Best.tattoo is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Have you ever thought about getting a spine tattoo? Perhaps you’ve admired them on others, or maybe you came across spine tattoos online and think that they would look amazing on your back.
But before you go rushing into the nearest tattoo parlor, there are some things that you need to know. So here’s all you need to know about spine tattoos before getting one.
What is a spine tattoo?
As the name already suggests, spine tattoos are tattoos that are inked along the spine. They can be as simple or as intricate as you like and stretch all the way from the bottom of your spine to the neck or cover just a part of the spine.
Spine tattoos can be a great way to show off your spine and they look great on both men and women.
However, spine tattoos are not without their risks and it’s important that you weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.
The pros of spine tattoos
Spine tattoos are original and unique.
They are a great way of showing who you are and what your passions are, while showing off your back at the same time. Spine tattoos can be a great talking point and lead to interesting conversations with new people – especially if they have one themselves!
Spine tattoos look particularly good in a swimsuit which will also get you some admiring looks at the beach.
Spine tattoos are a great idea for people who have spine deformities.
Spine tattoos can be particularly good for people with spine conditions such as scoliosis, mild kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis.
With spine tattoos, you are showing your individuality rather than hiding your spine from the world which is what many people with spine deformities tend to do. Spine tattoos can be a great way of coming to terms with spine deformities and making something positive out of a negative situation.
Spine tattoos are a great way of covering up spine scars from injuries or operations.
If you have spine surgery due to an injury or some other medical problem, spine tattoos can be a good way to cover up some of the scars left behind. Spine tattoos can also be a great way of hiding any side effects such as protruding discs and evidence of surgery that you might not like.
Spine tattoos work particularly well for people with problems related to the spine, such as scoliosis or spondylolisthesis. Spine tattoos can be a good way of accepting the fact that you have a spine condition and turning it into something positive.
Spine tattoos can be easily hidden if necessary.
If you don’t want to show your spine tattoo off to the world, it’s easy to hide with a shirt or a jacket. Spine tattoos can be easily covered up when you need to and revealed when you feel like showing them off.
The cons of spine tattoos
Spine tattoos are painful to get.
One of the main downsides to spine tattoos is that they can be more painful to get. This is because the skin along the spine is thin and delicate and there are a lot of nerve endings in this area. So if you are someone who is particularly prone to pain, then spine tattoos might not be the best option for you.
How much does a spine tattoo cost?
Another downside to spine tattoos is that they tend to be more expensive than other tattoos. This is because the artist has to be very precise when inking them and there is a lot of work involved in creating a good spine tattoo. So if you’re on a tight budget, then a spine tattoo might not be the best idea.
Spine tattoos can take a lot of time and effort to put together, which means that it is particularly important to find the right artist. The tattooist needs to be very experienced in spine tattoos and able to create a tattoo that looks good and appears as though it was naturally created along your back. Spine tattoos look best when you choose an artist who is familiar with the anatomy of the back and spine – and when you find them, don’t forget to tip!
Spine tattoos can take longer to heal
Spine tattoos also tend to take longer to heal than other tattoos. This is because the skin along the spine is thin and delicate and moves a lot, which can lead to the tattoo becoming stretched out over time.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy tattoo, then a spine tattoo is not the best option. Spine tattoos also tend to fade quicker than other tattoos, so you need to be prepared for regular touch-ups.
Spine tattoos can be difficult to see
Finally, one of the main downsides to spine tattoos is that they can be difficult to show off and can often go unnoticed. This is because they are hidden away along the spine and are not as visible as other tattoos. So if you’re looking for a tattoo that will get you a lot of attention, then a spine tattoo might not be the best option.
The most popular spine tattoo ideas
There are a number of different designs that you can choose for your spine tattoo. It’s important you choose a design which you think will look good and also have a special meaning to you. Here are some of the most common spine tattoo designs:
- Quotes: There’s plenty of space to get a quote tattooed along your spine. Spine tattoos are particularly good for quotes as they can make you feel empowered or remind you how much you have achieved.
Spine tattoos can be particularly good if you want to show off some of your favorite lyrics or phrases. This makes for a very elegant spine tattoo.
- Animal designs: Spine tattoos are also a great opportunity to get an animal, such as a snake spine tattoo. Spine tattoos work particularly well for animals as they can wrap around your back, which can make it easier for you to see them. Spine tattoos are also the perfect place if you want to show off your favorite mythical creature or cartoon character.
- Flowers: Spine tattoos are also a good place to get something subtle and delicate, such as flowers. Spine tattoos can be a beautiful place to get flowers that grow up your back and look as though they are growing naturally. Spine tattoos are also great for making sure that the flowers look as realistic and vibrant as possible, so consider a flower spine tattoo.
- Spiritual symbols: Spine tattoos are also a great place to get something spiritual or religious. Spine tattoos can be used to remind you of the strength and faith that got you through particularly tough times. Spine tattoos can also be used as a way to show off your connection to religion or faith, no matter what it is.
FAQ on spine tattoos
Do spine tattoos hurt?
Yes, spine tattoos are a particularly painful type of tattoo to get. Spine tattoos tend to be more painful than other types of tattoos because they go along the spine, an area with very thin and sensitive skin.
Spine tattoos also cover a large area so the amount of pain involved is greater too. Spine tattoos can be especially painful if you have a low pain threshold.
Do spine tattoos fade quickly?
Yes, spine tattoos often fade more quickly than other types of tattoos. This is because the skin along the spine is thin and delicate and moves a lot, which can lead to the tattoo becoming stretched out over time.
Are spine tattoos covered up easily?
Yes, spine tattoos can be easily covered up. Spine tattoos are small enough to fit under a collar or t-shirt and the skin along the back is thick enough to hold them well, so there’s no need for extensive tattoo cover-up work.This might be a bit different for an upper spine tattoo.
Do spine tattoos need lots of care?
Spine tattoos do not need lots of special care. However, you should make sure to take extra good care of your tattoo while it is healing, as the skin along the spine tends to be delicate and thin.
Spine tattoos should also be regularly moisturized over time to prevent them from fading. Spine tattoos are best kept out of the sun, as they can fade in the sun’s rays.
Who is the best artist for a spine tattoo?
The best artist for a spine tattoo is someone who is experienced in working with delicate and intricate tattoos. The artist should also be familiar with the anatomy of the back and spine, so they can create a tattoo that looks natural and flows well along the spine. Spine tattoos will look best if they are created by someone who specializes in back and neck tattoos.
In Conclusion
Spine tattoos are a great way to get inked. Spine tattoos can be used to remind you of the things that got you through tough times or they can be subtle and delicate, such as flowers.
Spine tattoos are also an excellent place for quotes or beautiful animal designs. Spine tattoos should be worked on by experienced artists who know how to create tattoos that look natural and flow well along the spine.
If you’re considering a spine tattoo, make sure to do your research first. Spine tattoos are complicated to work with, both for the artist and you. However, if you decide to go ahead with a spine tattoo make sure to take good care of it so it looks its best for years to come.
