Snake tattoos are a real dilemma. They have an irresistible charm besides their scary and frightening images. However, personal preferences don’t change the fact that snake figures have been an iconic symbol for many cultures since ancient times.

Snakes are one of the indispensable tattoo design alternatives for tattoo parlors, with their hypnotizing coiled movements, their dangerous venom, their deep and rich symbolism, and many other impressive features. Also, snake ink looks fascinating, attractive, and noticeable regardless of its size. You can find the best, newest, and most unique snake tattoo ideas in our gallery. We will be glad to inspire you before getting a tattoo.

Snake Tattoo Meaning

Snake tattoos have different meanings for different cultures and beliefs. But universally, they symbolize change, rebirth, and transformation because snakes shed their skin. For this reason, snake designs may be ideal for people who want to express a change in their life or to break with the past.

Also, many snake species such as vipers, cobras, and mambas have protective mechanisms that serve as a warning. While a cobra spits out venom, a rattlesnake makes some noises by wagging its tail. These warning mechanisms are an indication that these snakes are very dangerous and deadly. Therefore, a snake tattoo on your body can reflect your dangerous, threatening, and dark side.

The snake was a very important creature in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. According to the Greeks, a snake represents wisdom and knowledge. In addition, the serpent symbol is included in Egyptian iconography. The ancient symbol Ouroboros, originating from the Egyptians, is the image of a snake eating its own tail. This image is associated with the circle of life and death and rebirth. Also, it represents eternity.

In Japan, snakes are related to good luck and protection. Also, some Native American cultures believe that the snake is a sacred and spiritual animal.

Besides that, in Christianity, snakes have a bad reputation. They are often associated with sin, temptation, and betrayal. Because in the story of Adam and Eve, the devil disguised as a snake and tricked Eve into eating the forbidden apple.

Lastly, we can say that the meanings of snake tattoos vary according to the design of the tattoo. For example, the two-headed snake design symbolizes balance and duality like good and evil, light and dark, and yin and yang. Also, the meanings of snake tattoos may differ according to the different elements that accompany them, such as roses, swords, and eagles.

Snake Tattoo Placement

Snake tattoos have unlimited placement options due to their coiled shape. Therefore, many parts of your body, from your fingers to your face, can be an ideal canvas for snake designs. We know that making a decision is difficult. However, we can make a few recommendations.

First of all, you should decide whether your tattoo should be clearly visible or hidden. If you want to expose your snake tat, you can prefer your fingers, hands, or neck. Of course, snakes are animals that like to hide in their nature. Therefore, it is possible to choose more private areas on your body such as the thighs or sternum for ink placement.

Besides that, arms and legs are very suitable for a spiral placement. If you are an assertive tattoo collector and are brave enough, consider the back and chest areas for large and detailed snake tattoos. Also, when it comes to snake tattoos, full-sleeve and body suit designs are also different alternatives. After you decide, all you need is to find a good tattoo artist.

The Best Snake Tattoos Gallery

Snake tattoos are versatile. They can be combined with many design elements such as flowers, moon, and medusa figures. Also, skeleton snake designs are also very popular. When it comes to snake ink, you can prefer tattoo styles such as American Traditional, Realism, and Trash Polka. Here are the best snake tattoo designs for men and women.

1. Modern Cobra Snake Tattoo For Legs

If you want to get a snake tattoo, you can consider this stunning cobra design. It looks stylish and modern. We can say that this design is suitable for the legs. All you have to do before getting ink is to find a reliable tattooer.

2. Creative Coiled Snake Tattoo For Collarbone

Here is a creative snake tattoo idea. This design contains a realistic snake wrapped around the collarbone. Maybe, you can find a similar flash tattoo in portfolios of the tattoo parlors. However, if you want this exact tattoo, it’s a good idea to show its photo to your tattoo artist.

3. Minimal Snake Tattoo With Brush Effect

Minimal snake tattoos are extremely popular these days. There are also many alternatives for placement. Your tattooist should work sensitively for this kind of brush effect. Although it is a small ink, tattoo pigments must be transferred to your skin effectively for good saturation. Of course, it is also very important that you follow the advice given by your tattooist during aftercare.

4. American Traditional Snake Tattoo

Snake designs are compatible with the American Traditional tattoo style. Also, a snake figure can be accompanied by daggers, roses, flowers, other animals, and more. If you are a man or woman who likes classic and iconic tattoo ideas, this snake design can be perfect for you.

5. Viper Snake Tattoo With Flowers

It is an amazing viper snake tattoo. This viper combines with flowers perfectly. Of course, let’s not forget the mastery of the tattoo artist. We can say that this tattoo design is custom freehand work. Also, you can use it to cover up an unwanted tattoo.

6. Modern Snake Tattoo On Sternum For Women

This minimal snake tattoo design looks delicate and alluring. Moreover, the sternum area is one of the most preferred canvases recently. We are sure that women who want a modern snake design will love this tattoo.

7. Snake Tattoo With Roses & Skull

When it comes to snake ink, snakes, roses, and skulls are design elements that complement each other well. It is suitable for arms. While slinging ink, your tattooer can use a stencil. Then, it is created shades with a tattoo gun. If you decide to get this tattoo design, you should be ready for intense interest.

8. Snake Design With Geometric Symbols

Today, tattoos in which animal figures and geometric shapes are used together are very trendy. This is an ultra-modern and chic snake tat. It looks great on an arm. We recommend you prefer an experienced ink slinger. Working with an apprentice can be disappointing.

9. Snake Tattoo With A Sword

Snake figures match well with swords. It is a minimal and small snake tattoo. Single needle technique allows delicate shadows. When you go to the tattoo shop, it is enough to show a photo of this beautiful design to the tattooist.

10. Python Snake Tattoo For Arms

This is a magnificent python snake body art. It has realism tattoo style. We advise you to think carefully before you decide to get this tattoo. Because if you regret it, the tattoo removal operation may not be very efficient.

11. Snake Tattoo On The Hand

Snake tattoos are suitable for the hands. This is a noticeable and fashionable snake design on the hand. It was combined with a rose and leaves. Maybe, your tattooer can use magnum tattoo needles for filing colored ink.

12. Two-Headed Snake Tattoo On Forearm

Here is an iconic snake tattoo design. A two-headed snake is a widely used tattoo idea in tattoo studios. This tattoo starts from the arm and goes to the hand. We can say that it is quite modern, impressive and eye-catching.

13. Fine Line Snake Tattoo