Shoulder blade tattoos: is it a good area to start with?

Thinking about getting your first tattoo? The shoulder blade is probably somewhere on your shortlist. It’s discreet, spacious, and—let’s be honest—way less intimidating than ribs or fingers.

But is it really a good place to start? How much does it hurt? And how does it hold up over time?

Let’s break it all down: pain, aesthetics, healing, and why the shoulder blade tattoo is often a top pick for first-timers.

Where exactly is the shoulder blade?

Anatomically, the shoulder blade (aka the scapula) sits on the upper back, between your spine and your shoulder. We’ve got one on each side, and they move every time you lift your arms, twist your torso, or take a deep breath.

But here’s the deal: when you’re lying still, the skin over your scapula is fairly taut and stable—a great base for a tattoo, as long as the design is placed smartly to account for your natural movement.

So, does a shoulder blade tattoo hurt?

Honestly? Not really.

The shoulder blade area is one of the more comfortable spots to get tattooed, especially if you’re new to the game.

Why it’s tolerable:

·      The skin here has medium thickness.

·      There’s a decent muscle layer between skin and bone.

·      It’s not densely packed with nerves like ribs or wrists.

Most people describe the pain as:

·      A dull heat,

·      A firm scratch,

·      Or just a bit annoying when the needle edges closer to the spine or the tip of the scapula.

Bottom line: it’s manageable, and you won’t leave the session questioning your life choices.

Does the shoulder blade move a lot?

Yes—but it doesn’t need to be a problem.

The scapula is mobile when you’re doing things like lifting weights or dancing, but during a tattoo session, you’ll likely be:

·      Lying face down or on your side,

·      With your back relaxed and skin stretched nicely.

A good artist will:

·      Help you get into the right position,

·      Place the design to flow with your shoulder’s natural motion,

·      Tell you if your tattoo idea suits the area.

So don’t stress—it’s a controlled zone.

Is it a good spot for a first tattoo?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

·      Mild to moderate pain

·      Easy to cover (no drama at work or family gatherings)

·      Roomy enough for small or medium pieces

·      Heals well and ages nicely

It’s also a great area if you want:

·      A tattoo that feels personal but not overly visible

·      Something that can evolve into a larger back or shoulder piece

What styles work well on the shoulder blade?

The shoulder blade is a versatile canvas, ideal for:

·      Floral designs (lotus, peonies, branches)

·      Lettering (quotes, mantras, single words)

·      Minimalist tattoos (fine line, small symbols)

·      Feminine portraits or figures

·      Animals (butterflies, birds, cats)

·      Abstract or geometric art

Your upper back’s curve can add flow to the tattoo, or you can go for a perfectly centered design that anchors the space.

At Black Hat Tattoo in Dublin, artists will test placements directly on your body and tailor your design so it moves naturally and stays crisp over time.

Is it just a “feminine” tattoo spot?

Once associated with soft, elegant tattoos often seen on women, the shoulder blade is now a completely unisex location.

Sure, the area lends itself well to:

Floral, poetic, and sensual pieces (thanks to its shape and location),

But we also see:

·      Mandala and spiritual symbols

·      Dark, esoteric linework

·      Bold crests, animals, and geometric forms

Bottom line: this spot works for all genders. It’s a blank slate for whatever emotion, style, or symbol you want to wear.

How long does a shoulder blade tattoo take?

It depends on the complexity:

·      Small symbol or quote: 30 to 45 minutes

·      Simple floral or line design: 1.5 to 2 hours

·      More detailed piece with shading: 3+ hours

The good news? Most people can handle a medium-length session easily on the shoulder blade.

If you're nervous, you can always split the session:

·      Linework first

·      Shading/fill in a second appointment

At Black Hat Tattoo Dublin, the artists offer flexible scheduling and will work at your pace.

Healing and aftercare

Shoulder blade tattoos heal pretty well, but you still need to be smart:

DO:

·      Avoid backpacks for a few days

·      Sleep on your stomach or side while healing

·      Wear loose tops—nothing that rubs the tattoo

DON’T:

·      Expose it to the sun (yes, even under a t-shirt—UV rays still pass through)

·      Over-hydrate—use a thin layer of lotion

·      Hit the gym too soon (yoga, lifting = too much scapula movement)

With basic care, you’ll be healed and good to go in 10–14 days.

What does it look like?

Visually, shoulder blade tattoos strike a perfect balance:

·      Discreet when you want, visible when you choose

·      Natural flow with the body’s lines

·      A base that can expand into bigger back or sleeve pieces

It’s also a common spot for personal meaning: a mantra, memorial, or private message that’s close to you without being out in the open.

But it can also be bold: with the right design, it becomes a standout piece—especially in a tank top, backless dress, or swimsuit.

Can it become part of a larger project?

Totally. Shoulder blade tattoos are often just the beginning.

It’s a perfect anchor point for expanding into:

·      A full back design

·      A shoulder or upper arm extension

·      A vertical flow toward the spine or ribs

Why? Because the shoulder blade:

·      Is central but not fixed

·      Lines up naturally with the back, shoulder, and arm

·      Makes transitions smooth for future additions

At Black Hat Tattoo Dublin, artists are used to thinking long-term. They’ll help position your first tattoo in a way that leaves options open—just in case that “small flower” turns into a full back piece down the line.

In summary

Shoulder blade tattoos are:

·      Easy to manage in terms of pain

·      Aesthetically versatile and flattering

·      Private, personal, or bold—your call

·      Ideal for first tattoos and future expansions

So if you want something that feels meaningful, well-placed, and not overly painful, this is a solid choice.

And if you're in Dublin, stop by Black Hat Tattoo. Their team will guide you through it—pain levels, design flow, healing, and how to turn your shoulder blade into a real work of art.