Untitled

This is organized by date. All tattoos are linked to photos, unless they are major tattoos I want to talk about, in which case I have inserted the photos into the post. (Special thanks to thelegohouselove and their wonderful tattoo masterposts with pictures)

Dates are dates I believe they actually got the tattoos. If I can’t find a date they got the tattoo, I have indicated it with a “*” which is the first date we saw the tattoo. 

Before we begin, fun facts that might blow your mind:

Harry has 56 tattoos that we know of.

Louis 38 tattoos that we know of. 

Harry got 30 of his 56 tattoos between June and October 2012. That’s, on average, about 8/month.

Louis got 10 of his 37 between October and December 2012. That’s, on average, about 5/month.

The most Harry ever got on one day is 4. He got 13 in a 7 day period in October 2012. The most Louis ever got on one day was 5 on February 25 of 2013.

Artist counts for Harry: Tom Atkins (10); Liam Sparkes (10); Freddy Negrete (8); Kevin Paul (3). 

Artist counts for Louis: Skunx (7); Liam Sparkes (4); Freddy Negrete (4).

Some of this stuff isn’t an exact science. Some of it is me making an educated guess, especially involving some of Harry’s tattoos in October and Louis’ “The Rogue” vs. “It is what it is” and Harry’s 3 Nails. So bear that in mind. 

Over all, this should give you a good idea of just how much the tattoos seem to be an outlet during highly-closeted and stressful times (Harry’s June-October spree that gave way to the birds, ship & compass and butterfly and Louis’ October-December Haylor spree), not only in date alone, but also in the subject of the tattoo.

Thank you to Kerry, Jess & awesomeanonfriend for the cheerleading and fact-checking and Angela for her insight. 

Let’s do this.

PART 1 “Artist Key:

FN: Freddy Negrete, Shamrock Social Club (LA)

LS: Liam Sparkes, Shangri-La Tattoo (London)

KP: Kevin Paul, Kevin Paul Tattoo (London)

TA: Tom Atkin, friend of Harry & Louis’, fiance of Lou Teasdale (London)

Skunx: Skunx Tattoo (London)

DC: tattoo shop where Zayn and Louis went (Maryland) —

February 1, 2012:

Star outline (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 1st tattoo]

June 15, 2012: 

Wont’ stop til we surrender (Harry) - Paul Nguyen [Harry’s 2nd tattoo]

Meta: Harry got this tattoo about 10 days after Eleanor left the U.S. for the first time on the U.S. leg of the Up All Night tour. It was 2 days before she returned. It was at the beginning of the heightened closeting and increased Elounor pap shots. 

It is also important to note that this is a modified version of the song lyric from “Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap. 

The song lyric as it is actually written/sung:

We won’t stop ‘til it’s over Won’t stop to surrender

Harry made the lyrics “won’t stop ‘til we surrender,” using parts of each line to make it about more than one person in a struggle against something or someone else. 

The next day, on June 16th, Ed Sheeran did the show where he said Harry was “taken” and answered “Innit?” when a fan said “By Louis.” 

June 23, 2012*: 

Hi (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 3rd tattoo]

A for his mum (Anne) on forearm (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 4th tattoo]

Meta: We did not see these two tattoos until June 23 at the Dallas show. Zayn has said in an interview that he “drew” the A on Harry’s arm. This might mean he actually tattooed Harry himself. 

The “Hi” tattoo appears to be in Louis’ handwriting. Just days after the tattoo appeared, Louis appeared very interested in a radio host’s tattoo, asking twice if it was in her handwriting. The interview took place in Tampa on June 29. 

Harry: “What does this say?”. Boring stuff about this girl’s tattooed arm. Louis: “Did you write it yourself?”. Everyone: “…”. Louis: “Is that your handwriting?”

In Miami, on July 1st, Harry revealed it said “Hi” but was very coy about it. Liam then declared it his favorite tattoo (out of 4 at the time, but it counts, god damn it) and looked right at Louis.  

Same, Liam.

The “Hi” tattoo seems especially poignant as it came in the middle of a heavy Eleanor presence and Elounor push and Harry had Louis possibly tattoo a word on him in Louis’ own handwriting. At the very least, he got a word in Louis’ handwriting tattooed on himself. Almost like a brand. 

July 27, 2012*:

I CAN’T CHANGE… (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 5th tattoo]

Birdcage (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 6th tattoo]

I think Liam Sparkes did the “I can’t change…” tattoo, which we first saw July 27, 2012, because the lettering and tone is identical to these kinds of tattoos that Liam Sparkes does:

I think this is also most likely the day Harry got the birdcage tattoo, which I think is a Liam Sparkes design. 

This is significant, because it places Liam early in Harry’s tattoo timeline, making the stuff to come in October more important. 

August 9, 2012*: 

Hanger (Harry) - Unknown Artist [Harry’s 7th tattoo]

I think it’s possible this was done by Liam Sparkes on July 27th, as well. 

Meta: The “I can’t change,” birdcage with no door and hanger are the most obvious and heavy-handed series of anti-closeting tattoos Harry has gotten to date. All 3 came between very public Elounor appearances: the France trip in early July and the Olympics on August 10th-12th. 

August 13, 2012:

Padlock (Harry) - Ed Sheeran [Harry’s 8th tattoo]

17BLACK (Harry) - KP [Harry’s 9th tattoo]

Pingu (Harry) - KP [Harry’s 10th tattoo]

Iced Gem (Harry) - KP [Harry’s 11th tattoo]

Meta: Ed & Harry got tattoos together the night after the closing ceremonies of the Olympics 2012. In this article from August 14, Kevin Paul (the tattoo artist) says:

I did a couple of bits on him last night […] They’re really personal to him - the reasons he had them done and stuff, so he doesn’t really want to announce what they are […] One was something from his childhood, and another one was something really important in his life.

I think it’s possible the “iced gem” for Gemma is the “something from his childhood.” I think the 17BLACK is the “something really important in his life”, because I doubt a matching cartoon-themed penguin tattoo he got with Ed is important enough to be coy about. Ed did the padlock, so Kevin wasn’t talking about that one.

August 21, 2012:

Never Gonna/Dance Again (Harry) - TA [Harry’s 12th tattoo]

“Big” on big toe (Harry) - TA [Harry’s 13th tattoo]

September 4, 2012:

”Gemma“ in Hebrew (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 14th tattoo]

Shamrock (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 15th tattoo]

Freddy Negrete posted a picture of Harry from the night of the 4th to his instagram the next day on September 5th.

September 8, 2012:

Green Bay Packers logo (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 16th tattoo]

Drama Masks/SMCL (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 17th tattoo]

Filled in star (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 18th tattoo]

You can see the same flash sheets in the mirror next to Harry’s arm as in this picture from Freddy’s instagram account.

Meta: Louis was most likely with him on this night. He is in the far right side of the picture. You can see his butt, legs and shoes with his rolled jeans.

Here Louis is carrying the shoes from around the same time:

(the shoelace is not important to this…it was the only pic I could find)

Louis also tweeted “ouch :(” on the same night:

After this trip, Freddy Negrete responded to a fan via instagram [link not working anymore] that “Harry wanted “a big [tattoo]” on his chest when he was in LA again. 

Late September 2012:

2 Cross with K & M (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 19th tattoo]

LOVE Banner (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 20th tattoo]

Meta: These were done in late September, I think. It was after the drama masks but before the “Kiss You” video shoot which was late October. 

If Harry did, in fact, have a large chest piece in mind in early September, it’s possible he may have been thinking of the birds by this point. It then might make sense that he would get the “LOVE” banner and then cover it up so soon afterwards. It could have been a part of his design. This is a Liam Sparkes design that includes birds placed similarly to Harry’s with banners and the words “true” and “love” beneath:

-

”October 12, 2012:

Aquarius lines (Harry) - Dublin [Harry’s 21st tattoo]

99p (Harry) - Dublin [Harry’s 22nd tattoo]

Key/Fish skeleton/arrow (Harry) - Dublin [Harry’s 23rd tattoo]

Things I can / Things I can’t (Harry) - Dublin [Harry’s 24th & 25th tattoo]

Screws on ankles (Louis) - Dublin [Louis’ 1st tattoo]

[Meta: Liam said that Zayn, Louis, Harry, and him all got those screws on their ankles: “It’s just screws, they keep you together. I suppose it’s like a keep-you-grounded-sort of thing.”]

October 15, 2012:

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album cover art (Harry) - Skunx [Harry’s 26th tattoo]

Stickman on skateboard (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 2nd tattoo]

Quote marks (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 3rd tattoo]

Far Away. (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 4th tattoo]

Meta: Harry had the Pink Floyd tattoo by November 8, but did not get in L.A. that day. He did wear a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon shirt on October 18..

..so I think it’s quite possible he got that tattoo on the 14th, as it was professionally done (I think).   [More info on Harry’s love for Pink Floyd]

This photo of Louis was released/found on October 17th..

..which was after Louis got his stickman on a skateboard tattoo. He appears to be wearing Harry’s shirt. Kevin Paul then retweeted [link no longer active] an article about Louis getting the tattoo, seemingly implying that he was the artist. But he was not, as that is not his shop. His shop has wood floors, while Louis appears to be in a chair at Skunx. [link no longer active]

We first saw Louis’ stick man tattoo on October 16th at a radio interview, but on October 15th, Louis tweeted they were on a video [for Little Things] shoot [in the afternoon] […],

…so I think it’s most likely he got the tattoo on the morning of the 15th. 

You can see in this gif from the video shoot he has that arm wrapped, as one would when they just got a tattoo. You do not keep the wrapping on for long, so it was most likely on the way to the shoot.

We first saw the quotation marks on October 22nd and the “Far Away.” on October 29th (though it was rumored he had this one as early as October 22nd as well), but I think he definitely got them before then, so the 14th seems most likely given their schedule that week.  

I believe the “Kiss You” video was shot October 18-19th in London, and Louis had all 3 tattoos and Harry had all 9 new ones in the video. So my best guess is October 14th for all of them, but definitely in the window of October 13-17. (Sidenote: Shooting these videos so close together makes their surprise at “Little Things” being the next single off the album a little clearer. Perhaps “Kiss You” was meant to be the next one, but plans were changed.) P.S. If Louis did get the stickman on the 15th and wore Harry’s shirt, Harry then wore it [the day after] to a radio interview..

…but they ~~~totally don’t live together anymore. 

October 17, 2012:

Meta: 3 days after Louis began getting tattoos in earnest, Harry posted this photo of a couple’s tattoo to his instagram and [captioned it with:] “Siiiiiick.” 

It is most likely that Harry found this picture [link no longer active] by googling “best couple tattoos”, where he found this slideshow [link no longer active] of 75 couple’s tattoo pictures. This photo is 62 of 75 and is found on the 5th page.  The same day, during a radio interview, Louis indicated the “it is what it is” and butterfly tattoo combo may have already been in the works as he looked at Harry and pointed at [Zayn] when he says the phrase “It is what it is.” [and then gestured excitedly to Harry]. [replaced video source, starts at 7:12]

Louis made a joke during Haylor by saying “It is what it is”, which Harry found hilarious. (December 2012):

Maybe the butterfly/“it is what is is” combo was the first of many “couple’s tattoos” plans they’ve had, but the [one that was just executed last]. 

October 18, 2012*:

LDN (Harry) -TA [Harry’s 27th tattoo]

NY (Harry) - TA [Harry’s 28th tattoo]

LA (Harry) - TA [Harry’s 29th tattoo]

Home Made (Harry) - TA [Harry’s 30th tattoo]

Guitar (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 31st tattoo]

Can I stay? (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 32nd tattoo]

Might as well… (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 33rd tattoo]

Black heart (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 34th tattoo]

November 8, 2012:

Birds (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 35th tattoo]

–

”November 9, 2012:

4 Birds (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 5th tattoo]

Oops! (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 6th tattoo]

[The Mirror Article from the night Lou got the tattoos, Zayn was at the tattoo parlor with him]

December 6, 2012:

Camera (Louis) - NYC [Louis’ 7th tattoo]

Stereo heart (Louis) - NYC [Louis’ 8th tattoo]

December 19, 2012: 

Ship (Harry) - FN [Harry’s 36th tattoo]

Compass (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 9th tattoo]

Meta: Technically, they got these tattoos about 18 hours apart, [at the same shop] – Harry very late the 18th/early morning of the 19th and Louis the night of the 19th. So I’m counting both as the 19th. I think we all know why these are important, and if not, please see this tag.

January 23, 2013:

Handshake (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 37th tattoo]

Butterfly (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 38th tattoo]

Large bird [swallow?] on arm (Louis) - LS [Louis’ 10th tattoo]

Paper plane (Louis) - LS [Louis’ 11th tattoo]

78  (Louis) - LS [Louis’ 12th tattoo]

Meta: I’m putting this here as we may have seen it in Japan through his shirt. Recently, Roxy and Shay figured out [link no longer active] he had it at the wax figure sitting [added video source], which was in January or February, based on Harry’s tattoos. I think it was January 23rd, because I think Liam did it based on style and it would have looked very fresh in the wax figure footage if he got it right before the tour started, which it does not. Therefore, I think it was the 23rd. 

On January 23, Harry was outside Shangri-La tattoo parlour in London [where he got the butterfly] getting money from an ATM.  This was posted to Twitter:

Then, on the 24th, we saw Louis’ bird for the first time:

This was just 2 days after they got back from Japan and just 2 weeks after the end of Haylor. I think it’s clear from Louis’ references to “it is what it is” as early as October, that the butterfly and “It is what it is” tattoos were planned for several months. But to start the process so soon after Haylor and the loveliness that was Japan seems especially poignant. They made it through the darkest months together. The tattoos almost seem like a brand. 

February 19, 2013:

[link to tweet]

February 23, 2013*:

3 nails (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 39th tattoo]

Harry had the 3 nails by February 23 (the first day of the Take Me Home tour in the UK). I think he got it sometime during the week of the Brits and the first show in London. 

February 25, 2013:

Cup of tea (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 13th tattoo]

Globe (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 14th tattoo]

Horseshoe (Louis) - Skunx [Louis’ 15th tattoo]

Meta: Louis and Liam got tattoos at Skunx in London before going to Glasgow. Louis posted the “cup of tea” to instagram that day, [captioned “You can’t go to bed …” (a nod to Little Things, a song he often serenades Harry with on stage)], but we saw the others at the show the next day.  

March 23, 2013*: 

“G” for Gemma on shoulder (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 40th tattoo]

“A” for Anne on shoulder (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 41st tattoo]

March 25, 2013: 

The Rogue (Louis) - LS [Louis’ 16th tattoo]

[Meta: Louis’ first band was called The Rogue.]

“It is what it is” (Louis) - LS [Louis’ 17th tattoo]

April 24, 2013: 

Stag (Louis) - AKA London (Michele Servadio) [Louis’ 18th tattoo]

Modified stereo heart (Louis) - AKA London (Michele Servadio) [Louis’ 19th tattoo]

5 lines (Louis) - AKA London (Michele Servadio) [Louis’ 20th tattoo]

Meta: AKA London is affiliated with Liam Sparkes. I’m not sure if he tattooed Louis there himself [meaning he might have had a guest spot there], or if someone else did his design for him, but the stag and modified stereo heart designs are Liam Sparkes’, I believe. 

June 24, 2013: 

Bomb (Louis) - DC [Louis’ 21st tattoo]

Lit match (Louis) - DC [Louis’ 22nd tattoo]

Spider web (Louis) - DC [Louis’ 23rd tattoo]

Rope/Infinity symbol (Louis) - DC [Louis’ 24th tattoo]

”July 1, 2013: 

Cross on hand (Harry) - NYC [Harry’s 42th tattoo]

August 9, 2013:

Tic-Tac-Toe board (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 25th tattoo]

Band with card suites (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 26th tattoo]

Bus 1 (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 27th tattoo]

Meta: Louis went to the tattoo parlor very late Friday night/very early Saturday morning (August 9/10). He went with Eleanor, Zayn, Liam, Liam’s mother and several other people. Zayn also has the “Bus 1” tattoo (as does their bus driver).  It is interesting to note that the heart on the band may be turned toward Louis intentionally as the club and spade face outward. The diamond makes it difficult to tell.

September 10, 2013*:

Rose Tattoo (Harry) - Unknown L.A. [Harry’s 43rd tattoo]

October 11, 2013:

Pacman Tattoo (Louis) - Unknown Auckland, NZ [Louis’ 28th tattoo]

October 26, 2013*:

Spider web (Louis) - Unknown [Louis’ 29th tattoo]

January 11, 2014*: 

Anchor (Harry) - Unknown L.A. [Harry’s 44th tattoo]

Meta: [Just with the 2 swallows he got on November 8, 2012, which covered up his “LOVE banner”, the anchor was Harry’s 2nd cover-up. It now covers his “I CAN’T CHANGE…” tattoo (his 5th, first seen on July 27, 2012), which many suspect he got in place of the tattered Leeds Festival 2011 bracelet. (He went to Leeds 2011 festival with Louis and still wore the festival bracelet until long after)]

The anchor is yet another tattoo from this website [link no longer active], which is nothing definitive but something to file away because wow, that’s a lot of tattoos coming from the same website that Harry & Louis both have.

Most anchor tattoos are done with a rope, but Harry’s doesn’t have a rope. Guess who has a rope… In the same mirrored position on the opposite wrist. Yes. This is real life.

To add insult to injury, the first time we saw Louis in England in 2014 was miraculously the same day we first saw Harry with the anchor tattoo (there is cause to believe Louis was in LA the previous week).

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, Louis showed up in England wearing a shirt with a giant anchor on it (much like when he wore the “it is what it is” shirt after he got that tattoo in 2013, but before we could tell what the tattoo said).

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA WHY.

And here is more meta on how the “It is what it is” and the butterfly were 2 designs from the same flash design sheet by Liam Sparkes:

January 16, 2014*: 

Holy Bible/Book (Harry) - Unknown L.A. [Harry’s 45th tattoo]

[Meta: This is Harry’s 3rd cover up, covering his “Things I can’t”, which we had first seen on October 12, 2012. It’s interesting that the “can’t” was still left somewhat visible.]

February 18, 2014:

Anatomical heart (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 46th tattoo]

[Meta: It’s interesting to note that the heart is mirrored, as if it’s not his own heart, but the heart of someone he’s embracing/standing opposite him.]

Laurels (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 47th tattoo]

Meta: [This is Harry’s 4th cover up, covering up his “Might as well…” tattoo which we had seen first on October 18, 2012.]

I put the laurels here on the same day as the anatomical heart, because we know Harry was at Liam’s shop that day and got the heart.  Liam recently posted this image on his instagram of laurels he did..

..and they are very similar to Harry’s design, as well. I think it’s most likely Harry got them this day, as well. 

March 8, 2014: 

Arrow (Louis) - FN [Louis’ 30th tattoo]

Meta: So a little over 2 weeks after Harry got the anatomical heart, Louis got an arrow. [Yes, again, this is real life. Now I go cry.]

Much like this concept, except spread over 2 people:

May 8, 2014:

Brasil! (Harry) - Unknown (Brazil) [Harry’s 48th tattoo]

August 15, 2014: 

Skull & Crossbones (Louis) - East River Tattoo (NYC) [Louis’ 31st tattoo]

September 7, 2014*:

Smiley face on left thigh (Louis) - Unknown [Louis’ 32nd tattoo]

November 10, 2014:

Mermaid (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 49th tattoo]

“Meta: “In an interview with Hollywood Life, [Harry] revealed the inspiration behind this one: “I am a mermaid,” he said when asked about it. So there’s that.” (source) - Never change, Harold, never change lmao]

You Booze, You Lose & Liquor Bottle (Harry) - LS [Harry’s 50th tattoo]

November 25, 2014:

Dagger (Louis) - Bondi Ink [Louis 33rd tattoo]

[in case anyone ever doubted that he indeed got a d a g g e r

and once more, with feeling…

–

“A little over 2 weeks after the bullshit 2.0 tweets, Louis went and got the dagger tattoo.

Its significance cannot be overstated.

After the ARIA Awards, Louis (and Zayn) went to Bondi Ink in Sydney where Louis got 2 new tattoos.

The dagger is in the exact same place as Harry’s rose on the opposite arm. It is also from this website [link no longer active] and is something we have been talking about happening for over a year. [We had hoped for it happening and then Lou went and DID IT. 🥹 It was an indescribable feeling of relief, joy and strength.]

Smiley Face on wrist (Louis) - Bondi Ink [Louis’ 34th tattoo]

Given a Chance (Louis) - Bondi Ink [Louis’ 35th tattoo]

[Meta: The tattoo is Harry’s handwriting and here is why. Thank you, @skepticalarrie]

•

But first – 4 strays that escaped the original timeline back then:

October 2012

Screws on ankles (Harry) - [Harry’s 51st tattoo] (well, not really, because 2012, but I can’t change the reblogs so.. this will have to do in order to keep track)

Meta: We first heard about them October 12th, 2012 when Louis and Liam got matching screws. I think Zayn did them in a hotel room.” October 2013

Skeleton playing card (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 52nd tattoo]

Meta: There’s a theory that it matches Louis’ skull on his left arm, with the playing card symbols around his wrist; the colors and theme do match!

1957 and 1967 on his collarbones (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 53rd tattoo]

Meta: The birthyears of his biological (and divorced) parents, Desmond Styles and Anne Twist.

2013

Triangle ankle tattoo (Louis) - Possibly done in Dublin or in London at Skunx. [Louis’ 36th tattoo]

😌🏳️‍🌈

and back to the regular timeline!

April 17, 2015*

Tiger (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 54th tattoo]

Meta: Fans first saw the tiger tattoo in Australia on the On the Road Again Tour in February 2015, but it’s possible he’s had it since July 2014. Harry confirmed it was a tiger on the Radio 1 Breakfast interview filmed on 12 November 2015.

December 4, 2015

“Late, Late” (Harry) - Boo Boo Negrete (FN) [Harry’s 55th tattoo]

Meta: Harry got the words “late, late” on his arm by the heart after playing (and losing) a game on the James Corden show.

December 19, 2015

28 (Louis) - Nick Colella (Great Lakes Tattoo) [Louis’ 37th tattoo]

[Meta: Why the number 28 is extremely significant for Louis (and Harry). 💙💚]

Penguin tattoo on his ass (Louis) - Nick Colella (Great Lakes Tattoo) [Louis’ 38th tattoo]

Meta: “I have, I’m gonna speculate […] I’ve got between thirty and forty little tattoos. I don’t regret one of them, EXCEPT that penguin on my ass. It’s the least sexy thing in the world. Whenever, the times that I do actually take me trousers off, it’s not fucking sexy that shit, man.” - Louis, 2022 (source) and “Yes, it’s a pretty weird-looking penguin with headphones. It actually stands for isolation - but somehow it’s a pretty strange statement (laughs). But what don’t you do when you’re young? Now I have a tattoo on my butt - not particularly sexy, but a part of me forever.” - Louis, 2022 (source) and here’s a video of Louis from 2022 talking about the tattoo.

Beer Mug (Louis) - Nick Colella (Great Lakes Tattoo) [Louis’ 39th tattoo]

Meta: Louis was in Chicago to be seen with and near Danielle Campbell’s family. In the middle of a hilarious fan service tour of the greater Chicagoland area, Louis went to Great Lakes Tattoo near Noble Square and got “several” tattoos, according to the artist and fans he later met. […]

December 29, 2015*

Eagle (Harry) - Unknown UK [Harry’s 56th tattoo]

Meta: Sometime between 7 December 2015 and 23 December 2015, Harry got the eagle tattoo, covering the lone tattoo on his right arm: “Things I Can.“ The timing appears symbolic as they group heads into their much anticipated break, with many fans speculating they are leaving Syco Music and Modest! Management. Eagle tattoos are often symbols of freedom. [updated source]

2016

Half a heart (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 57th tattoo]

Meta: A matching tattoo with one of Kings of Leon.]

January 31, 2017*

Arlo & Jackson (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 58th & 59th tattoo]

Meta: Harry was seen with 2 new tattoos in LA, but a stalker fan from the UK knew what the “Arlo” tattoo said before anyone saw it, so it is presumed he got both tattoos sometime while in the UK in late 2016 or early 2017. 

On April 20, 2017, Harry said on the Graham Norton show the “Jackson” tattoo was for his godson, [possibly Cal Aurand’s son, Jackson (source)]

March 25, 2017*

Bee (Harry) - Unknown (Harry’s 60th tattoo)

Meta: […] In a radio interview Harry did with the BBC 1 Breakfast Show on 7 April 2017, Harry was asked about the tattoo but declined to comment, instead deflecting to his “Jackson” tattoo. […]

FURTHERMORE, this is a guy who has a “thigh-ger” tattoo (tiger on his thigh) and a butterfly on his stomach and “big” on his big toe and he just got a bee on his ARM, at essentially the same time Steve Aoki referred to Louis’ dedicated fans as an “army of bees.”  […]” •

[bulletprooflarry’s 💖 original timeline ends here. I will add the rest of the recent tattoos:]

April 2017*

R on his arm (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 61st tattoo]

Meta: I could not find a source in which Harry confirmed it, but it could be an R for his step-father Robin (and who unfortunately passed away in June 2017). Take this with a grain of salt though, please.

11 May 2017*

Cross with B on chest (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 62nd tattoo]

24 Jul 2017

E on left hand, near thumb (Louis) - Unknown [Louis’ 40th tattoo]

Meta: Tabloids liked to report that he got it for (his long-time beard) El, but it’s been theorised to be the companion tattoo to Harry’s cross tattoo which can be read as a LT in an upside down cross format. It’s in the same spot Lou got the tattoo in. The E could stand for Harry’s middle name, Edward.

27 Jul 2018

X on arm (Louis) - Robbie Williams [Louis’ 41st tattoo] “This is made quite bumbling and looks terrible. I tattooed him in return and that looks quite good. But it’s just a nice memory.“ - Louis, 2022 (source)

2019

RG (Louis) - Richard G. [Louis’ 42nd tattoo]

Meta: ”Richard’s Bucket List Official Video” was released on 24 April 2019. in this video Louis helps a man named Richard who lost his wife to Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 (the same year Louis lost his mum to Leukemia) to fulfil items on his bucket list: fly a helicopter, drive a race car, give Louis a tattoo, go on a rollercoaster and sing in front of a live audience.“ (source)

Palm Tree (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 63rd tattoo]

Meta: a matching tattoo with Gemma and perhaps also Lottie, too. (thank you, @twopoppies!)

Colazione on his thigh (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 64th tattoo]

Meta: “Breakfast” in Italian. Theories include that it’s the name of a cat that belongs to a hotel in the town of Civita, where he owns a home.

April 2019

Mary (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 65th tattoo]

Meta: “Believed to be for his nan when she passed (but also a euphemism for a gay man. Coupled with the Eagle tattoo, it’s a possibility it refers to both)”

Oui, Non, Si, No on both knees (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 66th tattoo]

Meta: He tweeted some of these things before getting them tattooed about 6 years later.

14/15 March 2022

“Odds” on right arm (Louis) - Hollywood Stars Tattoo, LA [Louis’ 43rd tattoo]

Meta: All of Louis’ band members got it after the 2022 tour, in various spots on their bodies. (source 1, source 2 from 15 March, source 3 from 14 March) (Lou’s security guard, JD, got a melted smiley face instead.)

5 April 2023

Symbols on fingers on right hand (Louis) - The London Social, London, CertifiedLetterBoy (Louis’ 44th tattoo)

July 30 2023*

Olma/Olivia on right thigh (Harry) - Unknown [Harry’s 67th tattoo]

Meta: you can read up under this Olma tag or the Harry’s thigh tattoos tag, both by the wonderful @twopoppies

17/18 November 2023

Anarchy sign on right middle finger (Louis) - London, O2 backstage, unknown artist [Louis’ 45th tattoo]

“We go on go!” on right arm (Louis) - London, O2 backstage, unknown artist [Louis’ 46th tattoo]

Meta: supposedly, all/some of Louis’ band members got it “after the O2 show”, which was on 17 November 2023 in London, but I haven’t seen the live band member’s tattoos, yet. The phrase does sound like something you’d say before going on stage, though.

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[last updated: 20 December 2024]

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My (Paz’) own thoughts: I’m repeating myself, but I do find it deeply significant that as soon as the hiatus (aka: a potential way into freedom) started, Harry and Louis slowed down to an almost glacier pace when it comes to getting tattoos - compared to the time during the band. Harry got 84% of all his 67 tattoos within 3,5 years in the band. Louis even got 85% of all his 46 tattoos within 3 years in the band. And then he got zero tattoos for 2 years into the hiatus.*

Harry got 56 tattoos between early 2012 and end of 2015. He got 11 tattoos within the next 9 years, until today, Dec 2024.*

Louis got 39 tattoos between late 2012 and end of 2015. He got 7 tattoos within the next 9 years, until today, Dec 2024.* (*that we know of)

It clearly shows what a beautiful and powerful way to express themselves to the world it was for them; as individuals, but also deeply bonded and visually belonging together. a quiet, visual rebellion; their skin constantly speaking the words they couldn’t say.

also: Harry’s Cover Ups - (here is a post with pictures)

It’s noteworthy that Louis has not covered up any tattoo of his. For Harry, it’s important not just to note that he covered up 5 of his tattoos, but also which ones and from what year. (standpoint Nov 2024) All 5 of the tattoos Harry had covered up were from 2012 - a time where the iron closet started to have a tight grip on Louis and him. All 5 tattoos were written phrases that could possibly be connected to his sexuality or relationship - a summary: 1) the “LOVE banner” – covered with 2 swallows that resemble Lou & him 2) “I can’t change…” – covered with an anchor, matching Louis’ pre-existing rope 3) “Might as well…” – covered with laurels; laurels often symbolize victory 4) “Things I can’t” – covered by a Holy Bible (I Can’t: Holy Bible?) 5) “Things I can” – covered by an Eagle (I Can: Freedom?)] Since the start of the band’s hiatus, Harry has not covered up a single tattoo in almost 10 years. Harry and Louis have at least 5 beautifully obvious matching tattoos: Oops + Hi Rope + Anchor Ship + Compass Anatomical Heart + Arrow Rose + Dagger

This is organized by date. All tattoos are linked to photos, unless they are major tattoos I want to talk about, in which case I have inserted the photos into the post. (Special thanks to thelegohouselove and their wonderful tattoo masterposts with pictures)

Dates are dates I believe they actually got the tattoos. If I can’t find a date they got the tattoo, I have indicated it with a “*” which is the first date we saw the tattoo. 

Before we begin, fun facts that might blow your mind:

Harry has 56 tattoos that we know of.

Louis 38 tattoos that we know of. 

Harry got 30 of his 56 tattoos between June and October 2012. That’s, on average, about 8/month.

Louis got 10 of his 37 between October and December 2012. That’s, on average, about 5/month.

The most Harry ever got on one day is 4. He got 13 in a 7 day period in October 2012. The most Louis ever got on one day was 5 on February 25 of 2013.

Artist counts for Harry: Tom Atkins (10); Liam Sparkes (10); Freddy Negrete (8); Kevin Paul (3). 

Artist counts for Louis: Skunx (7); Liam Sparkes (4); Freddy Negrete (4).

Some of this stuff isn’t an exact science. Some of it is me making an educated guess, especially involving some of Harry’s tattoos in October and Louis’ “The Rogue” vs. “It is what it is” and Harry’s 3 Nails. So bear that in mind. 

Over all, this should give you a good idea of just how much the tattoos seem to be an outlet during highly-closeted and stressful times (Harry’s June-October spree that gave way to the birds, ship & compass and butterfly and Louis’ October-December Haylor spree), not only in date alone, but also in the subject of the tattoo.

Thank you to Kerry, Jess & awesomeanonfriend for the cheerleading and fact-checking and Angela for her insight. 

Let’s do this.

Hi love!! Okay flamboyant Louis is like one of my fave things, so here are a few of my fave gifs/photos of L being flamboyant 🥰🥰

I also saw this cute video idk like to share as well 🥰🥰🥰🥰

It’s time for your daily breakdown over the “now kiss me you fool” moment because

1. NOW. KISS. ME. YOU. FOOL. ?????

2. Louis grabbing Harry’s hand and then just kinda staying there

3. And harry’s hand in response to that

4.slowed down because I love the pain

5. This is the worst gif I’ve ever made

6. and Harry just stops breathing, smiles, and looks into Louis’ eyes???

7. THE FUCKING SMIRK

8. Half a second later Harry grabs between Louis’ legs and Louis either dramatic theatre kid’s responds to the idea of his balls getting hit or a chocolate is being flingflungflooped into it but I’m going with the first, but. Harry’s. left. hand!! And. Louis’. right. elbow!!

9. LOUIS’ RIGHT. ELbOW. ELBOOOWWWW. BRO LEMME. LEMME LEAN THE FUCK INTO YOUR CROTCH BECAUSE YOU WENT FOR MIND LEMME JUST. BRO. BROOOLADDYLADBRO.

10. can we do it all over again

11. bro leans out of it for half a second to just get the fuck back in there

12. now if this isn’t the most platonic gif you’ve ever seen.

13. I don’t even know why I’m counting but

bro the legs

bro the arms

bro harrys smile

Bro the way theyre just like.. trying to get as much fucking leg contact as possible bro 

14. FOCUS ON HARRY’S LEGS MAN

15. his god damn legs MAN they really said WE. DO. NOT. STOP. CONTACT. FOR. A. SINGLE. SECOND. ALSO. GET. BETWEEN. you can TELL tthat they jsut LOUIS WANTS TO BE BETWEEN HARRYS LEFS AND HARRY WANT LOUIS BETWEEN HIS LEGS YOU CAN THEHEHHLLLLL

16. And then they just said let’s hold fking hands bro let’s hold hands.

17. “now kiss me you fool”

18. And there it is. the actual worst gif I’ve ever made.

19. Oh won’t you look at I was lying it’s this one.

20. the ARMS THE LEGS THE WHOLE THING BRO THEY JUST GO PUZZLE PIECE BITCH

21. THE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDS

22.  ?????????????????????????????????????????????????

23. look LOOK AT THAT PRECIOUS LIL CURLY SPARKLE

24. BABY YOU LIGHT UP THE WHOLE WORLD LIKE THAT

25. none of those legs and none of those arms are remotely saying they wanted any of that to end

26. Bonus because I want to count to 28: NICE LOWER RIGHT ARM CUSHION I GUESS??

27. can you hear me crying

28. because im crying

‘Sometimes the characters feel more real than my life, if that makes any sense,” he says. “Because you can see them. They’ve got a beginning, and an end.’