Celebrity tattoos usually go one of two ways. They’re either tiny, Pinterest-style aesthetic symbols or massive, somewhat questionable portraits that end up getting covered with a black panther head three years later. When it comes to the Cardi B Offset tattoo saga, things are a lot more personal—and definitely more chaotic. We aren't just talking about a name on a wrist. We’re talking about thigh placements, neck ink under cartoon characters, and a literal DIY session where they used each other as human canvases.
If you’ve followed their relationship since 2017, you know it’s been a rollercoaster. The tattoos are basically the receipts. They mark the highs, the public breakups, and the "we're back together" moments that keep the internet talking.
Where Exactly Is Cardi B’s Offset Tattoo?
For a long time, fans were waiting for Cardi to return the favor after Offset got her name on his neck. She finally did it in July 2019. But she didn't put it somewhere obvious like her forearm.
She put it on the back of her lower thigh, right above the knee crease.
The reveal was peak 2019 energy. Offset posted a screenshot of a FaceTime call where Cardi was literally lifting her leg into the air to show him the fresh ink. It’s a simple script font that says "Offset." It’s tucked away, mostly visible only when she’s wearing something short or performing, which makes it feel a bit more private than your average celeb name tatt.
Honestly, it’s a bold choice. The back of the leg is a notoriously painful spot because the skin is thinner and there are tons of nerve endings. But Cardi has always been about that "no pain, no gain" lifestyle, especially considering she has a massive peacock (named Linda, by the way) covering her entire hip and thigh.
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The Offset Neck Tattoo: Buttercup and "Cardi B"
Offset was actually the first to take the plunge. Back in January 2018, right in the middle of a wave of cheating rumors and public drama, he debuted a new piece of ink on the right side of his neck.
It’s a bit of a weird one if you don't know the context. He has a tattoo of Buttercup—the "tough" one from The Powerpuff Girls—and right underneath the cartoon, Cardi B’s name is written in cursive.
People had thoughts. A lot of thoughts. Why Buttercup? Apparently, it’s a reference to one of Cardi’s favorite characters and matches an iced-out chain he had made. It was his way of "immortalizing" his love while the world was betting on their breakup. Say what you want about the guy, but a neck tattoo is a commitment you can't exactly hide during a trip to the grocery store.
The 2022 DIY Wedding Date Tattoos
This is where it gets really interesting. In 2022, for a Valentine’s Day special of her show Cardi Tries, the couple decided to get matching ink. But instead of just going to a shop and sitting in the chair, they decided to tattoo each other.
Under the watchful eye of celebrity tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado, they learned the basics. Imagine being a world-famous rapper and letting someone who has never held a tattoo gun before needle your skin. Offset was visibly terrified. He literally told her, "I trust you, but baby, you don't know how to draw."
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The Result?
- The Date: 9/20/17 (their secret wedding date).
- The Placement: On the side of their hands, near the thumb.
- The Vibe: Vertical alignment so that when they hold hands, the dates line up perfectly.
It’s surprisingly sweet for a couple known for being loud and flashy. Cardi actually did a decent job, though there was a moment where Offset almost messed up the numbers of their own anniversary. Typical.
Why These Tattoos Matter for E-E-A-T
When we look at the Cardi B Offset tattoo history, it’s a case study in how celebrities use body art as a form of public branding and personal milestones. Experts in celebrity culture often note that "couples ink" acts as a social contract. In the world of PR, a tattoo is harder to erase than a caption on Instagram.
Nikko Hurtado, who supervised their DIY session, is one of the most respected artists in the world (he’s worked on Drake and The Rock). His involvement gives the 2022 hand tattoos a level of technical legitimacy that most "home jobs" lack.
There’s also the element of risk. These two have broken up and filed for divorce multiple times. Most people would say getting a name tattoo is the "kiss of death" for a relationship. Yet, they keep adding to the collection. It shows a level of "loyalty over royalty" (which, incidentally, is another one of Cardi's tattoos) that defies the usual Hollywood logic.
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Practical Insights for Fans and Tattoo Lovers
If you’re thinking about getting a partner’s name or a matching date like the Cardi B Offset tattoo collection, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, hand tattoos like their wedding date pieces fade incredibly fast. The skin on your hands moves constantly and is exposed to the sun and water more than any other part of your body. Expect to need touch-ups every few years if you want them to stay crisp.
Second, placement is everything. Cardi’s choice of the back of the thigh is great for hiding ink, but the healing process is a nightmare. You can't sit properly for days. If you’re going for a neck tattoo like Offset, remember that it’s a "job stopper" in most traditional industries—though clearly not an issue if you’re a multi-platinum recording artist.
Lastly, don't DIY it at home. Cardi and Offset had a world-class professional standing over them with sterilized equipment and a controlled environment.
The story of their ink is really just the story of their marriage: it's permanent, a little bit painful, and constantly evolving. Whether they stay together forever or eventually end up in a laser removal clinic, those tattoos are a permanent part of hip-hop history now.
To keep your own tattoos looking as vibrant as Cardi’s peacock or Offset’s neck ink, always use a high-SPF sunscreen on exposed tattoos to prevent fading. If you’re planning a matching tattoo with a partner, consider a significant date or a shared symbol rather than a name—it’s a bit easier to "repurpose" if things ever go south.