Getting a Tattoo on Your Back

One of the most common places to have a tattoo is on the back. The trend for women right now is the lower back tattoo, which generally is less about self expression and more about the fact that they’re sort of sexy down there.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Men and women alike also get tattoos on other parts of their back - and even the lower neck - and adventurous tattoo collectors sometimes have their entire backs covered with anything from intricate murals to flowers swirling in the wind to skulls spitting blood.

Back tattoos are interesting because the wearer seldom sees the tattoo – they might be meant for others to view at the beach! Or, the wearer wants a back tattoo for personal reasons, like the tattoo is very large and needs lots of space.

What to Consider

The back can be a wonderful canvas for ink artwork, whether large or small. So, what do you need to know when considering a back tattoo? Just like any other tattoo, anywhere on your body, you need to make sure that you’ll be happy with it for a long time to come.

Just because you can’t see it without looking over your shoulder in the mirror doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter – this is your skin we’re talking about! You need to care for it just like any other tattoo.

You can’t have the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality just because it’s your back. All tattoos need special care while healing and special care to keep them looking great for years.

Most people report that there’s more pain associated with getting a tattoo closer to your spine. Just keep it in mind - no tattoo is completely painless, but some are more painful than others, depending on the area.

If you’re a woman looking to get a lower back tattoo, consider originality. You may want to do something a tad different than what’s so common today. It doesn’t have to be a semi-tribal, semi-ornate swirling thing that extends from your spine in both directions. Consider your own personality and let it shine through.

What to Remember

And remember that your body will change and your tattoo will change with it. There was a funny skit on Saturday Night Live that addresses the trend for young women to get lower back tattoos.

Over the years, the tattoo ends up looking quite misshapen and not terribly attractive due to the effects of time and the changes we’re all subject to as we get older. It’s not that you shouldn’t get one - just be aware of the fact that you will change physically and your tattoos have no choice but to go along for the ride.