Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Rib tattoos for men are not the most common or popular go-to choices. If you are a fan of side tattoos and you also want something to pop and stand out during those beach days (or whenever you’ll be wearing a bathing suit) you may appreciate rib tattoos a bit more. Both men & women will find some cool tattoo ideas in this article. Keep on reading and consider our 14 different rib tattoos.
Do Rib Cage Tattoos Hurt?
Unfortunately, rib tattoos do hurt. Their placement is pretty uncomfortable since you are placing a tattoo near a bone. There is not a lot of meat or fat that can protect you from the needles. The skin around this part is pretty thin, and the ribcage area is actually one of the most painful placement ideas where you can get a tattoo. Tattoo pain comparison is a lot like getting pinched and scratched at the same time. The process is pretty painful, so make sure you are aware of this before committing to a rib tattoo.
How Much Is A Rib Tattoo?
Every tattoo artist will charge differently. Typically, a rib tattoo will take 6-8 hours of your time, and you can expect to pay around $700 for a medium-sized design.
Top 14 Rib Tattoo Designs
1. Black Ink Angels & Demons Rib Tattoos
Rib tattoos such as this one will take over 8 hours of your time. This size of the tattoo will also cost over $700. Your tattoo artist should have experience with doing angels, mystical symbols, or demon designs before they give you this tattoo.
2. Rib Tattoo Medusa Design
Rib tattoos such as this one are for men who don’t have sensitive skin. This tattoo will take a lot of your time since this type of shading is time-consuming. A Medusa is a symbol of power, as well as hunting & war. If you like manly and mysterious designs, this one is for you.
3. Rib Tattoo Tiger Design
This rib tattoo will make you feel pain. This is because there is a lot of sharp lines, as well as different colors used in the process. You will feel the pinch of the needle with every move, so make sure you are positive with this rib design. A tiger symbolizes strength, courage as well as protection. If you like unique designs and this meaning, you will love similar ideas.
4. RIb Tattoos Black Design
Some tattoo artists can do amazing body & face ink. Try and get tattooed in a couple of sessions if you are sticking to this tattoo. The more time, precision, as well as the patience you put in, the better the outcome!
5. Rib Tattoos Girl Design
This rib tattoo looks funky and as if it was inspired by the 70s culture. If you are someone who loves color, bright ink, as well as noticeable ideas, remember this design. Talk about this piece with your tattoo artist and explore your options! Be open to suggestions and always stick to unique ideas.
6. Rib Tattoo Black Bird Design
If you are trying to get tattooed fast & easy, and you are a fan of smaller ink, you will appreciate this blackbird. A blackbird will symbolize wisdom, power, as well as free will. If you feel like you can connect with this meaning, a scarecrow may suit you.
7. Side Tattoos Skull Design
Small rib tattoos such as this one are super easy to get. It will take you less than two hours to leave the tattoo shop. The process itself is not painful either, and you won’t even pay a lot for this service! If your skin is sensitive and you want something that is not too painful, remember this option!
8. Rib Tattoo Colorful Woman Design
This body tattoo may irritate your ribs at first. It can be painful to get this piece of art due to the heavy amount of ink. However, if your skin can handle pain and you are on a search for the perfect bold rib cage tattoo, this one will suit you.
9. Flower Rib Tattoo Small Ink
A rose rib tattoo is an often chosen by women, but guys can also settle for small rib tattoos. If you are a fan of tattoos that have a meaning, a rose will suit you. Try and dedicate it to someone you love, or any woman that is in your life. You can go for black ink if you want to get it over quick & easy, or you can go for ink if you are a fan of color.
10. Small Rib Tattoos Shark Body Ink
Small rib tattoos are for men who have a sensitive rib cage. People who love the sees, sharks, or any other water creatures may fancy this tattoo. Tattoo artists can have this design done in less than 2 hours, which is great if you are in a rush, or if you are trying to save some money on your new tattoo. Usually, this service will be around $100.
11. Angel Rib Tattoo Large Piece
Your tattoo experience can be pleasant, as well as quick & easy. However, this tattoo will take quite some time to get. This rib tattoo stands for purity, a safe path, as well as a healthy life. If you like tattoos that stand out, this is one of them.
12. Rib Tattoo Space Mice
Some guys like bright, vibrant, as well as colorful tattoos. This tattooing experience can be a bit unpleasant since the image is huge. However, it will suit guys who like funky prints, space mice, as well as old-school graphic designs.
13. Side Tattoos Skull & Tree Design
You will feel pain if you stick to this tattoo. It symbolizes death, power, as well as dark thoughts. A skull can represent the roots, while the tree will represent life & purity. It is an unusual combo, and your tattoo artist should be very experienced, as well as careful when placing this image on your body.
14. Rib Tattoos Quotes
Place your favorite quote on your body. Small rib tattoos look great with significant dates, meanings, or your favorite song/quote. Usually, small rib tattoos take 3-4 hours to get, but this one may take 6-7. A quote will be quicker & easy to get.
On That Note
Getting tattooed is always a fun process. However, some tattoos hurt more than others. If you like rib tattoos, and you also want something unique, you will love these 14 tattoo designs. Unfortunately, ribs are a bit more sensitive than the rest of our body. If feeling hurt or pain is not on your list, rather stick with another body placement.
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