Shoulder Tattoos are something that stay on your body for eternity. It is something that might be special for those who inked them. They might have a meaning or symbolic significance to them.
When I first saw Julia Michaels, the American singer with two tattoo sleeves, I immediately fell in love with the idea of getting inked. But nowadays people are preferring more shoulder tattoos rather than wrist tattoos.
Shoulder tattoos are both small and large in size. In a true sense, shoulders do not provide much of that space to get it inked but are still in demand among men and women.
In girls, shoulder tattoos really look cool when they wear off-shoulder tops or dresses. The appearance of your tattoo totally depends upon the choice of your tattoo design.
There are different categories of tattoos that may include, purely decoration, symbolic, pictorial.
If you are thinking of getting inked and are confused about the designs then you are in a right place. I am going to mention some beautiful and outstanding shoulder tattoos from which you can select one for you.
Butterfly Shoulder Tattoos
The butterfly symbolizes the transformation of change. These designs showing butterflies can be inked by those who are seeking growth in their lives or moving ahead in life by leaving the past behind. Not just the transformation but it also symbolizes freedom. Getting inked with the butterfly tattoo can make a bold statement. You can try out the design with different colors of your choice. Butterfly designs can be combined with other designs to make a different design.
Angel Shoulder Tattoos
The angel tattoo represents the balance between the earth and heaven. People who are more into spirituality often go for this design as it gives a message of spirituality, the messenger of God. People who are in a romantic relationship get inked themselves with this design in the sense of giving honor to their partner. Angelic tattoos look super cute on the shoulder.
Celtic Shoulder Tattoos
Celtic designs symbolize the bond between the creature and nature. People who have Celtic heritage often go for this design in honor of their celts. One of the most popular designs among Celtic tattoos is knotted design. The tattoo symbolizes the bond and relationship between people and their Celtic creatures. By choosing different inks you can represent eternal family love through the same.
Eagle Shoulder Tattoos
This tattoo is all about going out fearlessly. The tattoo can be inked in large size (the wings of the bird all across the chest) or can be drawn smaller in size. The best of this bird is that it can be inked in different ways and all the ways represent different meanings. People who are looking for a design that resembles power, freedom, or courage will definitely fall for this design.
Dream Catcher Shoulder Tattoos
This tattoo looks amazing when inked all across your shoulder. The best of this tattoo is that you can extend your tattoo by improvising with other designs. Dreamcatcher designs go very well along with other tattoo designs. It symbolizes a sign that allays all negative thoughts and dreams and keeps you motivated with the positive thoughts.
Cross Shoulder Tattoos
People who value their faiths and religion may definitely find this tattoo design attractive. It basically symbolizes the sacrifice that was made by Jesus for the sake of humanity. Because of the simplicity of the design, it can be drawn in any size (large or small). To make it more attractive and meaningful you can add your favorite verse or other spiritual symbols
Compass Shoulder Tattoos
The compass tattoo is perfect for the shoulders because of their circular shape. To draw this tattoo the space is quite big which helps in drawing the minute details properly. People who want to remain true to themselves and want a focus to remain on the right will definitely fall for this design. To make it more personalized all you can do is add some of your favorite quotations along with it.
Skull Shoulder Tattoos
People do not always have a positive thought while they go for a tattoo, some do opt for the same by keeping a negative or death as a symbol. The skull tattoo represents or symbolizes both the negative and positive integrations. It depends upon you what you choose. To make your skull tattoo more quirky all you can do is add some butterflies or flowers with it.
Lion Shoulder Tattoos
A lion is the best symbol to represent courage and bravery. He is known as the king of the jungle who is fearless and brave. There are much different meaning that is associated with this tattoo. Some do opt for this to symbolize royalty. In my opinion, if you are going for a lion tattoo chose a small one it will look awesome and will make a bold statement.
Tribal Shoulder Tattoos
Tribal tattoos are the symbol of different tribes and cultures. They are drawn with the help of black and bold lines that look like moving all over the part of the body. If you are looking for a modern approach to the sign then I would suggest that you should go for strength and power.
Colorful Shoulder Tattoos
People who are more into bright colors, and bold statements then they can choose this tattoo. Colored ink is more expensive in comparison to normal tattoos, but looks awesome with the contrast of your skin tone. Different colors represent different meanings, that includes, yellow the color of joy, pink symbolizes affection and passion, red celebrates love.
Maori Shoulder Tattoos
Maori tattoo describes of a tribal and cultural significance. They are inked by those who are more rooted in their cultures. Maori tattoo is significant because of the designs that are used in it especially, in the top head part. Those sacred designs can not be replaced by any other designs.
Clock Shoulder Tattoos
Clock tattoos are popular because of their various interpretations and symbolic meanings. The tattoo symbolized life and death, two beautiful aspects. Adding flowers to the tattoo represents how beautiful is our life blooming and adding a skull represents death. The small aspects of tattoo for example, where the hand of the clock will stop make it more beautiful overall.
Tiger Shoulder Tattoos
For people who are looking for a bold statement tattoo with a significant meaning then this tattoo would be the perfect choice for you. Tiger symbolizes strength and knowledge. In some sense, it also indicates freedom and independence. For shoulders, a tiger tattoo is the best as it fits perfectly within the space. You can enhance the meaning of your tattoo by adding other elements to it.
Dragon Shoulder Tattoos
If you want to draw everyone’s attention towards your shoulder, then trust me dragon tattoos are the best option. The dragon symbolizes freedom, strength, wisdom, and luck. Various designs are available in the same and the best part which I like the most is the moving dragon. If you are more into a fierce inking then you should go for this.
Flower Shoulder Tattoos
Flower designs are the most demanded designs when it comes to shoulder tattoos. There are various options and designs that are available. People love these designs because of their beauty and versatility. Floral designs represent blooming life, love, beauty. Every flower has its own significance and you can choose wisely what interpretation you want for your tattoo.
Geometric Shoulder Tattoos
These tattoo use lines and shapes to create a geometric effect. They are the true symbol of balance and calmness. You can minimalistic design or intricate detailing it depends upon you. For some people it does carries some meaning and for others, it might be just a geometrical shape.
Cooking Elements Shoulder Tattoos
These tattoos are preferred mostly by the chefs, as the design includes a knife with a shield that symbolizes the kitchen. People who are more into kitchen and cooking elements go for these tattoos.
Small Shoulder Tattoos
There is a reason that women love small shoulder tattoos because they are versatile. Whenever you want to show off your tattoo you can dress accordingly, or where you want to hide them, they are easy to hide. It is not necessary to have a big tattoo that symbolizes a powerful meaning, you can opt for small ones also they do represent phenomenal meanings. They are more feminine in nature as compared to other tattoos.
Star Shoulder Tattoos
People who love the simplicity and still want to make a statement with their tattoos, then they can go for these star tattoos. If you are going for your first tattoo then this might be the correct option. Stars symbolize guidance and protection.
Shoulder and Arm Tattoo
If you are thinking of getting a big tattoo that can be easily visible to others, then you can go for the shoulder-to-arm tattoo. Shoulder and arms are considered to be low pain art body parts. You can select some cute and feminine designs that may include, flowers, vines, blooming flowers.
Religious Shoulder Tattoos
Tattoos are known for reminding people what they truly believe in. Many people do have faith in their culture and religion and want to dedicate a tattoo for it. There are many various options from which you can choose according to your region that you want to ink.
Shoulder and Chest Tattoo
If you are seeking a big tattoo then getting that inked from your shoulder across the chest is a better option. Women do opt for big Floral design tattoos they look more feminine and chic at the same time. Having a big floral tattoo across your chest to shoulder makes a bold statement.
Shoulder Blade tattoos
Blade tattoos are one of the best yet discrete tattoos. They look awesome with small designs but are painful to get inked that place because of the bone-prone area. You can with small feminine designs that will look superb with your dresses and off-shoulder tops.
Back Shoulder Tattoos
The back shoulder of the women is quite flattering, getting inked on that place makes a feminine statement. It totally depends upon you that you want to hide it or want to show off the same. The tattoo artists say that this area proves to be more painful for getting inked as the blade area is comparatively bonier than the other.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Getting Shoulder Tattoos
- On which body part you want the tattoo to be inked.
- How feasible the tattoo placement is
- The colors that you are selecting, how much will they pop on your skin tone.
- How much time you want to spend with the tattoo artist.
Tips to Keep in Mind After Getting Shoulder Tattoos
- Do not cover your tattoo after getting inked.
- Always use warm water to clean your tattoo.
- Apply a moisturizing cream, you may also use vaseline or baby oil.
- Do not touch your tattoo again and again.
- Apply sunscreen over the tattoo if it is exposed.
- Get your tattoo retouched after a couple of years.
Shoulder tattoos look amazing with backless tops, bralettes, off-shoulder tops, and one-shoulder tops.