Neck Tattoos for Men: Design Ideas & Expert Advice

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Find out what neck tattoos look best & how much they hurt

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Small Tattoos
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• Side of Neck
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• Behind the Ear
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• Front Neck Tattoos
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• Back of Neck
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• Pain Level
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• Considerations
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• Expert Advice

|Show more |Show less

If you’re looking to make a statement with your next piece of ink, a neck tattoo is a bold option growing in popularity. While the best ideas depend on where you want to place them, there are tons of masculine designs that fit well on the front, sides, and back of your neck. Keep reading to get inspiration for your next neck tattoo, and for expert advice from professional tattoo artists on how to prepare and take care of your tat afterwards.

Neck Tattoo Design Ideas for Men

The best neck tattoo designs depend on their location, but some good ideas include roses, geometric patterns, crosses, and animals. Work with your tattoo artist to figure out the best layout for your ideas so your tattoo fits the natural shape of your body.

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Section 1 of 8:

Small Neck Tattoos for Men

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   Bird silhouettes Bird silhouette tattoos are easy to read and they often don't require a lot of details. These tattoos look great along the side of your neck or positioned right behind your ear.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and the co-owner of Red Baron Ink based in New York City.

   María Fernández González is a Tattoo Artist in Hamburg, Germany who specializes in fine line tattoos.

   Michelle Myles is a Tattoo Artist with over 20 years of experience who co-owns Daredevil Tattoo in NYC.

   Burak Moreno is a Tattoo Artist with more than 15 years of experience who co-owns Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn, NY.
2. 2
   Alchemy symbols Alchemy symbols are simple shapes that represent the elements and the planets. You could get a single symbol that resonates with you, or get a collection of them in a vertical line for a striking tattoo.
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3. 3
   Crescent moon Crescent moons are a classic tattoo image, and you can get a simple outline or have it filled in. If you want to add a little extra flair to the design, include some small stars or a sun in the moon’s cutout.
4. 4
   Anchor If you want something with a nautical theme, anchor tattoos are popular and symbolize strength and stability. A small, simple anchor silhouette looks great on the side or back of your neck as a reminder to stay grounded.
5. 5
   Barbed wire A barbed wire tattoo can symbolize strength and protection. You can get a single barb behind your ear or along your collarbone, or expand to a longer length of wire if you want something a little more noticeable.
6. 6
   Music note If you’re a musician or just have a love of music, a couple of small notes behind your ear are the perfect touch. Alternatively, try out a treble or bass clef for a more intricate piece.
7. 7
   Important date Choose a date from an important life event that you want to memorialize. You could use the actual numbers or get creative by using the Roman numerals instead.
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   Arrow Arrows are some of the most common tattoo symbols because they represent moving forward and finding direction in life. As a neck tattoo, arrows look the best vertically so they follow the natural shape of your body.
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Section 2 of 8:

Side Neck Tattoo Ideas for Men

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   Traditional sparrow Sparrow tattoos are really common in American traditional tattooing, and often represent freedom and independence. A single sparrow looks great on one side of your neck, but a matching pair on both sides looks great too.
2. 2
   Clock Clock tattoos are great if you want to remember the specific time something happened. Have the hands point to an hour and minute that’s important to your life, such as when you were born.
3. 3
   Dragon Dragon tattoos are common subjects for traditional Chinese and Japanese designs, and they represent wisdom, luck, and protection. You could include the dragon’s full body or just its head if you want a simpler design.
4. 4
   Prayer hands A pair of praying hands work well as a memorial tattoo for someone close to you, but they also serve as a reminder for your faith. The shape of the hands perfectly fits along the side of your neck, so they flow well with your body.
5. 5
   Dreamcatcher Dreamcatchers are traditionally used to prevent nightmares and protect you while you sleep. If you want a well-known symbol that has intricate linework, then a dreamcatcher is a good choice for your tattoo.
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   Wolf Wolves are pack animals, so a wolf tattoo symbolizes family, loyalty, and fighting for the ones that you love. Go for a black-and-gray realistic style if you want to capture the wolf’s ferocity, or try a simplified, abstract look for a more artistic interpretation.
7. 7
   Compass A compass tattoo is a symbol of guidance and finding direction in your life. If you want a reminder to follow the right path in your life or give off the sense of adventure, a simple compass rose is the perfect choice.
8. 8
   Realistic spider A realistic spider tattoo looks like it’s popping off your skin and crawling up the side of your neck. If you like a creepy aesthetic, then a spider like a black widow will complete your look.
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Section 3 of 8:

Behind-the-Ear Tattoo Ideas for Men

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   Cross Cross tattoos are common, even if you aren’t very religious. Crosses are often a reminder of faith, but they can also be used as symbols of hope or sacrifice. Whether you want it small or large, it’s a perfect look for behind your ear.
2. 2
   Sword The sharp lines of a sword create a really striking look when they peek out from behind your ear. You could get a sword that belongs to a fantasy character you like, or get a generic sword to represent courage and strength during tough battles.
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   Feathers Feathers often represent honor or connection to a higher power. Feathers can be small enough to hide behind your ear, or you can get them larger so they go down the side of your neck.
4. 4
   Tree silhouette Trees are a universal symbol for growth and resilience, and a simple silhouette fits perfectly right behind your ear. Choose the type of tree that speaks to you, whether it’s a mighty oak or an evergreen pine.
5. 5
   Rose with thorns While you could just get the flower, including the stem and thorns adds a vertical element that looks great behind your ear. Roses symbolize love, but the thorns are a good reminder that beauty comes with a little pain.
6. 6
   Half mandala Mandalas are repeated circular patterns that are often considered sacred geometry. When you want the tattoo behind your ear, using only half the mandala will help it fit more naturally on your skin.
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   Crown Crowns are a symbol of power and royalty, so getting one tattooed is a reminder that you’re the king of your own life. Crowns come in so many designs, so you find one that matches your aesthetic and vibe.
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   Vertical word If you have a short word or phrase that means a lot to you, stack the letters on top of each other so they’re aligned vertically. That way, the letters follow the natural shape of your neck and are easy to read.
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Section 4 of 8:

Throat Tattoo Ideas for Men

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   Owl Owls are a common symbol for wisdom, and they create a striking appearance as a front neck tattoo. Consider getting a photorealistic piece so it looks like the owl is staring back at whoever looks at it.
2. 2
   Geometric pattern Geometric patterns, like sacred geometry and mandalas, lend themselves well to a throat tattoo because of their simple design elements. While most geometric patterns have fine line work, you can get whatever shapes you’re the most happy with.
3. 3
   Traditional rose A rose tattoo is one of the cornerstones of American traditional tattoos, and it’s a symbol of love and passion. When the center of the rose is positioned on your throat, the petals and leaves will fill in the rest of your neck around it.
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   Skull If you want a creepier look, a skull tattoo often represents death and is one of the most common subject matters to get tattooed. Have the skull look straight on for a really tough appearance.
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   Angel wings Wings are a common front neck tattoo because they have a symmetrical appearance that fits the body well. Get the wings on either side of your throat so the feathers reach out to the sides of your neck.
6. 6
   Laurels Laurels have a really simple design with stems and leaves, and you can shape them to follow the natural curves of your body. Frame the middle of your throat with crossed laurels, or have them ride along your collarbones for a less-intrusive look.
7. 7
   Sacred heart A sacred heart is a religious symbol, so it’s often used to symbolize love and devotion. These tattoos look great when they’re centered right in the middle of your throat, and are often done in a traditional style.
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   All-seeing eye The all-seeing eye is a magic symbol that offers protection. Putting the eye directly on your throat gives your tattoo a memorable look that makes it seem like it's always watching.
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Section 5 of 8:

Back-of-Neck Tattoos for Men

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1. 
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   Eagle Eagles are a symbol of power and freedom. When you have an eagle on the back of your neck, the wings will perfectly fit under your hairline and naturally flow with your body.
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   Death moth A moth tattoo can symbolize transformation and rebirth, but the death moth adds a scary aesthetic. These moths have skull-shaped designs on their body, so they’re great if you want to make your tattoo look a little tougher.
3. 3
   Winged cross A cross with wings is often used as a memorial for someone who passed away, but it can also be a symbol of your own faith. Depending on the size you want, the wings can fit below your hair or along your shoulders.
4. 4
   Phoenix Phoenix tattoos represent death and rebirth because these mythical birds burn up and rise from the ashes. Whether you take a realistic or stylized approach, the end result will have a striking appearance on the back of your neck.
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   Celtic knot Celtic knots vary in meaning depending on their shape, but they often invoke protection or the cycles of life. Their interwoven linework designs are perfect fits for the nape of your neck.
6. 6
   Lotus flower A lotus flower tattoo is a common symbol for spiritual awakening and enlightenment, so it’s a good reminder to stay open to the world. A realistic flower looks great, or you can opt for a geometric design that resembles a mandala.
7. 7
   Tree with roots Trees and roots represent stability and growth. When you’re designing a tattoo with a tree, go for a symmetrical look between the branches and the roots to keep the piece balanced.
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   Cyber Sigilism Cyber sigilism has spiky, geometric shapes and symbols that look like futuristic versions of tribal tattoos. Cyber sigils are really freeform, so it’s easy to design one that perfectly fits on the back of your neck.
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Section 6 of 8:

Do neck tattoos hurt?

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1. 
   Neck tattoos are some of the most painful tattoos. Neck tattoos are notoriously painful because the skin is thinner and more sensitive. You may feel sharp, stinging sensations and vibrations throughout your tattoo. Areas like your windpipe, jawline, and collarbone usually hurt the most, while thicker spots like the back of your neck are less sensitive.

   • Pain Levels:
     • Front of neck/throat: 8-9/10
     • Side of neck: 7-8/10
     • Behind the ear: 6-7/10
     • Back of neck: 5/10
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Michelle Myles

   Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo

   Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing.

   

   Michelle Myles
   Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo

   Stay relaxed to make getting a tattoo less painful. The tenser you are, the more getting a tattoo is going to hurt. Concentrate on your breathing and keep your body loose instead of bracing for the pain.

Section 7 of 8:

Considerations Before Getting a Neck Tattoo

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1. 1
   Consider if a neck tattoo will impact your career opportunities. Tattoo artist Burak Moreno notes that because neck tattoos are highly visible, it’s very important to think about where you work or are planning to work in the future before getting one. Even though tattoos are becoming more acceptable, some professional settings may not allow visible neck tattoos. Check with your employer to see if neck tattoos are allowed, and think about if getting one will affect advancing in your career.

   • Tattoo artist Michelle Myles also recommends getting other, less-visible tattoos first before committing to a neck tattoo.
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   Choose subject matter you’ll be happy with in the long run. Tattoo artist María Fernández González recommends avoiding commercial or trendy things in your design because they could get outdated. She says to think of a piece that has personal meaning, but doesn’t have a lot of conflicting elements in the same design.
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   Be aware of cultural taboos if you plan on traveling. In some areas of the world, visible tattoos are not as acceptable because they go against the area’s culture or are associated with crime. Your neck tattoo may draw some extra attention from the locals, and you may have to cover it up. If you have a dream destination or want to travel abroad, double-check that visible tattoos are acceptable there.
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Section 8 of 8:

Expert Tattoo Advice

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1. 1
   Choose an artist based on their portfolio. Tattoo artist Grant Lubbock says that a skilled tattooer's portfolio should have “at least 15 to 20 consecutive pieces that show a consistency in design, style, layout, and placement.” He mentions that you should look for “clean linework, solid shading, smooth gradient shading, and consistency throughout pieces” before picking your artist.

   • González agrees: “It’s very important to do a bit of research about the artist or the studio.” She suggests checking reviews from past clients, and making sure you have a good feeling when you communicate with the artist about what you're looking for.
   • González also says to check that the artist excels at the style of tattoo you want. For instance, if you want something realistic, check their portfolio for past realism work.
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   Rest and take care of yourself the night before your appointment. González recommends getting a good night’s sleep and eating a full meal before your tattoo session so you feel the most relaxed. She notes that you should avoid any drugs, alcohol, or medications like aspirin that could make you bleed more during your tattoo.

   • González also notes to avoid the sun before your appointment so your skin isn’t red or irritated while you’re getting tattooed.
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   Bring some snacks and a blanket to your appointment. For longer tattoo appointments, González recommends taking some small snacks or drinks with you. She also mentions that your body temperature lowers and you may feel cold while you’re getting tattooed, so a small blanket can help you feel more comfortable.
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   Be flexible to work with your artist. Lubbock notes, “The more willing you are as a client to work with the artist and let them guide you through the tattoo process, the better tattoo you’ll get.” Tattoo artists have experience knowing what makes a tattoo look good on your body, so be open if they recommend some changes to the design or placement.

   • With that in mind, González suggests, “You shouldn’t be afraid to ask [your tattoo artist] questions, and don’t just agree with whatever they say.” Having an open conversation can help give you a good feeling going into your tattoo.
5. 5
   Wash your tattoo twice a day while it’s healing. Lubbock recommends washing your tattoo with antibacterial soap in the morning and at night. After that, apply a light layer of tattoo ointment to keep your skin hydrated. He adds: “Repeat that whole process for 7 to 10 days” until your tattoo heals.

   • Lubbock advises that you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist because they may vary.
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   Protect your tattoo to prevent irritation. Moreno suggests leaving a clear bandage over the tattoo for the first 3 days to keep it protected. After you take off the bandage, use a thin layer of ointment. Myles also mentions that clothes rubbing against your tattoo can cause a lot of irritation while it’s healing. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing so it’s less likely to touch your tattoo.
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   Go back to your tattoo artist if you suspect an infection. Myles notes that infected tattoos have “a lot of redness and irritation” that is more painful than usual. She recommends contacting your tattoo artist because they’re the most familiar with the healing process.

   • Lubbock says, “Send pictures of the tattoo at multiple angles and distances so [your artist] can get a good idea of what you may have going on.” They will suggest seeing a doctor if they think there’s an urgent issue.
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   Apply sunscreen to prevent your tattoo from fading. Lubbock says about a month after you get your tattoo, start to apply sunscreen when you’re out and about. Sunscreen adds an extra layer of protection from UV rays that could make your tattoo fade.

   • Even if you aren’t going outside, Lubbock suggests applying lotion to your tattoo daily to keep it looking fresh.
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