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27 Awesome Rose Tattoo Ideas For Men & Women

No flower is more iconic in the world of tattoos than the rose. It is a flower whose meaning provokes feelings of beauty and pain. Beautifully colored petals and a slender stem draw in the eye, but painful thorns warn you against treating it without caution. For these reasons alone it is easy to see […]

No flower is more iconic in the world of tattoos than the rose. It is a flower whose meaning provokes feelings of beauty and pain. Beautifully colored petals and a slender stem draw in the eye, but painful thorns warn you against treating it without caution. For these reasons alone it is easy to see why you are interested in getting inked.

But before you go and get your own rose tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the coolest, cutest, and best-looking rose tattoos of 2022. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.

Rose Tattoo
Women’s Blackwork Rose Sternum Tattoo

Nothing says perfection like a rose tattoo over the sternum extending down to the cleavage. This one done in Blackwork style with its bold planes of black illustrates your style. This girl’s not afraid to raise her hand and be heard. And in this case – Seen.


Rose Tattoo
Sketch Rose Forearm Tattoo With Black Leaves

We haven’t shown much of this style termed Sketch. It’s characterized by overlapping lines, incomplete strokes, bold shading and lines that don’t fully close leaving empty or negative space. The leaves and stem in the tattoo are done in Blackwork style as noted by the heavy solid planes of black ink. This is where you can take something like a rose, typically seen as a gentle design element, and turn it on its head via a specific tattoo style. Then it’s visible for all to see right on your forearm. And that’s called creativity.

Rose Tattoo
Man’s Bold Black and Gray Rose Hand Tattoos

Who says roses are only for girls on Prom night. Not this guy or his artist. These rose hand tattoos are done in the Linework style: bold black outlines along with shades of gray. The skill level of this artist is obvious as seen in the awesome gray shading; not an easy feat. I love how the roses seem like they were always intended to be right on top of this dude’s hands. Perfect Fit.


Rose Tattoo
Women’s Realistic Watercolor Pink Rose Tattoo on Top Forearm

Look at this tattoo and you could think you’re looking at a photo of a beautiful, lightly faded pink/red rose. The colors of the petals look dabbed and lovingly painted with watercolors. The stem looks real, the leaves look real with their gradations of color. All this is achieved by an artist very skilled in shading and ink application. This beautiful rose then gets to be showcased on top of the forearm for all to admire. What a gorgeous piece of body art. Lucky you.

Rose Tattoo
Large Blue Butterfly Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Upper Back

This blue butterfly tattoo fits perfectly between this woman’s shoulder blades which serve as its frame. You can see how with tattoos it’s often about Location, Location, Location. The central rose is done in the Black and Gray style with very skilled shading. This contrasts with the larger butterfly done in the Linework style with touches of beautiful color.The pinks, purples and blues seem to have been dabbed on with a cloth adding to a sense of “lightness” which is associated with butterflies. The bold solid blackwork on the lower wings seems to support the rose. I think this design and where it’s located makes this woman’s back seem to take flight. Beautiful.


Rose Tattoo
Trash Polka Rose Tattoo on Man’s Hand

Have you ever heard of the Trash Polka style of tattooing? Take a look at this tattoo and you’ll get it. The style was created by Simone Plaff and Volko Merschky in 1998 at their Buena Vista Tattoo Club in Germany. It’s characterized by realistic compositions with an abundance of black ink and shades of red (or occasionally blue). The black rose here looks like it was expertly stamped on this man’s hand, expertly matching the hand’s contours. Result: A Perfect Tattoo.

Rose Tattoo
Fine Line Purple Watercolor Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Arm

If you’re looking for a pretty floral tattoo you’ve got to consider the Watercolor style. Diluted pastel colors which are typical of this style are used here. Some of the ink is applied in a very precise manner while some shadowing occurs just outside the outlines. These outlines are done in the Fineline style with a light touch which syncs with the floral theme. I think the upper arm perfectly frames this design.


Rose Tattoo
Cute Watercolor Rose Tattoo With Blue Leaves

This flower looks like an Impressionist master might have painted it. And of course it would deserve to be on display just as it is on this woman’s forearm. Notice there’s sufficient space here for its large dimensions. The Watercolor Brush style is characterized by splashes and spills of color inside and outside of the lines. Here Messy is Neat.

Rose Tattoo
Blackwork Rose & Snake on Woman’s Shoulder

I usually wouldn’t be comfortable with a snake so close to my neck, but I’d make the exception for a tattoo as beautiful as this. I really love the location as well, with the top of the shoulder also being great for mandala tattoo designs.


Rose Tattoo
Minimal White Ink Leaf Tattoos & Pink Flower Full-Sleeve Tattoo

A full-sleeve tattoo can definitely make a statement but it can also be intimidating. This full-sleeve tattoo though is like you just landed in “Strawberry Fields” – soft and safe; dreamy. First you have multiple strawberry pink roses beautifully shaded and outlined with white lines. Then these white lines continue as the outlines of the leaves adorning the entire length of the arm. Who knew one’s arm was meant for this large “painting”. Looks like springtime forever.

Rose Tattoo
Minimal Butterfly Outline Tattoo Filled With Black and Gray Roses on Woman’s Forearm

What could be a better but unexpected pairing – but a dainty butterfly adorned with roses. All this lightness of feeling is enhanced by the Minimalist tattoo style where light touches of ink are applied without the use of color; here just black and gray. These blacks and grays are used within the outlines of the butterfly to create the roses. Magnificent shading work appears on the petals and leaves. This takes skill especially in such a small space. This butterfly appears to have just landed on this woman’s forearm and lucky for her it isn’t going anywhere.


Rose Tattoo
Women’s Black and Gray Rose Hand Tattoo

For those into the black and gray look, here is a very popular idea of placing a rose right atop the hand.

Rose Tattoo
Upside Down Black and Gray Rose Tattoo With Spider Over Triceps

This hanging rose dangles dramatically over the triceps ending right above the elbow. There the spider’s web begins whose shape mimics the lines formed by the upper contours of the elbow itself. None of this beautiful framing and positioning is accidental. It’s all the work of a skilled artist with not only inking skills but an eye for artistry. Combined, this is what makes a great tattoo. The light, fragile nature of this tattoo is enhanced by the absence of any color which is the Black and Gray style of tattooing.


Rose Tattoo
Simple Red Ink Rose & Linework Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Forearm

Mix and match: beautiful red line roses with delicate shading (I love these) and a menacing snake done in Linework style. Somehow it all “fits” – figuratively and quite literally on this woman’s forearm. The length of the forearm perfectly showcases this vertically oriented tattoo. Love the cord bracelet next to it too!

Rose Tattoo
Matching Rose Tattoos For Friends / Sisters

The bond of friendship or family can only be strengthed with matching tattoos. These matching fine line rose tattoos are really beautiful.

Rose Tattoo
Small Cat Tattoo Made Out of Blue Roses on Woman’s Triceps

These roses pop because of the color used, a vibrant blue, and its location over the triceps. Although watercolors are often muted by their dilution with water this is just a variation on the use of pastels. Here the colors are kept within the lines which gives an earthy feel to these roses. They look like they’re still growing (right on her arm).


Rose Tattoo
Linework Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Spine / Upper Back

If you have a pretty back why not make it even prettier with a perfectly centered tattoo. This rose tattoo and stem running along the spine/upper back is done in the Linework style. There’s a mix of both the very fine lines of the petal and the thicker linework of the stem and leaves. These thicker lines are further accented by the darker ink and shading used. So as I said, this woman had a pretty back now made prettier with her tattoo.

Rose Tattoo
Small Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Forearm

Who says simple can’t make a statement. This small rose tattoo in Fine Linework style definitely attracts your attention. The soft lines of the rose petals and leaves on the forearm are exquisite. Just look closely at that detail. That along with the lifelike 3D shading makes me think that a petal or two might just be blown off by a light breeze. Careful.


Black Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Outer Forearm

This dramatic floral tattoo is the masterpiece of artist SOMA from South Korea. Many think of floral tattoos being done in Lineworks style (think fine lines) or Watercolor style but not this one. Here Blackwork style with its application of bold planes of black ink is used. It’s bold but remains feminine highlighting the skill of the artist. Its placement on the outer forearm allows for its long vertical design to be showcased.

Rose Tattoo
More Rose Tattoo Designs: A Women’s Rose Wrist Tattoo

Here’s a completely modern take on adorning a woman’s hand with a fancy glove. Since most women are no longer wearing long gloves, achieve a fresh take on this look with a floral tattoo on the hand and wrist. The rose tattoo’s dimensions are a perfect fit for this area. The rose and leaves are done in Linework style with shades of gray making it very feminine. Guess what’s old is new again.


Rose Tattoo
Line Work Rose / Purple New School Rose Forearm Tattoo

This is such a super-cool custom rose tattoo; I love it! It’s by Vincent_bloodline from Italy. It showcases the artist’s personal style of combining Linework style on one side and New School style on the other. Bold outlines and simple colors characterize New School making this rose very modern; very fresh. Of course the forearm is a perfect location to highlight its design.

Rose Tattoo
Women’s Rose & Snake Linework Spine Tattoo

Here’s another beautiful example of a rose tattoo and snake done in the Linework style. A snake – dangerous yes but here the fine lines make it quite sensuous. The spine along the upper back serves as the perfect location for this long vertical tattoo. You can feel and sense the snake, entangling the rose, inching its way up this woman’s back. Definitely makes it come alive.


Rose Tattoo
Pink Rose Floral Tattoo on Woman’s Shoulder Blade

Rose tattoos, symbolizing love and beauty, have traditionally been a popular theme for women’s tattoos. The pastel color and subtle shading make this rose so pretty. Then there’s its location on the back shoulder; always an intriguing location. Adding particular interest is the orientation of the tattoo to the back shoulder. It’s positioned so the upper portion is framed by the curve of the shoulder from where it’s allowed to drape gracefully downward and to the side.

Rose Tattoo
Red Line Rose Tattoos With Black Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Side Thigh

Contrasting styles, colors and themes make this one exquisite snake tattoo. The red roses are perfectly outlined and detailed using Linework Style which is often used with floral tattoos. Alternatively the snake is done with bold black ink in the Blackwork style. Then there’s the story. The rose is a symbol of innocence; the snake temptation. I don’t know who’s going to win but I do know this tattoo certainly does. Great work by the artist Rozi from Seoul, South Korea who used the thigh to showcase this large tattoo.


Rose Tattoo
Fine Line Floral Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Inner Biceps

Here’s another floral tattoo by @iam_rozi from Seoul, South Korea done completely in Linework style.Thin lines are used without the addition of any color. You can see that the rose and leaves fit perfectly in the space provided by the bicep; not too big, not too small. Beautiful design in a perfect location.

Rose Tattoo
Minimal Single Line Rose Tattoo on Woman’s Outer Forearm

This is Instagram style101: delicate single Linework style with Minimalism through and through. No complicated design, no color but loads of sophistication. And it’s readily visible on the outer forearm running down along its length for all to see. Camera anyone?


Rose Tattoo
We Hope You Enjoy These Rose Tattoo Ideas! First Off: A Hand & Pink Rose Fine Line Tattoo on Woman’s Ankle

Thoughtful choices are employed in this rose tattoo which enhance its intended feminine mood. Watercolor styling adds muted color to the rose and leaves while outlines are done in the Finelines style. Even the tattoo’s location is important as the ankle itself is so delicate and intimate. Feels just like a lovely summer day. Credit to the artist, Sio out of Seoul, South Korea.

Ideassimple hopes you enjoyed the article, please comment on your favorite amazing rose tattoo designs. Be sure to visit our tattoo category on our website for more cool ideas. Thanks a lot!