Collection: Shoulder Tattoos

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Shoulder Tattoo Ideas, Designs and Meaning

Shoulder Tattoo Designs, Symbols, and Ideas

Shoulder tattoos are among the most innovative and revolutionary tattoo arts of our time. They are loved by both women and men because they are beautiful, versatile, and personalized. They are a sweet and subtle, small and symbolic gesture, or front-and-back graphic. Shoulder tattoos are endless in option. Discover below shoulder tattoo design, meaning, ideas, and how to choose the best for you.

Why Shoulder Tattoos Are So Popular

Shoulder is one of the hip places for a tattoo, and little wonder then that shoulder tattoos are as much "in" for women as they are for men. Why on earth are shoulder tattoos so popular?

  • Versatility: The space leading to the shoulder blade is big enough to fit in broad large-sized designs or small, delicate tattoos.
  • Visibility: Shoulder tattoos can be easily seen or hidden at any want or necessity.
  • Less Painful: The shoulder, while still more painful than areas of the limb, is more tolerance-requiring than one's back or ribcage and therefore a decent enough area to begin with.
  • Symbolism: Shoulder is the everyman symbol for strength, depicting power and therefore a great place to get a tattoo.

From tribal scapula tattoo to full tribal tattoo that runs down the arm, the world is your playground.

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Ideas for Men

Men's shoulder tattoos are rough, warrior-like, and profound in meaning. To get inspiration, some of the coolest men's tattoo designs include:

  • Tribal Tattoos: Tribal tattoos are extremely long-lasting and the most beautiful to tattoo on the shoulder. These tattoos can endanger conveying heritage, protection, and strength. Tribal tattoo colors can stretch the shoulder curve and detailed to the bosom or arm to act as slenderizing.
  • Lion Tattoos: Shoulder lion tattoo represents strength, courage, and leadership. It is also among the top shoulder tattoos for such guys who require something brutal as well as tough.
  • Skull Tattoos: Shoulder skull tattoos also fit those people who would want to have cool and tough body tattoos. Even they can be utilized in the process of getting tattoos by symbolizing the concept of birth and death or in overwhelming any person in altering his/her mind.
  • Dragon Tattoos: Dragons were also a popular theme for shoulder tattoos since time immemorial. Moreover, they're also symbolic of power, wisdom, and protection. Japanese dragon tattoos, for example, are strong and complex.
  • Armor Tattoos: Armor tattoos suit men who would want to symbolize toughness and strength. These tattoos provide the feeling of having some armor on your shoulder, and it exudes a tough vibe.

Shoulder Tattoo Ideas for Women

  • Floral Tattoos: Flower tattoos are one of the most sought-after women's tattoos. Roses, sunflowers, and cherry blossoms can also represent beauty, love, and growth. Floral tattoos can be small and dainty or large and elegant, as per your preference.
  • Butterfly Tattoos: Butterfly tattoos are a classic and beautiful choice. Symbolizing freedom and transformation, and still beauty and grace to the shoulder.
  • Quote Tattoos: Meaningful quote or word or anything significant to the wearer is ideal for the shoulder. Single word or short phrase, they can be playful lettering and as a reminder or mantra to the wearer.
  • Women Tribal Tattoos: Tribal tattoos are not limited to men. Awesome and beautiful tribal tattoos also adorn the females to highlight the natural curve of the shoulders.
  • Intricate Tattoos: Small and dainty tattoos such as birds, hearts, or stars turn out to be ideal for women who want to have a smart and chic look. Small tattoos but not of faint intensity.
  • Symmetrical Tattoos: Symmetric designs such as geometric designs or mandalas look absolutely stunning when they are on the shoulder. They form very balanced, harmonious looks which would be worth the world to any woman.

Small or Large Shoulder Tattoo: What to Choose?

The first choice you'll have to make on a shoulder tattoo is whether you want a small little tattoo or something quite big and sprawling. But what would suit you best? Allow us to guide you through some things to consider:

  • Small Tattoos: Small tattoos are ideal for first-timers or to conceal their tattoos. They are less painful and are also easy to hide.
  • Large Tattoos: To make eyes pop, go for a large tattoo on the chest, upper arm, or shoulder blade. Full- and half-sleeve tattoos typically start on the shoulder and travel down the arm.

Small or big, select one that is near and close to your heart.

Meaning of Shoulder Tattoos

Shoulder tattoos are very important to an individual on a personal level. The most popular among them are as follows:

  • Strengthen and Support: Shoulder represents being strong enough to carry the burden and being amidst people.
  • Liberty: Bird, wing, or butterfly tattoo is predominantly a representation of freedom and liberty.
  • Hometown: Tribal tattoo or family tattoos are a depiction of your hometown and background.
  • Love and Family: Flower tattoos, titles, or other body tattoos among two individuals one loves as a mark of love and friendship.

How to Choose the Perfect Shoulder Tattoo for You

Choosing the perfect tattoo is daunting, but if you will just follow these tips you will be led along the path to making the perfect decision:

  • Think About Your Style: Ask yourself if you like big, colorful tattoos or subtle black-and-white tattoos.
  • Get Inspiration: Have a quick browse through some online tattoo galleries and look for something that catches your eye. Even something as simple a notion as a keyword search for something such as "shoulder tattoo designs for men" or "cute shoulder tattoos for girls" might be just what it takes to get the juices flowing.
  • Consider Placement: You will also want to think about where you would want the tattoo on the front shoulder, shoulder blade, or upper arm.
  • Work With an Artist: Select a good tattoo artist who will create your tattoo. And they can also fix your design.
  • Pain Care: The shoulder would not be as painful as some other spot, but collarbone and shoulder blade would be rather sensitive to them. Ensure that you let your tattoo artist know this.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, you will not be likely to have a tattoo that you will love for the rest of your life.

Shoulder Tattoo Aftercare

You will have to do plenty with your tattoo in order to heal and achieve great long-term results. The following is what you will have to do:

  • Massage and oil the tattoo.
  • Stay out of the sun and water and don't swim until healed.
  • Just follow tattoo artist instructions.

Properly caring for your tattoo will not only heal the tattoo more quickly, but most importantly, preserve the color of the said tattoo for a very, very long time.

Final Thoughts

Shoulder tattoos are indeed great works of art. Whether they need to be feminine and delicate or tough and black, there is that one perfect shoulder tattoo design that will fit each person's sense of style. Both men and women can be inspired by flower, tribal, or symbol tattoos that hold some significance for them. If you're still not quite convinced that you're ready to be caught going around with a permanent tattoo, then go for temporary shoulder tattoos instead.

No matter what your taste is, shoulder tattoo is a classic tattoo design and therefore you can get as creative and innovative as you would want to.