Egyptian culture and art have always been fascinating to people around the world. From the iconic pyramids and ancient tombs to the beautiful hieroglyphics and artwork found on ancient artifacts, there is something truly captivating about Ancient Egypt. One aspect of this rich culture that has been popularized in recent years is Egyptian tattoos, with many women opting for designs inspired by the ancient culture.

Egyptian tattoos for women can range from simple line designs to intricate and detailed depictions of gods, goddesses, and pharaohs. One popular tattoo design is the Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection and good health. The ankh, a symbol representing eternal life, is another popular choice for Egyptian tattoos.

Other popular designs include depictions of Egyptian goddesses such as Isis, Bastet, and Nefertiti. These powerful female figures are often portrayed with intricate details and are a great way for women to celebrate their own strength and femininity.

Whether you’re looking for a small, subtle tattoo or a larger, more intricate design, Egyptian tattoos offer a wealth of inspiration and cultural significance. With a wide variety of symbols and figures to choose from, there is sure to be an Egyptian tattoo design that resonates with you personally and expresses your unique style and personality.

Ancient Egyptian Symbols

Ankh

The Ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol which represents life. It is a symbol of eternal life, rebirth, and regeneration.

The Ankh is depicted as a cross with a loop at the top which represents the sun rising over the horizon. It was often used in religious ceremonies and was worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from harm.

• Meaning: Life, rebirth, regeneration
• Representation: Cross with a loop at the top

Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol which represents protection, healing, and royalty.

The Eye of Horus is depicted as the eye of a falcon surrounded by the markings of a falcon’s head. It was believed that the Eye of Horus had the power to heal the sick and protect the living. The symbol was also associated with the Pharaohs and represented their power and authority.

• Meaning: Protection, healing, royalty
• Representation: Eye of a falcon surrounded by markings of a falcon’s head

Scarab

The Scarab is an ancient Egyptian symbol which represents renewal, regeneration, and resurrection.

The Scarab is depicted as a beetle and was associated with the god Khepri, who was believed to push the sun across the sky. The Scarab was also used as a symbol of the afterlife, as it was believed that the beetle pushed the sun into the underworld at night, and brought it back to life in the morning. The Scarab was often included in funerary art and was used as an amulet to protect the dead in the afterlife.

• Meaning: Renewal, regeneration, resurrection
• Representation: Beetle

Lotus

The Lotus is an ancient Egyptian symbol which represents beauty, purity, and rebirth.

The Lotus is depicted as a flower and was often included in religious ceremonies and funerary art. The Lotus was used as a symbol of the sun and was associated with the god Ra, who was believed to rise from the Lotus each morning.

• Meaning: Beauty, purity, rebirth
• Representation: Flower

Popular Design Ideas

Ankh

The ankh symbol is a popular design for Egyptian tattoos for women. It symbolizes life and is often combined with other symbols like lotus flowers, wings or anklets. The ankh tattoo designs can range from simple line work to more intricate designs with shading and colors.

Bastet

Bastet is the goddess of cats, home, and fertility. She is often depicted as a woman with a cat’s head or as a cat. Bastet tattoos are a classic choice for cat lovers and represent femininity, protection, and strength.

Horus

Horus is the god of the sky and is often depicted as a hawk or as a man with a hawk’s head. Horus tattoos symbolize protection, clarity, and power. The design can feature the eye of Horus, the god’s winged form, or a simple hawk outline.

Nefertiti

Nefertiti was an Egyptian queen who was known for her beauty and power. Nefertiti tattoos are a popular choice for women as they represent strength and grace. The design can include her famous bust, as well as other Egyptian symbols like lotus flowers or hieroglyphics.

Sphinx

The Sphinx is a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body. It is often represented as a guardian. Sphinx tattoos are a popular design for those who want a powerful and mysterious tattoo. They can feature the whole creature or just the head.

• Other popular Egyptian tattoo designs include scarab beetles, pyramids, lotus flowers, hieroglyphics, and the Eye of Ra.

Celebrity Inspiration

Rihanna’s Ankh Tattoo

Rihanna is known for her love of tattoos, and one of her most eye-catching pieces is the ankh tattoo on her right ribcage. The ankh, an ancient symbol of eternal life in Egyptian mythology, is a popular choice among those looking to pay homage to the country’s rich history.

If you’re considering your own ankh tattoo, take a cue from Rihanna and place it in a subtle yet sexy spot, like the ribcage, to add a touch of mystery to your look.

Zoe Kravitz’s Eye of Ra Tattoo

Zoe Kravitz’s eclectic collection of tattoos includes an intricate Eye of Ra on her right forearm. The Eye of Ra, also known as the Eye of Horus, was believed to be a symbol of protection, healing, and power in ancient Egyptian culture.

If you’re drawn to the Eye of Ra’s mystical and powerful symbolism, consider a similar tattoo like Kravitz’s. The forearm is a great placement option for a design with this level of detail, allowing it to be easily shown off or covered up as desired.

Cara Delevingne’s Lotus Flower Tattoo

Cara Delevingne’s delicate lotus flower tattoo on her right hand is a subtle nod to the Egyptian culture’s love of the flower. The lotus is often associated with rebirth and enlightenment, making it a popular choice for those seeking spiritual growth.

If you prefer a smaller, more understated tattoo, take inspiration from Delevingne’s lotus flower. The hand is a unique placement option that adds a touch of elegance to the design.

Placement Options

Wrist

One popular placement option for Egyptian tattoos for women is the wrist. This area is small and discreet, making it perfect for those who want a smaller tattoo or who may need to conceal their ink for professional or personal reasons. Common design options for this placement include an ankh, the Eye of Horus, or a small scarab beetle.

Forearm

The forearm is another popular placement option for Egyptian tattoos for women. This area allows for a larger design and can be easily covered or shown off. Popular designs for this area include goddesses like Isis or Sekhmet, or hieroglyphics spelling out a word or phrase that holds significance to the individual.

Upper Back

The upper back, between the shoulder blades, is another popular placement option for Egyptian tattoos for women. This area is great for larger, more intricate designs such as a pyramid or a scene from an Egyptian myth. This placement is also easily concealed or shown off depending on the individual’s preference.

Foot

The foot is a unique placement option for Egyptian tattoos for women. This area allows for a small and discreet design that can be easily hidden by socks or shown off with sandals. Common design options for this placement include an ankh or a small hieroglyphic.

Collarbone

The collarbone is a bold and statement-making placement option for Egyptian tattoos for women. This area allows for a larger design and can be easily concealed or shown off depending on the individual’s preference. Popular designs for this area include the Eye of Horus, a scarab beetle, or the goddess Isis.

• When choosing a placement for your Egyptian tattoo, consider the size and intricacy of the design you want.
• Consider if you want to be able to easily conceal or show off your tattoo.
• Remember to take into account any dress codes or professional obligations that may affect your choice of placement.

Tattoo Care Tips

1. Keep it clean

After getting a tattoo, it’s crucial to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Use mild soap and warm water to gently wash the tattooed area twice a day.

2. Avoid swimming and soaking

Avoid immersing your new tattoo in water for at least two weeks, including swimming, hot tubs, and baths. Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the area.

3. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing your tattoo regularly can help keep it from drying out, which can cause the ink to fade. Use fragrance-free lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare products.

4. Don’t pick or scratch

It’s essential not to pick or scratch your new tattoo, even if it starts to itch. Doing so can damage the design and cause scabbing or infection.

5. Avoid direct sunlight

Direct sunlight can fade the ink and damage your skin while it’s still healing. Keep your tattoo covered and avoid sun exposure until it’s fully healed

6. Follow your artist’s instructions

Every tattoo artist has their own aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow their advice. They know best how to care for their work, and following their advice can help ensure the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Caring for a new tattoo is essential to ensure it heals correctly and looks its best for years to come. By following these tips, you can help your tattoo stay vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.

Traditional vs Modern Styles

Traditional Egyptian Tattoo Styles

The traditional styles of Egyptian tattoos for women focus heavily on using hieroglyphs and other symbols to represent important aspects of Egyptian culture and mythology. These designs often incorporate images such as scarab beetles, the ankh symbol, and depictions of Egyptian gods and goddesses. The colors used in traditional Egyptian tattoos are also heavily influenced by the colors used in ancient Egyptian art, with dark shades of black, blue, and green being common.

These tattoos often have a very intricate and detailed design, with many small elements coming together to create a larger image. They are usually done in black ink and can be quite visually striking when done properly.

Modern Egyptian Tattoo Styles

In modern times, Egyptian tattoo styles have expanded to include a wider range of designs and styles. While traditional designs are still popular, many women are opting for more modern interpretations of Egyptian art and mythology.

One common trend is to take traditional designs and update them with more abstract or minimalist elements. This can result in tattoos that have a more subtle or unique look, while still retaining the key elements of Egyptian culture.

Another modern trend is to incorporate more color into Egyptian tattoos, with bright shades of red, orange, and yellow being a popular choice. This can make the tattoos look more cheerful and vibrant, while still remaining true to the roots of Egyptian tattoo art.

Overall, both traditional and modern styles of Egyptian tattoos for women have their own unique appeal. Whether you prefer a more intricate and detailed design or a simpler, more minimalist look, there are plenty of options available to choose from.

Cultural Significance

Egyptian tattoos hold a lot of cultural significance, as they reflect the rich history and mythology of Ancient Egypt. Egyptians believed that tattoos had magical or spiritual powers and were used to protect the wearer, provide strength, and ensure a successful afterlife. Tattoos were often associated with religious symbols and images, such as the Eye of Ra and the Ankh, which were believed to hold great power and significance.

Tattoos were also used as a form of identification and status symbol. Members of certain cultural groups, such as the Berbers and the Nubians, were known for their distinct tattoo designs. Egyptian pharaohs and nobles were also known to have tattoos as a sign of their elite status.

The practice of tattooing in Ancient Egypt continued well into the late period, and even after the invasion of Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Despite the decline in popularity of tattoos during the Christian era, the tradition has endured, and Egyptian tattoos continue to be a popular choice for people all around the world.

Symbolism

The symbolism behind Egyptian tattoos is vast and varied, with each symbol holding a special meaning and significance. Some of the most commonly used symbols include the Eye of Horus, which represents protection, the scarab beetle, which represents rebirth and regeneration, and the Ankh, which is a symbol of eternal life.

Other popular symbols include the lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment, the Nefertiti bust, which represents beauty and power, and the hieroglyphics, which represent the written language of the Ancient Egyptians.

• The Eye of Horus – Protection
• The Scarab Beetle – Rebirth and Regeneration
• The Ankh – Eternal Life
• The Lotus Flower – Purity and Enlightenment
• The Nefertiti Bust – Beauty and Power
• The Hieroglyphics – Written Language of the Ancient Egyptians

Choosing the Right Artist

Do Your Research

When it comes to getting an Egyptian tattoo, it is important to choose the right artist. Take some time to research different tattoo artists in your area. Look for artists who specialize in Egyptian tattoos. Check out their portfolios to get an idea of their style and skill level. Reading reviews from previous clients can also be helpful.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush into getting a tattoo with the first artist you come across. Take your time to find someone you feel comfortable with. Book a consultation with the artist to discuss your design ideas and get a feel for their personality. A good tattoo artist will take the time to listen to your ideas and offer suggestions based on their experience.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when choosing an artist. Ask about their experience, qualifications, and any certifications they may have. Find out what kind of equipment and ink they use. If possible, ask to see their workspace. A clean and organized tattoo studio is a good sign that the artist takes hygiene seriously.

Final Thoughts

Getting an Egyptian tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful way to express yourself. Choosing the right artist is essential to ensuring you get a tattoo you can be proud of. Do your research, take your time, and ask questions to find an artist who is right for you. Remember, a great tattoo artist is someone who listens to you, offers expert advice, and creates a masterpiece that you’ll cherish forever.