90 Best Neck Tattoo Designs For Men And Women

They may not be as popular as arm or body tattoos, but neck tattoos can really make a statement. The placement is already very conspicuous and unless you wear clothes that would hide them, they are almost always visible to the people around you. One of the reasons why neck tattoos are not as popular is because even until now, there is still a stigma attached to tattoos. Some professions frown at those in their field who proudly show off their tattoos, so there are those who would rather have a tattoo discreetly.

Another reason is that neck tattoos can be very painful, especially if your pain threshold is very low. But if you see the results of the neck tattoos shown below, you’ll realize that the money you spend and the pain you go through are worth it when you see the unique neck tattoo that you get.

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Best Neck Tattoo Designs 2023

1. Anchor tattoo

This beautiful anchor is placed perfectly at the back of your neck. You can get this if you like sailing, or maybe to just remind you to keep yourself anchored and not get swept away by your circumstance.

2. Love in infinity

Bring out the romantic in you with this back neck tattoo of the word “love” with what looks like a heart and the infinity symbol.

3. Leaves

The placement may be unusual but this piece draws just enough attention to start a conversation.

4. Beautiful floral tattoo

Look at how this tattoo goes from the shoulder to the neck. It may be big but the way it was drawn and shaded still makes it very feminine.

5. Mandala neck piece

The mandala can represent wholeness and balance. This tattoo is so intricate and unique. It might feel painful while it’s being done, but as you can see the end result is definitely worth it.

6. Elephant parent and child

You can have this to symbolize a loving relationship between parent and child, or because you simply love elephants!

7. Interesting rose piece

Floral tattoos are usually associated with women, but this rose tattoo also looks good even on men. The droplets of water on the tattoo really adds a realistic detail.

8.Double the fierceness of your neck tattoo by pairing it with some fierce jewelry

The spider tattoo fits perfectly the earring

9. Eye tattoo

Unleash your creativity go for something unique and unusual

10. Yin and yang

If you do your research, this symbol stands for two opposing forces that interact to form a whole.

11. Bird tattoo

Opt for something simple for your nape tattoo, like this bird that looks like it’s about to take flight

12. Anchor tattoo

Here’s another variation of the anchor tattoo, but this time more details are added, such as the rope around the anchor. The placement is also different, with the tattoo being placed at the side of the neck instead of the back.

13. Simple geometric shape

A tattoo does not have to be overly complicated. It can just be about appreciating the simple shapes, such as this triangle nape tattoo.

14. Butterfly tattoo

What makes this quite unique is the addition of the thick band around the neck. It now looks like you’re wearing a butterfly choker and not just sporting a tattoo.

15. Combine your name and fave characters

This tattoo piece has it all, from names, to some patterns and of course, that big character.

16. Elegant neck piece

Wow the intricate details of this tattoo is really astounding. It looks a like a heart encased in a heart-shaped jewel, then you have the dangling details. You won’t need a necklace when you have this kind of tattoo.

17. Intricate, classy details

Another neck piece that requires no other accessory. Make sure to wear something that can show off such a one of a kind design.

18. Beautiful colored flower tattoo

Don’t just stick to the the standard black. If you have the budget, nothing can make a flower tattoo more beautiful than having it done in beautiful, bright colors.

19. Compass tattoo

Never get lost with this simple arrow compass tattoo.

20. Ribbon tattoo

Keep it sweet and simple with this ribbon nape tattoo.

21. Group of birds tattoo

A flock of birds taking flight can mean being free and carefree from the problems around you.

22.

The way this tattoo was made makes it seem like there are dots placed all over the nape and they all come together to form such a unique pattern.

23. Tiny tree tattoo

Another idea for those who want to start small. It seems the nape might be a painful place ot get a tattoo, so you might to start with a tiny tree like this one first. 24.

24. Stylized butterfly

Here’s a different take on the butterfly tattoo. It looks unique enough that at first glance, you might think it’s an abstract pattern when it’s really a butterflly.

25. Colorful butterfly

Butterflies are one of the most colorful insects in the animal kingdom. Bring that color into your skin and choose bright colors that complement each other well such as this yellow butterfly and blue background.

26. Beautiful full moon

If you’re a fan of anything that has to do with the moon, check out this nape tattoo looking so magical.

27. Moth tattoo

While some girls like to show off their feminine side with a butterfly tattoo, if you want something more masculine, how about this moth tattoo instead?

28. Another colorful butterfly

Because there are so many ways you can draw and color a butterfly tattoo, for sure, you will not exhaust your creativity trying to come up with a unique color combination such as this.

29. Tiny paw tattoos

Paw tattoos have become pretty popular lately, as it is a way of paying homage to their beloved pet. Take a look at this dainty tattoo, it looks like the owner’s pet likes to spend some time walking all over her neck.

30. Realistic rose

This tattoo must have taken hours if you just look at all the details poured into it. It looks very real and would complement a simple, black, off-the-shoulder outfit don’t you think?

31. Skin tone tattoo

This tattoo is not as striking as the other tattoos listed here, given that it’s colors are very basic and blends well with the owner’s skin, but it’s still very beautiful despite its simplicity.

32. Bird tattoo

If you want a tattoo that can easily be hidden, this bird tattoo behind the ear ca easily be inconspicuous if you just keep your hair down.

33. Simple flower outlines

Getting a colored tattoo can be quite expensive, so if you don’t have the budget for it yet, a black tattoo like this one can still be very beautiful and striking.

34. Intricate tribal tattoo

Wow the lady sure knows how to show off her neck piece. Something as beautiful and detailed as this tattoo does deserve to be seen. Don’t forget to put on makeup and accessories such as nose piercings to complete the whole look!

35. Fit for royalty

Show your regal side with the tattoo of a crown on the side of your neck.

36. Initials

If you look closely, this tattoo is not just a bunch of scribbles and dots, there are actually initials there, which can be your name or even the name of your significant other.

37. Henna tattoo trial

If you are not yet sure about what design you should choose, you can opt to have it done through henna tattoo first so you can see what the design will look on your skin without having it done permanently yet.

38. Camera tattoo

Photographers and photography enthusiasts, here’s the perfect tattoo for you. You can choose exactly this design or if you have a particular camera model which is your favorite, you can have that tattooed instead.

39. Dandelion tattoo

The dandelion tattoo is another popular design. You can choose to make it big piece that will occupy your whole back, or a small one like this one below.

40. Dream catcher

If you want a touch of whimsy for your neck tattoo, a dream catcher is always a good idea for a design.

41. Dainty flowers

This design is so feminine and sweet.

42. The color combination for this planet or moon tattoo is really original and pretty.

43. Reach for the stars

If you want a different heavenly body aside from sun and moon, stars are also veyr popular.

44. Cross tattoo

Religious people can choose one of the most popular symbols of christianity for their neck tattoo. This cross is simple, and the addition of the bible verse makes it more personalized.

45. Flowers and intricate details

Make sure to put your hair up because a tattoo as beautifully made as this one really deserves to be seen.

46. Another dream catcher

This one looks a bit different from other designs though.

47. Small but symbolic

A tattoo does not have to be big and take up your whole nape to make a statement. This small tattoo seems really well thought out. The heart and the cross could mean that the owner is very spiritual and the flowers are just something she enjoys.

48. Rose tattoo

If you’re not the type to care whether people stare at you or not, you can choose to place your tattoo on this part. This is readily visible, especially if you like tying your hair.

49. Pictures and words

This tattoo almost looks like a panel from a comic book don’t you think? You can choose one of your favorite characters and your favorite quote or mantra and copy how this tattoo looks.

50. Stars shine bright

This tattoo is probably just a few hours old given the redness of the skin surrounding it. Make sure to do your research on how to prepare for your tattoo.

51. Rose and diamond

Two very feminine and lovely things. Women always deserve r

52. Accessorize

Don’t forget to pair your accessory with your tattoo. For example, when you go to the beach and wear something more revealing. This lady was able to pair not only her earrings but even her hairstyle with her tattoo to complete the whole look.

Close up of the back of a dreadlocked woman's bare neck with focus on her generic paisly tattoo.

53. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, and this tattoo owner knows exactly what message to put in her neck tattoo.

54. Necklace tattoo

A tattoo as elegant as this one will not look out of place even in the most formal events.

55. Notes tattoo

Are you a music lover? Play homage to your passion and choose notes for your nape tattoo.

56. Animal tattoo

Wow this is truly exceptional. The details and colors used make it look both very fierce and regal at the same time.

57. Rose sketch

While all tattoos are artistic, there;s something about this particular tattoo that separates it from others.

58. Cheshire cat

Anyone who grew up reading alice in wonderland will know who this character is.

59. Butterflies

Include your name or someone special to you to make it more special. Some people who get butterfly tattoos do so in honor of loved ones who have passed away because there are some cultures who associate butterflies with the souls of dead loved ones.

60. Unique piece that’s truly your own

If you are an artist, you can create your very own art as your tattoo. Like this particular example, you can clearly see the skull and flower, then you have additional items that may be significant to the person who had this tattooed on their skin.

61. Get inspiration from literature

Fans of the boy who lived or the whole harry potter series definitely know what this stands for. It’s not just a line, a circle and a triangle as the symbols stand for the elder wand, the resurrection stone, and the cloak of invisibility.

62. Another version of the cheshire cat

There are many books you can look at to get more inspiration for the tattoo you may want. You can also add a quote, like this one from the corpse bride .

63. There’s no limit to the artistry you can show when it comes to neck tattoos such as these.

64. Simple rose tattoo

65. Geometric tattoos

Choose small symbols and put them together for an artistic yet simple masterpiece.

66. If you want a tattoo that’s truly one of a kind

Get your favorite symbols, such as these stars, but add your signature or initial. For sure no one else will have that.

67. Owl tattoo

Owls are always associated with wisdom, and this owl with the realistic-looking eyes really looks wise don’t you think?

68. Stylized heart tattoos will never go out of style.

69. Vines and stars may not seem like a good combination at first, but this neck tattoo proves otherwise.

70. Bright colors always make a statement

Whatever tattoo design you choose, pay attention to the color combinations if you want your tattoos to make an impact. The solid black cross is really complemented by the red rose in this tattoo design.

71. Bird tattoo

Birds can mean a lot of things. It can be as simple as just your pet, or it could symbolize strength or freedom, it all depends on your own perspective.

72. This tattoo looks very similar to the earrings that the woman is wearing in the photo.

73. Trees

If you are the type of person who loves the outdoors, tattoos such as this is perfect for you.

74. Foreign language

You can also look for a language that you particularly like and choose a word to get it tattooed on your skin .

75. Flowers are always a good bet

This time, it’s not a rose but a peony taking center stage in this girl’s tattoo design.

76. Neck tattoos are hard to hide so you need to be prepared to get some stares

Be open to conversations where you can talk about the meaning of the tattoo with other people.

77. Many say that neck tattoos feel more painful than others, as the skin on the neck is thinner.

78. Another rose tattoo design, this time in just a monochrome color.

79. Scorpion

There are many things that a scorpion could symbolize. In some countries, like russia, could mean someone is from the military or might have done prison time. It could also mean that you see yourself as someone deadly or fierce, as the scorpion is known as a deadly animal and must not be taken lightly despite its small size.

80. The solid lines in this tattoo are really well-designed

It makes for a great conversation piece because anyone who sees it will wonder about the purpose of the design.

81. The solar system

If you love astronomy, why not get the whole solar system at the back of your neck?

82. Don’t be afraid to show off a tattoo piece as beautifully made as this.

83. This tattoo looks very random but it could mean a lot to the one who designed it.

84. Eagle tattoo

The eagle is easily one of the most powerful animals in the animal kingdom. It flies high, has immense strength and perfect eyesight,and almost always gets its prey.