Spine Tattoo Ideas

Popular Spine Tattoo Styles

These are some of the most popular styles of spine tattoo.

• Abstract – This style utilizes spaces, shapes, and colors to create an abstract piece of art on your spine.
• Cultural – Some people choose to view the spine as a totem-like space and get a series of cultural symbols, patterns, or characters.
• Delicate – Using fine lines and delicate shading, this spine tattoo is light and subtle.
• Nature-focused – Waterfalls, trees, vines, and other vertical elements of nature can be celebrated in this style of spine tattoo.
• Pattern – Where an abstract spine tattoo is more open and free-flowing, one with a pattern offers a repeating motif down the length of the spine.

Best Spine Tattoo Placements

The most dramatic spine tattoos utilize the entire length of the full spine. But there are a number of spine tattoo styles that fit into more specific areas of the spine including:

• Lower spine – This might be the location that most people think about when they are considering a small spine tattoo. That’s because it tapers into the lower back. This entire area is open to some sexy design choices.
• Middle spine – A popular spot for very personal choices (like a favorite animal) or artistic ones (such as geometric patterns).
• Upper spine – This area, right below the neck is the perfect area to place a small, “statement” tattoo. This can include things like a skull, pride/military/cancer or other ribbon, flower, or even a word or short phrase.

The length and strength of the spine makes any tattoo placed here an instant focal point. Particularly if your tattoo artist sticks to the rigid vertical narrative space the spine provides.

Men’s Spine Tattoos Ideas

A popular spine tattoo for men is the sword. While some will get a basic blade and handle, others will choose a variation such as:

• • Fantasy sword

• Realistic sword

• • Sword with fire

• Sword with a snake

• Sword with wings

Others choose to go in the exact opposite direction and get a small cross, typically at the top of the spine.

Women’s Spine Tattoos Ideas

Women who choose to add a spine tattoo to their body art often do so to celebrate the beauty of their back. To do that, some of the design choices they make include:

• Characters/Symbols – Many women choose the space at the top of the spine to run down a series of symbols or characters. These can be mandarin characters, lunar symbols, or more abstract figures. 
• Dagger – This makes a great top of the spine tattoo. It’s sleek, small, and a delicate sign of danger and mystery.
• Sword tarot card – Mystical symbols are a popular tattoo style chosen by many women. Making the sword card your spine tattoo is a way this style can be utilized.

Spine Tattoo Meanings

Many people will get a spine tattoo because they believe it indicates strength. Others choose a spine tattoo because it symbolizes growth. There are some who believe that getting a tattoo along the length of your spine is also a representation of dedication.