Rose tattoos are one of most popular tattoo ideas for men. The flower is universally recognised as a symbol of love and passion, although, if you get your rose tattoo finished in black ink, it could represent sorrow for a loved one who has passed away.
A rose tattoo can come in a wide range of styles, sizes and colours, making it incredibly easy to design a custom tattoo specifically for you. Some men choose to have a rose tattoo on its own, while others may want a rose to form part of a half or full-sleeve tattoo.
We’ve rounded up some of the most popular rose tattoo ideas for men to help provide some inspiration for your next piece of ink.
In this rose tattoo story….
Rose tattoo meaning
While you certainly don’t need to have any meaning behind your rose tattoo, you may just like the flower, some men may choose to get one based on the numerous interpretations of the tattoo design. As SavedTattoo says, “for the unforeseeable future, roses have and will symbolise romance and beauty.”
However, this connotation is with a red rose. Roses can come in various colours and so the colour of ink you have your rose tattoo finished in can change its meaning entirely. A white rose tattoo, for example, can represent purity and innocence, whereas a pink rose is associated more with femininity than red.
For most men, however, a rose tattoo is simply an easy tattoo to get. If you want some ink, but don’t know what to get, get a rose. Simple. Here are some of the best rose tattoo ideas for men in 2022.
Sailor Jerry style rose tattoo
If you want a really authentic tattoo, then you can’t pass up the traditional style. Made popular by legendary tattoo artist Sailor Jerry, a traditional-style rose tattoo will inject plenty of colour and vibrancy. If you already have other tattoos that are done in a fineline style, you may want to avoid a traditional rose tattoo, as the styles just won’t match.
But, if it’s your first tattoo then a traditional style rose could decide the future path you go down if you decide to get more tattoos in the future.
Rose and dagger tattoo
A rose and dagger tattoo is an incredibly popular option for men. Firstly, it can be finished in either colour or black ink, and for those who want their tattoos to have meaning, it is said a rose and dagger tattoo can symbolise opposites attracting. This is when the dagger pierces the rose. If you have them together, but without the dagger piercing the rose, then it can represent balance in life.
Rose hand tattoo
A rose tattoo is so versatile that it can be inked anywhere on your body. If you want to get a small rose then a great placement option is the hand. Tattoo artists these days are capable of ensuring your rose tattoo is as detailed as possible, despite the small size. You could choose to have a rose including its stem and thorns, or opt for just the flowering part on its own.
Single line rose tattoo
Single line tattoos could have their own category, such is their popularity. Not only can a single line form an image that has meaning to you, but it makes for a tattoo that really is just as much a piece of art as it is something meaningful to you. A good placement option for a single line rose tattoo would be the forearm or even your leg, as you have access to a long vertical section of skin.
Rose chest tattoo
A chest tattoo, no matter the design, needs to be one that you really don’t mind showing off the world. It’s guaranteed to make a statement. A rose tattoo makes a great chest tattoo option, especially if you have it placed on the sternum, like in this example. The vertical nature of the rose lends well to this placement, and it could also symbolise holding love in your heart.
Colour rose tattoo
We have already touched on colour when talking about a traditional rose tattoo, but you can go one step further and opt for what is known as a neo traditional rose tattoo. Neo traditional is a style all on itself, and is similar to traditional, but will use more vibrant colours, thick lines and can make your tattoo look almost 3D.
Rose and snake tattoo
Similar to a rose and dagger tattoo, a rose and snake tattoo is also an incredibly popular option for men. Some people suggest a rose and snake tattoo represents a love that has grown so strong that it can turn to temptation. Others say it can represent an unstoppable force – so if you’re on a particular high point in your life, a rose and snake tattoo option could be a great way to show it.
Looking for more snake tattoo inspiration? Check out our complete round-up of snake tattoo ideas for men.
Rose neck tattoo
Love them or loathe them, neck tattoos are becoming increasingly popular. Definitely for people who like to take risks and stand out from the crowd, the neck presents a more unique placement option for your next tattoo.
A rose tattoo on the neck can look incredible. You will definitely want to vet your tattoo artist first, because your rose will be on constant show, so you want to make sure it’s going to look professional.
Rose and clock tattoo
A rose and clock tattoo is another classic combination. Many believe a rose and clock tattoo can represent everlasting love, immortality and even death. Roses on their own can be associated with death, and the addition of the clock implies our life is always ticking away.
Rose foot tattoo
Because literally your entire body is ripe for tattooing, you may want to think about placing your rose tattoo somewhere a little different, such as your foot. Just remember, the skin on your foot is closer to the bone than on some other parts of the body, so expect the pain level to increase. You might want to start off with a smaller rose tattoo on your foot, so your session time is kept to a minimum.
Rose face tattoo
Face tattoos have certainly seen a surge in popularity since Post Malone arrived on the scene. So, if you’re feeling particularly brace and courageous, you could choose to get a rose tattoo somewhere on your face. As with a rose neck tattoo, you’ll want to be 100% sure the tattoo artist you choose is competent enough to give you an incredible piece of artwork.
Money rose tattoo
A money rose tattoo is another increasingly popular option for men and could be a particularly great tattoo idea for men who have been particularly successful in life. It’s claimed a money rose tattoo not only represents love, but by being formed of monetary notes, adds the meaning of a passion for riches or an appreciation of your wealth and hustle required to reach it.
Simple rose tattoo
Similar to a small rose tattoo, if your rose is your first tattoo or you just want something to add to your collection then a simple rose tattoo is the way to go. A simple rose can be devoid of any meaning if you wish, as it can simply serve to be just another piece of ink on your skin.
Rose forearm tattoo
A rose tattoo can make a perfect addition to your forearm, either on the outer forearm or inner forearm. This is primarily thanks to their vertical shape following the natural direction of your forearm perfectly. You could opt for another example of a single line rose tattoo as seen in this example, or a more fully-fledged rose design.
For more forearm tattoo inspiration, check out our complete round-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Tattoos
What is the meaning behind a rose tattoo?
A rose tattoo can represent a variety of meanings, such as love, beauty, passion, and even pain or sacrifice. It can also symbolize different things depending on the color of the rose, with red roses typically representing love, and white roses symbolizing purity or innocence.
Where is the best place to get a rose tattoo?
The placement of a rose tattoo can vary depending on the size and design of the tattoo, as well as personal preference. Some popular places to get a rose tattoo include the forearm, wrist, shoulder, ankle, or even the back or chest.
How painful is it to get a rose tattoo?
The pain level of getting a rose tattoo can vary depending on the individual's pain tolerance and the location of the tattoo. Generally, areas with less fat or muscle, such as the wrist or ankle, can be more painful than areas with more cushion, such as the back or thigh.
How much does a rose tattoo cost?
The cost of a rose tattoo can vary depending on the size, design, and location of the tattoo, as well as the skill level and experience of the tattoo artist. On average, a small to medium-sized rose tattoo can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, while larger, more intricate designs can cost several hundred dollars or more.
How long does a rose tattoo take to heal?
The healing time of a rose tattoo can vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as how well it is cared for during the healing process. Generally, a rose tattoo can take anywhere from two to four weeks to fully heal, during which time it is important to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and protected from the sun and other irritants.
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