Dove Tattoos

A dove says a lot in very little space. Peace, love, faith, a goodbye. That's why dove tattoos tend to stay small and close to the heart, often on the wrist, the collarbone or the ribs.

Dove designs in the collection

• The peace dove in flight, an olive branch in its beak, drawn in a thick, confident outline.
• A cross and dove in fine line, worn for faith or remembrance. For crosses on their own, see our cross tattoos.
• Two doves face to face in linework, a design people often share with a partner, a sibling or a best friend.
• A little dove in a mixed bird set, alongside a swallow and a hummingbird.

Many people pick a dove as a quiet tribute to someone they've lost. Trying it as a temporary piece first lets you live with that idea for a week or two before deciding anything permanent.

The ink is jagua. It develops inside the skin instead of sitting on top, so temporary dove tattoos read like the real thing rather than a print. Right after application, which takes two minutes, the dove looks pale; over 24 to 36 hours it turns a deep blue-black, and from then on it's waterproof, although sweat, long soaks and friction wear it down sooner. Count on one to two weeks. The formula is PPD-free and complies with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

Swallows share the dove's link with loyalty, so take a look at our swallow tattoos, or browse every bird we draw. Want a name, a date or a set of initials beside your dove? That's the job of a custom tattoo: 3 copies minimum, made in 3 to 4 weeks.

Questions about dove tattoos

What does a dove tattoo symbolize?

Peace, first of all, thanks to the olive branch. In Christian tradition the dove also stands for the Holy Spirit, and plenty of people wear one in memory of a loved one.

What do two doves mean in a tattoo?

Two doves usually point to love, loyalty and a bond between two people. That's why the design is so often worn as a matching pair.

What does a cross with a dove symbolize?

Together they're read as faith, the Holy Spirit and peace. Some wear the pairing as a sign of belief; others wear it to honor someone who has passed away.