20+ TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN FOR AN IMPRESSIVE GLOW-UP

If you want to have a beautiful body art design but don’t know where to start and what to go for, our list of tattoo ideas for women can help.

There are thousands of silhouettes to tattoo on different parts of your body. All are meaningful, stunning, and can match your personality. 

Skin art is like an accessory, defining your perfect appearance. Here are some suggestions to help you decide what your next piece of art will be. 

Tattoo ideas for women – Image source: Wikimedia commons

20+ TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN

The most popular tattoos among women are flowers (such as roses), floral ornaments, and botanical elements. Many girls also like to get the moon or stars inked. Besides, animals, including cats, birds, elephants, and wolves, are among the most favorite choices.

BUTTERFLY

Talking about butterflies, people usually think of beauty, femininity, and freedom. It is one of the most popular and beautiful women’s back tattoos. You can also have it on the upper arm or wrist.

There are many butterfly tattoo options, such as butterfly with symmetrical ornaments, crystal butterfly, butterfly and the moon, or minimalist butterfly. 

RIBBON

Placing a cute ribbon on the back of your body is a great idea to express yourself. A pink ribbon with small blinking stars will spark a sense of adorable, childish, soft, and shining.

You can also experiment with one or even both hands. Small inked ribbon silhouettes moving with your hand movements will be playful. 

FLORAL ORNAMENT

It would be a mistake if we didn’t mention the floral tattoos for women on this list. All women love flowers, which are one of the best feminine expressions. 

Here, you have unlimited options. You can choose to get inked with any type of blossoms you like, any color you want, or just simple black. Flowers can stay alone or combine with other ornaments such as leaves, moon, butterfly, etc.

Flower tattoo designs – Image source: Deviant Art

MOON

If you’re inspired by the moon, why don’t you ink one on your body? It can be a crescent or full moon.

You can keep it simple or turn this ordinary object into an extraordinary piece of art by combining it with other elements (flowers or stars) or coloring it. A blue and purple full moon on your back is a good suggestion. 

TREE 

Trees indicate life and growth. If you’re a person who values time, patience, and persistence, a tree tattoo is a great idea.

You can get a tree along your spine or trees of four seasons to remind us that time is moving forward and you should cherish every moment. 

ROSE

Roses are the source of unlimited creativity. This symbol of love and passion will make you more beautiful and elegant.

You can place a small red rose on your back, a metallic rose on your arm, or a stunning rose covering up your forearm. No matter what size it is, it’s hard for a rose tattoo to go wrong. 

A rose tattoo is a popular option for women – Image source: Flickr

BAMBOO

Bamboo is the symbol of strength, longevity, and perseverance. This tattoo idea is suitable for strong and wise women. 

An example is to put the bamboo with sparrows on the back. Sparrows will create more motion and make the picture more alive. 

PAPER CRANE

Have you ever heard of famous Japanese origami? Having a small paper crane tattoo on your back or wrist can be a great idea. 

This cute silhouette presents the artistic side of you and sends hope in the future. You can choose to make it black or blue. 

NAMES

Choosing a name as an inner bicep tattoo for women is popular. It can be your baby’s name to welcome this new family member to the world or the name of your beloved one who passed away to honor them.

There are various types of calligraphy, so you can go for any that you think is suitable. It can be only a moniker or combined with small ornaments such as a heart. 

WINGS

Getting an inked wing on the body is not innovative, yet it’s still a great idea to make you look elegant. The wings symbolize strength and freedom; you can choose a big and colorful one on the arm.

Yet, it’s possible to have a minimalist wing on your hand. Besides, the matching wings on two elbows can also make you stand out.

FEATHERS

Feathers are soft and fluffy, very suitable for feminine characteristics. The tattoo can come in a colorful version or just black and white.

Placing it on the back of your shoulder or around the collarbone creates a soft and somewhat secretive feeling.

A beautiful feather tattoo on foot – Image source: Flickr

CAT

Most women love cats, and cats feature women’s characteristics. That’s why having a cat tattoo is common and works well, whether you follow a cute or sexy style. 

A minimalist kitten design is enough to show you are a cat lover. Or you can try the matching cat idea on your two hands. Seeing your furry friend’s picture on your body is such a loving and relaxing feeling.  

ELEPHANT

Elephants are more fun to play with as a tattoo than you think. The animal represents family, loyalty, and protection. 

It’s not necessary to have a huge and ferocious elephant face (unless you want to); it can be a minimalist, cute, and playful tattoo. The most suitable places are not the arm or above the elbow.

STAR

If you love how the star shines at night in the sky, have one (or more) on your body. The small blinking object is simple but stunning. 

You can get it with minimal fuss on your wrist. There are also options to combine the star with the moon, rose, or other flower to craft a gorgeous feminine picture.

BIRD

Birds symbolize freedom and hope, and it’s one of the inspirations for women’s back tattoos. A big, colorful bird on your back can present you as a person who values liberty.

Or you can try the symmetric birds, but the minimalist style, a simple but elegant option, will also work.

A cute bird tattoo – Image source: Flickr

LEAVES

Botanical elements such as vines and leaves are an excellent hand tattoo option. You can put one or multiple leaves and tailor-made their shapes to fit the space.

Besides, you can have it colored. Green is basic and simple, yet a touch of blue will make the silhouette more interesting and unique. 

GIRLY WOLF

Wolf is a fierce and strong animal, but that doesn’t mean a woman can’t have it as body artwork. There’s a way to make it more girly and become one of the most cool tattoo ideas for women.

The animal represents friendship, loyalty, and protection. Having a wolf decorated with flowers will add a feminine edge while keeping the original meaning of the animal. 

MEANINGFUL WORDS OR NUMBERS

Just like names, you can ask the tattooist to put a word or number that is meaningful to you. It’s a good way to save your special days, such as your wedding or your baby’s birthday.

Besides being a person’s name, the phrases to tattoo can be places or any quotes that motivate you in life. You can put this tattoo on your hand, arm, or around the chest.

A meaningful tattoo – Image source: Flickr

Floral Bracelet 

A permanent piece of jewelry such as a floral bracelet can flatter a young girl or those who want to have a tattoo but are not too striking. You can choose a simple version of black and white or color it white and green, bringing a refreshing feeling.

You can have it wrapped around your wrist or arm. It’s also a good idea to have this floral combination with one tattoo on your finger as a ring. 

TINY AIRPLANE

A tiny airplane is one of the cool tattoo ideas for women. It’s perfect for those who love to travel and explore the world. 

The airplane is small, cute, and very suitable for young souls. You can have it on your hand with a minimalist style. 

PINNED HEART

The heart shape is the source of inspiration for many designs. You can try something extraordinary with it by placing a pinned heart on your body.

This unique conventional heart-shaped tattoo shows your personality as a rational person, yet at the same time, possesses the softness and wisdom of a woman. 

ABSTRACT DESIGN

The abstract design is simple but grabs attention quickly. It is a great inner bicep tattoo for women. Besides, you can have it on your thigh or ankle.

The bonus of the design is it’s delicate, clean, and sleek. Sometimes, people may also want to try guessing the silhouette’s meaning. 

CONCLUSION

There are thousands of tattoo ideas for women that can resonate with your character and present your beauty. 

You can have one or more silhouettes on your body. But if you’re a first-timer, we suggest you choose something small and simple, as the getting inked process will be easier and less painful.

35 BEAUTIFUL TATTOOS ON SHOULDER FOR WOMEN THAT WILL LOOK AMAZING ON YOU

The shoulder, often considered alluring and elegant, is frequently an ideal location to express personal style through tattoos. Taking advantage of the ample space on the shoulder, individuals can choose between large and impressive designs or opt for small and delicate tattoos, creating a wonderful contrast within the negative space. To aid you in choosing an appropriate tattoo design, here are 35 tattoos for women shoulder specifically curated for women. Read on!

WHIMSICAL BLACK DRAGON SHOULDER TATTOO

Dragons hold varied meanings in different cultures. While the Western perspective may view dragons as symbols of evil, in Eastern cultures, they represent good luck and royalty.   This tattoo on the shoulder blade design, with the dragon’s tail winding along the arm, beautifully occupies the shoulder blade and sleeve. Despite its imposing presence, the tattoo retains its femininity and elegance through the graceful curves of the dragon’s body and whiskers.

VINE TATTOO FOR WOMEN

Vines are frequently used as complementary elements in floral tattoos, but they possess their own inherent beauty and significance. Vines naturally climb onto other plants or walls, seeking sunlight and water, symbolizing a spirit of resilience and the innate desire to flourish. Tattoos featuring vines, such as this one, elegantly extend and coil around the body, making them well-suited for placement on shoulders, arms, and ankles. Additionally, they offer a creative way to connect and enhance existing small tattoos, crafting a cohesive and unique piece of art.

STUNNING FLOWERS TATTOO ON THE SHOULDER

Every flower and color carries distinct emotional significance. Regardless of whether one is experiencing joy or sadness, there exists a flower that resonates with their emotions. Explore our latest interview with Vanessa to delve into her insights on selecting the perfect tattoos that uniquely reflect individual sentiments.

CRANE SHOULDER TATTOO FOR WOMEN

Cranes carry profound symbolism in various cultures. These birds consistently maintain their poised stance, with heads held high and an unwavering balance. When cranes unfurl their wings, they gracefully soar through the sky, resembling gliders poised to conquer the heavens. This avian symbolism is often associated with elegance, calmness, and balance. If the significance of crane tattoos resonates with you, placing one tattoo for shoulder back can be a stylish and meaningful choice.

BLOOMING

Tropaeolum, commonly known as Nasturtium, is a symbol of victory and triumph. The blossoming of this flower is emblematic of conquest. This shoulder tattoo, adorned with the delicate bloom, may initially appear as a feminine floral design. However, the underlying meaning of the flower transforms the tattoo into a powerful statement, reflecting the wearer’s strength and confidence.

EVERGLOW TATTOO


Capturing the essence of Coldplay’s “Everglow” in permanent ink, this shoulder tattoo immortalizes the song’s lyrics. If you have a particular song that holds profound meaning or provides strength in your life, opting for lyric tattoos can be a poignant and fitting choice.

SIMPLE BLACK AND WHITE SUNFLOWER TATTOO

A meaningful tattoo is one that echoes our sentiments or narrates our personal stories, much like sunflower tattoos. Sunflowers represent the pursuit of happiness, positivity, and hope, enduring values that withstand the test of time. Even when rendered in black, a sunflower tattoo continues to exude warmth and energy. Sunflowers are an ideal choice for women seeking something both meaningful and simple among the array of shoulder tattoos available for women.

FLOWER SHOULDER TATTOO

Shoulder tattoos often feature flower designs, and their popularity can be attributed to their beauty and versatility. With a plethora of flower options, each carrying its distinct meaning, floral ink typically symbolizes beauty, love, and life. The specific bloom you choose can add nuanced symbolism; for instance, the gladiolus is linked to family, while the peony signifies good fortune and honor.

TIGER TATTOO

A tiger tattoo is an excellent choice if you desire a statement piece rich in symbolism. This formidable predator is symbolic of strength and knowledge, and it’s also associated with freedom and independence, given its position at the top of the natural food chain. Choosing the shoulder as the canvas for this design is ideal, as it provides enough space for intricate detailing. Whether tattooed on its own or combined with other elements, a tiger tattoo offers a powerful and meaningful design option.

LION SHOULDER TATTOO

The lion, known as the king of the jungle, is a stunning yet formidable creature, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tattoo symbolizing courage and bravery. While small lion-inspired designs can be appealing, opting to ink your shoulder allows for a larger, more intricate piece that beautifully captures the essence of this regal creature.

SKULL SHOULDER TATTOO

The skull, universally acknowledged as a symbol tied to life and death, holds diverse meanings for individuals. Some interpret it with a darker undertone, while others see it positively as a symbol of strength and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. Regardless of the personal significance you attribute to the skull, it serves as an intriguing and attention-grabbing choice for a shoulder tattoo. You have the option to enhance your design with additional elements like flowers or butterflies, or you can opt for a bold and impactful statement without incorporating extra images. 

CLOCK SHOULDER TATTOO

Clock tattoos enjoy popularity due to their rich symbolism, offering a design open to diverse interpretations. The timepiece serves as a poignant representation of life and death, making it an ideal choice for those who contemplate these aspects frequently. It acts as a poignant reminder of life’s transient nature, urging individuals to embrace it fully. For some women, a clock tattoo serves as a tribute to a departed loved one or commemorates a significant moment in their lives. 

COMPASS SHOULDER TATTOO

The circular compass shape is ideal for placement on the shoulder, providing ample space for the intricate details often associated with this navigational tool. The compass tattoo serves as a symbol of direction and purpose, making it a compelling choice. Adding a meaningful quote, name, time, or date further personalizes the body art, creating a deeply resonant and individualized design.

CROSS SHOULDER TATTOO

Individuals who hold their faith dear often find the concept of a cross tattoo appealing. Within Christianity, the cross is frequently associated with Jesus Christ and his sacrificial act for the greater good of humanity. Its simple shape lends itself well to various tattooing styles, allowing for both large and small designs. Enhance the design by incorporating your favorite psalm or verse, or choose to include additional imagery like a dove or prayer beads to make the tattoo even more personal and meaningful.

FLORAL DRAGON SHOULDER TATTOO

Dragons are exceptionally well-suited for shoulder tattoos, given their curvaceous bodies and tails that can elegantly extend towards the collarbone or down the back, similar to this particular design. Opting for a black dragon against scarlet red flowers creates a vivid contrast that enhances the overall visual impact of the tattoo.

DREAM CATCHER SHOULDER TATTOO

A dream catcher tattoo can be a stunning addition when placed across your shoulder. This design lends itself well to complementing other images, allowing for the creation of an extensive and intricate tattoo if desired. Beyond the visual intricacy, the beauty of the dreamcatcher lies in its symbolism. Originating from Native American culture, this talisman serves as a sign of protection, intended to ward off bad dreams and negativity.

 EAGLE SHOULDER TATTOO

An eagle tattoo has the versatility to be large and imposing, with wings spanning the chest and arm, or it can take on a more abstract or smaller form. Women seeking a symbol of courage, resilience, and freedom are often drawn to this design, finding it to be a positive reminder to live life to its fullest potential and to appreciate each day. Additionally, the majestic bird can carry spiritual connotations, with its keen eyesight sometimes associated with the all-seeing eye.

ROSE ON THE SHOULDER TATTOO

Traditionally, roses symbolize love and passion, while snakes are often associated with darkness, danger, or mystery. Although both snakes and roses are frequently featured in tattoo designs, combining these two elements with broad coverage, as seen in this example, is less common. The artist skillfully maintained clean lines, preventing the snake tattoo from feeling overpowering despite its large size.

OVER MY DEAD BODY SHOULDER QUOTE TATTOO

The expression “over my dead body” signifies an unwavering commitment to preventing a certain event from occurring, making it a powerful statement.  While not everyone may resonate with this particular quote, it exemplifies how quote tattoos are well-suited for the shoulder area. For those contemplating their first tattoo, quotes offer a thoughtful and versatile option to consider.

HAMSA HAND SHOULDER TATTOO

The Hamsa hand, deeply ingrained in Islamic and Egyptian culture, serves as a spiritual symbol. This hand features an eye in the center of the palm and, uniquely, two symmetrical thumbs. Its purpose is to provide protection to the wearer from evil, symbolized by the eye. Despite its religious origins, the Hamsa hand tattoo has gained global popularity. Whether opting for a simple design with clean lines, as seen in this example, or experimenting with additional details, the Hamsa hand’s versatility makes it well-suited for various placements, including the shoulder.

SCORPIO FOR SHOULDER TATTOO 

What better way to showcase your zodiac sign than through a zodiac tattoo? Scorpios take pride in their sign, and rightfully so. With their mysterious, intense, passionate, and intelligent nature, they command respect. A shoulder tattoo, exemplified by this design, serves as a subtle warning not to underestimate or mess with Scorpio women.

BUTTERFLY SHOULDER TATTOO

The butterfly, a captivating insect, is frequently associated with transformation and change. In tattoo art, it can be depicted to symbolize a phase of personal growth or as an emblem of embracing the new while letting go of the past. Additionally, the butterfly is linked to notions of freedom and beauty. Their versatility extends to various placement options, such as the shoulder, and they harmonize well with additional images like skulls or flowers, enhancing the depth of their symbolic meaning.

ANGEL SHOULDER TATTOO

An angel tattoo serves as a symbolic messenger from God, embodying the delicate balance between heaven and earth and offering a means to express one’s spirituality. Additionally, it can represent themes of love or loss, often serving as a tribute to someone who has passed away or as a celebration of a romantic relationship. Regardless of the specific symbolism one associates with these angelic beings, they make for charming tattoos, and the shoulder serves as a fantastic and fitting placement for such a design.

TRIBAL SHOULDER TATTOO

Tribal tattoos draw inspiration from diverse cultures but have evolved into more of a technique characterized by thick, black lines that dynamically flow across the body. The specific meaning behind tribal designs can vary based on cultural influences, but when opting for a more stylized approach, these tattoos are often associated with symbols of protection and strength.

CELTIC SHOULDER TATTOO

Your Celtic heritage through a tattoo is a meaningful way to pay homage to your roots. Celtic culture is rich with symbols and creatures, such as trees and specific animals, that held great importance. Among the popular choices in body art are knotted designs, which beautifully celebrate the profound connection between humanity and nature. Depending on your chosen ink, these intricate knots can symbolize family, eternal life, or everlasting love, offering a versatile and deeply personal expression of your Celtic identity.

MAORI SHOULDER TATTOO

Tribal designs serve as a meaningful way to pay homage to a specific culture and heritage, with Maori tattoos acting as expressions of individual identity. Each design within Maori culture holds unique significance, and the placement of these tattoos is crucial, with the head considered the most sacred spot. However, there are others that have been mass-produced and can be a respectful way to celebrate the culture without causing offense. Prior to getting inked, thorough research is advised to ensure the chosen design is appropriate and culturally sensitive.

POLYNESIAN SHOULDER TATTOO

Polynesian tattoos carry deep cultural significance, with each design serving as a narrative. Opting for such body art can be a meaningful way to honor your heritage or express admiration for the Polynesian culture. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research beforehand to avoid unintended disrespect or cultural misappropriation. Polynesian ink allows for personal expression, enabling individuals to showcase aspects of their personality or elements that hold significance to them.

COLORFUL SHOULDER TATTOO

While black ink remains a common choice for tattoos, vibrant and colorful pieces hold their unique allure. In general, opting for colored designs may entail higher costs and longer sessions, but it offers a beautiful means of bringing your chosen ink to life, creating a striking contrast against your skin tone. For instance, a yellow rose signifies friendship and joy, while a pink one represents gratitude and affection. Meanwhile, a red bloom indicates passion and love.

GEOMETRIC SHOULDER TATTOO

Geometric tattoos are characterized by the use of shapes and lines in their creation. This approach to body art has gained popularity in recent years and serves as a versatile technique suitable for both large and small designs. Geometric tattoos can range from simple and minimalistic to intricate with futuristic aesthetics. Depending on the chosen design, it can carry significant symbolism or simply be an aesthetically appealing piece of art.

STAR SHOULDER TATTOO

The simplicity of the star’s shape makes it a highly popular choice for tattoos, especially for those considering their first ink. It’s versatile, allowing for small and straightforward designs or larger, more intricate ones. A star commonly symbolizes protection and guidance. Additionally, many women opt to include an image of the moon in their star tattoos, representing femininity and beauty.

KOI FISH SHOULDER TATTOO FOR PISCES

Koi fish and mermaids are excellent choices for shoulder tattoos among women due to their graceful curves. The tails of these designs can elegantly extend from the collarbone down to the arm, creating a dynamic and flowing visual effect.

GIRLY RIBBON SHOULDER TATTOO FOR WOMEN

Looking for something cute and feminine? Consider a ribbon tied onto the skin. This vintage design showcases the versatility of a ribbon tattoo. By making adjustments to the shape, colors, and fabric, you can create a unique piece that complements your skin tone and aligns with your personal aesthetics.

LOVE BIRDS TATTOO

This bird tattoo on the shoulder is a perfect combination of meaningful, cute, and beautiful—everything a hopeless romantic might desire. Love birds symbolize a lasting, pure love, making it an ideal choice for an individual or even as a matching tattoo idea.

RELIGIOUS SHOULDER TATTOO

Tattoos serve as a meaningful reminder of what holds significance in your life. For individuals with strong religious convictions, body art becomes a way to celebrate their faith or serve as a constant reminder to live according to a particular ethos. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing images for your ink, including a cross, rosary beads, or praying hands. The shoulder is an excellent placement choice for these tattoos, offering enough space for intricate detailing and allowing your body art to truly come to life.

SHOULDER AND CHEST TATTOO

Opting for a large, detailed design on your shoulder across your chest is a beautiful choice. This placement provides ample space, allowing you to select from a variety of designs. Floral-inspired pieces stand out as particularly popular among women, given their aesthetic appeal, femininity, and often rich symbolism.

CONCLUSION

We have provided 35 tattoo ideas for women’s shoulders, drawing inspiration from various symbols, each carrying a special meaning. These shoulder tattoos are designed with intricate and beautiful lines, though it’s worth noting that the shoulder area can be a bit painful. We hope that this article will offer you a variety of choices and help you find a tattoo design that suits your preferences and personal style.