Sometime in the 1990s getting lower back tattoos became popular, especially amongst women in the 18 to 25 year old category. It’s guessed that nearly 20% of the women that have tattoos opt to get them on their lower backs. Lower back tattoos are usually fairly wide in shape, and span both sides of the lower back. The lower back is usually chosen for the site of a tattoo because it’s considered a sexy area for a woman. If the tattoo design is correctly selected and centered, it can emphasize the curvature of the female shape. You don’t usually see lower back tattoos on men. With the fashion popularity of low rider jeans and short tops, displaying one’s lower back tattoos has become even easier!

However, not all cultures embrace the popularity of lower back tattoos on women. Some cultures deem women with tattoos in that area to have lower moral standards. In Australia for example, lower back tattoos on women have been given the slang name “arse antlers.” In some parts of America these tattoos are called “tramp stamps”. In towns that border Mexico they’re sometimes referred to as “Tijuana License Plates.”

Why to Choose Lower Back Tattoos

There are several reasons why the lower back is often chosen to display tattoos. For one, the lower back has a lot of horizontal space, which makes it a nice area for showcasing fairly wide tattoos. Women of all sizes can get tattoos in this area. The lower back can accommodate tattoo designs of different types and look very attractive. Usually, tattoos in the lower back area follow this pattern, i.e., narrow on each side and larger (or fuller) in the middle. Here are some free lower back tattoos examples:

Additionally, tattoos located in the lower back area can easily be covered up. They aren’t as easily visible as those on the next, hands, or arms, so they don’t pose a concern for those seeking employment in more conservative environments or public settings.

Also, if the tattoo wearer gains or loses weight, the chance that the tattoo design may become distorted or “faded” is decreased.

However, there are some other issues you should consider before getting a tattoo in the lower back area. The most prevalent issue is pain. If you are someone that already suffers from lower back pain, do you really want to have someone poke a needle into that area? Also, people with lower back pain often find it painful to lie on their stomach for long periods of time. Getting a lower back tattoo can take hours to complete depending on the complexity of the design. This also makes them fairly expensive because of the size of the design.

Lower Back Tattoo Safety Concerns

Some practitioners warn against administering epidurals to pregnant women with lower back tattoos because they believe there is a risk of infection or they believe some of the tattoo ink could be introduced into the epidural space. As such, some anesthesiologists may give an epidural block to women in labor that have lower back tattoos. It is important to note that there have been no studies linking tattoo wearers to delivery complications but women may want to err on the side of caution. Pregnant women with lower back tattoos should discuss these issues with their doctors.

When properly (symmetrically) drawn and inked, lower back tattoos can be very sexy and stylish on women and can last for many years. However, as with any tattoo, consider how you’ll feel about it when you’re much older!

Several celebrities have lower back tattoos. Here are a few to check out:

Angelina Jolie

Dave Navarro

Eva Longoria

For more information on lower back tattoos and to see additional photos of designs see the articles below:

Lower Back Tribal Tattoos

Lower Back Tattoos of Butterflies