92 Cool Ideas For Men’s Side Neck Tattoos That Enhance The Meaning Of Individuality And Self-Expression!

While most enthusiasts with unconditional love for tattoos take into account the visuals of the artwork before coming to a decision, men tend to move in a different lane before making their minds up.

Sure, the visuals matter. But what matters most is how the artwork feeds or contributes to their individuality and reflects on their wisdom, making neck tattoos a clear winner among the readily-available options.

Though painful, the side of the neck is an incredible way for men to express what they need to say, all the while wearing a tattoo that reinvents their masculinity. That said, if you’d like to learn them all, consider giving this guide on neck tattoos a read.

An Open Book: The Freeing Meaning Of Men’s Side Neck Tattoos!

@pennyroyal.tattoo

When all is said and done, neck tattoos for men are open to interpretation. In other words, neck tattoos commit to nothing beyond the visuals, making them some of the most spiritually freeing tattoos to exist.

That said, due to always being out there, neck tattoos associate themselves with self-acceptance, allowing one to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

 Additionally, neck tattoos are also very much for the rebels, due to their knack for demanding attention at all times.

Nonetheless, with tons of wisdom and a high level of pain in their creative process, neck tattoos can also cater to those seeking resilience and maturity at one go, making them quite compelling as candidates in the world of body modification.

Artistic And Highly-Sentimental Neck Tattoos For Men To Grow With!

@ritualtattooberkeley

Neck tattoos are painful to say the least. However, when you have the willpower to overcome the physical trauma induced by neck tattoos, tons of rewards await on the other side.

From art that brings one closer to their Creator to depictions that simply enrich and develop one’s character, a neck tattoo comes in various forms for men seeking them. To find the best of the best, however, let the following list lead the way.

Cross Neck Tattoo: Finding Strength Through God’s Guidance

@kissami_ink

When times are hard, it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever. However, if you’re in dire need of help, know it’s all around you.

That said, if working on your religious views seems like a viable option to you, a Cross neck tattoo might just be your most useful companion.

While the original depiction only carries either one or three Cross tattoos, blending verses from the Bible might be just as impactful. 

Hood Neck Tattoo: A Two-In-One Meaning

@le_gamin_tattoo

Though always seen in a positive light, neck tattoos and their reputation gain cynical traction due to them being ideal placements for hood tattoos, artwork affiliated with criminal organizations.

Overall, hood tattoos appear to have the second spot on this list of popular neck tattoos for men, used for wearers to represent their gangs.

In addition to wearing them to showcase their loyalty towards their members, many users wear hood neck tattoos to showcase their current status or level within their gang. 

Rose Neck Tattoo: Loving Openly

@artifacttattooscv

If you can’t love yourself, you can’t love anything else. And while it may come off as corny, the former is probably the realest narrative to ever exist.

That said, even if you’re not where you need to be, you should always love openly, as if it’s your last day on earth. But if you need a constant reminder, find one in a rose neck tattoo, led by traits of romance and a floral stencil. 

Owl Neck Tattoo: Providing Character Development

@v.o.tattoostudio

Avoiding stagnation is crucial if you want to be happy in life. And sometimes, all you need is a push for a huge change. 

That said, if you need a small emblem to come to your service for the former, why not sign up for an owl neck tattoo?

From high-resolution detailing to concentrated coloring, an owl neck tattoo is the epitome of wisdom and good visuals. 

Skull Neck Tattoo: Coming To Terms With Death 

@101tattooco

Life is like a ticking bomb. In other words, no matter how good you have it, life eventually comes to an end.

While the former should be enough of an incentive for one to live freely, accepting the inevitability of death is also important for one's psyche.

Skull tattoos have always bore the responsibility of educating one on death. As a neck tattoo, even a sugar skull looks masculine and intimidating.

Angel Neck Tattoo: Being True To Yourself

@1blacktattoos

The key to being happy in life is to live openly and freely, and nothing feels better than being yourself wholeheartedly.

Staying true to yourself in every form keeps you away from the pain of regret and shame, leading to more fulfillment and instant gratification.

While complex due to its size and pain level, an angel neck tattoo is the best possible artwork for this narrative.

Japanese Neck Tattoo: One With Many Faces

@namutatu

Japanese tattoos come in a range of schemes, led mostly by emblems of mythical creatures with metaphorical sentiments.

However, a close second remains a series of schemes that only engrave ancient Japanese calligraphy for a subtle yet impactful effect.

The perfect placement for the latter half remains compact regions, making Japanese neck tattoos very much in demand. The side of the neck is the first pick, while the center remains better for exposure. 

Spider Neck Tattoo: Moving In Your Own Lane

@ianadams420_ink

Being different isn't anything to be ashamed of. If anything, being different is good, especially if it's benefiting your mind and everything around you.

However, since having non-identical mannerisms can put one in a state of isolation and sadness, it's best to have around something that embraces you fully.

A spider neck tattoo carries an open mind, offering a healthy set of perks to those that stand out among the rest. 

Blessed Neck Tattoo: Practicing Gratitude For All That You Have

@madtatterky

You don't know what you have till it's gone. Therefore, it's best to acknowledge it while you're still breathing.

That's exactly what a blessed neck tattoo conveys, pleading users to be grateful for what they have.

Often added horizontally, this neck tattoo can also be placed sideways in the middle of the neck. 

Dove Neck Tattoo: Rekindling Your Ties with Faith

@kierawarhurstart

When the odds are against you, leaning on spirituality can be a great way to recuperate.

And though the former can be carried out in various ways, a dove neck tattoo appears to be the most dominant of them all.

Whether it's fused with a pair of doves or a quote tattoo, you can trust your piece to console you without any interruption. 

Dragon Neck Tattoo: A Two Way Lane

@denis.kom.art

Dragon tattoos are seen as tokens of wisdom, being pivotal for those seeking maturity. Conversely, dragon tattoos are also seen as an emblem of negativity, allowing wearers to feed off bad habits.

Nonetheless, there's no denying the visuals of dragon tattoos, which stand out most on exposed areas.

That said, as a neck tattoo, a dragon finds tons of viewership, while amping up one's physical appearance.

Eagle Neck Tattoo: Fighting For Independence 

@vicky__tattoo_thane

There’s nothing better than living on your own terms, at your own pace. But in order for the former to be a reality, obtaining independence is important.

Whether financial or spiritual, an eagle neck tattoo can always be a great emblem to rely on. With its knack for breaking free, it can allow you to think clearly while finding the right moves for your goal.

Although the back of the neck is a great area for the artwork, the stencil can also be contracted for a neck tattoo behind the ear.

Lips Neck Tattoo: Attracting Lust And Temptation

@recm_tatts

Believe it or not, if you want a tattoo that makes you charming in social settings, something as minimal as a neck tattoo can truly change your game.

If you’re open to suggestions, rely on a lips neck tattoo, which can kill two birds with one stone by strengthening your first impression and showcasing your love for neck kisses to the public eye.

The former isn’t all it stands for, however, since a lip tattoo on the neck can also be used to show love to your significant other. 

Snake Neck Tattoo: Recovering From Old Wounds

@fabrizioberlendistattooer

Reminiscing about the past can be detrimental to health, even more so when the things you think about involve unhealed wounds.

Worry not, however, as there’s always a way to break free from trauma that leaves you powerless. And in the world of art, the solution goes by the name of a snake tattoo.

As natural healers, snake tattoos mend broken hearts without any effort. When depicted as a neck tattoo, it is often adopted as a learning curve for men. 

Spider Web Neck Tattoo: Relieving Oneself Of Hardship

@tattooist.nyc

Another effective way to look forward to the future and reminisce less about what could have been is to come to terms with the past, which brings us to this neck tattoo.

With resilience and power, spider web tattoos repeatedly put in an effort to pull one out of a regressive mental state, resulting in positive change.

Wearing one is painful due to the detailing involved, however, so break the creative process into sessions to tackle it accordingly. 

Angel Wings Neck Tattoo: In Memory Of A Loved One

@inkednba

Death is inevitable. But sometimes, even the inevitable can be a hard pill to swallow.

That said, if you've recently lost a loved one out of the blue, leaning on a support system is necessary.

Additionally, since acceptance is also helpful, consider doing so in a positive way. If needed, you may adopt this neck tattoo for help, led by an angel wing tattoo. 

Bird Neck Tattoo: Manifesting Evolution 

@joandumez

Growing might feel awkward, but it's a part of life. Therefore, welcome those changes with open arms as opposed to shying away from them.

If all else fails, consider a bird neck tattoo, which is all about transformation and evolution, much like a butterfly tattoo.

To further come to terms with the new reality, pair your neck tattoo with a quote that is appropriate. 

Traditional Neck Tattoo: Larger Than Life

@yourstrulytattooaz

Standing by old rituals, a traditional neck tattoo focuses on heightening the outlook of the area, preferably with a jarring piece.

Due to being draped in a series of color schemes, it does provide a positive to indecisive minds, being compatible with a series of emblems.

From koi fish tattoos to floral patterns,  anything can be incorporated in this neck piece.

Aztec Neck Tattoo: Paying Homage To The Warriors

@adamwebbtattoos

Though its initial intention is to pay homage to the Aztec empire that contributed heavily to the formative years of central Mexico, Aztec tattoos can also be used to increase your mental resilience, which explains men and their obsession towards them.

In addition, an Aztec warrior can also be used as a motive for support in favor of those suffering from depression, especially when worn as a neck tattoo.

From helmets to symbols used by the Aztecs, one can take help from various notions to depict this neck tattoo. 

Bat Neck Tattoo: Tailor Made For Night Owls

@spittingsmoke

Blooming most when it's dark, a bat tattoo is the perfect fit for night owls.

The ways in which it can be depicted are plentiful as well, offering minimal pieces as well as highly detailed stencils.

That said, if you wear it as a neck tattoo, prepare to be judged, as it can leave a negative impact in professional settings. 

Geometric Neck Tattoo: A Delightful Dilemma

@tsk_tattooer

Adding shapes and tight angles work in favor of tattoos, which can be backed up by geometric neck tattoos.

Believe it or not, geometric neck tattoos are the sharpest, most likable illustrations on this list, especially from a visual standpoint.

With both complex and minimal options, this piece is a universal gem in the world of art. 

Scorpion Neck Tattoo: Recollecting What's Yours

@tattoofamilybordeaux

Re-growing is a part of life, which tends to feel beautiful and horrendous at the same time.

 Moving on, if a recent event has made you lose yourself, perhaps a neck tattoo of a scorpion might be more useful than you think.

A scorpion neck tattoo gives courage to vulnerable men, providing them with the push they need to bounce back into a better person from cynical times. 

Tribal Neck Tattoo: For Your Day Ones

@eptattoo

Having a solid support system is necessary to overcome the difficulties in life. But if you already have a group of friends picking you up when you're down, it's time you pay them back accordingly. 

Tribal tattoos have been ringleaders for wearers with an aim to show gratitude for their day ones.

Made with traditional instruments, the artwork carries patterns representing tribal emblems and a sense of flexibility that can even be appropriate as a neck tattoo.

Wolf Neck Tattoo: Relying On Self First

@openwatertattoos

We live alone, and we die alone. That's just how life works, whether you like it or not.

Moving on, one of the interpretations of the former encourages one to also be self-reliant; a mantra which is found in wolf tattoos.

Coming in often large sizes, a wolf tattoo can easily be downsized as a neck tattoo for less pain and more wisdom. 

Blackout Neck Tattoo: Closing Old Chapters

@mooncussertattoo

Chinese Neck Tattoo: Destroying The Stigma 

@kai.cjtattoo

Crown Tattoo On Neck: Loving With Integrity

@chrollo_ink

Eye Tattoo On Neck: Protection Against Bad Omen

@queenofsteelpiercingandtattoo

Gothic Neck Tattoo: The Art Behind Darkness

@hellie_tattoo

Medusa Neck Tattoo: Staying Humble

@bodyofinkceo

Phoenix Neck Tattoo: Promoting Longevity 

@immortal_inks

Chicano Neck Tattoo: A Hybrid Of Two Traditions 

@tattoos_by_teddy

Joker Neck Tattoo: Greeting Your Wild Side

@andtttz

Roman Numeral Tattoo On Neck: Tweaking Numbers For Preventability 

@angietack.tattoos

Egyptian Neck Tattoo: Paying Homage To The Culture

@cs.tattoos.inc

Lion Tattoo On Neck: Acquiring Perseverance During Hard Times

@perfectimagestudios

Money Neck Tattoo: Manifesting Financial Gain

@heavy_inks

Moth Neck Tattoo: Acknowledging New Change

@woundedfawntattoos

Swallow Neck Tattoo: Avoiding Conformity 

@mitchelkelftattoo

Frequently Asked Question

Now that you've been introduced to all the entries that shape the world of side neck tattoos, take a look at the following questionnaire for some added knowledge regarding the movement.

Q: Are side neck tattoos painful?

Ans: Due to lacking muscle tissues and having tons of nerve endings, neck tattoos, especially around the side of the area, tend to be some of the most painful depictions to sign up for.

Using numbing cream beforehand can reduce the sensitivity, however, even if it's by a subtle amount.

Q: What do side neck tattoos signify for men?

Ans: Side neck tattoos come with a diverse set of messages, making their symbolism most ideal for those seeking freedom, strength, support, and character development.

Q: Do side neck tattoos age well?

Ans: The artwork imprinted on the side of the neck tends to age rather well. However, if the area is deprived of moisture, the skin might become loose and wrinkly, negatively impacting the visuals of the artwork as a result.

Final Verdict

In hindsight, neck tattoos rank extremely high in the pain chart, essentially due to the nerve endings that they contain. However, for men, they’re perceived as mentors as well as motivators, since it makes space for physical resilience and mental development.

From quotes to dates to even floral patterns, the ceiling of side neck tattoos for men remains high. For best results, it’s always advised to turn to a piece that speaks to your soul and pairs well with your tolerance to pain.