The back of the hand is a small, curved canvas that people see from across a room, so clear, simple shapes do best: a rose, a swallow, a skull, a compass, or a design that runs from the wrist toward the knuckles. Fine detail and tiny script lose their edges quickly here. The palm and the sides of the hand hold ink poorly, and many artists will either warn you or decline to work there.
Hands age tattoos faster than almost anywhere else on the body. The skin renews quickly, and it is washed, flexed, rubbed and out in the sun all day, so lines spread and soft shading fades. Ask for open spacing between lines and plenty of solid black, so the design still reads once it softens, and expect to need a touch-up sooner than you would on an arm.
A hand tattoo is visible in nearly every job and social setting, and nothing short of gloves will hide it. Many artists won't put a first tattoo on the hands and call them job stoppers; they would rather see you live with tattoos elsewhere first. That is their judgment, not a law, but it is worth hearing them out before you book.
Healing is awkward because you use your hands constantly. Wash them gently and pat the tattoo dry, moisturize thinly and often, and avoid soaking in dishwater, pools or baths while the outer layer heals, which usually takes two to three weeks. The skin can peel unevenly, and a light touch-up after healing is common.