The short answer? No. Taylor Swift does not have any permanent tattoos.
It feels kinda wild to say that in 2026, especially when you look at how many of her peers are covered in ink. From Post Malone to her own boyfriend, Travis Kelce—who recently teased a new piece—tattoos are basically the uniform of the music industry. But Taylor? She’s a clean slate. Even after the massive success of The Tortured Poets Department and the absolute whirlwind of the Eras Tour, she hasn't gone under the needle.
But honestly, if you’ve been paying attention to her lyrics or her music videos, it’s easy to see why people are constantly asking the question. She plays with the idea of tattoos all the time.
The Fortnight Fake-Out and Face Ink
The most recent heart-attack for Swifties happened during the "Fortnight" music video. There she was, sitting at a typewriter, with a face full of tattoos that mirrored Post Malone’s signature ink. For a split second, social media went into a total meltdown. Was this it? Had she finally done it?
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Nope. It was just high-end makeup and some clever VFX.
The "Fortnight" ink was purely symbolic. In the context of the video, it represented her being "infected" by a relationship—wearing someone else's identity on her skin. It was dark, it was moody, and it was 100% temporary. She’s used this trick before, like the massive butterfly back piece in the "You Need To Calm Down" video. That one was so detailed that people spent weeks debating if it was real. Spoilers: it wasn't. It washed off as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.
Why She Can't Seem to Commit
Taylor actually addressed the tattoo thing years ago, and her stance hasn't really shifted. Back in 2012, she told Taste of Country that she didn't think she could ever commit to something permanent.
"I just... I don't think I could ever commit. I don't think I could ever commit to something permanent. I couldn't. If I was going to get something, it would be a 13, but I just I don't want to get a tattoo."
That "ugh" factor she mentioned—the shudder at the thought of a needle—seems to be the main hurdle. She’s a songwriter who changes her "era" every two years. If you’re someone who completely reinvents your aesthetic and your sound with every album, committing to a single image on your skin for the rest of your life is a big ask.
The Famous "13" and Arm Lyrics
Even though she doesn't have permanent ink, she’s famous for her "skin art." During her earlier tours, specifically the Speak Now era, she had a ritual. Every night, she’d sharpie her lucky number 13 on the back of her right hand. It became so iconic that fans would do the same before coming to the shows.
She also used to write lyrics on her arms for every performance. It wasn't just her own lyrics, either. She’d write lines from her favorite poets or other artists, basically turning her body into a mood board for whatever she was feeling that night.
The 2025 Shamrock "Announcement"
There was a hilarious moment in May 2025 that briefly restarted the rumor mill. Taylor posted a letter on her website celebrating the fact that she had finally bought back the rights to her original masters from Shamrock Capital.
She was so ecstatic that she joked her first tattoo "might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead."
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The fans, being the detectives they are, immediately knew she was joking. But the fact that she even brought up the "T-word" shows that it’s a running joke even in her inner circle. She knows we’re looking. She knows we’re waiting for it.
If She Did Get One, What Would It Be?
If Taylor ever actually walks into a tattoo parlor, the betting odds are high on a few specific things:
- The Number 13: Her lucky number, her birthday (December 13), and her general brand.
- A Meredith, Olivia, or Benjamin Reference: Her cats are basically her children. A small silhouette wouldn't be out of character.
- Handwriting: She has a very distinct, flowy cursive. It’s likely she’d get a single word or a short phrase in her own script.
But for now, Taylor remains one of the few global superstars without a single drop of permanent ink. She prefers to tell her stories through 10-minute songs rather than 10-minute tattoo sessions.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to get a Taylor-inspired tattoo yourself (since she won't!), here is how to do it right:
- Check the font: Most Swifties use the folklore or reputation fonts for lyric tattoos. They are timeless and look great as fine-line ink.
- Placement matters: Taylor's "13" was always on her hand, but fine-line tattoos on hands fade fast. Consider the inner wrist or the ribcage for longevity.
- Use her handwriting: You can find samples of her handwriting from her published journals. Bringing a sample of her actual script to your artist makes it much more personal than a standard font.
Keep an eye on her public appearances. Usually, if Taylor is sporting any "ink," it’s a clue for an upcoming music video or a secret message for an era transition. But until you see a healed, peeling tattoo in a paparazzi shot, assume it’s just more of her high-concept storytelling.