance of choosing an artist who is qualified, has a clean and sanitary setup, and whose style matches your design. (For example, don’t ask for a watercolor tattoo from someone who only specializes in black and white!) Plus, your tattoo journey doesn’t end as you hop off the table—be prepared to wash and care for your fresh ink, since it will likely take several weeks to heal. Each tattoo artist has different recommendations for aftercare, so be sure to take notes!
With all that in mind, check out these 29 best friend tattoo ideas to get you and your ride-or-die inspired:
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