Back-of-the-Neck Tattoos: Everything You Need to Know
Back-of-the-neck tattoos may have had a bad rep in the past, but they are becoming a very popular choice today. Learn more about inking the back of your neck!
If you get creative and think about it for a minute, there are hundreds of different placements you can choose for your next tattoo. From your toes to literally the top of your head, every one of these areas offers something special. That said, back-of-the-neck tattoos stand out because your body creates a natural frame that’s just big enough for artists to really show what they’ve got.
The choice of getting a tattoo on the back-of-the-neck should not be taken lightly. It’s one of the best locations you can go for and you can really create something special - as long as you work with the right tattooist.
Why is the Back-of-the-Neck Great for Ink?
The back of your neck is the perfect canvas for a tattoo, at least from an aesthetics perspective. This area is flat, doesn’t receive excessive amounts of sun exposure, and just large enough to design intricate pieces. However, the skin on this part of your body is thinner, which isn’t ideal if you have a low pain threshold.
On average, the back-of-the-neck can measure between 5 and 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in length and 10 and 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in width. This can vary greatly depending on the size of your neck, but your tattoo artist can help you select the best size.
It’s worth noting that this part of your body is either square or rectangular, which is the reason many back-of-the-neck tattoos have these shapes.
How Visible is a Back-of-the-Neck Tat?
Before going into this point, we want to stress the fact that nobody should feel the need to hide their tattoos. Neck pieces and tattoos, in general, are frowned upon by some but this art form is now a widely-accepted way to express who we are as individuals.
That said, tattoos are a very personal thing, so a lot of people like having the option to conceal their ink. One of the beauties of back-of-the-neck tattoos is that they can be easily hidden by letting your hair down. If you don’t have long hair then you have limited options depending on the size and exact location, but you can always find a workaround if you want to keep it camouflaged.
Aging and Appearance
As a general rule of thumb, tattoos located in exposed parts tend to age faster. The contrary is also true, so back neck tats are usually a safe bet. If you take care of them properly, back-of-the-neck tattoos age quite well and maintain their appearance for longer than other pieces.
The back-of-the-neck doesn’t get much sun or wind exposure, plus having your hair down will help keep your ink looking pristine.
Are Back-of-the-Neck Tattoos Painful?
Do back-of-the-neck tattoos hurt? Well, that depends. Everyone has a different pain threshold, so some people find these tattoos mild while others can experience a lot of pain. In most cases, tattoos on the back-of-the-neck are on the smaller side, so the pain doesn’t last very long either way.
The skin on the back-of-the-neck is thin and there isn’t any muscle padding the area. There’s a layer of fat, but it’s relatively thin when compared to other parts of the body, so the needle produces a sharper type of pain.
It’s normal to experience more discomfort as you get closer to the skull and ears, so keep this in mind if pain is a major factor for you.
Popularity and Demand
Although they were among the slowest to take off, back-of-the-neck tattoos are becoming a popular choice. This is partially due to the creative designs you can put together in such a small space, as well as the many celebrities sporting neck tattoos of all shapes and sizes.
Care and Healing
Like all other tattoos, ink on the back-of-the-neck requires a strict cleaning regime. New tattoos should be washed using warm water and mild antibacterial soap. The neck is constantly in motion, so you need to keep tattoos in the back well moisturized. You can choose from a variety of different products, but make sure they are odorless and preferably designed specifically for tattoos.
If you follow the steps above and protect your new tat from direct sunlight, it should heal into a glorious piece of artistry.
Are Back-of-the-Neck Tattoos Expensive?
As with most other areas, back-of-the-neck tattoos can vary greatly in price. In the end, it comes down to the complexity and size of the piece, as well as the expertise of the artist you’re working with. Sure, it won’t cost you the same as getting a sleeve by any stretch, but the only way of getting an accurate estimate is by talking to your favorite tattooist.
How Much Does Back-of-the-Neck Tattoo Removal Cost?
Similarly to the price of getting inked, the price of removing a tattoo on the back-of-the-neck varies. Size is always a major factor, but the depth, color, and type of ink used will also affect the price.
Because they tend to be smaller, back-of-the-neck tattoo removals are usually more affordable than in other areas, but the only way to get a real quote is by contacting a local service provider.