Best Wave Tattoo Designs For Beach Lovers This Summer

Skip navigation!

Begin Slideshow

Photographed by Beth Sacca.

Chances are, you know someone — or someone who knows someone — who has a tattoo of a wave. (It's like six degrees of separation, but for ocean-inspired ink.) Whether it's big or small, black or filled in with colour, the wave is one popular tattoo request that we don't see going away anytime soon.

If you've been considering the beachy design for yourself, it might take some time to land on which rippled wave is right for your aesthetic. Will it be a tiny crest with simple lines, something coloured in with shades of blue and green, or a large artistic piece? A quick search of Pinterest or Instagram and you'll see that there are thousands of options, making it nearly impossible to find the one you actually want to bring to your tattoo artist for inspiration.

Luckily, we've sorted through them all so you don't have to. Ahead, the best wave tattoo designs worth considering this summer.

More from Skin Care

I Thought My Skin Cancer Risk Was Low — Until I Had My Moles Mapped

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead

by Hannah Thompson

The Dr Sam’s Clarity Kit Has Changed My Skin For The Better

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. My bathroom cabinet is some

by Jacqueline Kilikita

These 8 Kiehl’s Products Are Saving My Dry & Sensitive Skin

by Esther Newman

7 Autumn Skincare Trends A Specialist Thinks Everyone Can Benefit...

Summer served up a handful of intriguing skincare movements: Dermatologists extolled the virtues of retinal over retinol for minimising pigmentation, fine

by Jacqueline Kilikita

The Ordinary Is Bringing Back This Discontinued Fan-Favourite Serum

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Last year, I had the opport

by Karina Hoshikawa

Sorry, But Preventative Botox Is A Total Waste Of Money

In 2024, ageing is no longer a dirty word. Skincare brands are tweaking their packaging to reflect that growing older isn’t something to be feared, a

by Jacqueline Kilikita

7 Skincare Tweaks A Dermatologist Told Me To Make For Autumn

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. After another hot summer, y

by Jacqueline Kilikita

Is My Sex Life Making My Rosacea Worse?

“I love it when you go all red,” said my boyfriend, looking lovingly at me post-sex. I was mortified. I burrowed into the nearest pillow and slunk off

by Charlotte Bitmead

This Retinol Serum Faded My Spots Fast — & It’s Gentle Enou...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. I have a love-hate relation

Dedicated Feature

This £20 Moisturiser Has Earned My Skin So Many Compliments This ...

My bathroom cupboard is like a graveyard for forgotten moisturisers. I can explain! Some are far too thick and risk totally throwing off my oily, acne-pron

by Jacqueline Kilikita

This £16 Korean Sunscreen Is So Good, You’ll Ditch All The Others

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. As someone who tries her ve

TikTok Loves Tretinoin For Clear Skin, But There’s A Seriou...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. From brightening vitamin C

by Jacqueline Kilikita