Black Rose Tattoo Meanings And 24 Heart-Stopping Ink Ideas

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Black roses might not exist, but they’ve become a strong and sophisticated symbol of mystery, death, tragedy, tragic romance, and even the supernatural. Because of that, black roses are a common tattoo motif among first-timers and experienced body art enthusiasts who appreciate the meaning behind the black rose tattoo.

But that’s not the only thing black roses represent. Black roses are oftentimes used to commemorate deceased loved ones because they represent sadness, mourning, and despair. Whether you want to remember someone you lost for the rest of your life or devote a tattoo to a tragic love story you’ve experienced, you can do so with a black rose tattoo. We’ve rounded up some of the most strikingly beautiful black rose tattoos to help you out.

1. A simple black rose tattoo

Now, you can do *a lot* with a simple rose design. Whether you opt for a negative space rose, a blackwork rose, or a soft, shaded rose, that’s up to you. Work with your tattoo artist and come up with a design that goes with the rest of your tattoos or the vibe you’re comfortable with.

2. A black rose tattoo on the back of the arm

When picking the perfect placement for your tattoo, consider a few things. Do you want to show off your tattoo to everyone? Do you worry about your tattoo sagging or stretching after a while? Whatever the case might be, a black-of-the-arm tattoo might be the right choice for you.

3. A black rose tattoo on the forearm

What about a black rose tattoo on the forearm? Forearm tattoos are awesome because they’re on display most of the time, but you can cover them up with a long-sleeved top when you need to appear more “professional.”

4. A black rose outline tattoo

Black rose tattoos represent the same thing whether they’re fine-line tattoos, linework tattoos, or traditional tattoos. Outline tattoos are great because they’re simpler and more subtle than “regular” ones, and they’re probably going to cost you a lot less, too.

5. A detailed black rose tattoo

A detailed black rose tattoo, on the other hand, might take more time, effort, and energy, but there’s no denying that detailed tattoos are worth your while. With clean, crisp lines, subtle shading, and accents that make you feel like you’re looking at a painting, you can’t go wrong with a detailed black rose tattoo.

6. A delicate black rose tattoo on the inside of the arm

When you decide to bite the bullet and get the black rose tattoo of your dreams, make sure you pick the right tattoo artist. Go with someone who works with the same style you favor and you’re good to go. What do you think of delicate black rose tattoos, for example?

7. A traditional black rose tattoo with barbed wire

Black rose tattoos are popular, but we’d argue that traditional black rose tattoos take the cake. Whether you embellish them with other elements and symbols or opt for a small and simple design, that’s up to you. A black rose with a barbed wire, for example, typically represents punishment, prison life, and even death row.

8. A traditional black rose tattoo on the shoulder

A traditional black rose on the shoulder can be such a conversation starter! Whether you want to make it bigger or smaller, you can work with your tattoo artist and come up with a design that works wonderfully with your aesthetic.

9. A black rose tattoo with a snake

A black rose and a snake? Absolutely! Snakes represent a myriad of meanings, but they’re typically associated with transformation, change, and healing. When combined with a rose, snake tattoos represent tragic love, danger, and deception.

10. A black rose tattoo with a scorpion

What about a scorpion tattoo? When working on the final design of your black rose tattoo, you can always play with elements that amplify or completely change the meaning of your tattoo. A scorpion tattoo, for example, represents resilience, rebirth, and a fighting spirit.

11. A black rose tattoo behind the ear

A black rose tattoo behind the ear might be the perfect pick for people who prefer delicate and dainty designs that can be hidden away easily. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or thinking of adding another flash tattoo to your growing collection, this one might be for you.

12. A traditional black rose tattoo above the knee

Above-the-knee tattoos are awesome because they offer you and your tattoo artist plenty of real estate to work with. A black rose tattoo placed above your knee will move with your body and make you look and feel great.

13. A traditional black rose tattoo on the elbow

Elbow tattoos aren’t for the faint of heart and that’s why they’re oftentimes seen as symbols of strength and resilience. Whether you want to commemorate an important moment in your life or remember a deceased loved one, a black rose tattoo on the elbow might be right for you.

14. An abstract black rose tattoo

Abstract tattoos are becoming more and more popular, and for a good reason, too. Abstract tattoos are meant to evoke emotion, represent a certain moment in your life, or commemorate a loved one, and that’s why they’re a great choice for modern minimalists. An abstract tattoo of a black rose will make you feel like you’re wearing a work of art in your body.

15. A sticker sleeve black rose tattoo

Sticker sleeves are gaining attention, too, and that’s because they’re a better option for first-timers and people who are afraid of committing to bigger, bolder tattoos. With a sticker sleeve, you can get a myriad of smaller, simpler tattoos over a period of time and create a work of art that stretches from your fingers to your shoulders.

See also: 20 Radiant Bicep Tattoo Ideas For Women Who Love Elegant Ink

16. A black rose tattoo with Korean calligraphy

Black rose tattoos don’t need to be basic and boring. If you’re looking for something a little more interesting and intricate, you can always add a word or a number that means something to you to the final design of the tattoo. It’s a great way to experiment with different styles, too.

17. A black rose tattoo with squiggles

A black rose tattoo can be made more modern with geometric shapes, lines, and squiggles. If you’re on the hunt for something a little more different, turn to a tattoo artist who works with more abstract styles and symbols. It might be the best way for you to get what you want without going overboard.

18. A black rose tattoo on the ribcage

A ribcage tattoo might sound a little scary, but it’s worth your while. If you’re looking for a sensual, strikingly beautiful tattoo, opt for a black rose tattoo on the ribcage. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a great way to test your limits and prove to yourself that you’re capable of enduring pain for the sake of pleasure.

19. A small black rose tattoo

What do you think of this small black rose tattoo? When you don’t want to “go big or go home,” you can always opt for a simple blackwork tattoo placed somewhere on your body where you’re free to conceal or reveal it, depending on your personal preferences.

20. A black rose tattoo on the wrist

Wrist tattoos are highly visible and that’s what makes them appropriate for people who want to show off their ink to the entire world. A stunning black rose tattoo will embellish your wrist and make you feel like you’re wearing permanent jewelry.

21. A black rose tattoo on the stomach

Thinking of getting a stomach tattoo? Go for it! The best thing about stomach tattoos seems to be the fact that they’re perfect for emphasizing the sensuality of your body and grabbing attention.

22. A black rose tattoo on the hand

A black rose tattoo on your hand can be a constant reminder of how far you’ve come or a good way for you to remember someone you love every time you look at your hand. Hand tattoos are almost always on display, and that’s something to consider before you commit to that specific placement.

23. A negative space black rose tattoo

Black rose tattoos don’t need to be subtle. If you’re a fan of blackwork tattoos, traditional tattoos, or similar styles, you can get a tattoo of a rose that plays with negative space and leaves you with big chunks of black ink taking the form of a rose.

24. A black rose tattoo on the back

We’re ending the article with a black rose tattoo on the back! The stem of the tattoo will accentuate the curvatures of your spine and make the entire design pop. That being said, back tattoos are oftentimes concealed, and that’s something to consider before committing to that specific placement.