From small to large, from black and gray to colorful, these beautiful and meaningful shoulder tattoos for women will inspire your next ink.
the shoulder alone is not much space. but connect the neck, chest and arm. therefore, shoulder tattoos have a lot of room to expand.
The good thing about shoulder tattoos is that you can hide them or show them off. Unlike finger tattoos that are exposed most of the time, clothing with sleeves will cover them up, whether they are big or small. instead, a vest or tank top will work if you feel like showing them off.
This is why there are so many possibilities for shoulder tattoos, especially for women. huge, tiny, colored, black and gray, detailed or minimalist, the shoulder is a canvas for your imagination to run wild.
Depending on the design, you can also ink the front shoulder, shoulder blade, outside shoulder, or upper shoulder. a good design plus the correct placement will complement your body.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which design you want. so here is a list of shoulder tattoos for women. From small to large, from black to color, these stunning and unique tattoo ideas will inspire your next ink.
Disclaimer: This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow the artists and show them some support.
beautiful shoulder tattoo ideas for women
table of contents
- elegant black and gray shoulder tattoos for women
- cute shoulder tattoos for girls
- small minimalist shoulder tattoos
elegant black and gray shoulder tattoos for women
It is a myth that black and gray tattoos require less work than colored ones. But a good black and gray tattoo requires attention to black value, shading, and detail. they may not be as vibrant as colored tattoos. but they draw attention to the pattern and the message behind it.
then if you are looking for black and gray shoulder tattoos for women, you are in the right place. These classy tattoos may not turn heads. but they are sleek, stylish and will stand the test of time.
whimsical black dragon tattoo on the shoulder
@bium_tattoo
dragon has different meanings in all cultures. while dragons may be seen as evil in the west, they represent good luck and royalty in eastern cultures.
In ancient China, only the emperor can have dragon patterns on his clothes. so if you are looking for something to empower and intimidate you, dragons can be a very good option.
And the length and size of dragon tattoos are perfect for placing on the shoulder, like this bold design. With its tail coiled along the arm, the tattoo fills the shoulder blade and sleeve. and maintains its femininity and elegance with the curves of its body and whiskers.
sailing in the moonlight tattoo on the shoulder
@hansantattoo
vine tattoo for women
@suzylutattoos
vines are often filled in flower tattoos. but only they can make beautiful and meaningful ink. the vines climb other plants or the wall in search of sun and water. therefore, vines symbolize the fighting spirit, the desire to live and prosper.
Also, vine tattoos like this one stretch and wrap around the body, making them perfect for shoulders, arms, and ankles. they can also connect small existing tattoos and create a new piece of art.
chandelier and gemstone tattoo
@auua.tattoo
impressive flower tattoo on the shoulder
@vane.tattoo_
for tattoo artist vanessa, each flower and each color represent different emotions. whether you are happy or sad, you will always find a flower that represents you. Check out our recent interview with tattoo artist Vanessa to learn more about her thoughts on choosing the right tattoos for you.
crane shoulder tattoo for women
@newtattoo_qiqi
cranes have a special symbolism in all cultures. the birds always stand with their heads held high and never seem to lose their balance. and when they spread their wings, it flies like a glider in the sky when they are about to conquer the sky.
This is why it is often seen as a symbol of elegance, calm and balance. So if the meaning of crane tattoos convinces you, it will be a good idea to put one on your shoulder.
blooms
@noa.tattoo
tropaeolum, also known as nasturtium, symbolizes victory and triumph. the blossoming of the flower represents conquest, according to exotic flowers. and that’s what makes this shoulder piece special.
At first glance, it is a feminine floral tattoo. but the meaning behind the flower makes the tattoo a statement of the wearer’s strength and confidence.
black and white mountain landscape tattoo
@handitrip
eternal shine
@tattoo_hoji
This shoulder tattoo takes a lyric from the coldplay song everglow and turns it into permanent ink. so if you have a song that hits home or gives you strength, gamer tattoos might be for you.
simple black and white sunflower tattoo
@arona_tattoo
A good tattoo is one that resonates with us or tells our stories, just like sunflower tattoos. they are so popular not only because of their simplicity but also because of the meaning behind them.
The sunflower symbolizes the search for happiness, positivity and hope. and these values never fade over time. so even when a sunflower tattoo is in black, it still radiates warmth and energy. Sunflower will be perfect for women who want something meaningful and simple among all shoulder tattoos for women.
also read: 94 beautiful flower tattoos and what they mean
floral dragon shoulder tattoo
@harusisun
Dragons fit perfectly on a shoulder tattoo. the curvy body and tail can extend to the collarbone or to the back, like this one here.
And one thing that makes this tattoo stand out is its choice of colors. keeping the dragon black and the flowers scarlet creates a color contrast.
tie the knot
@your_szpila
rose and snake tattoos on both shoulders
@rong.rong
Traditionally, roses represent love and passion. and snakes are often symbols of darkness, danger, or mystery. a snake coiled around a rose means that love is so intense that it becomes a dangerous and irresistible temptation.
Both snakes and roses are common in tattoo designs. but it is not so common to join these two elements with a coverage as wide as this. the artist did a great job keeping the lines clean so the tattoo doesn’t feel heavy at such a large size.
bold black and white rose tattoo on the shoulder
@ny.tattoos
small dragon tattoos
@alice_b_jb
over my corpse shoulder quote tattoo
@so.tattoo_studio
“over my dead body” means that you will do everything possible to prevent something certain from happening. is a stronger statement. and the bold capital letters make it even stronger.
Not everyone identifies with the message. but it perfectly shows how quote tattoos fit the shoulder area. furthermore, the quotes and scripts are more standard than the illustrations. so it’s hard to go wrong. If you’re getting your first tattoo, quotes are something to consider.
hamsa hand tattoo on the shoulder
@iotattooing
The hamsa hand is a spiritual symbol deeply rooted in Islamic and Egyptian culture. it is a hand with an eye in the center of the palm. Unlike a real hand, the hamsa has two symmetrical thumbs. and is used to protect the wearer from evil, which is represented by the eye.
Despite its religious origin, the hamsa hand tattoo has gained popularity around the world. you can have a simple hamsa tattoo with clean lines like this one. or you can experiment and add details. the versatility makes it perfect for different locations, including the shoulder.
fine line black rose shoulder tattoo
@art.novensides
Rose tattoos represent passion, love, purity and romance. and can be designed to fit different parts of your shoulder.
If you want a rose tattoo that covers the entire shoulder blade or the outside of the shoulder, you can connect multiple blooming roses with vines. Or you can get a single rose tattoo on your upper shoulder like this, making it simple and elegant.
tattoo on the shoulder for scorpio women
@inkedbykiki
what better way to show off your zodiac sign than zodiac tattoos? Scorpios are proud of their sign. and honestly, they have every reason to be.
They are mysterious, intense, passionate and intelligent. cross them, and they will sting you. a shoulder tattoo like this is a warning not to mess with scorpio women.
also read: 68 beautiful scorpio tattoos with meaning
intricate rose tattoo
@sergettattooer
realistic white tiger tattoo on the back of the shoulder
@hansantattoo
Tigers are not often seen on women’s shoulder tattoos. but who says that tigers are only for men? This white tiger tattoo shows off the calm and gentle side of the animal, making it perfect for women.
The artist managed to capture the depth of the tiger’s eyes, the detail of the pattern and the fur, creating a realistic masterpiece on the skin.
swirl tribal shoulder tattoo for women
@d.russ_.tattoo
Tribal tattoos are not just patterns. they carry deep meanings for the people who understand them. Just like this Tahitian tattoo, the design is based on the life and beliefs of the wearer.
and also applies to Native American tattoos, Maori, etc. That’s why it’s important to talk to the tattoo artist and make sure you’re on the same page.
beautiful butterflies
@hailey_blossom
minimalist sun shoulder tattoo
@raevage
shiny fairy front shoulder tattoo for women
@hailey_blossom
around the world – shoulder tattoo for adventurers
@honeybeetattoo_airu
It may not be as easy as before for us to travel the world. but, if you have an adventurous spirit, a travel tattoo can calm the desire to get on the next plane.
Compasses, airplanes, hot air balloons and the globe are common elements in travel tattoos. but you can also add backpacks, maps, coordinates to customize it.
symmetrical tattoos of black and white roses on the shoulders
@dave.watts_.tattoos
libra constellation and butterflies
@bodyart_by_paige
looking at the libra tattoos, you will see that they are not always the most striking. but everyone has one thing in the comment: elegant.
Libra values harmony and balance. and it is reflected in its aesthetics. This shoulder tattoo consists of a libra glyph, a constellation and small butterflies. simple, feminine and not overwhelming, like the poster itself.
koi fish tattoo on shoulder for pisces
@joooo.tt
fish and mermaids are excellent shoulder tattoos for women because of their curves. the tails can be stretched across the collarbone or up the arm, creating a flowing effect in motion.
also read: 54 impressive pisces tattoos with meaning
beautiful just the way you are
@hammersmith_tattoo_london
cute colored shoulder tattoos for girls
Colors bring a tattoo to life and give it endless possibilities. Looking for a vibrant piece of art? Don’t miss out on these colored shoulder tattoos for women.
impressive diamond tattoo on the shoulder blade
@yeriel_tattoo
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. and they certainly make great tattoos. a diamond is brilliant, luxurious and a pleasure to look at. but it’s more than that.
diamonds are rare. being buried under pressure for hundreds of years makes them unbreakable. the stone is proof that difficulties make the strongest.
girly ribbon shoulder tattoo for women
@o.ri_tattoo
Do you want something nice and feminine? how about a ribbon tied on the skin? This vintage design shows just how versatile a ribbon tattoo can be. With a few adjustments to the shape, colors, and fabric, you can create something that suits your skin tone and aesthetic.
blue dragon fantasy tattoo
@e.nal_.tattoo
Marbled star tattoo
@o.ri_tattoo
“eternal” gradient script tattoo
@saegeemtattoo
shark in the starry night
@tatuador_sigak
love birds tattoo
@simya_tattoo
Meaningful, cute and beautiful, this bird tattoo on the shoulder is everything a hopeless romantic would ask for. love birds are permanent proof of pure and true love as an individual or as a matching tattoo idea.
beautiful purple butterfly tattoo on the front of the shoulder
@palette.tt
In all cultures, butterflies have different meanings. for example, a pair of butterflies represents love in china. and in the West, they are symbols of transformation and beauty.
besides the meaning, butterflies are simply beautiful. If you love butterflies, check out these awesome butterfly tattoos too!
snake tattoo on the shoulder blade
@yeriel_tattoo
blooming flower tattoos
@seolheetattoo
small tattoos for creators
@0chicken.tattoo
little stars cosmic tattoo
@seoul.poke
the soleil shoulder tattoo
@0chicken.tattoo
fine line butterfly tattoo
@opal.tattoo
self love shoulder blade tattoo
@vondiezyltattoos
give yourself a hug and put yourself first. you deserve the love you give to others.
Also read: 40 empowering self-love tattoos with meaning
phoenix shoulder blade tattoo
@deni_teckuje
phoenix is a mythical creature that is beautiful and powerful. Just like unicorns, mermaids or dragons, the phoenix has its own symbolism.
In Greek mythology, the phoenix is the bird of the sun. turns into flames when he dies and is reborn from the ashes. therefore, it represents nirvana and rebirth.
In Eastern countries, the phoenix used to be a symbol of the queen. so if you want a tattoo that reminds you of your strength and courage, the phoenix is perfect for you.
snowflake mandala shoulder tattoo
@juliah_parker
lovely shoulder tattoo for cat lovers
@buoythefishlover
roll the dice
@jooa_tattoo
small minimalist tattoos on the shoulder
While large tattoos command attention, a small tattoo can be just as meaningful and beautiful. so if you’re thinking of something understated, these small shoulder tattoos might be perfect for you.
aquarius zodiacal constellation
@tattooartbyhailey
single line heart on the shoulder
@duky_tattoo
also read: simple lines, deep art – interview with victoria rusyn
avengers symbol tattoo
@your_szpila
rainbow bubble shoulder tattoo
@saegeemtattoo
peach
@e.ple_tattoo
Also read: 43 cute and realistic food tattoos that will make you hungry
small checkered heart tattoo on the shoulder
@palette.tt
little rainbow tattoo
@handpoke.gallery
cute little apple tattoo
@saegeemtattoo
grandma’s ring: a meaningful tattoo on the shoulder
@jooyoung_colo
simple daisy tattoo on the shoulder
@nemo.tattoo
never mind – one word tattoo
@2an_tattoo
Also read: 61 Inspirational One-Word Tattoos That Prove Precision Is Power
matching water drop tattoos on shoulder for friends
@pas.rit
small blue and violet flower tattoo
@siyeon_tattoo
small ocean life shoulder tattoo
@0chicken.tattoo
little smiley face tattoo
@mayink.nl
find your purpose
@gigi_tattooer
simple black moon tattoo
@colette.ink
also read: 51 dreamy moon tattoos to bring serenity to the skin
starry night puzzle tattoo for art lovers
@hansantattoo
Also read: 19 artistic tattoos that will turn your skin into a masterpiece
small plane tattoo
@cinny_minny
Which of these shoulder tattoos for women is your favorite?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
