Curious about how much a small tattoo costs? You’re not alone. A small tattoo is the perfect choice for many people’s first tattoo: subtle, not too noticeable, and often affordable. But what exactly can you expect in terms of price? And why can the price vary so much between tattoo studios?
In this article, we’ll guide you through all the factors that determine the price of a small tattoo. From the type of design to the chosen location on your body. And of course, we’ll give you handy tips to try out risk-free first if a tattoo really suits you.
What is a small tattoo?
Before we talk about prices, it’s good to define what we mean by a small tattoo. Generally, we mean a tattoo smaller than 5 to 7 centimeters. Think of:
- A small symbol or icon
- A single word or short text
- A simple heart, star, or infinity symbol
- A minimalist butterfly or flower
- A small number or year
These tattoos often have a simple design without many details and can usually be done in less than an hour. That makes them ideal if you’re considering a tattoo for the first time.
How much does a small tattoo cost on average?
The price of a small tattoo in the Netherlands averages between €50 and €200. That’s quite a range. What exactly does this depend on?
Minimum fee of the tattoo studio
Many tattoo studios have a minimum fee, often between €50 and €80. Even if your small tattoo only takes 15 minutes, you still pay this base fee. This covers preparation time, setting up sterile materials, and aftercare instructions.
Design complexity
A simple heart or star is cheaper than a detailed mini rose or a fine line portrait. The more details and colors, the higher the price. Fine line tattoos can also be more expensive because they demand a lot of precision from the tattoo artist.
Location on your body
Some spots are harder to tattoo than others. A wrist tattoo or ankle tattoo can be slightly more expensive than a tattoo on your upper arm, simply because the skin there is more sensitive and requires more precision.
Experience of the tattoo artist
A beginner tattoo artist often charges lower rates than an experienced artist with a large portfolio. Some renowned tattoo artists charge hourly rates of €100 to €150 or more, which also affects the final price for small tattoos.
Region in the Netherlands
In large cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, prices are often higher than in smaller towns. This is due to higher rent prices and demand for tattoo services.
Factors that increase the price
Besides the base price, there are some factors that can increase the cost:
- Custom design: A unique, custom-made design often costs extra design time
- Adding color: Colored ink is more expensive than black and white work
- Multiple small tattoos in one session: Some studios offer discounts, others charge per piece
- Touch-ups: Some studios offer free touch-ups after healing, others charge for them
Is a small tattoo always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Because many studios have a minimum fee, you sometimes pay relatively more per square centimeter for a small tattoo than for a larger one. A 3x3 cm tattoo can cost €70, while an 8x8 cm tattoo might cost €120. Per square centimeter, the larger one is then more cost-effective.
Still, many people consciously choose to start small. It’s less painful, done faster, and you can first get a feel for having a tattoo before going for something bigger.
Test first with a temporary tattoo
Still unsure if a small tattoo is really for you? Or not sure if the spot you have in mind suits you? Then trying a temporary small tattoo is a smart first step.
At tatt4aweek.nl you’ll find temporary tattoos that look like real tattoos and last up to 2 weeks. This way you can:
- Discover if the chosen spot suits you well
- Test how a tattoo changes your look
- Experiment with different designs before making a final choice
- See how others (friends, family, employer) react
Our temporary tattoos are dermatologically tested, waterproof, and easy to apply. You can try them worry-free without the permanent consequences and without the cost of a real tattoo.
Popular small tattoo designs
Curious which small tattoos are the most popular? Here are some favorites:
- Symbols: Hearts, stars, infinity signs, anchors
- Minimalist animals: Small butterflies, birds, cat silhouettes
- Text and numbers: Initials, years, short words or angel numbers
- Flowers: Minimalist roses, daisies, or your birth flower
- Geometric shapes: Triangles, circles, line drawings
All these styles are also available as temporary versions in our collection, perfect to try out first.
Tips to save money
Want to get a small tattoo but keep an eye on your budget? Here are some tips:
- Choose a simple design: The simpler, the faster it’s done and the cheaper
- Choose black and white: Color tattoos are more expensive due to extra materials and time
- Compare prices: Call or email different studios for quotes
- Watch for promotions: Some studios have discount days or special offers
- Choose a flash design: Pre-made designs are often cheaper than custom work
And don’t forget: test first with a fake tattoo to be sure of your choice. This can save you the cost of laser removal later (which often costs €150 to €500 for a small tattoo!).
Conclusion: what can you expect?
A small tattoo costs on average between €50 and €200 in the Netherlands, depending on the studio, the design, and the location on your body. The minimum rate of most tattoo studios is around €50 to €80, so even for a very simple design you pay this amount.
Want to try out if a tattoo really suits you first? Or want to experiment with different designs and spots without immediately spending hundreds of euros? Discover our collection of temporary tattoos. From small hearts to inspiring texts – you’ll find the perfect tattoo with us to test risk-free.
Tattoo without regrets – try it first with tatt4aweek.nl!
