8 Unique Wave Tattoo Designs And Their Symbolism

Wave tattoos are the latest trend that is taking over the internet! They carry deep symbolic meanings, so you are less likely to regret getting them. These tattoos represent elements of nature and their associated qualities. They represent a quest to explore the unknown, embrace the thrilling uncertainty of life, and most importantly, keep moving through the highs and lows of life. These tattoos often have elements like crashing waves, flowing lines, foamy water, or splashing waters that mimic the motion of the sea. These help lend a sense of dynamism and movement to the composition and also help create an illusion of depth and dimension. These tattoos have a hidden message and may also convey one to move forward with life or aim for a goal. Keep scrolling to take a look at the wave tattoo designs that can get your imagination flowing. Read on!

Meaning Of Wave Tattoos

Water tattoos in any form are full of meaning. Wave tattoos are probably one of the common motifs in such tattoos. They can look anything from simple and sweet to like an abstract piece of art. They make for meaningful tattoos and carry different meanings such as:

1. Change – The relentless motion of the waves can encourage the wearer to keep moving in the face of adversity with strength and courage and embrace life as it comes.
2. Challenges – The rolling and turbulent waves can also represent the challenges and troubles that come with life.
3. Connection To The Sea – This tattoo can signify a love for the sea, nature, and marine life.
4. Courage – Waves are powerful, they have the power to shape coastlines and impact the weather. These tattoos symbolize power, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
5. Emotions – Wave tattoos also signify emotions such as joy, sorrow, and love. These tattoos make for a powerful expression of emotions.

Waves can also have different cultural meanings. The Greek God Poseidon is depicted as the ruler of the sea, representing the unknown, and the constant ebb and flow of the ocean. The wave itself, in ancient Greek art, is a symbol of the unpredictable forces of nature.

In Hinduism, waves are often tied to the notion of eternal cycles of creation and destruction, representing the cosmic flow of energy.
In Christianity, waves can symbolize spiritual challenges or trials, with the metaphor of Jesus calming the storm being a powerful image of divine intervention and peace.

Since the Polynesian islands are spread across vast oceanic distances, navigation and understanding the rhythms of the sea were vital for survival. Thus, a wave tattoo might symbolize a journey, overcoming hardships, or finding one’s way.

In Japan, the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa, created by Hokusai in the 19th century, is one of the most recognized depictions of a wave in art. For the Japanese, waves are associated with nature’s immense power, as well as the spirit of perseverance.

The meaning can be versatile, and it can be even more so if you customize it to narrate your values, beliefs, and life experiences. Let’s look at some model designs that will titillate your creative mind below!

8 Mesmerizing Wave Tattoo Designs

Wave tattoos celebrate the spirit of adventure in the truest form! These tattoos signify flexibility, transformation, and renewal. Here are the most trending wave tattoo designs:

1. Wave Tattoo For Women

Make waves with this teeny tattoo that reminds you of everything about the sea, sun, and the beach! This small wave tattoo is perfect for those who are given to minimalistic aesthetics. This tattoo features the use of thin and simple linework and is located on the upper arm, which helps one to show off their tattoo easily. The curvy lines used to depict the rolling waves add a sense of interest to the design.

2. Wave And Flower Tattoo

If you are looking for a big artistic piece that feels dainty enough too, this wave and flower tattoo is just what you need! This splashy tattoo features a minimalist flower outline with stylized leaves that make this tattoo feel both cute and artsy at the same time. The negative spaces in the artwork help breathe in elegance. Here, the crashing wave symbolizes hope, faith, and joy, while the flower represents femininity and gentleness.

3. Sun And Wave Tattoo

Put a unique twist to a simple wave tattoo by going for a minimalist but stylized wave and sun tattoo that blends the sun and the waves. The design shows a stylized sun, drawn in bold black ink, and within it, you will notice minimalist but bold flowing lines, representing the ocean wave. This tattoo can inspire the wearer to embrace whatever change that comes in life with strength while remaining steadfast. It can also encourage the wearer to find a sense of balance and fulfillment in life by adapting to the natural rhythms of existence. The thin outlining and shadowy effect in the tattoo also helps add a sense of depth to the design.

4. Wave Forearm Tattoo

This black and white tattoo with Hokusai-inspired design is stunningly wrapped around the arm and looks insanely powerful and bold. You can also add a beach tattoo on the other end of the wave design to make it more meaningful. The use of black and white tones helps to add to the intensity of the design by creating strong contrast and helps the artwork to look visually dynamic. It also helps add a sense of clarity and a timeless feel to the design and makes the inkwork look three-dimensional. This tattoo showcases the ebb and flow of waves which represents the ups and downs of life.

5. Wave Finger Tattoo

The finger is a perfect place for this teeny-weeny wave tattoo. This tattoo has a delicate, petite feel and easily fits the contours of the finger. It also makes for a highly visible location and is surely going to turn out to be a conversation starter. The thin yet bold curvy lines with negative spacing give this tattoo a minimalistic allure and prevent it from looking overpowering.

6. Wave Sleeve Tattoo

If you are on the hunt for a badass tattoo that goes with your bold personality and vibe, consider getting this wave sleeve tattoo. Though a bit of a traditional style, these tattoos are having a moment right now! The black and blue tones represent the tides and the waves in the sea, while the curvy lines help lend a sense of movement to the design and beautifully capture the energy of the waves. This sleeve tattoo symbolizes resilience, strength, and change.

7. Celtic Wave Tattoo

Though this Celtic wave tattoo located on the chest will take a while to get done, it’s totally worth the effort! This tattoo emphasizes the cyclical motion of the waves and can also inspire the wearer to work towards one’s spiritual growth. The intricate patterns, spirals, and coils in this tattoo make the inkwork look fascinating and also lend it a hypnotic effect.

8. Fine Line Wave Tattoo

This wave tattoo is small but makes quite a big impact. The design is rendered in thin, fine lines and features a sailboat floating on the waves. The ebb and flow of the waves adds a sense of motion to the tattoo, as it mimics the flow of the tides. Moreover, it also represents the dynamism of life. The sailboat may represent life’s journey. The beauty of this tattoo lies in its simplicity and reminds us of the beauty of life.

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Lucas CumminsProfessional Tattoo Artist

   

Lucas Cummins is an Ohio-based tattoo artist who has been making his mark on the tattoo industry for the past 2 years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for vibrant expression, Lucas specializes in neo-traditional, color, and abstract style tattoos.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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