Are you looking for a tattoo that’s as pretty as it is symbolic? Then look no further than these 100 pretty unicorn tattoo ideas!
There must scarcely be anyone anywhere in the world who hasn’t heard of a unicorn – a stunning forest creature with a radiant, white coat and a single horn protruding from its forehead.
Too fast to ever be caught by humans, and possessing amazing magical properties, the unicorn is a true legend although in ancient cultures it was sometimes written about as if it was an actual animal.
Unicorns are most associated with European mythology, but in fact, similar creatures appear in myths and legends all over the world from South America to China.
In most interpretations, the beast is seen as a graceful and pure creature, and its horn is said to have the power to cure the sick and protect against poisoning.
Recommended: Find out about Sagittarius tattoo designs and their meanings in our next article.
Due to the purity and innocence of this mythical creature, it was also said that it was only possible for it to be captured by a virgin.
This legend was so widespread that lore states a virgin girl would sometimes be made to sit under a tree, waiting for a unicorn to come past.
If one passed by, it would be unable to resist putting its head into her lap and at that point, hunters would be able to trap it.
Connections have also long been drawn between unicorns and romance between women and men in the process of courting.
In the Middle Ages, there were many analogies to compare the attraction of a unicorn to a virgin with a lover being attracted to the girl he desires. Similar comparisons with the unicorn were also made to symbolize faithful marriage.
Although the unicorn was a mythological creature, it was adopted enthusiastically by Christianity when it was recognized that there were many allegories that could be harnessed to symbolize Christ’s connection with the creature.
For example, unicorn legends can be compared to the Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception as well as the Passion of the Christ.
A famous 7-paneled piece of tapestry called “The Hunt Of The Unicorn” depicts this, showing the unicorn (Christ) being pursued by noblemen.
They cannot capture the beast until it rests in a virgin’s lap, thus sacrificing itself. Although it appears that they’ve killed the unicorn, in the final panel, it has been resurrected and is living on happily.
Recommended Reading: Don’t miss our massive guide to Viking tattoos next!
In many cultures, the unicorn was highly sought after due to its mythical and magical powers. With its true power believed to be retained in its horn, people all over the world were keen to hunt down the beast and so take advantage of the healing potential that “Alicorn” – the substance that the horn was said to be made of – could bring.
Nobility used “alicorn” to make ceremonial cups that were said to have protective abilities to save the drinker from death, even when their cup was poisoned. Of course, these horns were not from a unicorn, but were often taken from rhinoceroses or narwhals.
It’s highly unlikely that unicorns ever existed, but were instead drawn by ancient people when they misunderstood or misinterpreted existing creatures such as the Auroch cattle which are now extinct.
Why Get A Unicorn Tattoo?
Unicorn tattoos have always been popular but are seeing a recent resurgence as the mythology has once again risen to the fore. Unicorn tattoo designs are exceptionally beautiful and are ideal for women due to their feminine and elegant nature.
Some people choose to have a tattoo of a unicorn inked on their body simply because they love these beautiful and legendary creatures.
Others want this creature depicted on their body because they love today’s pop culture references to the unicorn, for example in the form of The Last Unicorn tattoo, referencing the movie of the same name.
Many more want this type of tattoo simply because of the unicorn tattoo meaning of mysticism, magic, and innocent purity.
Types Of Unicorn Tattoo Ideas
There are endless different ideas when it comes to choosing a unicorn-themed tattoo.
Whether you’re looking for a small unicorn tattoo for a foot or hand, or whether you’d prefer a much larger unicorn as part of a gorgeous mythical scene on your back, you’re sure to find a wealth of inspirational ideas that will amaze and impress.
Recommended Article: Check out ocean tattoo ideas in our latest guide.
If you’d like a discreet tattoo to show off your love of unicorns, a tiny unicorn tattoo is perfectly possible in a subtle location that can easily be covered, perhaps on the ankle or on the wrist where it can be hidden under a watch or bracelet.
You could choose a stylized representation of a unicorn that will capture the symbolism of the design without being too obvious.
Alternatively, you could go all-out and get a watercolor unicorn tattoo. Unicorn designs lend themselves especially while to this type of tattoo technique since it has a magical, fairytale look that complements the theme well.
Watercolor tattoos look wonderful in all sizes but work very well on the arms, chest or back where there is enough space to really go into intricate detail.
Or perhaps you’d rather go for something dramatic and sophisticated? A black unicorn tattoo, with plenty of detail but without distracting color, can be a wonderful statement on any part of the body.
How To Care For My Unicorn Tattoo
If you’ve recently had a unicorn inked onto your body, you’ll need to know how to care for it properly to make sure it retains its beauty in the long-term.
Keep the initial bandage on for 24 hours and then take off the bandage and wash the area carefully using antimicrobial soap and warm, not hot, water.
Recommended: Don’t leave without seeing our amazing pocket watch tattoo guide.
Apply antibacterial ointment a couple of times a day after washing the area with soap and water.
Avoid swimming and sunbathing for a couple of weeks and never pick at the tattoo site, even if scabs start to form as this could cause the result to be negatively affected.
