50 Amazing Snake Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2024
There’s something about snakes that just captivates people. Maybe it’s their slithery movement, or the way they coil up in readiness to strike. I personally love the sense of power they have, especially with their venom. And it’s that mystique of theirs that make snake tattoos so badass.
But before you go and get your own snake tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the coolest, most-unique, and best-looking snake tattoo ideas of 2024. 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 Skull and Snake Tattoo
This tattoo feels like an awesome, modern rendition of a classic biker tattoo. You’ve got a beautifully detailed and shaded skull (with a fine set of teeth, if I do say so myself). Then you’ve got the not too realistic, but good-looking blackwork snake wrapping around it.
@eka_tattoo_bkk
A Beautiful Kingsnake Tattoo
Whether I correctly identified this snake as a kingsnake or if it’s actually something else like a Coral Snake, one thing is true for sure: this tattoo kicks butt. Not only is the detail beautiful, but the layout of the tattoo flows really well moving from this guy’s ribs to under his chest.
@eka_tattoo_bkk
Black and Gray Realistic Snake Tattoo
The detail and shading of this tattoo give it such a cool, realistic effect. Just look at the glimmer of light reflecting off the snake’s eye. Just be careful getting such a realistic tattoo, as you may scare someone passing by.
@sevinthsintattoo
Life, Death and a Viper Tattoo
What a badass realistic black and gray snake tattoo created by Vitor Masella out of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He captured the beauty of life and death as the viper is surrounded by sunflowers, a butterfly and a broken skull.
@inktor
Black Skeleton Snake Tattoo
Sometimes you want a tattoo that says don’t fuck with me and EKA from Bangkok, Thailand did an awesome job conveying that message with this scary looking blackwork piece. And technically speaking, his use of white ink does a great job to highlight the details of the snake’s skeleton.
@eka_tattoo_bkk
The Snakes of Evil Medusa
Medusa tattoos are quite popular, so what makes one stand out from all the others? For me, it’s the white-out ghost eyes and the cracks in Medusa’s otherwise lovely face. Be careful of beauty and who you kiss, am I right?
@blackducktattooing
Garter Snake Tattoo With Nasturtium Flowers
Here’s a uniquely positioned tattoo that we don’t see anywhere else on this page. The artist did a really good job integrating the flowers with the snake – neither of them are the star, yet they both are. They work together to make the overall piece better than the sum of its parts.
@ipektattoo
A Little Pet Snake Wrist Wrap Tattoo
Check out the awesome pattern on this little guy. I love how the artist left such clear gaps of negative space, which really makes the snake’s intricate pattern stand out.
But I have a question for you, how do you feel about the snake’s head coming all the way onto the hand?
@lo_marie_s
Black Snake and Peony Wrist / Forearm Tattoo
Women (and men alike) keep notice of the placement of this tattoo. These floral snake tattoos look awesome on the top of the forearm.
What’s so good about this piece?
- Look at how elegantly the snake’s body bends and twists – I love it.
- The peony is beautiful, as is the shading of the leaves.
@ehae.ink
Smoke Snake Rose Tattoo
Here’s a snake tattoo done on the side of the calf. If you haven’t already got a side calf tattoo, would you want one?
What I like about this piece is its super smooth shading. The flowers look really nice too. The snake, I’m not really in love with it, but it’s not bad at all.
@paolopedroni_tattooart
Top of Forearm Snake and Rose Tattoo
Look how sweet this piece looks on this person’s arm. The snake’s head and tail take up the length of the top-forearm, while the rest of the piece shrinks as it wraps to the inside of the forearm. And the detailed shading of the rose is extraordinary.
This snake is a beauty!
@lucasmilk
A Dark Snake of the Rose, a Calf Tattoo
Looking for somewhere to put your feminine snake tattoo? The slender shape of some calves can make them a great place to get tattooed.
@alijtattoo_
A Snake and Dagger Inner Forearm Tattoo
Blackwork style.
Not ultra-realistic.
Really nice layout of the actual design.
Really nice placement on the inner forearm.
This is a really nice piece.
@eka_tattoo_bkk
Linework Peony Flowers and Minimal Blackwork Snake Shoulder Tattoo
Flower tattoos wrapping around the shoulder are a really popular look amongst women. With this tattoo I love how the artist kept the flowers shaded with a very minimal use of linework. These light flowers contrast well with the darker snake. Also take note how the snake’s head and one branch of leaves follows the body from the shoulder to chest under the collarbone. This gives a really pretty, natural look to the piece.
@zuzapolakowska
A Black and Gray Viper Rose Tattoo
The shading in this piece is really something! The dark shadows between the rose and the snake keep the design from looking too busy. The artist did a wonderful job here.
@keanu_illu
A Hypnotizing Snake Tattoo
This piece is a fusion of blackwork and minimal styles. The artist created a dazzling pattern as the snake twists and shows its scales and underbelly. The layout of how the snake is slithering is also super silky.
@eka_tattoo_bkk
An Ouroboros Knee Tattoo
The ouroboros is a mythical representation of a snake eating itself, which represents both eternity and the cycle of life and death.
Typically I don’t like these ouroboros tattoos, but this artist did a really nice job making the snake look believable. Plus the placement around the knee is sick.
@mari.x.art
A Small and Simple Snake Tattoo
There’s nothing about this tattoo that I don’t like. The detail is awesome, the diagonal placement along the arm, plus how it fits within the inner-bicep area all look great. Super job on this minimalist piece. 👍🎉
@la_source_tattoo
A Unique Minimal Snake Tattoo
If you want a snake tattoo that stands out from everyone else’s, then an idea like this one would be a good idea.
What makes this so cool is its black and red sphere – this colorful contrast plays so well with the super minimal, snake. Beautiful simplicity.
@malivetattoo
Men's Big Back Snake Tattoo
According to some African cultures, ancestors transform into serpents when they die so their wisdom can serve future generations. You’ll see this idea reflected in many African masks, which depict human faces with serpentine features.
Check out our spine tattoo gallery for more inspiration.
@em.inkx
Blackwork Snake Tattoos on Woman’s Upper Abdomen
There’s amazing intricate detailing on these snakes made even more impressive by the small space in which its inked. The lines are clean and perfectly uniform as are the gaps of negative space. I’m not sure though what’s happening with these two snakes. What do you think?
A Neo-American Traditional Cobra Tattoo
The cobra rose to fame as a symbol of social status in Ancient Egypt and remains a powerful image to this day.
This tattoo is obviously inspired by the old school American traditional style, however the artist used modernized tattooing techniques. You see a lot of whip work, which is a newer shading style that comes out looking like a smoother, more uniform version of dotwork.
@luckt_tattoo
Forearm Linework Snake and Flowers Tattoo
Whether you think about it as bad luck or not, there are many superstitions involving snakes that might inspire you tattoo! Some people believe if they accidentally take a snake’s life away, they will die too; others think it brings luck when one crosses your path. For some, snakes represent temptation and sin while for others they’re a sign of God’s grace.
@salvadorb_tatt
Blackwork Minimal Snake Ear Tattoo
Ear tattoos have become super popular because they send a big message despite their small size. They are cheap and quick to get.
The artist did a wonderful job here adding the dots, lines and shading. I would, however, be very interested to see how this tattoo looks after aging.
@olejanta.ttt
Women's Snake Tattoo on Top Forearm
What a cool tattoo this is! The background and its negative spaces provide such a strong contrast to this black snake. I really got to applaud the artist for creating such a cool design. I think this tattoo would look great on men and women alike.
@alex.hellsing.tattoo
Lightly Shaded Snake Wrapping Around Knife
Here’s a really simple snake tattoo idea for people who like light-shading. The artist did a really good job keeping the entire piece light and fresh. The idea of a snake and a knife or blade of some sort isn’t exactly unique, but it is a classic.
@strangegraves.ink
A Simple, Cute Snake Outline Tattoo on the Upper Thigh
This tattoo is hot. Want something small yet attractive? Go for something like this. Whoever ends up seeing it will enjoy the surprise.
Check out our thigh tattoo gallery for more inspiration.
@small.minitattoo
New School Snake Tattoo on Ankle
Rich vibrant colors are one hallmark of New School style and that’s no exception here. The dynamic blue immediately catches your eye but so do the muted tones and shading of the adjacent petals and leaves. Nothing is forgotten here. The leaves are inked with a beautiful green color while decaying areas are brown with even shadows a part of the mix. All in all this is one terrific tattoo.
Linework Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Ribs
You want a snake tattoo but one that’s not too ominous. Well then, this tattoo’s for you. With thin black lines that form the outline and even pretty ornamental detail, this snake is very approachable. The straight lines, dotwork and triangle at the top are all together like the “cherry on top”.
Fineline Snake Tattoo
Although simple in design, this snake has a hypnotic feel. Awesome detail is created with just the use of thin black lines. With the contrast between the scales and belly of the snake you sense its movement. Slithering, Slithering, Slithering Right on Your Skin
Black and Gray Snake Tattoo on Outer Hip
The Black and Gray lines, shading and contrast in this tattoo are exquisite. The snake is almost hidden among the flowers but its slightly darker gray tones provide adequate contrast to the flowers. It’s further highlighted by the moon shining behind it. You really have to admire the use of negative space and shadow that create it.
Floral Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Ribs
This tattoo is pretty, delicate and oh so feminine. With thin black lines and a floral theme, it follows the contours of the chest accenting its curves. Generally hidden beneath clothes, this will be a pleasant surprise for those lucky enough to see it.
Simple Linework Snake Tattoo
Skilled linework is on display in this tattoo. It’s not the shading or elaborate design that make this tattoo a standout. Rather it’s the thin black lines of the snake’s scales which are so precise and uniform and worthy of praise. Great skill evident in this minimalist piece.
Black and Gray Portrait and Snake Tattoo
Looks like this tattoo tells the story of a modern-day Medusa. This tattoo also tells the story of a skilled artist. The black lines, shading, contrast and 3D are extraordinary as is the use of negative space. Aesthetically I love how the design is perfectly laid out on the body.
A Red Floral Snake on a Woman's Back
The positioning of the snake is what makes this tattoo such a cool piece of ink. And speaking of ink, the red ink creates a really cool look on this person’s skin, a look you don’t see very often.
@nyouung
Fineline Snake Tattoo
Although simple in design, this snake has a hypnotic feel. Awesome detail is created with just the use of thin black lines. With the contrast between the scales and belly of the snake you sense its movement. Slithering, Slithering, Slithering Right on Your Skin
Custom Blackwork and Color Snake Tattoo
This is such a creative design; there’s so much to love. At first glance there appears to be flowers adorning the inked hand. But at second glance you realize that these beautiful blue and aqua “flowers” are the snake’s scales. The inked hand is really not much more than a thin black line. Of course it’s adorned with Ornamental detail and some additional linework. This is all set against the dramatic Blackwork of the snake. And if that’s not enough you’ve got a golden Crescent moon. Absolutely Insane
Black and Gray Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Back
The two entwined snakes are nicely counterbalanced by the flowers. Beyond that I’m not sure what’s going on here. This really isn’t my favorite tattoo. What do you think?
Red Linework Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Forearm
Of course any tattoo on your arm will attract attention. Especially when it’s a snake. And especially when done with red ink. The snake’s detailing is achieved via the use of thin red lines adjacent to solidly shaded areas. Together I think they give this snake almost an ornamental feel; like something you might see in an Indian painting.
Blackwork Snake Tattoo on Man’s Outer Thigh
I love the Blackwork on this snake. It’s so dramatic made even more so by the contrasting areas of negative space. With the snake’s underbelly on display you can feel it moving up this guy’s leg. No wonder his hand is where it is
Old School Snake Tattoo On Man’s Scalp
There are snake tattoos and then there are snake tattoos. This one is super cool and super original. True to Old School style there are bold black lines, simple shading and a simple choice of colors. But this certainly isn’t your Grandpa’s pin-up girl tattoo. I love how the snake follows the contours of the ear and then is shadowed by the rose. The rose alone is awesome with its blood red supersaturated color and arrowhead-like leaves. Props to the artist
Custom Linework Snake Tattoo on Forearm
This is a very cool tattoo. First its layout flows perfectly over the forearm. This flow or movement is created not only by the snake’s twisting and turning body but by the geometric lines. These triangles act like road signs highlighting the path of the snake. I always find Geometric style to be such a great complement to any design.
Fineline With Geometric Snake Tattoo
It looks like there are several snakes here but I’m not sure how many. This lack of clarity plus the twisting and turning pulls you into the design. You then notice the circles and squares which perhaps are a maze. Glad the diamond-shaped frame prevents these snakes from going anywhere.
Pretty Fineline Snake Tattoo on Top of Woman’s Forearm
You want something delicate and feminine but not too delicate or feminine. Well then this tattoo’s for you. A snake is typically a bold choice for tattoo design especially if it’s inked right on your forearm. Unless you’re wearing long sleeves all day it’s sure to be noticed. But with thin black lines this snake is no longer menacing. Now it’s more like jewelry adorning your arm. Snake as Cuff Jewelry? Of Course
Old School Snake Tattoo
Old School style takes this snake tattoo to another level. With bold black outlines, minimal shading and simple but saturated colors like the orange and red – this is in-your-face design. This is a new take on Grandpa’s heart tattoo. Wonder if he’d like it. I Love It
Fineline Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Collarbone
By now you’re realizing that snake and flower tattoos are very popular. Not unexpected as their story goes back to the Garden of Eden. Style and placement are often the differentiating factors. Here the thin black lines give the flowers and snake a delicate and feminine feel. Of course the tattoo’s placement over the sensuous lines of the collarbone adds some attractiveness also. Not a Bad Thing
Blackwork Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Leg
Beyond dramatic, Blackwork style is often exotic. Together they make this one beautiful tattoo. I love how the negative space is the basis for the flowers. It’s an artistic touch highlighting the artist’s skills. Overall although this isn’t a super big tattoo, it packs a big punch.
Old School Snake Tattoo
I love the colors of this snake with its red ink and gray tones. The red looks particularly good on most skin tones because it’s highly saturated. Characteristic of Old School style, there’s minimal detail or shading here resulting in a work that’s 2D but hard to miss.
Blackwork Snake Tattoo on Woman’s Hip
The Blackwork in this tattoo is off the charts. With just the smallest gaps of negative space, the intricate detailing of the snake’s scales are seen. The flowers are equally impressive with their minimal linework and amazing shading. The artist definitely highlighted the woman’s body with the positioning of the snake. All together a beautiful tattoo even if there’s a snake and mongoose hanging out here.
Blackwork with Red Ink Linework Snake Tattoo
I love the movement of this snake slithering down towards the knee. The snake with its heavy Blackwork and flowers is a standout; literally. Coupled with the gorgeous large red flowers this tattoo is both bold and beautiful.
Fineline Snake Tattoo on Top of Forearm
Simple but mesmerizing. You can feel the snake’s movement as it twists and turns on itself. Of course this is all achieved with Fineline style and its characteristic thin black lines. The black diamond on the snake’s face along with the solid black disc are super cool accents.
But it’s really the smart use of negative space that makes this tattoo a standout.
