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Neck tattoos are edgy and perfectly suit someone’s adventurous spirit. If you’ve outweighed all the pros and cons of neck tattoos and decided to go ahead and get one, you’re probably looking for great ideas. That’s exactly what this post is all about. Throughout the ultimate guide below, you’ll see tons of designs, styles, and learn more about the meanings behind them. Read on and use this guide as a source of inspiration for your new ink. Let’s start.
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Neck Tattoos for Men Design Ideas
Not all neck tattoos for men are the same. Some are small and delicate while others can be large and easy to spot. The design and placement of a neck tattoo depend entirely on you and your preferences.
However, you may want to consult your tattoo artist first. The neck is a delicate area with thin skin. Your tattoo artist can advise you where to place a specific tattoo or inform you about the ideal size of a tattoo for your neck.
In other words, tattoo artists use their experience to help you get the best results so you may want to include them in your decision-making process. Scroll down to see different neck tattoos for men types and styles.
1. Back neck tattoo
The back of the neck is one of the most popular places for a neck tattoo. This area is most suitable for smaller tattoos and designs, but also allows you to get bigger and edgier ink should you desire so. If you want a neck tattoo you can easily cover and hide when (and if) necessary, then the back of the neck is the best option. That’s especially the case for the very first neck tattoo.
Placement of a tattoo in this area allows you to expand it to the upper back and shoulders or maybe even connect it to the existing ink in these parts of your body. Plus, back neck tattoos are so fantastic.
2. Front of the neck tattoo
Tattoos in the front of your neck tend to hurt more than ink at the back or sides. Guys who choose to have a tattoo in the frontal area of their neck tend to be adventurous and brave to face any challenge, even if it may include a bit of pain. Tattoos in the front neck are prominent, easily noticeable, and powerful all at the same time.
Your front neck tattoo can be simple and delicate or outrageous and striking. The design here depends on your personality and character. Traditional and more modern motifs look equally great on this area of your neck.
3. Full neck tattoo
A full neck tattoos are a type of tattoos that looks like a collar; it stretches from the front to the sides and from the base of the neck to the under-chin or jaw area.
Of course, this is a much bigger area that allows you to rock bold, elaborate, and intricate designs that are bound to stand out. Men who want their neck tattoo to be unique and give a whole new dimension to their appearance could easily rock full neck tattoo.
Keep in mind these tattoos are very detailed and require a lot of technical work. For that reason, you need to be confident in your tattoo artist’s skills.
4. Side of the neck tattoo
A side neck tattoos seem to be a logical choice for men who don’t want a tattoo at the front neck area but also don’t want it at the back as well. This particular area gives a tattoo artist freedom to create a tattoo that goes up behind the ear or down to the shoulder, depending on the design.
Both delicate or demure and edgy and badass tattoos look great on the sides of your neck. When it comes to design, you have the option to choose anything you want. You can opt for a traditional tattoo, realistic designs, or elaborate and fantasy-like ink.
5. Cross neck tattoo
Religion-themed tattoos are always popular, especially among spiritual persons. Cross tattoo is a classic religious ink that symbolizes devotion to faith, unconditional love, and sacrifice.
People wear a cross tattoo on their chest, arms, back, but also neck. Whether you’re a fan of delicate and demure tattoos or prominent designs, a cross on the neck looks great either way. The versatility of a cross tattoo also extends to its look; it can appear as simple as thin lines or bold and edgier in elaborate styles. Options are endless and it all comes down to your preferences.
6. Religious neck tattoo
Religious neck tattoos are ideal for spiritual men. Praying hands, cherubs, and angles are popular options besides the abovementioned cross tattoo. If you seek guidance in faith and religion or you have suffered a loss and want to pay tribute to your guardian angel, a religious neck tattoo could be a great choice.
7. Tribal neck tattoo
Tribal tattoos can easily fit anywhere you place them and the neck is not the exception. The exact meaning of tribal neck tattoos varies from one culture to another. Every design can have its own meaning.
That said, many tribal tattoos represent a wearer’s heritage or achievements. They can also symbolize protection, strength, and power. When it comes to tribal tattoos, it’s important to mention they are deeply rooted in the cultures from which they come.
You should opt for this type of tattoo on your neck if you are a part of that culture or you have a deep and thorough understanding/appreciation of it.
8. Traditional neck tattoo
Traditional tattoos are easy to recognize. They have striking, bold lines and bright primary colors. Some are black, though. Motifs in traditional tattoos range from sailor themes such as swallow to animals and flowers.
Men who love edgy tattoos could benefit the most from a traditional tattoo on the neck. These tattoos can fit perfectly in front of the neck, at the back, at the sides, you name it.
The choice of a multicolor or black traditional tattoo depends entirely on you. If you love tattoos that stand out, then multicolor ink is a way to go. On the flip side, if you’re a fan of classic tattoos, then a traditional motif in black is a good decision.
9. Neck tattoo with quotes and words to live by
A good tattoo doesn’t necessarily have to include an image only, words and quotes can look just as awesome. Since the neck area is associated with communication, a word or quote tattoo in this place represents verbalizing ideas and values you hold dear. It means you’re not afraid to speak up and honesty is always a priority to you.
Besides values, you appreciate and quotes you find relatable, you can also pay tribute to someone special in your life. Words look great whether they’re alone or paired with a specific image on the tattoo.
10. Rose and flowers neck tattoo
Rose is quite a complex flower and a popular tattoo choice among men and women alike. Rose expresses beauty, hope, promise, and new beginnings.
On a man, a rose tattoo can represent strength, peace, and oftentimes a tribute to someone who passed away. The long stem and elaborate flower make a rose suitable tattoo for the side neck area. Some men go for the flower alone.
The exact design option comes down to how you envisioned a rose tattoo on your neck. You can combine rose with other images, whether they represent the same thing or the opposites.
Roses are truly versatile. Besides roses, other flowers make a good choice for a neck tattoo. Yes, on men particularly. Both black/grey or multicolor flower neck tattoos look awesome.
11. Crown neck tattoo
Crown tattoo is an amazing option for an alpha male and it’s all thanks to the symbolism behind it. You see, wearing a crown tattoo means you’re strong and courageous.
Additionally, crowns also represent glory, self-respect, and triumph. If you see yourself as an alpha male with strong leadership skills and incredible confidence, a crown is a great way to show off those characteristics. Like many other motifs, crowns are also easy to combine with different objects should you prefer so.
The best thing about crowns is that they look fantastic regardless of the size. If you’re into a more discreet ink, a small crown on your neck is the answer. For an edgier look, a medium or big crown is a way to go.
12. Wing neck tattoo
Wing tattoo symbolizes freedom and the ability of a person to liberate oneself from everything that is holding them back. In fact, wings are among the most popular ways to express freedom and they look great everywhere.
Some people wear wing tattoos on their chest or back, others opt for arms, but you can also rock it on the neck. The back of the neck is a common choice of a wing tattoo placement for many, but this ink looks great on the front of your neck, and the sides too. One wing or two, the choice is yours.
You can go for a classic wing look, make them elaborate, darker, hopeful, traditional, artistic, unique, there are tons of options. Besides wings alone, you can also add other symbols such as a cross.
Wings and cross are the perfect match, their combination symbolizes faith, freedom, and a guardian angel or the spirit of a loved one who passed away. Devil wings, angel wings, bird wings, there are tons of options to think about and a talented tattoo artist can help you make the right choice.
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13. Unique neck tattoo
What we love about tattoos is that they allow us to explore our creativity. So, if you’re looking for a unique ink that will truly represent your character and values, these examples can inspire you to come up with your own designs. There are no rules here. If you feel like you need guidance to bring your ideas to life, a tattoo artist can help you out.
14. Third eye neck tattoo
The third eye stands for clairvoyance i.e. the ability to see into the spiritual world, the world beyond the physical realm. An eye tattoo can also symbolize soul, faith, intuition, and a person’s ability to foretell the future. You can place the third eye tattoo at the front of your neck, at the back, sides, wherever you want.
15. Birds neck tattoo
Birds are a popular choice for neck tattoos. Generally speaking, birds represent physical and spiritual freedom in life. Each type of bird has a deeper meaning. For example, the dove is a symbol of victory, love, peace, and God’s will. Eagle tattoos represent power, wisdom, and spirituality.
16. Small neck tattoo
Some men adore huge neck tattoos whereas others would love a more demure look. If you’re among the latter, you’ll be happy to know small neck tattoos are just as hot. Basically, any image from a huge neck tattoo can be represented in a smaller ink design. You just need a talented tattoo artist who will do this job perfectly and show you different neck tattoos small designs to inspire you, if you’re not certain what to get.
More: 32 Small And Unique Tattoos For Men (and What They Mean)
Meaning of a Neck Tattoo for Men
Neck happens to be one of the most versatile tattoo placement options despite a relatively smaller surface compared to chest, back, or legs. Tattoos in this area are interesting primarily because the neck is almost always visible. The choice of this specific tattoo placement speaks volumes about a person and their courageous personality, adventurous spirit, and strong character.
The neck is also associated with the communication. Thereby, a tattoo on the neck could indicate you are open to new people and experiences. You’re a person who likes to take risks. At the same time, you are completely open about your feelings, emotions, and thoughts i.e. you don’t like to hide anything in terms of how some situations and people make you feel.
The exact placement of a tattoo doesn’t hold too much symbolism and can represent different things to different people. More detailed meanings are found in designs, images, and styles you choose.