Stunning Snake Tattoo Ideas For Those Who Like the Slither

One of the most popular tattoos of all time is a snake tattoo. These tattoos, thanks to their unique shape, make for excellent inspiration for ink as they can wrap around your limbs, sliver up your sides, and present a provocative image that thrills and engages. You’ll find these ubiquitous tattoos in all sorts of fashion from black and grey to colorful and vibrant.

We wanted to learn more about the trends surrounding these slithering tattoos so we turned to social media to get a better understanding of what the cook kids are getting these days. We were not surprised to find that there are so many different ways to go with your snake tattoos. Take a look and get inspired!

Let’s Get Slithering with These Thrilling Snake Tattoos!

Snake as Bracelet

Here’s an intriguing concept that brings to mind Ouroboros, or a snake eating its own tail. Simple black and grey proves effective more often than not with these snake tattoo designs.

Small Snake Tattoo

This handsome snake tattoo is small in scale but big on style. Clean lines are the name of the game here and you can find an artist who is capable of doing the same for you. Remember to use these tattoo ideas for inspiration and to work with an artist to create your own unique design.

Bold & Beautiful

Snakes make for gorgeous forearm tattoos but don’t take our word for it! The above example paired with beautiful botanical details really marries scary and sweet in a magical way.

Another Way to Go Botanical

You can go with a more pared down version of the snake meets botanical idea with something similar to this that finds a snake wrapped around the stem of a rose.

Express Yourself with Color

While most snake tattoos are black and grey there are some standouts done with colorful ink. Here, we see a flaming viper looking rather ominous yet vibrant!

Morning Glories

The forearm is not the only place people get their snake tattoos. Here’s a great example of how a snake can be shaped to accentuate the natural curves of the shoulder blade.

Traditional Is Timeless

Traditional tattooing relies on classic motifs, simple shapes, and bold lines to bring designs to life. The old adage, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” feels appropriate here.

Explode with Energy & Color

Here’s a very lush half-sleeve tattoo that finds a snake in a lush, natural scene complete with a handsome butterfly. There’s also a cosmic element near the shoulder that adds to the mystery and intrigue here.

Double Trouble

One of the cool tattoo trends to emerge this year involves doubling up the tattoo to make it appear almost as if it should be stereoscopic. If this speaks to you, riff on the theme.

Make It Fierce

Wow! This snake looks rather menacing which might appeal to you. Obviously, for a “tougher” tattoo consider having your snake tattooed with it’s mouth open, ready to bite.

On Red Ink

We say this often, but we will say it again, red ink is incredible. It’s a really great way to add even more passion and energy to a tattoo with only the color choice. Red always reads hotter than black ink.

Seeing Skeletal

Here’s an interesting concept that sees a snake behind its scales. Bits of this snake’s body have been taken down to the skeletal level for a very interesting, and wholly unique look.

She’s a Lady

If you’re wondering, yes, you too can have a “viper lady.” It’s a most interesting design that finds a woman’s face inside the mouth of a viper. Part creepy, part romantic, this one’s something altogether its own thing.

RELATED: 30 Stunning Single Line Tattoo Ideas

On Death

Snakes and skulls go together like a dream and it’s a common design scheme that will serve you well. This one features very fine, clean lines that present a sort of lightness.

On Death Part II

On the other hand, you can go darker, bolder, and with heavier black details for a more evocative and creepy look. You better believe that snakes through eye sockets are a huge draw.

Heavy with Mood

We know that we’ve shown you a snake wrapped around a rose but it’s possible to take that same idea in a different direction. This one marries light and dark well to present a well-balanced tattoo that’s one of our favorite snake tattoos on this list.

The Charmer

You see that red ink? We told you it really pops and that’s especially true when paired with a touch of black ink.

Double Danger

As if a snake tattoo were not menacing enough, it can be paired with other elements that double the danger. Daggers are popular options but you can also consider a sword.

Fine and Femme

Despite this tight tattoo being enormous, this snake paired with peonies still reads feminine and gorgeous. Notice how the snake contrasts with the fineness of the flowers. Do the same for added depth.

Drama, Mama

Here’s another snake tattoo with a dagger. However, more attention has been paid to the dagger with tiny ornamental details that make it so very special.

Micro

Going small does not mean that your tattoo will not make waves. Micro tattoos of snakes are some of the most popular among the genre and you could easily walk away with a very stylish tattoo if you decide to go this route.

Ornamental

Remember that crusted dagger we saw a couple of tattoos back? You can employ those same elements to your snake tattoo for something very, very special. Think outside the box and reap the rewards.

Contrast

A snake inked in black next to vividly colored flowers proves a smart color theme. Always consider contrasting your colors for a truly impactful tattoo.

Small Snake, Big Deal

Feast your eyes on this modestly-sized tattoo that is chocked full of minute details. From the tiny scales to the delicate leaves of the botanical elements, this design soars on every level.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 33 Scorpion Tattoo Ideas for Scorpios & Beyond

Abstract

You can take your snake tattoo in a more abstract direction. One such way involves this cool brushstroke that has excellent texture that is understated and sophisticated. Despite it being the least “snakey” design on this list, it’s one we imagine many will gravitate towards.

There you go! What did you think of these snake tattoo ideas? We feel that they’re completely fascinating, mesmerizing, and a little bit creepy in the best sort of way. As you’ve seen, there’s no right or wrong way to go about your snake tattoo. The more you are able to express your singular point of view the better. Now, go get some ink!