Shoulder Tattoos

If you are looking for a great place for your next tattoo, turn around - shoulder tattoos are fast becoming some of the most popular pieces of skin art.

Shoulder Tattoos: Location, Location, Location

There are actually several different places on the body that are called the shoulder in everyday usage. Some people consider the shoulder to be part of the arm, the rounded portion just above the upper arm. For some, these tattoos would more properly be called arm tattoos. Others see the shoulder as part of the back.

The shoulder is actually the spot on the human body where the arm attaches to the torso. There are three bones that make up the shoulder (the clavicle, scapula, and humerus) as well as the shoulder joint and various muscles and ligaments. The area that most people are talking about when they are describing shoulder tattoos is the flat area on the upper back just over the scapula - commonly known as the shoulder blade.

Who Gets Shoulder Tats?

Shoulder tats are popular among both men and women. While not an extremely visible spot as tattoo canvas goes, shoulders are exposed often enough in summer and other conditions that many people choose to adorn them. Tattoos that are placed in this area can range from very small in size to quite large, and back pieces may even extend onto the area.

Many choose to get tattoos in the shoulder area as a place of prominence above other areas - analogous to the chest in the front. If you already have a back piece done, you could choose to get a smaller, related tattoo completed on your shoulder. Women seem to like this area for a tattoo because it adds a bit of spice to a sexy area, but is not visible from the front or on most occasions.

Types of Shoulder Tats

Many different themes work well in this area. Nautical themes, such as nautical stars, anchors and swallows, are all seen in shoulder tattoos. The shoulder is also seen as a good spot for memorial tattoos. This place is wide and flat enough to get an image of a person's face, or something related to the deceased, as well as memorial dates.

Women tend to use this spot for images like flowers, kanji, celestial themes and more exotic pictures. The shoulder is often hidden, so many feel they can be a bit more adventurous with this area.

It's easy to find many different websites online with photos and images that can inspire your own shoulder tat. Remember, often the best tattoos are drawn for the individual, or by the individual, but it is always a good idea to get a concept in your head first:

• Tattoo Johnny has some great shoulder ideas, including fairy wings.
• Tattoos by Design also has a few interesting ideas.

Special Care of Shoulder Ink

The shoulder is a high movement area, meaning you will have to take special care while your tattoo is healing not to irritate or rub the raw area. Make sure to follow all of your tattoo shop's instructions on aftercare, including what sort of ointment/lotion/salve to put on your new ink, and how long to keep it covered after getting tattooed. This type of tattoo can also be painful, both in healing and in the process, due to less fat in this area and more muscle. Be prepared to sleep on your side or stomach for a few days while the bruised feeling subsides.

Tattoos on the shoulder can also receive a large amount of sun, due to their position on the body. Be sure to always use a heavy sunblock on your tattoos - at least SPF 30 - to make sure they keep their color and beauty.

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