Egyptian Tattoo Ideas

Popular Egyptian Tattoo Styles

Egyptian tattoos can have many meanings, but most will speak to the mythology, symbolism and history of the ancient culture. As such, they’re very powerful tattoos that are extremely meaningful to the wearer.

It’s very popular to have traditional tattoos that feature little to no color other than black. These often include some of the most iconic imagery of Egyptian culture, including scarabs, hieroglyphics and/or the Eye of Horus.

Dotwork and blackwork are popular styles for Egyptian tattoos for the same reason. These could include depictions of the pyramids, ankhs or other ancient gods.

At the same time, it’s popular to integrate watercolors into Egyptian tattoos to give them a more ethereal touch. These could make the tattoo much more modern looking and artistic at the same time.

Best Egyptian Tattoo Placements

Egyptian tattoos can be placed anywhere on the body, but certain locations are best for certain styles and designs.

For instance, a sleeve is great if you want a detailed scene that depicts gods or Egyptian mythology. Full sleeves can tell a full story and include many different symbols and designs.

Larger pieces are also great for the chest or back. These pieces of art can include intricate depictions of deities such as Osiris and Ra, or have portraits of pharaohs. All of this can be painted on a detailed background scene as well.

Egyptian tattoos don’t have to be large, though. The ankle or wrist are great for the minimalist style, including symbols of the Eye of Horus or Ankh. These tattoos can make a more personal statement in a discreet way.

Women’s Egyptian Tattoo Ideas

Women often focus the meaning of their Egyptian tattoos behind the culture’s strength, beauty and grace. 

Many women will get hieroglyphics that can symbolize a personal connection they feel to the ancient culture. This could include names or words that are meaningful to them, written in a type of hieroglyphic script.

Many women also get tattoos of Bastet, who was the cat goddess. She symbolizes femininity, protection and fertility. Other popular figures include Nefertiti and Cleopatra, famous queens in ancient Egypt.

Men’s Egyptian Tattoo Ideas

Men, meanwhile, will often get Egyptian tattoos that represent their spirituality, strength and power. They may get them as a nod toward ancient wisdom or divine protection.

A very popular style for men is a tattoo of Ra, who was the Egyptian sun god. Oftentimes, these tattoos include the head of a falcon, which powerfully symbolizes authority, strength and creation.

Tattoos of the Sphinx or pyramids are also popular among men. These are some of the most iconic symbols associated with ancient Egypt, and tattoos of them are meant to represent spiritual enlightenment, timelessness and mystery all at the same time.

Egyptian Tattoo Meaning

Egyptian tattoos can have a number of different meanings, depending on the style you follow and where you place them. Most will pay tribute to the ancient culture and many of the values that it stood for.

This includes life, the afterlife, wisdom and strength. People will often pick a specific god or goddess that has special meaning to them, which can be represented through a great Egyptian tattoo.