If you’re looking for a tattoo that’s more than just a pretty design, a snake is definitely it.
I just love that it’s like a permanent, beautiful reminder of your own strength and ability to transform. Seriously, what’s not to love about that?
To give you some major inspo, I’ve rounded up 41 of the absolute best snake tattoo ideas out there.
1. Snake Hip and Thigh Tattoo
Source: @goodtattooclub
If you’re looking for a larger piece of body art that will absolutely wow everyone, you need to check this one out. The design features a big snake that begins on the hip and trails down the thigh.
I just think it’s such a sexy and statement-making tattoo! You could go for this beautiful black ink version or even try a colorful take. A red and black pattern, for example, would be amazing.
2. Stylish Wrist Tattoo
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Okay, this next one is hands down one of my favorites! I’m obsessed with this design featuring a snake tattooed right on the wrist.
It’s such a cool concept, and the way it wraps around looks just incredible. You could recreate this vibrant, colorful look or pick a completely different snake. I also think this would look just as awesome on an ankle.
3. Trendy Back Tattoo
Source: @tattooist_doy
Here’s another super trendy back tattoo for you. This one is also placed right in the center, but it uses a different pattern and a unique snake design.
It’s a perfect example of how you can take an idea you love and make it totally your own. This is such a trendy and badass piece that I feel would look good on literally everyone.
4. Trendy Snake Finger Tattoo
Source: @eseravseren9
Next up, we have another design that is so stylish and cool. This one showcases a snake that has been inked on the finger. I mean, what a trendy and edgy design.
This would be the go-to tattoo for someone who wants body art they can show off with total style. You can recreate this one or opt for a snake with a simpler pattern.
5. Vibrant Rib Tattoo
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Earlier, I showed you a blue snake tattoo covered in flowers and bright patterns. This next piece is pretty similar to that one. It’s also blue but features different flowers, and the snake has a different shape too.
I love this because it proves how you can get inspiration from an idea and transform it into something new. Go ahead and try your own blue snake design!
6. Badass Ankle Tattoo
Source: @ira_shmarinova
Are you a fan of ankle tattoos? If you are, you have to check this out. This tattoo shows a snake wrapped around the ankle.
It has a black ink design, but the snake has a red tongue and is also beautifully patterned. This is such a bold, pretty, and statement-making piece. Plus, it will look amazing with all your summer outfits!
7. Snake and Peony Thigh Tattoo Idea
Source: @ira_shmarinova
Here we have a thigh tattoo that features a huge snake surrounded by peonies. I think the peonies just give the snake a more elegant, delicate, and pretty vibe.
You can try a black outline design like this one, or you could add some color to really brighten it up. If peonies aren’t your thing, you can recreate it with any flowers you like. Roses would look super cool too.
8. Cute and Small Snake Tattoo
Source: @tattooist_dal
Searching for a small tattoo? Then you have to see this. Here we have a subtle snake design that’s tattooed near the ear.
A piece like this is perfect for anyone who wants a low-key tattoo that can be covered up or shown off.
You could try a snake like this, or you can choose one with a different pattern. You could also opt for different flowers or none at all.
9. Arm Tattoo Idea
Source: @tattooist_doy
This next design features a seriously stylish snake. This snake has a cool pattern and is intricately woven around itself. I’m loving the placement and the pattern on this one.
It looks so trendy, minimal, and modern. A tattoo like this is absolutely timeless and will look stunning on anyone. You can either recreate this or add a little pop of color to the snake.
10. Birds, Snakes and Flowers
Source: @yarina.tattooing
If you’re on the hunt for a bold piece of body art, then you need to see this next tattoo! This design features a ton of flowers, a snake, two birds, and bees, all tattooed on the back.
It’s a beautiful, botanical design that I think will look amazing on everyone. Feel free to recreate it or choose your own types of flowers, birds, and snakes.
11. Tiny Snake Tattoo Design
Source: @seanmegansue
This next tattoo is another one that I’m completely in love with! Here we have a small snake inked on the wrist. What I love about this tattoo is the snake’s design.
It has a gorgeous red and black pattern. This is a truly stunning piece, and its placement makes it quite subtle, too. A design like this is guaranteed to look amazing on everyone.
12. Snake Arm Tattoo with Flowers
Source: @ira_shmarinova
The next tattoo is another bold, statement-maker. This time, a large snake outline has been tattooed along the forearm.
The design also includes flowers and bands. It’s such a gorgeous tattoo that is bold and sexy. I love this because it has a half-sleeve look. You could recreate this or place a similar design on your upper arm instead.
13. Unique Snake Tattoo
Source: @ira_shmarinova
Next up, we have another unusual design. This time, the snake is placed on the thigh. It has a Cobra-style design, and the tattoo is completed with a mandala pattern on the outside.
It’s a fierce and bold tattoo, while the mandala softens the snake and gives the whole piece a pretty, feminine look. You can use any mandala pattern and even add some color too.
14. Two Snakes Design
Source: @lisablacksails
You can also add more than one snake to your design. For instance, this tattoo features two. As you can see, the two snakes have different patterns and are woven together.
It’s another way to create a snake tattoo, and the overall look is so unique. You can use any snake design in any color for a tattoo like this one.
15. Trendy Snake Foot Tattoo Idea
Source: @pakhanova
Earlier in the post, I featured a snake and mandala design. If you loved that one, then you might like this next idea too. This tattoo features a floral mandala with a snake.
It’s such a trendy design, and the mandala looks amazing. You can recreate this tattoo or choose a different mandala or a different snake. A colorful snake would look gorgeous with a mandala like this.
16. Cool Blue Snake Design
Source: @zihee_tattoo
If you lean towards bolder tattoos, then this could be just perfect for you. Here we have a cool, blue snake tattoo.
The different shades of blue look awesome and they really make the snake design come to life. You could have a similar blue snake tattooed anywhere.
A design like this would look fabulous on the arms, thigh, or ribs. You could also try a different color instead of blue.
17. Pretty Snake Tattoo with Roses
Source: @dahong_muse
I am so in love with this next design! This tattoo is placed on the back of the shoulder and it features a small snake with two dark red roses.
The roses look absolutely stunning with the snake, giving it a stylish and pretty look. This is another design that would be perfect as a first tattoo.
It isn’t too big, it can be covered easily, and it will never go out of style. You can also use any color rose for this piece.
18. Black Snake Arm Tattoo
Source: @thewolfrosario
Next up, a bold arm tattoo! This design features a simple black ink snake that looks like it has wrapped itself around the arm.
It’s such a badass tattoo and it really makes a statement. You can recreate this, or a similar design would look amazing on the leg too. If you want to add some color, you can also use any snake pattern you like.
19. Floral Snake
Source: @equilattera
My next idea is so unique and beautiful. This design features a snake that is decorated with a stunning floral pattern.
I’m obsessed with the colors of the flowers as they really stand out against the dark background. This is such a creative idea and it’s perfect for someone who wants an unusual tattoo that will stand out from the rest.
You can try a floral design like this or choose your own flowers and colors.
20. Floral Arm Tattoo with a Snake
Source: @veronicalilu
If you’re wanting a trendy tattoo, then this design could be perfect for you. Here we have a sleeve tattoo that features peonies, a snake, and a mandala on the elbow.
I love this because it combines three must-have tattoos into one design. The mandala looks amazing on the elbow and the snake gives the flowers a cool, edgy vibe.
A tattoo like this is perfect for someone who wants a bold piece of body art.
21. Unique Snake Thigh Tattoo
Source: @nava.tattoo
Next, we have a very unique tattoo to look at. This one features a red snake wrapped around a branch full of flowers and an apple, too.
I think this design is so quirky and it looks amazing on the thigh. A tattoo like this can have different meanings, but the snake and apple do have associations with temptation and sin.
It’s a cool design and it’s perfect for those who want something more unusual.
22. Red Ink Snake with a Botanical Design
Source: @maxim_rtatt
Looking for a bright and bold tattoo? Then this one is for you. Here we have a red snake that has been tattooed on the ribs with a leafy design in the background.
The snake looks similar to a milk snake because of the red color and stripes. It’s such a cool design and it will suit everyone. You can try a red ink snake like this or use a different type of snake for your inspiration.
23. Small Snake Back Tattoo
Source: @edlitamedlitam
If you want a smaller snake tattoo that is easy to cover if needed, then this is perfect. Here we have a cool back tattoo. As you can see, the snake is tattooed in the middle with a weave design.
The placement is amazing and it is such a timeless and gorgeous piece of body art. You can recreate a back tattoo like this with any color snake.
24. Colorful Snake Tattoo
Source: @zihee_tattoo
First up, we have this unique and colorful snake. The snake is blue with a floral design.
I absolutely love the use of flowers instead of the typical snake print because it gives the tattoo an artistic, creative, and unusual look.
You could recreate something similar or change the snake’s main color. You can also use different flowers and patterns that have a personal meaning to you.
25. Cool Arm Tattoo Design
Source: @ira_shmarinova
If you are looking for a bold tattoo, then this one is for you. Here we have a snake tattoo that covers most of the forearm.
The pattern and the design are just amazing, and the snake really makes a statement. You could choose a similar design to this, or you can take inspiration from a colorful species of snake.
I think the watercolor technique would look awesome with a design like this.
26. Snake and a Lioness Tattoo Design
Source: @ira_shmarinova
If you want a fierce tattoo, then this is definitely for you. Here we have an arm tattoo that features a snake and a lion.
The snake is wrapped around the wrist and the lion is tattooed further up. I love this because it uses two very powerful and amazing animals. You can recreate the lioness version or try a lion with the full mane.
27. Unique Two Headed Snake Design
Source: @ilwolhongdam
The next tattoo is truly one of a kind. This design features a snake with two heads. The snake is tattooed on the arm and it features a cool, striped pattern.
A tattoo like this would be a great choice for those who like unusual tattoos. You can have any species of snake created and you can add color to it, too.
28. Snake with Flowers
Source: @studio.yasaeng
Next up is another floral snake tattoo. For this one, we have a snake with a black outline and scale detail.
Meanwhile, the flowers surrounding the snake have a red outline and shading with black leaves. The design is so unique and the colors look absolutely amazing.
Something like this can be placed anywhere on the body. The arm, leg, sternum, or back would all be great choices.
29. Snake Tattoo with a Moon
Source: @zharkovattt
I showed you a snake and moon design earlier in the post. If you loved that tattoo, then you might like this one too.
This design features a different type of snake that is tattooed on the arm. It is finished off with two stars and a moon. This is such a stylish tattoo and I think it will suit everyone.
30. Stylish Snake Sternum Tattoo
Source: @veronicalilu
My next idea is another sternum tattoo. This one features a smaller snake than the sternum tattoo I featured before. It’s a cute and stylish design that will look amazing on everyone.
You can recreate this or add some color to the design for a bolder tattoo. A snake like this can be tattooed elsewhere on the body because it is quite small. I think it would look cool as a spine tattoo.
31. Tiny Snake Finger Tattoo
Source: @pretty_bad_rose
Looking for a very small tattoo? If so, this could be perfect. Here we have a tiny snake that has been tattooed on the finger.
It’s such a cool and trendy idea. Even though the snake is very small, it will still make a statement because of its placement. A tiny snake like this can be tattooed on other places such as behind the ear or on the wrist.
32. Tropical Flowers and a Snake
Source: @lisablacksails
Next, we have another floral snake design. This tattoo features one snake with three tropical-style flowers.
It’s a stylish design, and the tropical flowers give the tattoo a cool, exotic vibe. You can try a black ink design like this, or you can add vibrant color to those beautiful flowers.
A design like this can be tattooed anywhere on the body.
33. Snake with a Hand
Source: @lisablacksails
This tattoo is quite unique, too. For this design, there is a hand with a snake wrapped around it. The tattoo is complete with a small spider web design and a moon.
This is a quirky tattoo, and it also has a magical vibe with the moon. A tattoo like this can be placed anywhere and can be recreated in any color.
34. Snake and Pretty Flowers
Source: @korolevatattoo
My next tattoo features a stunning snake with flowers in the background. The snake is fierce while the flowers are pretty, and the combination of the two is just beautiful.
This tattoo has been placed on the arm, but a design like this will look amazing in other places, such as the sternum. You can try a similar design to this or choose different flowers.
35. Behind the Ear Tattoo
Source: @tinytattooinc
This next tattoo is another one of my favorites! Here we have a very small snake that has been tattooed behind the ear.
The snake also has a gradient look because it is black and then gradually has no color towards the tail. It’s a gorgeous design that will never go out of style. This would be a great one for a first tattoo.
36. Badass Foot Tattoo
Source: @varya_romanchyk
Looking for a badass foot tattoo? If so, this is perfect for you! This tattoo features a large snake that has been placed on the top of the foot.
The snake is very dark at the head and then the color gradually gets lighter. This design is finished off with flowers in the background. It is an awesome tattoo and it really makes a stylish statement.
37. Cute Pink Snake
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Next, we have a snake that is colored in a pretty pink shade. The design features a snake that is wrapped around plants, and there is also a cute butterfly too.
This is such a chic and elegant snake tattoo. You could recreate this or you can try a different light color; purple would look beautiful.
38. Black Snake with Flowers
Source: @melrimagpie
The next idea is so feminine but also fierce. This time we have a black snake that is tattooed on the thigh. The snake is surrounded by watercolor flowers.
I absolutely love the combo of the snake and flowers; it’s so sexy and beautiful. You can try a similar design or you can use any snake and flowers.
39. Bold Snake and Mandala Idea
Source: @kirabrgwndt
Mandalas have become one of the most popular tattoo designs lately. Pair a mandala with a snake and you will have one must-have tattoo!
This design is an awesome example. The tattoo features two snakes with a mandala in the background. I love this idea because each tattoo can be unique due to the endless mandala designs that can be created.
You can try two snakes like these or you can choose just one.
40. Unique Blue Snake and Flowers
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Next, we have another blue snake. This one is colored in with different shades of blue, and there are beautiful flowers surrounding the snake too.
It’s a pretty and unique idea. You could try a blue snake tattoo like this, or maybe a similar design with a different colored snake or different flowers.
41. Bold Back Snake Tattoo
Source: @scottmove
The last idea I have to show you is a bold back tattoo. It is a beautiful tattoo that will wow anyone who sees it.
A design like this will look stunning with added color too; maybe you could consider watercolor.