Neck tattoo ideas and placement

How much a neck tattoo hurts

Rate the nape at 7 out of 10 and the sides at 6 to 7. The bumps of the vertebrae at the base of the neck are bone directly under skin, and the sides sit over muscle with very little fat. The throat is the hardest of all, commonly rated 8 to 9, and few people can sit it for long.

There is also the noise. The machine works a few centimetres from your ears at this placement, and the vibration through the skull bothers some people more than the pain does. Most neck sessions run 1 to 3 hours. Anything longer is usually split, because holding your head still gets uncomfortable fast.

Neck pain by zone

• Side of the neck over muscle: 6 to 7 out of 10
• Nape, over the vertebrae: 7 out of 10
• Base of the neck into the shoulders: 6 out of 10
• Throat: 8 to 9 out of 10

Sizing the nape, the sides and the throat

The nape is the only part of the neck that behaves like a flat panel. It gives you roughly 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) square, enough for a symmetrical ornamental piece, a small animal or a short line of lettering. It is also the easiest part of the neck to cover with hair.

The sides are curved and narrow, around 6 to 10 cm (2.5 to 4 in) of workable width, and they suit vertical designs running down toward the collarbone. Whatever you choose, symmetry matters here more than almost anywhere. An off center neck design is very noticeable, because people look at your face and neck together.

Healing under collars and hair

Collars are the main problem. A shirt collar sits exactly on the base of the neck and rubs a healing tattoo all day. Wear loose round necked tops for two weeks. If you have long hair, keep it tied back and off the area, because hair carries product and bacteria onto an open wound.

The hairline at the nape is usually shaved, and the regrowth itches while the skin is healing. Sweat is the other issue, so skip hard workouts for ten days. Long term, a nape piece is shielded from sun by hair and collars and ages slowly. Side neck tattoos see more sun and fade a little faster.

Styles that suit the neck and visibility

Ornamental and symmetrical work suits the neck best, especially the nape, where a centerd design sits naturally along the spine line. Small bold blackwork, dotwork mandalas and simple lettering all work well. Detailed realism is a poor fit at this size, and the area is too small and too curved for a busy scene.

Be clear eyed about visibility. A side neck or throat tattoo shows in every situation, including a shirt and tie. A nape piece is hidden by collars and by hair worn down, which is why it is the usual starting point for anyone who needs to keep the option of covering up.