Collarbone tattoos are elegant and sensual, and although they are very trendy, getting one is not an easy decision. We gathered some facts you should know about collarbone and shoulder tattoos and collected some wonderful floral designs, just perfect for the placement.
Collarbones, or the clavicle, is the area at the top of the chest where two curved bones connect, joining the breastbone to the shoulders. The neck, the shoulders and the chest are framed and accentuated by the meandering bones, creating a perfect setting for visible yet easy to cover tattoos. Alas, things are not that simple, looking good comes with a price and getting a collarbone tattoo is going to take a bit of sacrifice on your part.
Getting a Collarbone Tattoo Hurts
The collarbone is among the most painful spots on the body to get a tattoo. If this is where you want to get your first tattoo, it will be baptism by fire, for sure. Any spot where the skin is close to the bone is going to hurt more, and the feeling of needles buzzing on your bone is not pleasant at all. As a bit of comfort, for the same reason, the areas just above or below the collarbone will hurt less.
In no way should this deter you away from getting a clavicle tattoo, you just need to be prepared for a less than pleasant experience. Don’t plan any large, heavy and detailed designs until you know what to expect, and you’ll be just fine.
Some Tips on Managing the Pain
- Before the Session: Stay hydrated and eat a good meal to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- During the Session: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or listening to music, or a podcast. Communicate with your tattoo artist if you need a break.
- After the Session: Ice can be applied to reduce swelling, but make sure to wrap it in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. If necessary, over-the-counter pain relief can be used according to your doctor’s advice.
Healing Time and Process
Collarbone tattoos generally heal within 2 to 4 weeks, though the outer layer may heal faster, the deeper skin layers will still be repairing. Here’s what to expect:
- First Week: The tattoo will start to peel and might itch. Resist the urge to scratch.
- Second Week: Most of the peeling will subside, and it will begin to look more healed.
- Up to One Month: The tattoo should appear fully healed, though deeper skin layers may still be healing.
Signs of proper healing include fading redness and the absence of swelling. If you notice signs of infection (excessive swelling, redness, or pus), consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Placement of the Tattoo
There are many options for a floral tattoo around the collarbone. Apart from getting it directly on the bone, you can go above or below, more towards the shoulders, or on the chest. If you’re going for a larger piece, you can extend the tattoo to these areas.
Designing the Perfect Collarbone Tattoo
The placement dictates the design. A good tattoo should always flow with the body, and that is very much the truth when it comes to collarbone tattoos. The shape of the bone will dictate the composition of the design, and floral tattoos fit it perfectly!
Collarbone Tattoo Designs and Inspiration
It’s no secret we love flower tattoos. There’s something about the delicate beauty and variety of flowers that makes them look amazing in any number of designs and tattoo styles. Black and grey, micro realism, blackwork, fine line… any style of tattooing, any placement and size, flowers always make for amazing tattoos.
Beautiful bunch of wild flowers decorating both collarbones. Tattoo by Laura Martinez
Just under the colarbone, red rose by Jonah Tang
Freesia Flower tattoo by Ewa Czub
Most people hear ‘flowers’ and think – female tattoos. To prove them all wrong, amazing chrysanthemum tattoo covering a scar, done by Arang eleven
Traditional rose on chest by Connor Getzlaff (Skooter)
This Magnolia tattoo done by graffittoo flows perfectly from the shoulder, passing the collarbone on the way to the chest.
A wreath of roses from the collarbone to the upper arm. Tattoo by Green
X-ray Rose on shoulder. Tattoo by Soohee Jin
Colorful peonies by maggie paletta
A very elegant collarbone tattoo incorporates a bunch of sweet pea flowers covering the shoulder. Tattoo by Lianna
Rita did an amazing job with this pansy flower placed on the edge of the client’s collarbone.
The design stretches to the shoulder to include a colorful hummingbird. Done by Sasha Unisex
A delicate blue tulip and some writing. Tattoo by Siyeon
The shading on this magnolia simply blows our mind! Amazing tattoo by roryriot.
Shoulder and collarbone connected by flowers. Tattoo by Melisa
Tattoo by Carrot Tattoo 
Tattoo by Siyeon 
Tattoo by Irene Bogachuk 
Tattoo by Irene Bogachuk 
Tattoo by Dominika Glebocka 
Tattoo by MÜK JUNG 
Tattoo by MÜK JUNG Tattoo by Daniel Anthony 
Tattoo by Irene Bogachuk 
Tattoo by Silo 
Tattoo by Sol 
Tattoo by Hen 
Tattoo by Carrot Tattoo 
Tattoo by Dominika Glebocka 
Tattoo by Katy Hayward 
Tattoo by Flora Napoletano 
Tattoo by MÜK JUNG
Oh, buddy, you’re in for a ride. The collarbone area is notorious for being a bit more sensitive due to the bony surface. But don’t let that scare you! Many folks say it’s a ‘good pain’ and totally worth it for the beauty it adds. Like eating super spicy wings – hurts so good.
Generally, you’re looking at about 2-4 weeks for the outer healing process, but it could take a couple of months for the tattoo to heal fully beneath the surface. It’s like waiting for your favorite season to come around – requires patience but oh-so rewarding.
Hold your horses! You’ll want to wait until that beauty is fully healed before diving in. Introducing it to large bodies of water too soon can lead to infections or fading.
The world’s your oyster here! Popular choices include delicate roses for love and passion, peonies for elegance and prosperity, or wildflowers for a dash of whimsy. It’s like picking the best ice cream flavor – it all comes down to personal taste.
Keep it clean, moisturized, and out of the sun’s direct wrath. Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions to the T. It’s akin to nurturing a baby plant – tender love and care will make it thrive.
It’s unlikely unless you experience significant changes in weight or muscle mass in that area. But generally, it’s more stable than other body parts. Think of it as the foundation of a house – pretty solid unless major changes occur.
Absolutely! Floral designs are particularly adept at this, turning areas of concern into artworks. It’s like interior design for your skin – making the best out of what you’ve got and turning it into something beautiful.
