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85 Shin Tattoos to Influence Your Next Kickin' Tattoo

by Sherri Owens

Shin tattoos are pretty unique, so it can be difficult to know what designs will work best for you. Well, from floral tattoos to skulls, I have unveiled the top options.

I have been an artist for over a decade and during this time, I have been commissioned to design numerous shin tattoo designs. So, I can help you on this journey.

Here are the tattoo categories for you to choose from!

The Best Shin Tattoo Designs

Here are the top shin tattoo ideas that you should check out:

Floral Shin Tattoos

When it comes to shin tattoo ideas, floral tattoos are one of the most popular tattoos that come to mind.

Despite being a frequent choice, flowers are an incredibly versatile tattoo design. This means that even when choosing a flower that is fairly common, there are lots of ways to go about designing it.

There is also no denying that there is something incredibly beautiful about a floral shin tattoo. Here are some of the tattoo designs to consider if you want to get a shin tattoo:

Split Mandala Shin Piece

Image by @quinnsmp via Instagram

peonies fresh and mandala butterfly

Image by @rebecca.tattoo via Instagram

Orange Poppies Shin Tattoos

Image by @keltait_t2 via Instagram

Birth flower bouquet shin piece

Image by @wildeblumetattoo via Instagram

Bold florals shin piece

Image by @laurensmithtattoos via Instagram

Black Work Jewelry Tattoo

Image by @rebeccalinneaxo and timebombstudio via Instagram

Wild Flower Shin Tattoo

Image by @abstract_jessie via Instagram

Fineline mandala piece

Image by @skinhabitstattoo via Instagram

Dotwork Floral Shin Tattoo Design

Image by @marissakaytattoo via Instagram

Sunflower Mandala Piece

Image by @beckymaetattoo via Instagram

Lotus shin pieces

Image by @tinnersxo via Instagram

Family birth flowers shin tattoo art

Image by @hannahloutattoo via Instagram

Peony Flower Shin Tattoo

Image by @glamour_tech5000 via Instagram

Butterfly Shin Tattoos

Butterflies are also fairly common as lower leg tattoos. This, too, has to do with the fact that it's such an adaptable tattoo design.

You can opt for realistic butterfly shin tattoos, those that are more ethereal, or make full use of your creative license and come up with something completely different.

As an added bonus, they work well as small shin tattoos too.

Butterfly shin tattoo piece

Image by @miacelestedesign via Instagram

Butterfly and tiger shin tattoo

Image by @maesen.kevin.tattoos via Instagram

Shin Moth Tattoo

Image by @yeoldeinkinn49 via Instagram

Twin Butterfly Shin Tattoo Design

Image by @parisreadingtattoo via Instagram

Collection of butterflies shin tattoo

Image by @spitonyouth.tattoo via Instagram

Floral Butterfly Shin Tattoo

Image by @lowkey_at_second_skin via Instagram

Trippy rainbow moth tattoo

Image by @chiahtattoos via Instagram

Colorful monarch butterfly tattoo

Image by @lindsayrae.art via Instagram

Black Butterfly Shin Tattoo

Image by @chloemaytattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @intheink76 via Instagram

Flying Butterflies Tattoo Art

Image by @marlowtattoolounge via Instagram

Butterfly and Peony Shin Tattoo

Image by @courtenaydicksontattoo via Instagram

Now, a lot of people assume that butterflies are meant for women. However, they are a great choice for shin tattoos for men too.

Keep in mind, you don't have to choose shin tattoo ideas that are traditionally feminine. Instead, you can go for realistic designs, gothic versions, or something more creative if you choose.

Twin flame set of skeletal butterflies

Image by @chachii.ink via Instagram

Sun and Moon Shin Tattoos

Sun and moon shin tattoo ideas are plentiful. So, if you're looking for something unique, there are lots of options for you.

Simply take a basic style or piece of artwork to a tattoo artist and ask them how it can be altered to suit your personal style or preference.

In case you are looking for small shin tattoo ideas, these are great designs to start with.

The other lovely thing about these shin tattoo designs is that they hold a great deal of meaning as well. The sun is a traditionally masculine symbol while the moon is feminine. At the same time, they have opposing energies.

Due to this, a sun and moon shin tattoo could be a depiction of both of these energies. When featured together in a single shin tattoo, these could also mean balance. In some cases, this shin tattoo could also signify undying love.

Here are the shin tattoo ideas for this design:

Sun, Moon, with Lily Shin Tattoo

Image by @samigraytattoo via Instagram

Colorful Sun Moon Floral Tattoo

Image by @heathsmith via Instagram

Grey Shade Sun Moon Shin Tattoo

Image by @calli_redwoods_tattoopage via Instagram

Sun Moon Jewel Tattoo Art

Image by @laurakatetattoos via Instagram

Sun Moon with Woman Paired Tattoo

Image by @wakefieldtattoo via Instagram

Hot Sun and Calm Moon Shin Tattoo

Image by @reganxleighx via Instagram

Sun Moon Mandala Shin Tattoo

Image by @sweetartcarly via Instagram

Animal Shin Tattoos

There are a lot of reasons that people go for animal shin tattoo ideas.

In some cases, it is because the animal holds a certain symbolism. For instance, lions are associated with strength, wolves with leadership, deer with innocence, and bears with bravery.

In other instances, you get such an animal shin tattoo simply because you like that animal. You may also consider such shin tattoo ideas if you like creative possibilities surrounding that animal.

Here are the shin tattoo ideas that you can draw inspiration from:

Black Work Deer Tattoo

Image by @roogladwelltattoos via Instagram

Cat and Flowers Tattoo

Image by @snake_town_tattoo via Instagram

Floral Lioness Shin Tattoo

Image by @ellenxotattoo via Instagram

Fruit Bat Shin Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbynicki via Instagram

Snake and Rose Shin Tattoo

Image by @_naominoir_ via Instagram

Wolf and Butterfly Shin Tattoo

Image by @tattoo_morningstar_weymouth via Instagram

Wild Lioness Floral Shin Tattoo

Image by @spazwithapentattoo via Instagram

Dragon Shin Tattoos

Dragons may seem like a better option for thigh tattoos, but there are lots of great shin tattoo ideas as well.

The curving form of the dragon can be wrapped around your shin in an artistic way.

Dragons are also associated with good luck and fortune. So, if you would like a shin tattoo that is a positive symbol, this is certainly a design to consider.

Here are the top shin tattoo ideas you can check out:

Dragon Shin Tattoo

Image by @u.p.tattoo via Instagram

Black Dragon Tattoo Piece

Image by @leighagarveytattoo via Instagram

Inked Dragon Shin Tattoo

Image by @projaqk via Instagram

Traditional Style Shin Tattoos

Do a little research and you will find that the traditional style is pretty common among shin tattoo ideas. This is probably because it showcases well on this part of the body.

This tattoo style is defined by bold lines and iconic imagery such as flowers, daggers, and women. Of course, you can choose to expand on these icons if you wish.

While some of the traditional shin tattoos may be done in black ink, color tattoos are more common. When choosing colors for your shin tattoo, make sure to select those that will complement your skin tone.

Here are the shin tattoo ideas for the traditional style that will help you get started on your tattoo design:

Double Shin Bangers

Image by @taylorthetattooer via Instagram

Custom dagger and roses Shin Tattoo

Image by @tatturo_ via Instagram

Traditional Dagger Shin Tattoo

Image by @vanna_kiss via Instagram

Love Dad and Dagger Tattoo

Image by @georgiarosetattoo via Instagram

Sailor Jerry Girl Shin Tattoo

Image by @danielpap via Instagram

Dagger and Lantern Shin Tattoo

Image by @jenarthurtattoos via Instagram

Floral Dagger Shin Set

Image by @ga.tattoos via Instagram

Russian Doll Shin Tattoo

Image by @courtenaydicksontattoo via Instagram

Owl and funky skull tattoo

Image by @jimmyduvall via Instagram

Colored Floral Mandala Tattoo

Image by @hailey.tattoos via Instagram

Colorful Lighthouse Tattoo Piece

Image by @sierrajthomas via Instagram

Lovers tarot shin designs

Image by @heathsmith via Instagram

Ornamental Shin Tattoos

There is no set definition for what an ornamental shin tattoo is. This is because it's a fairly new creation. Also, it's more about creating a decorative pattern with these tattoos than anything else.

As a result, you get to be as creative with your shin tattoo as you want. It also means that you can design a small shin tattoo or go for a full sleeve tattoo, depending on your preference and the location of the tattoo.

These are most common with girls, but guys can definitely consider this as a shin tattoo option too.

Check out these cool ornamental shin tattoo ideas:

Linework Peony Ornament Tattoo Piece

Image by @pip.fox.tattoos via Instagram

Floral Jewel Ornament Shin Tattoo

Image by @thedon_tattoo via Instagram

Ornamental custom shin piece

Image by @shanemichaeljamestattoos via Instagram

A wee decorative piece on the shin

Image by @kurgancraig_tattoo via Instagram

Dotwork Geometric Shin Tattoo

Image by @cynthia_omlin via Instagram

Ornamental thigh piece

Image by @sophia_nous_tattoo via Instagram

Feminine Ornamental Tattoo

Image by @leemalonetattoo via Instagram

Ornate Shin Piece

Image by @slothmantattoos and los_muertos_tattoos via Instagram

Fineline Symmetrical Shin Tattoo

Image by @lanaferntattoo via Instagram

Ornamental Shin Tattoo Piece

Image by @ldyfenwick_tattoo and tofanastudios via Instagram

A pair of ornamental shins

Image by @ckctattoo via Instagram

Full ornamental shin piece

Image by @mashroomink via Instagram

Ornamental Tribal Tattoos

Image by @gmunoz.ink via Instagram

Blackwork Floral Ornamental Shin Piece

Image by @nikkilollytattoo via Instagram

Fritillary butterfly and cricket tattoo piece

Image by @stipplewhipper via Instagram

Spiritual Shin Tattoos

The thing about spiritual shin tattoos is that you have a lot of choice in your tattoo design.

If you like, you could choose a more religious shin tattoo. This could be borrowed from Christianity, Hinduism, or any other faith.

Or, you could get a shin tattoo that is more spiritual in nature. Your shin tattoo could be more based on symbology or moral idealism.

These shin tattoo ideas may inspire you:

Healed Jesus Shin Tattoo

Image by @fifthestatetattoo via Instagram

Angel Shin Tattoo Design

Image by @inkredibletattoos via Instagram

Lord Ganesh Tattoo Design

Image by @by.kojl via Instagram

Hamsa hand with evil eye Shin Tattoo

Image by @love_ink_leaf via Instagram

Lucifer Shin Tattoo

Image by @you_aint_seen_muffins_yet via Instagram

Zues shin piece

Image by @radiantenergytattoo via Instagram

Skull Shin Tattoos

Skull shin tattoos are a popular choice. For one thing, skulls look incredibly cool. For another, they are quite versatile. This allows them to be designed in various ways for shin tattoos.

Of course, if you're considering a more meaningful shin tattoo, skulls hold plenty of meaning too. This kind of tattoo can used to depict death, the inevitability of death, immortality, and similar themes.

Skull Book and Flowers Tattoo

Image by @the_neon_lady via Instagram

Skull Geometric Tattoo

Image by @ashbdawson via Instagram

Skull Roses Queen Shin Piece

Image by @shaunboytattoo via Instagram

Half Flowers and Skull Tattoo

Image by @tattoos_bybrett via Instagram

Floral Snake Skull Tattoo

Image by @swampqueenart via Instagram

Mandala skull wolf tattoo

Image by @tattooluke89 via Instagram

Skulls and ferns right on the shin

Image by @streetink.tattooclub via Instagram

Bird and Skull Shin Pieces

Image by @steveradl666 via Instagram

If you're looking for shin tattoos with a grim reaper theme, here are the tattoo ideas that you should be considering:

Shin Tattoos with a Grim Reaper Theme

Image by @mel_ociraptor via Instagram

Does Shin Tattoo Hurt?

If you're wondering if shin tattoos hurt, sadly the answer is yes. It is arguably one of the more painful tattoos you can get.

In case you're wondering about the exact shin tattoo pain level, it's probably around 8 to 10 on the scale - it is as painful as other body parts like the armpit and rib cage.

This pain isn't so much to do with the fact that there are more nerve endings as that there is very little fat on this part of the body. Also, the skin is fairly thin here. So, when you get your shin tattooed, your shin bone is directly below, making the experience very painful.

Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't get a shin tattoo. Rather, be prepared for the kind of physical pain you are likely to experience. What's more, if this is your first tattoo, you may want to consider another part of your body as you will not be braced for the pain.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need a good tattoo artist for your shin tattoo. Not everyone can manage this kind of tattoo, so make sure that you choose someone with the right skills and experience.

How Long Does It Take Shin Tattoos to Heal?

Tattoos in the shin area will heal at the same rate as any other ink. This means that it may take between 2 to 3 weeks until it heals completely.

When getting a shin tattoo, be aware that this part of the body is more prone to infection. Due to this, it is important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your artist.

Which Leg is Good for Tattoo?

One leg isn't better than the other for your shin tattoo. Rather, it is down to your preference. Some people prefer their dominant foot while others might want to get the tattoo on the other leg.

What Do I Wear to a Shin Tattoo?

Well, this all depends on the featured tattoo and how much space it takes up on your leg. When you are sitting in the tattoo chair, make sure that your tattoo artist can easily access the area.

If you're only getting your lower leg tattooed, a pair of knee length shorts will work. In case you're getting a full leg sleeve or something that goes higher than the knee cap, running shorts will be more suitable.

These are all the shin tattoo ideas you can check out. It doesn't matter if you're a man or woman, or what kind of ink style or art form you identify with. There are options for everyone!

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