25 Spine Tattoos for Women That’ll Give You Strength

Our spines allow us to stand tall, to hold our heads high, to move our bodies, and to experience the world through the sensation of touch. Even better, they’re a great spot for tattoos! Spine tattoos for women are both inspired by and located on this important part of the body. They’re beautiful, sexy, and surprisingly meaningful. Read on for more!

Photo by emy on Unsplash

The Physical and Symbolic Importance of the Spine

Without the spine, we’d all just puddles of skin and bones. Oh, and completely numb. The spine connects our limbs to our body, allows us to stand upright, and, through the spinal cord, sends messages back and forth to our brain.
Needless to say, the spine is pretty important. In fact, the stronger the spine, the stronger the person. And it’s not just physical. Our spine is also a symbol of self-assurance, our internal power, and our ability to stand up for ourselves and others.
Knowing all that, it’s no wonder that spine tattoos reflect that symbolism. They are often seen as a sign of strength. It doesn’t even matter what the subject of the tattoo is.

 

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What Makes Spine Tattoos for Women Unique and Beautiful

Spine tattoos aren’t your basic back tattoo. They along the center of the back, spanning either the full length or just part of it. They are longer than they are wide, often using linear elements and evoking the shape of the spine itself.
The back is a part of the body that’s often hidden, but not quite taboo, and always sexy. So, like a backless dress, spine tattoos can be incredibly sensual. Paired with a backless dress or top, they’re even sexier.

Do Spine Tattoos Hurt?

First things first: all tattoos hurt. But there are some locations that hurt more than others, and, unfortunately, the spine is one of them. The skin is thinner along the spine, with less muscle and fat behind it to cushion the blow, so you’re more likely to feel the needle than in other areas of the body.
But even with a spine tattoo, the pain varies from person to person, and a great tattoo that you’ll love for a lifetime is worth a little bit of discomfort. Plus, there are steps you can take to make your tattoo experience better, like being well-fed and hydrated, breathing through it, and getting plenty of sleep before you go.

 

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Are Spine Tattoos Unhealthy?

There’s a myth out there that spine tattoos are unhealthy, probably because the spine is so important to our well-being. However, we haven’t seen any proof that spine tattoos are any more dangerous than any other tattoo. No matter where you’re getting inked, it’s good to know the risk and take precautions. Choose your artist carefully, making sure that they have the right training and tools to tattoo safely.

Planning for Good Tattoo Aftercare

Taking care of your tattoo is essential for your health and the health of your ink. Real talk, though, it’s way harder when the tattoo is on a hard-to-reach spot like your spine. Have a plan for aftercare in place before you head to the studio. You might need help to properly care for your new tat.

Spine Tattoos for Women to Inspire You

Okay, let’s get into the best part – seeing some ink! Here are some of the best spine tattoos for women we found on Instagram.
Laid out in a line, the spine is the perfect place for the phases of the moon, like this black and grey version.

 

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A post shared by Abigail Giambrone (@bea_inked)

Or maybe this little arrangement of planets is more your style.

 

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A post shared by Drew Smith Tattoo (@drewsmithtattoo)

Sometimes the simpler something is, the more striking. Check out this simple line tattoo running the full length of the spine.

This one has the same idea, but it follows the spine’s natural path. It isn’t always perfect or straight, but always beautiful.

This drawing uses a single line in a different way. It forms two opposing faces along the spine.

 

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A post shared by Edyy Elizalde (@edyys_tattoos)

Resilience is a common theme in spine tattoos, and we love this this simple text version. There’s no mistaking the meaning here!

Another one with just lettering, this inspiring tattoo reads “she believed she could, so she did” in script.

 

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This series of dots isn’t just an interesting pattern – it’s actually written in braille!

Snakes are another popular subject for spine tattoos. How amazing is this black and grey traditional piece?

 

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Equally fierce is this dagger with red peonies.

 

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A post shared by MeaganJayn (@megs_ink)

This unique tattoo puts the four trigrams of South Korea’s national flag in a line running down the center of the back.

This watercolor flower is stunning. The quote, “I defy you, stars” is taken from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

 

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A post shared by Max Kemp (@no36tattoos)

Another literary piece, this one is for fantasy fans. Elvish text and the Shards of Narsil from The Lord of the Rings flow nicely together down the back.

 

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A post shared by AB 연주 Choi (@abchoitattoo)

Taking the concept of spine tattoos for women quite literally, here is one woman’s spine inked with, well, a spine.

This bold, geometric piece is like armor for the spine, both beautiful and strong.

 

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A post shared by Daniel Szczepanik (@szczepaink)

This woman’s love for the ocean is clear in this delicate line of symbols.

 

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A post shared by Michaela MB art (@michaela_mb_art)

The more traditional symbols of the lotus flower and the unalome are featured in this piece.

 

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A post shared by Sarah Bera (@sarah.gwansoontattoos)

In contrast, this black and grey dragon is decidedly un-linear, but striking.

 

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A post shared by Alberto Jose (@mata.tattoos281)

We love the way these flowers dance around the line of the spine.

 

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A post shared by Kitten Inks Tattoos (@kitteninks)

For something with more color, there’s this beautifully blended iris.

 

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A post shared by Trending Tattoo (@trending__tattoos)

Here’s another colorful and playful piece featuring a lotus flower and koi fish.

 

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A post shared by Emily Martinez (@bugtatt)

For those with wanderlust, this ink is inspired by travel.

For others, a reminder of home, like a simple tree, might be more meaningful.

 

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A post shared by Elise Lamoureux (@eliselamx)

Even singer Lady Gaga has a spine tattoo, a line drawing of a rose with the words “la vie en rose.”

 

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A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)

And actor Halle Berry has this leafy stem running up her spine.

 

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Want more tattoo inspiration? Check out the Tattooed Women gallery!

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