You probably know what a tattoo is but do you know what it entails? Tattooing involves getting a beauty scar on your skin. These scars are usually drawn with needles and decorated with ink or dyes and in this article, we shall be looking at 40 great tattoos for men.
Tattoos are also a bit painful when getting done. However, it’s bearable pain especially when you think of how great you would look when the tattoo artist leaves a masterpiece that is very much yours to swagger with.
Tattoos are used to make fashionable statements or depict personal style and beliefs. You can also choose to get a tattoo just to look cool – it’s not mandatory to have a unique story behind every tattoo.
Tattoos last for a lifetime except you plan on doing laser tattoo removal down the line. Otherwise, it is wise to first consider the kind of tattoo designs you want to get and where you want the tattoo to be drawn.
Then you’ll decide if the size of the tattoo, whether you want small tattoos, forearm tattoos or chest tattoos etc. There are so many tattoo ideas that turn out as great tattoo designs on your body.
For some men, deciding to get a tattoo is not a problem as they totally want one. The challenge for them is in deciding what type of tattoo they want. Small or big, meaningful or playful, prominently displayed or discreet, are some of the nagging questions they need to answer.
So for your inspiration, we’ve compiled an awesome list of 40 tattoos for men that you can browse. So, you don’t have to look far for ‘aw’ tattoo ideas. Hopefully, the list will help you to come to a decision on what type of tattoo you want and where you want them to be placed.
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However, before we go through the lid of 40 tattoo ideas for men, let’s first go through a checklist of things to do before you get that tattoo you’ve been considering.
In the later part of this article, we also provide you with the best tips for taking care of your tattoo after you got them. So, be sure to read those too. You certainly want your tattoo to look best at all times.
What to do before getting a tattoo
Getting a tattoo comes with risks. Your skin may get infected if proper care isn’t taken during a tattoo process.
Some of the risks may involve you getting itchy or allergic reactions to the tattoo dyes used on your skin. If the equipment is not properly sterilised you may be at risk of getting bacterial or viral infections. If the artist is not properly trained you may end up with something totally alien to what you had in mind.
From the foregoing, it is, therefore, very clear that taking some time to do proper research before you get inked is the right way to go. Here are a few to consider.
- Decide on something meaningful. Tattoos last almost forever so be sure that you would still like what you choose after years go by.
- Make sure the tattoo shop is accredited. You also should check if they have up to date tattoo equipment.
- Ask your tattoo artist how much the tattoo is going to hurt and decide if it is something you can bear.
- Make sure you are okay with the tattoo. Tattoos last forever except you intend to get a temporary tattoo. So, you may not have the luxury of changing your tattoo after it has already been drawn.
- Get professional advice before your tattoo. Your tattoo artist would be able to advise you on the pros and cons of your tattoo choice and how it would look like when you begin to age.
- Weigh the cons. If you are a job seeker, remember that corporate companies may not hire you if your tattoos cannot be covered by what you wear.
- Know your health status. If you have certain skin conditions, it’s best to seek medical advice before getting a tattoo.
- Find out if there are any dos and don’ts you need to know on the d-day.
- On the d-day, double-check the equipment e.g needles and ink. Ensure the needles are new and clean. Also, ensure that there is a first aid kit in case you bleed more than expected.
- Prepare yourself mentally for the pain and discomfort you may feel during the procedure. Focus on the thoughts of how beautiful your tattoo would look after it gets drawn.
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40 Cool tattoos for men
1. Small tattoo for men
Small tattoos are great if you are new to tattoos. It’s also better for you if you don’t want people to know that you got a tattoo done. It can be anything simple from a word or two to a design of just about anything. A small tattoo can be placed anywhere on your body. However, it is best not to place it on your face.
2. Lion tattoo for men
A tattoo of a lion is very cool. Lions are fierce and bold. They denote strength and courage. This tattoo is perfect as chest tattoos or forearm tattoos for men.
3. Dragon tattoo
Dragon tattoos are wild and it doesn’t matter if you’re no dragon rider, if you like dragon fantasy then this is a good fit for you. Dragon tattoos that are rich in colour would make you look out of the world in a good way.
4. Eagle tattoo for men
Eagles are the kings of birds. They are dominant and live on very high mountains and the tallest trees.
They fly high up the skies and into the cloud and this is something no other bird can do. Best of all, they have a badass vision and can see the ground from up the clouds.
An Eagle tattoo is great if you’re a wild one with a mystic streak. It depicts high instinct, alpha male status with a mysterious air.
5. Wolf tattoo for mem
Wolves are fierce and loyal to their pack. They depict bravery and loyalty. A wolf tattoo is a symbolic way of reflecting your inner personality while looking really cool.
6. Car tattoo
If you are a car freak, there is no better way to show your passion than getting a car tattoo. It looks really cool when done right.
7. Funny tattoo for men
Seventh on this list of tattoos for men is funny tattoos. If you have a great sense of humour or you just like to make people smile, getting a funny tattoo would be nice. It could be a funny face or funny images. designed.
8. Cartoon tattoo for men
We all have our favourite cartoon character. So, going for tattoo designs that reflect cartoon characters you love can be awesome. However, it’s best to choose animation tattoo designs that are matured to avoid looking childish.
9. Quote tattoo for men
This is a great way to remind yourself of those words that mean so much to you. It could be positive affirmations or quotes that have a way of inspiring you anytime you look at them.
10 Feather tattoo for men
Feather tattoo is unique and reflects your depth of personality. It is also really cool and makes you look street smart. It is symbolic and can be interpreted in many ways. Feather tattoo is becoming more popular among tattoo lovers and yes, it would look good on you.
11 Rose tattoo for men
Rose tattoos look really lovely. It could be done as small tattoos on different parts of your body. It could also work well as forearm tattoos. Rose tattoos are best done in colour to bring out the aesthetic beauty.
12. Skull tattoo for men
Skull tattoos are popular across the world. They come in varying shapes and forms. So you can be sure to get a unique skull tattoo that reflects your dark side or gothic personality.
13. Portrait tattoo for men
The next one on our list of tattoos options for men is portrait tattoos. While it’s great to get the image of a loved one tattooed on your body, think it through. Portrait tattoo keeps the face or image of your loved one forever close to you.
You could also get a tattoo of your favourite celebrity. Just be sure that no matter what happens years after, the portrait tattoo would still be a tattoo you would be happy to have on you.
14. Angel tattoo for men
This is a unique tattoo which indicates purity and protection. Some angel tattoos are also tweaked to reflect the dark side angels. Select what best suits your personality and go for it.
15. Scorpion tattoo for men
Scorpion depicts the fighting spirit and deep calculated mind. Scorpion also depicts the wild and untamed. It can be used to reflect your passion and looks really cool as a tattoo.
16. Music tattoo for men
If you live and breathe music, then you should consider getting a tattoo that reflects your passion. It could be a tattoo of a musical instrument or music notes. This is really unique and you can be sure that it’s not commonplace.
17. Phoenix tattoo for men
According to legend, the Phoenix is a bird that rose from the ashes. A phoenix tattoo can be used to signify a new phase of your life that defines your being.
18. Compass tattoo for men
This reflects life as a journey. It reflects a sense of direction also. It’s almost vintage but classy.
19. 3D tattoo for men
Nothing is as cool as a 3D tattoo. The colours take tattoo designs into a whole new world. 3D colours make tattoos come alive. Your body becomes a living gallery of the most beautiful tattoos. This would draw more ‘aw’ attention to you also.
20. Star tattoo for men
This ranks amongst popular chest tattoos for men. It can be star tattoo designs that stand alone. It can also be expanded with other designs at the edges.
21. Religious tattoo for men
If you are a religious person or deeply spiritual, you should consider getting tattoo designs that reflect your spirituality. From crosses to crescent to triangles etc. Just select what you identify with and go rock it.
22. Money tattoo for men
A money tattoo is an extra bold statement but it’s best to do this if you actually have the cash as it becomes more significant. While this tattoo is a bit boastful, if you’ve got it, go ahead and flaunt it. Period!
23. Arrow tattoo for men
It doesn’t get more straightforward than an arrow tattoo, which lends itself to various sizes and looks good pretty much anywhere on the body. So, an arrow tattoo is definitely a great tattoo option for men.
24. Crown tattoo for men
Crown tattoos depict royalty and no, you don’t have to belong to a royal family before you can get this. It’s one of the most popular tattoos for men these days. It’s also a great confidence booster.
25. Name tattoo for men
This tattoo involves you tattooing the name of a person that means so much to you. This is one of the popular forearm tattoos for men.
26. Line tattoo for men
Line tattoos can be vertical or horizontal. It is basic but you know what they say about it, simple but deep? That is what this tattoo idea is all about.
27. Sports tattoo for men
How about a tattoo of your favourite sports star? Or a tattoo of a soccer ball, baseball bat or anything symbolic of your favourite sports? Just select one and then allow your tattoo artist to do something extraordinary with it.
28. Geometric tattoo for men
Geometric patterns can be used to create awesome tattoos for men. It doesn’t have to have a deep meaning but it is usually beautiful.
29. Neck tattoo for men
Neck tattoo takes boldness to the next level. It’s always best to go for something unique that comes in a single pattern. It’s a bit risky but looks great when done.
30. Tattoo sleeve for men
A full sleeve tattoo is great if you want to go all out and make a statement. It can be anything. This is usually a bold tattoo statement and it makes you look badass.
31. Inner wrist tattoo for men
Inner wrist tattoos are subtle and this makes it really cool. You can do tattoos like eyes, symbols and initials.
32. Knuckles tattoo for men
Knuckle tattoos are bold and provide another great tattoo option for men. You can do single tattoo designs on all knuckles. Or several tattoo designs on each knuckle. The tattoo can be words or small tattoos images.
33. Shoulder tattoo for men
Shoulder tattoos are attractive. Your tattoo artist can do a minimalist design on your shoulder giving a really cool appearance. Or you may decide to go full throttle and cover the whole of your shoulders. Your choice. You can also notice from some of the examples above that the shoulder is a favourite place for tattoo placement.
34 Chest tattoo for men
There are so many chest tattoos for men. Tattoos especially look great when on the chest. It can be bold or simple but the best type of designs are those that are expansive covering all the chest areas.
So, if you don’t know what tattoo to get, ask for a chest tattoo. Your artist would show you several.
35 Forearm tattoo for men
There are so many forearm tattoos for men that you could do. Just be sure that you can proudly rock it when you wear a short-sleeve shirt or T-shirt.
36. Back tattoo for men
Apart from the chest, back tattoos are a great favourite for men. You can do anything on your back from small tattoos to a full art gallery. That’s because the back is a perfect spot for just about any tattoo you have in mind.
37. Leg tattoo for men
Leg tattoos are great and you could do a quote tattoo or shadowy designs on your leg. Rock this by wearing shorts that display your tattoo designs.
38. Hand tattoo for men
Your body is yours so own it with a crazy hand tattoo that starts from the fingers to the wrist. Just don’t forget that it could hurt your employment chances.
39. Ankle tattoo for men
The ankle is a unique place to get a tattoo done. You can do something simple but brightly coloured.
40. Stomach tattoo for men
Stomach tattoos are not only for women. You can get any tattoo designs done on your stomach. It looks best if you have abs and no belly fat that can stretch out the tattoo. Images work better than lettering for stomach tattoos.
So there you have it, what do you think of our selections?
Now that we’ve covered 40 cool tattoos for men, I hope that you have some inspiration to get you started on your tattoo like. Let us know what you think in the comment section. Meanwhile, let us discuss steps you can take to care for your tattoo.
How to take care of a tattoo
cAfter you get your tattoo, take care of it. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions carefully after getting the tattoo done. This not only prevents the risks of infections before the tattoos are properly healed. Furthermore, from an aesthetic point of view, taking good care of your tattoo will ensure it looks its best forever, maybe?
- Wear free clothes that do not cause friction on your fresh tattoo scar. Tight clothes could brush against the scar and make it hurt more than necessary.
- Avoid taking that bubble bath your body is craving. Why? Because the water, soap and other bath solutions would affect the healing of your tattoo scar. Simply take a brief shower.
- Allow the bandage to stay on till the next day. This would enable the scar to close faster while being less susceptible to germs that cling to fresh wounds.
- Avoid extremely hot temperatures and anything hot that may come in contact with your tattoo scar. Heat would leave the healing scar moist and could increase the chances of an infection.
- Use warm water and a towel to dab at your wound. This would clean out any dirt, old blood or grub on the tattoo wound. Avoid rubbing as friction may open up the closing scar.
- Avoid scratching the scar if it itches. While you may feel like giving it a quick scratch, DON’T. You don’t want the tattoo scar to reopen, do you? Wait out the itch or dab gently at it with a warm damp towel.
Concluding…
Now that you know everything about tattoos and the great examples of tattoos for men, what kind of tattoo would you like to get? Share with us in the comment section. Don’t forget to bring the attention of your buddies to this article. We will greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Somehow I don’t like tattoos on myself but absolutely love them on men. 😉