29 Timeless Rose Tattoo Ideas for Men in 2024
Who says Rose tattoos are for women only; we certainly don’t. Often thought of as being dainty and very feminine, Rose tattoos are actually very popular among men. Matter of fact, we think they’re often super-sexy and badass.
But before you guys go and get your own Rose tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. 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.
With that said, let’s begin.
The Best Rose Tattoos for Men - Black and Gray/Linework Rose Tattoo on Man’s Neck and Arm
First on our list is a work from Artist IG: g.na_tattoo from Seoul, Korea. As we’ve often mentioned, Seoul is a hotbed for tattoo talent, as evidenced in this piece. The linework shading, seen on the petals and leaves, is crisp and beautiful. Touches of white ink are used as highlight, which make the Rose seem to glisten. Looks like this piece might be suggesting the intersection of love and pain.
IG: g.na_tattoo
Large Black and Gray Rose, Snake and Skull Tattoo on Man’s Chest
Although the Roses in this tattoo aren’t the focal point, they’re nevertheless, really impressive and showstoppers. Initially appearing like mirror images, there are subtle differences in both their size and shading. Of course the orientation with the snake is also a another point of differentiation.
IG: ez_eee_tattoo
Neo-Traditional Rose and Dagger Tattoo on Man’s Neck
This tattoo is truly impressive, even if it symbolizes heartbreak and betrayal. At first glance, you can’t help but admire the striking palette. It’s pure Neo-Traditional with its vivid, but muted colors. There are also the bold black outlines associated with this style; and here, they’re truly skillfully inked. They’re so steady, so crisp; they almost look computer-generated. And last but not least, is placement. It’s like this tattoo was ‘born’ to be here, snuggly following and accenting every curve on the client’s neck. Props to the Artist IG:@swan-tattooer for this awesome piece.
IG: swan_tattooer
Black and Gray Rose Tattoo on Man’s Shoulder
Despite being inked in muted tones, the Roses stand out in this tattoo, thanks to their even black outlines and the contrasting darker ink of the surrounding leaves. There’s not much to dislike in this tattoo; actually there’s so much to like. The lines are crisp, the dotwork shading subtle, and the detailing on the snake’s skin amazingly done. Of course the design itself is impressive as it highlights the contours of the shoulder, the collarbone and upper arm.
IG: tattooer_intat
Blackwork Rose Tattoo on Man’s Neck
I love the use of solid planes of black ink on both the Rose and leaves in this piece. It really adds a richness and sophistication. These dark opaque areas are then offset by lighter contrasting shading and white highlights. I might have liked to see the Rose set back further from the face, with the the stem curving forward, to accentuate the anatomical curves found here. Perhaps both artist and client were thinking that this alternative positioning would have made the tattoo less masculine. In any case, this is obviously an impressive piece.
IG: baegx_
Realistic Red Rose Tattoo on Back of Man’s Neck
Black and Gray style is often used to render realistic images. Of course, color can be added to the mix. In either case, shading and contrast are a must to create dimension and 3D. You can also see how not adding outlines around the petals and leaves makes them appear totally realistic, which is the obvious intended goal here.
IG: chou_ta_1
Linework Rose Tattoo on Man’s Shoulder and Upper Arm
You’ve really gotta look at the lines in this piece close up. They are so impressive, so crisp, so even, so beautiful. Despite the light ink on the Roses, they are definitely the focal points in this piece. That’s thanks to the contrasting darker tones of the bird and surrounding leaves. Of course the dotwork shading in this piece, along with the white-inked moon, only add to the awesomeness of thetattoo. Props to the Artist IG: @g.na_tattoo. You can find her in one of the great tattoo capitals of the world Seoul, South Korea.
IG: g.na_tattoo
Neo-Traditional Rose Tattoo on Man’s Wrist and Hand
The Rose in this piece is anything but delicate, with its angular-shaped petals and bold black outlines. Of course the snake with its white-highlighted fangs only adds to the drama. I love the placement of this tattoo; it wraps around the wrist but with no distortion and then accents the fingers with the curved lines of the leaves, tail and fangs. All I can say is…Wow, Wow, Wow. Props to the Artist IG: @swan_tattooer who’s also from Seoul, South Korea.
IG: swan_tattooer
Realistic Color Rose Tattoo on Man’s Forearm
To render a realistic image, attention to proportions and reproduction of light sources are a must. Shading and contrast are then key to achieving depth and dimension, or 3D. This tattoo showcases the artist’s skill at all these. There literally looks like a light is reflecting off the surface of the yellow Rose. Using gradients of color, contrasting dark shading and touches of white ink, these Roses come alive.
Black and Gray Rose Tattoo on Man’s Arm
This looks like the start of a full-sleeve tattoo, and I hope it is because it’s awesome. The lettering is even and steady and the whip shading adds so much texture. Of course, the open negative spacing really creates all the movement in the piece and highlights all three sections of the tattoo. The only thing I might have changed is adding more light around the Rose, to make it even more of a focal point.
IG: angelstat2
Blackwork Rose Tattoo Over Man’s Sternum
As evidenced here, often a client will fall in love with a particular style and stick with it. Of course, it’s nice to have your different pieces complement one another. There’s also a midline-thing going on here, and why not? If you want to create a focal point on your body, an inking over the sternum or at the midline is the way to go.
IG: johannekryger
Black and Gray/Linework Shoulder Tattoo
Placement can take a tattoo from good to great, and boy, does this piece get it right. The design accentuates the shoulder and frames the pectoralis perfectly. Mix in outrageously steady linework and beautiful shading, and you get one great tattoo.
IG: beatattooer
Man’s Black and Gray Rose Tattoo on Side of Neck
I love the shading in this piece, especially on the petals. The inking of the stem is equally impressive with the artist also using a tiny bit of open negative spacing and white ink. There is some unevenness in the lower part of the stem but it really doesn’t distract at all. Like an earlier Rose neck tattoo we saw, a slight curve to the stem might have better defined this area.
IG: mirelasolmifa
Baroque Style Rose Tattoo on Man’s Chest
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this, and it’s gorgeous (yes I’m talking about the tattoo)! If this were a work done with paint and brush, I’d be impressed, but the fact that this is ink on skin is really amazing. Of course this shouldn’t be surprising as this piece was done by Deanna James, a celebrity tattoo artist from Dallas, Texas.
Man’s Blackwork Rose Tattoo on Wrist and Hand
Talking about placement, tattoos are usually oriented from the perspective of the viewer. With this piece though, I think the orientation works for both viewer and client. I love how the Rose drapes over the wrist onto the hand. The planes of opaque black ink (are they flames?) literally flow downwards, beautifully creating a focal point on the hand and highlighting the fingers. And I’m loving it.
IG: qklix.tattoo
Black Rose With Whip Shading on Man’s Neck
As we always say, location, location, location. Specifically with a tattoo, it’s all about placement. Here the Rose’s placement adds interest to the piece as it’s unexpected and also highlights the contours of the neck.
Large Black and Gray Rose Tattoo on Man’s Thigh
A Rose tattoo can be bold and dramatic, especially if it’s on the thigh. Here there’s obviously plenty of “canvas” to go as big as you want. This piece fits with the client’s older tattoos, in both placement and style. Unfortunately, we can see that fading has occurred in them. It might pay to ask your artist to pack the ink really well to avoid this from happening.
Linework Rose Tattoo on Man’s Chest
Roses tattoos under the collarbone are very popular; they’re often beautiful and graceful as they trace the body’s contours here. That being said, this Rose tattoo is fit for a King, or any guy for that matter. The linework shading here is exquisite and the tattoo’s contours definitely enhance and highlight the pectoralis. Nice!
IG: nal.tattoo
Man’s Blackwork Rose Tattoo on Side of Neck
I love the detailing seen in this piece. There’s really impressive shading, along with the smart use of tiny areas of open negative spacing, that help create this detailing. White ink is then used at a minimum to highlight the petals and make them sparkle.
IG: rbyn_flpsd
Man’s Old School Rose Tattoo
Ok maybe this isn’t a pin-up or flag tattoo, but you know that those are definitely the roots for this Rose tattoo. This is Old School, 2023. You can see the characteristic bold black outlines and simple color palette of this style. There’s also the lack of complex shading which is responsible for this 2D rendering we see here. What can we say…Old Is New
IG: rogozhintt
Realistic Color Rose Tattoo on Man’s Shoulder
As seen here, outlines are typically eliminated when inking in realistic style. There is though, impressive shading and use of shadows to add dimension and depth, which are both essential in creating a realistic piece. Of course, attention to proportions is another prerequisite. I love how the design extends onto the upper arm and drapes over the shoulder onto the chest. And the vivid red on the Roses, makes me think of a Matador’s cape. Ole!
Man’s Neo-Traditional Rose Tattoo on Side of Leg
The side of the leg provides perfect placement for a long, linear design; and this piece fits the bill as it looks like the beginning of a full-leg sleeve. I love the muted tones in the piece; even the red, which is vibrant, looks like it’s been diluted with white ink. White ink is additionally used as highlight throughout the piece. It’s precisely applied, which is no easy feat; real skill and experience are definitely required on the part of the artist to pull this off. Always a good idea, to check your artist’s portfolio first!
IG: swan_tattooer
Old School Rose Tattoo on Man’s Chest
Now here’s a fantastic Old School piece. The colors are well saturated and well packed, the lines crisp, the white ink perfectly applied and the open negative spacing is used to great detailing effect. All in all, we have one great looking tattoo. Of course this is one great looking chest too.
IG: nickmayes
Neo-Traditional Hanya Mask and Rose Tattoo on Man’s Back
If you needed more reason to visit Seoul, South Korea, check out this beautiful piece. To me, it’s perfect. Although not technically symmetrical, the design is perfectly balanced. The shading is perfection too. Look closely at the dagger and you’d swear it’s leather. The Roses are perfect too with just the right amount of dark shadowing and white ink. I guess the solid planes of black ink could have better packed, but nothing is 100% perfect. Pretty Close Though
IG: luwon_tattooer
Rose Tattoo Over Man’s Triceps
Look at those lines and that shading; they’re both to die for! Who knew you could fall in love with leaves, but I’m really loving them; they look absolutely real. All the surrounding open negative spacing just makes this single Rose tattoo stand out even more. Gorgeous!
IG: frommay_tat
Man’s Color Blend Rose Tattoo
The color blocking and blending in this piece are so striking. It actually looks like an artist picked up a brush to apply bold bands of color to frame and highlight the Rose. And I can’t say enough about that Rose. Of course, it’s the focal point of the tattoo, embellished with exquisite dotwork shading and a color that’s to die for. If you can’t find that shade in nature, there’s always the option of a tattoo.
Black and Gray Rose Tattoo With Whip Shading on Man’s Neck
This large neck piece fits well with the client’s other existing tattoos, both literally and figuratively. The dark tones of the leaves contrast nicely with the Rose, making it the focal point of the piece. What additionally catches the eye is the angularity of the petals, along with their beautiful stippled texture. This texturing is achieved with the specialized technique known as whip shading.
IG: black_casket
Neo-Traditional Rose Tattoo on Man’s Inner Forearm
Think of a Rose and maybe thoughts of a delicate tattoo, complete with feminine energy, come to mind. But think of Neo-Traditional style, and a piece like this is what you get. The Roses here are so gorgeous, I’d swear you could smell their floral scent. The dark block shading and minimal touches of white ink really bring them to life. With the Rose over the wrist, this looks like it could be the beginning of a full-sleeve!
Abstract Fineline Rose Tattoo on Man’s Arm
We’ve come to the last tattoo on our list, and it’s uniquely impressive. The design takes full use of the large “canvas” provided here; the upper portion highlights the arm and shoulder, counterbalanced by the vertical lines and especially the long stem below. This is certainly a piece both artist and client can be proud of.
IG: pppppppptattoo
We hope you found what you were looking for and had as much fun looking at these tattoos as we had writing about them. Until next time, happy inking!
