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90+ Rose Shoulder Tattoo Designs to Bring to Bloom

by Sherri Owens

Single roses, rose bouquets, roses of all colors of the rainbow - the rose shoulder tattoo ideas are never-ending. To find your way around all this ink, you will need a guide.

Well, I have spent many years as an artist and can help. With roses being such popular tattoos, I have worked on a lot of pieces that incorporate them.

In this post, I will introduce you to every type of rose tattoo you can find.

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Single Rose Shoulder Tattoos

A single rose shoulder tattoo is pretty rare but the lone flower does have a beautiful meaning. It can mean love at first sight or a love that will last.

Of course, a single rose tattoo can also signify the power of one. After all, just because you're alone doesn't mean you're lonely.

What's great about the single rose shoulder tattoo is that it can have an incredible amount of detail. This allows for a very realistic design:

black shaded single rose tattoo

Image by @nina_peau_d_ane via Instagram

single rose tattoo with just the outline

Image by @mollylts via Instagram

single black rose tattoo

Image by @madisonpaigedavenport via Instagram

black and grey single rose tattoo

Image by @bangherangtattoo via Instagram

large single rose tattoo on the shoulder

Image by @ste.bonura via Instagram

single rose tattoo with dot work

Image by @marcoluc__tattoo via Instagram

mother and daughter single rose tattoos

Image by @potluck_ink via Instagram

Looking for unusual rose shoulder tattoo ideas? These tattoos have been made to look like sketches and drawings. They are absolutely beautiful.

dot work single rose tattoo

Image by @jessicarebell via Instagram

dark single rose tattoo

Image by @tattooandstreetart via Instagram

The great thing about a single rose shoulder tattoo is that they can be as simple or minimalist as you like. So, if you're looking for a small rose shoulder tattoo, this is an excellent design to consider.

If you're going with a small rose tattoo, you can get a bit more choice with your placement as well. It can be above the shoulder blade, collarbone, or even on your upper arm. The options are endless!

Rose Bouquet Shoulder Tattoos

Two or more flowers are common for rose shoulder tattoo ideas. This is because bouquets of roses are beautiful.

The number of roses can also represent anything you want - family members, number of children, etc. So, make sure to choose a number that is meaningful.

If you want your shoulder tattoo to be entirely made of roses, include these flowers in your ink. Alternatively, you can also have other smaller flowers added to the bouquet.

Rose Bouquet Shoulder Tattoo with sketch effect

Image by @atlasandaxel via Instagram

shoulder tattoo with roses

Image by @tattooboutiquelarissa via Instagram

rose bouquet tattoo

Image by @suzylutattoos via Instagram

rose bouquet tattoo on the shoulder

Image by @extraordinarygirllll via Instagram

detailed black roses tattoo

Image by @kayleighgbrown via Instagram

large roses tattoo

Image by @empirebanbury via Instagram

shoulder cap roses tattoo

Image by @tattoosbynikkirae via Instagram

Color Rose Shoulder Tattoos

As you're probably aware, each rose color has a meaning. This means that before you choose a color for your rose shoulder tattoo ideas, you should consider the significance of the shade.

Of course, your rose shoulder tattoo doesn't need to have a particular meaning. All that matters is that you love the design and color you have chosen for your ink.

Red Rose Shoulder Tattoos

The traditional red rose tattoo symbolizes romance and romantic love. It can also be used to depict beauty.

Due to the bright color, this is often a bold tattoo. However, it's a classic and gorgeous tattoo idea.

Red Rose Shoulder Tattoo on a man

Image by @oldsoultattooclub via Instagram

shoulder tattoo with red roses

Image by @owentattoooo via Instagram

coloured roses shoulder tattoo

Image by @natizza_do via Instagram

realistic red rose tattoo

Image by @stevesinnertattoos via Instagram

red rose tattoo without leaves

Image by @lacuna_tattoo_arts via Instagram

rose tattoo with roman numerals

Image by @3lcoco10tatt2s via Instagram

large coloured roses tattoo

Image by @brionyvictoriatattoo via Instagram

coloured rose tattoo on the shoulder cap

Image by @the_wrkz via Instagram

double roses tattoo on the shoulder

Image by @the_wrkz via Instagram

3 roses tattoo with black outline

Image by @mmorrisonlcmhc via Instagram

coloured rose tattoo with leaves

Image by @andietattooink via Instagram

White Rose Shoulder Tattoos

A white rose shoulder tattoo is associated with youth and purity. In some instances, it can also be seen as a sign of youth and young love. A rose shoulder tattoo of this color may also indicate a new beginning.

Keep in mind that getting a white rose tattoo requires a talented tattoo artist. White ink is tricky to use and will often fade and blur quickly.

Due to this, the artist will need to use shading to make the white portions really stand out.

minimalistic white roses tattoo

Image by @palette.tt via Instagram

coloured complex white rose tattoo

Image by @annytattoo via Instagram

girl with a white rose tattoo

Image by @flavia_mandatori via Instagram

white rose tattoo with a bee

Image by @abigail_bowen_tattoos via Instagram

Pink Rose Shoulder Tattoo

If you're looking for rose tattoo ideas to signify gratitude or appreciation for life in general, then a pink rose tattoo is the way to go!

pink rose tattoo on the shoulder

Image by @takingbackshelby via Instagram

dark pink floral shoulder tattoo

Image by @morninggorytattoo via Instagram

colourful floral shoulder tattoo

Image by @clairejacksonartwork via Instagram

pink single shoulder tattoo

Image by @the_inkuisition via Instagram

pink roses shoulder tattoo

Image by @electro_ink_tattoo_studio via Instagram

pretty pink rose tattoo

Image by @authenticallynh via Instagram

artistic pink rose tattoo

Image by @blackberrytattoostudio via Instagram

Yellow Rose Shoulder Tattoo

A yellow rose shoulder tattoo signifies the friendships in your life. You could have a single flower to represent an important person. Or, you can have a separate flower for different people.

It's also a good way to express joy.

small yellow rose tattoo

Image by @yvon_ink via Instagram

yellow roses tattoo with a butterfly

Image by @rosietodmantattoo via Instagram

neat yellow rose tattoo

Image by @dorothytattoo via Instagram

tatto with yellow roses, dates, a bird and a butterfky

Image by @ambertatttoo_ via Instagram

single yellow rose without leaves

Image by @volutatattoo via Instagram

Multi-Color Rose Shoulder Tattoos

If you simply enjoy colorful tattoos, here are some rose shoulder tattoo ideas that you can check out:

Multi-Color Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @cryptoqueer via Instagram

colourful floral tattoo

Image by @clairejacksonartwork via Instagram

two blue rose tattoos

Image by @hiddengemtattoos via Instagram

large colourful shoulder tattoo

Image by @1kimberlyreed via Instagram

cotton candy roses tattoo

Image by @teresa_andrews_art via Instagram

For these rose shoulder tattoos, you can have roses of varying colors or add in some other flowers.

Having only roses on your shoulder tattoo is great if you want an uniform theme. If you want a slightly wilder or more disarrayed look, consider adding in other types of flowers.

If you want the roses to stand out, use smaller flowers so that the roses will command the most attention.

Wild Rose Shoulder Tattoos

Believe it or not, wild roses are part of the rose family although they may look quite different. Unlike their carefully-cultivated counterparts, wild roses are all about survival - every element of their petals and color show that they thrive in the wilderness.

So, this kind of rose shoulder tattoo is the perfect design idea for anyone wants to represent their untamable spirit.

wild rose tattoo

Image by @misapanku via Instagram

colourful wild rose tattoo

Image by @jen_devian via Instagram

shoulder tattoo with wild roses

Image by @skyrocket.art via Instagram

wild roses and spider web tattoo

Image by @nikola.ivana via Instagram

This can be a great body art idea if you love the theme of roses but want to avoid anything too common or traditional.

Dual Rose Shoulder Tattoos

A rose tattoo on each shoulder can look stunning. The duality and symmetry of these tattoos can make you feel perfectly balanced as well.

Now, while it's commonplace to have matching rose tattoos on each shoulder, this isn't a rule that you need to follow. You are free to choose complementary designs if you prefer.

Dual Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @visions.arttherapy via Instagram

rose tattoos on both shoulders

Image by @nicoertmanntattoo via Instagram

Dual Rose Shoulder Tattoos in colour

Image by @_tattoos_love via Instagram

large dual rose shoulder tattoo

Image by @danni_duvall via Instagram

Ornamental Rose Shoulder Tattoos

This is a unique take on rose shoulder tattoos. Here, the roses are decked out in ornamentation and jewelry. It's a great way to add femininity and beauty to a tattoo that is already steeped in these concepts.

Ornamental Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @potluck_ink via Instagram

dream catcher rose shoulder tattoo

Image by @ashthomson via Instagram

Ornamental Shoulder Tattoo with roses

Image by @thiagocunha_th via Instagram

double yellow rose shoulder tattoos

Image by @sknapp_tattoos via Instagram

large coloured rose shoulder tattoos

Image by @allisintattoos via Instagram

If you're looking for unique but simple rose tattoo designs, consider this one. A single strand of pearls elevates this rose shoulder tattoo.

rose shoulder tattoo with pearls

Image by @sbambiii3 via Instagram

Tribal Rose Shoulder Tattoos

Would you like a tattoo with a bit of an edge? Then, a tribal rose tattoo may be just what you need.

Now, there isn't just one specific design or concept for these rose tattoos. It all depends on what tribal means to you and the effect you're trying to create. Here is some inspiration:

tribal wolf and rose shoulder tattoo

Image by @v_victor_tattoos via Instagram

tribal rose tattoo

Image by @frankyink_84 via Instagram

simple dot work rose tattoo

Image by @madart.tattoo via Instagram

Butterfly and Rose Shoulder Tattoos

A rose and butterfly tattoo is a great idea because the two elements work well together. What's more, they're both ultra-feminine concepts, making the tattoo extra beautiful.

Here are some butterfly and rose shoulder tattoos to consider:

Black Butterfly and Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @denzelsteward via Instagram

coloured Butterfly and rose tattoo

Image by @tattooist_yeori_2 via Instagram

butterfly and rose tattoo with no filling

Image by @twilight_tattooing via Instagram

red rose and black butterfly tattoo

Image by @inkedbyaj via Instagram

butterfly and rose tattoo

Image by @jess_ink_venlo via Instagram

half butterfly tattoo with roses

Image by @thetattooshop_newdelhi via Instagram

Skull and Rose Shoulder Tattoos

Skulls and roses feature in rose shoulder tattoos more often than you might think. This is probably due to the direct contrast of the two elements.

The roses add beauty to the skull while the skull lends an air of edginess to the roses. This works together to create a truly beautiful work of art.

rose skull tattoo

Image by @felipe.fares.tattoo via Instagram

skull and roses tattoo

Image by @tr3yoke via Instagram

skull tattoo with coloured roses on the shoulder

Image by @kristijonas_art via Instagram

detailed roses skull tattoo

Image by @tyto.tattoo via Instagram

creative skull tattoo with a rose

Image by @akshaynath73 via Instagram

two skull within a rose tattoos

Image by @inked_manatee via Instagram

black skull within a rose tattoo

Image by @travstattoos via Instagram

Clock and Rose Shoulder Tattoos

The rose and clock tattoo can mean a lot of different things. One interpretation is that it signifies endless love, especially if the ink contains a red rose.

For others, it can mean immortality. This doesn't have to be in the literal sense - it could be the immortality of your soul or spirit.

Some people get this tattoo as a reminder of the inevitability of death. This doesn't make it a morbid tattoo idea. It's just a nudge that nothing lasts forever and that you should make the most of life while you can.

Clock and Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @inksocietybasel via Instagram

coloured Clock and Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @expert_inkbali via Instagram

artistic tattoo of a clock and roses

Image by @allenjenkinstattoo via Instagram

rose clock tattoo

Image by @coveruptattoo_studio via Instagram

Snake and Roses Shoulder Tattoos

This is a beautiful concept for rose shoulder tattoos. The two elements may seem at odds with each other but this isn't the case at all.

The snake among the roses can be considered a warning. It's a reminder that deadly and dangerous things can be hiding in the most unassuming or most beautiful places.

This is also a great tattoo idea if you're someone who enjoys visually contrasting ideas or aesthetics.

tattoo of roses and a snake

Image by @vanya.ink via Instagram

snake and roses shoulder tattoo

Image by @sesen_tattoo via Instagram

snake and roses shoulder tattoo without filling

Image by @kenex_tattoo via Instagram

red rose and snake tattoo

Image by @mallorystattoos via Instagram

Dagger and Rose Shoulder Tattoos

This is such a beautiful, sexy, and dangerous combination for body art. It also has a classic feel.

It's a great idea if you want to step away from the traditional associations of roses and go for something different instead.

Here are some rose shoulder tattoos that you can borrow designs from:

sword-rose shoulder tattoo

Image by @butterflynk_tattoo via Instagram

coloured tattoo with a dagger and a rose

Image by @pk_tattoos via Instagram

Dagger and Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @iamwakeke via Instagram

cover up tattoo with a dagger and a rose

Image by @link_ink19 via Instagram

Rose Shoulder Tattoos with Sayings

Your rose shoulder tattoo can mean many things. Perhaps it is a symbol of strength, a reminder of the path behind you or the road ahead.

One way to make the meaning of these rose shoulder tattoos really stick is to include a relevant phrase or saying. Here are some great ideas to consider:

Rose Shoulder Tattoo with Saying

Image by @luxinktattoolounge via Instagram

rose tattoo with wording

Image by @koritoart via Instagram

Memorial Rose Shoulder Tattoos

Roses are often used to commemorate various life events. This can include funerals as well. So, using roses in a memorial tattoo is a beautiful idea.

It can be especially meaningful if the loved one who passed away adored roses or had some association with them.

Memorial Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @marxtattooartist via Instagram

coverup memorial rose shoulder tattoo

Image by @idzinkflow via Instagram

If you're looking for your next rose shoulder tattoo idea, you are spoiled for choice! Now that you know what categories and ideas are available, you may find it easier to decide on which tattoo is just right for you. So, make sure to select the rose tattoo that speaks to both your personality and artistic sensibilities!

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