Reviewed & updated: March 18, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA
Back tattoos can look manly and are one of those tattoo designs that can look incredible, no matter where you place it. Do you like lower back tattoos more than upper back tattoos? Or is it the other way around? Well, keep on reading and find the perfect back tattoo that suits your style + that has an interesting meaning.
Are Back Tattoos Painful?
Well, some back tattoos can hurt. Some areas are way more sensitive than others. The lower and upper back parts are covered in muscles, fat tissue as well as mass – which is why they tend to hurt a lot less. However, and unfortunately, this is why shoulder and spine tattoos do hurt, a lot.
How Much Do Back Tattoos Cost?
This depends on the size that you are aiming for. A smaller tattoo (around 4-7 inches) can range from $50-200. However, bigger and larger tattoos are over $300-800! If you want something that is larger than 20 inches, you can easily pay up to $4000! Just know that all of this depends on your tattoo place, as well as the reputation level of your tattoo artist.
Top 20 Back Tattoos Designs
1. Skull Back Tattoo Design With Wings
Skull back tattoos should be done in black ink. Make sure you have enough space so that you can add some other details such as a bird, wings & maybe a significant date somewhere on top of the tattoo.
2. Back Tattoos For Men With Air Baloon Design
Back tattoos for men can also be playful and a bit childish. If you want this hot air balloon design, think of it as spreading your wings and being allowed to your freedom. The black color is the perfect go-to for this or similar back tattoos.
3. Full Back Tattoos For Men With Black Ink And A Rose
Back Tattoos for men can be decorated with flowers, white rose, as well as smaller designs. You can get lotus flowers, roses, as well as a giant tree detail or some branches. This tattoo is one of those ideas that is amazing for artists.
4. Back Tattoos For Men With A Bird Design
Back tattoos for men look amazing with dragon and bird designs. You should get this bird/eagle design if you enjoy defined tattoos, and if you are into the angry-looking end results.
5. Back Tattoos For Men With Devil Pieces
If you have enough time and you are into cool colored back tattoos, you will enjoy this popular tattoo. This is a symbol of a devil woman who hides behind her mask. If you are into deep and scary meanings, get this tattoo.
6. Smaller Tattoo With Bird & Feather Details
If you want a simple back tattoo design and you like bird tattoos, get this black ink. You will love upper back tattoos for men if you want faster & less-painful tattoos.
7. Back Tattoos For Guys With Skull Design Over Entire Back
These giant back tattoos may take over 30 hours to get! A back skull tattoo with plenty of little details will take some time to complete. However, if you want an interesting piece – rather be willing to spend some time with your tattoo artist.
8. Colorful Back Shoulder Tattoos
If you love colors and you want to make this your back tattoo choice – get it over your entire back portion. Make sure you bring a photo with you since it can be incredibly hard for your tattoo artist to get this design right.
9. Upper Tattoo On Back With Wolf Design
Do you enjoy bold back tattoos? This is a real-looking wolf tattoo, perfect for guys who love scarier pieces for their upper or lower back.
10. Devil Tattoo Design Over Back & Shoulder
If you are no angel, get this devil tattoo or a dragon back tattoo design. Similiar tattoo on the back is bold & attention-seeking, perfect for men with broad shoulders and who work out.
Watch A Video Of The Best 100+ Back Tattoos You Need To See!
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11. Phoenix Tattoo Art Over Entire Back
Giant phoenix tattoos represent power, strength, and resurrection. Similiar tattoo ideas have deeper meanings, and if you are all about that – get this tattoo on back.
12. Skull Back Tattoo Over Entire Surface
Skull tattoos can be a true masterpiece! However, you should be willing to spend 40-50 hours on this back piece! If you don’t mind that time and you need an interesting design, get this giant black tattoo.
13. Upper Back Tattoos For Men With Bull Design
Tattoo designs that have a giant bull who is working out are funny and interesting. If you are someone who loves to workout – you will enjoy these tattoo ideas.
14. Tattoo On Waist And Upper Back
You can get back tattoos all over your body. Add designs such as a dragon, feathers, and some smaller defined lines. Tattoos such as this one should be your go-to back tattoos if you are into detailed as well as colorful pieces.
15. Back Tattoos With Tribal Mandala Designs
Tribal designs and similar back tattoos men love to get when they work out. This upper back tattoo is covered in many little details. Make sure you get a well-trusted tattoo artist before you commit to this larger piece.
16. Detailed Fox & Star Wars Back Tattoo Design
Something playful & silly such as these similar lower back tattoos are for true die-hard Star Wars fans. If you enjoy tattoos that don’t have a deeper meaning – this is perfect.
17. Awesome Back Tattoo With People & Snake Designs
Cover the entire back portion and make it your canvas! These tattoo ideas are a must-have if you enjoy larger pieces + if your pain tolerance level is pretty low.
18. Samurai Inspired Back Tattoos For Men
Samurai tattoo designs are the perfect design if you are that type who likes fighting movies, as well as Japanese & Chinese culture. Make these or similar tattoos your go-to if you enjoy defined styles.
19. Giant Flying Bird Tattoo On Back
A peacock or a beard tattoo on the back is very small, looks promising for men who enjoy smaller tattoos. If you want to spread your wings and feel as free as a bird – you will enjoy similar back tattoos.
20. Beautiful Geometric Back Tattoo
Lastly, get this tattoo on back and enjoy smaller & defined details, as well as mandalas. If you have an eye for detail, get these tattoo designs.
How Long Does It Take To Do A Full Back Tattoo?
Every tattoo is different and unique on its own. However, usually, it will take 20-30 hours for your tattoo artist to get your entire back inked. Make sure you are patient enough and be ready to go back to the salon a couple of times to get the entire back tattoo done.
On That Note
Which of these 20 back tattoos is your favorite? Remember that lower back tattoo cover-ups are also possible if you want to redo or add to something in the future. Get any tattoo on back, just make sure you have a well-trusted tattoo artist.
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