Lower Back Tattoos

Pros and Cons of Lower Back Tattoos

In the case of a lower back tattoo, there are some definite high points. The first is that there is plenty of space for a large design. The lower back, while not the widest point on the back, is fairly consistent and vast enough that most horizontal tattoo designs are able to be worked easily. Another high point is that it is not a spot that will be affected by minor weight fluctuations, so the design won’t shift or be damaged. For those that care about such things, the lower back tattoo is easy to hide. There’s no worry of how to cover it up for job interviews. Finally, and this is especially true for women, it is a spot that is generally considered to be rather sexy.

Getting inked on the lower back

One possible low point is the pain. A general rule of tattooing is that if the spot is normally covered by clothing, the skin may be more tender, and thus the lower back might be a more painful spot than others. Depending on the method for after-tattoo care, the spot may be harder to keep clean and dressed, if the tattooee has no one who can be trusted to do cleaning and swabbing. A final note of caution -- there has been at least one study that claims that lower back tattooing can make it difficult for women in childbirth to receive an epidural as the lower back tattoo can obscure the spine if it is inked over. This has not been confirmed, however, and the result is still in question. If this is a concern, be sure to talk to an obstetrician. (Don't forget - getting inked while pregnant is a no-no; blood is thinned during pregnancy and getting a tattoo may cause excessive bleeding.)

Who Gets Lower Back Tattoos

A sexy lower back tat

Lower back tattoos are almost but not entirely the domain of women. When men get backwork, they tend to go for full coverage, although some do choose to only decorate the lower back. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to get lower back tattoos that are either on one side, horizontal, or in the middle, directly on the spine.

One reason women may enjoy tattooing this spot is because it’s considered sexy. The lower back is often shown off when a bathing suit or cropped shirt/lowrider pants are worn, and so tattoos on the lower back add to the mystique and mystery. Being in an erotic spot can only enhance the beauty of the tattoo. Large horizontal back work that drops in the middle is especially popular as it draws the eye. Many celebrities, including Britney Spears, have lower back tats.

Popular Designs

Debra Wilson's lower back tattoo design

Horizontal or “V” designs, such as tribal, butterflies, hearts, and fairies with wings spread are some of the most popular, probably because the canvas of the lower back lends itself so well to them, but other, smaller designs that can be centered, such as suns, stars, crosses, hearts, and roses, have also had a run of popularity. Most tattoo parlors have a wide range of flash that can be used for lower back tattoos, and it is not difficult to find examples of work in most popular tattoo magazines.

With a wild imagination and a little research, the sky is the limit for lower back inking.

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