85 Skull And Roses Tattoo Design Ideas With Meanings

Ink yourself with a timeless masterpiece that holds a deep and beautiful meaning!

Reviewed by Brik Rangel, Tattoo Artist Brik Rangel Brik RangelTattoo Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on
A striking skull and rose tattoo on a woman’s back

Image: StyleCraze Design Team

Tattoo trends do not change as quickly as beauty or fashion trends. Many ink designs stand the test of time, like the skull and rose tattoos. This classic design has been popular for decades and stood the test of time. Bringing together the imagery of skulls and roses can evoke complex emotions. It can also be used to juxtapose contradictory themes, such as life and death as well as love and hate. And while you may think that there is nothing exciting about skulls since they are commonly inked in black, the recent rise of sugar skull tattoos inspired by the Mexican Dia de Los Muertos shows that they can be done in fun, colorful, ornamental, and vibrant colors as well. So if you are considering getting a skull and rose tattoo, here are 85 designs to help you find all the inspiration you need for your next ink. Check them out!

Skull And Rose Tattoo Meaning

Rose: Tattoos adorned with rose designs have a timeless appeal. Traditionally associated with women, the rose symbolizes love, passion, femininity, and commitment.

  • It also signifies sacrifice, making for a great memorial tattoo. In ancient times, sailors often used to get a rose inked to immortalize their love or in memory of family.
  • It also represents beauty, elegance, gentleness, and youthfulness.
  • It also reflects different stages of life; a rosebud indicates a young phase in a person’s life while the wilting rose signifies their maturity.

Skull: These tattoos are often associated with dark or gothic themes like death.

  • A skull tattoo design is also seen as a symbol of rebellion. It was often seen on flags during wars to denote caution and revenge.
  • It can also symbolize victory over difficulties and challenges.
  • It is also associated with the ‘Day of the dead’ festival that celebrates the life of a deceased loved one.
  • The skull is also a common sight in pirate themed tattoos. They become a common sight on pirate flags depicting their ruthless nature and the danger they bring.
  • It also means equality, since we are all the same inside.

The Meaning Of The Combination Of A Skull And Rose

  • Represents the cyclical nature of life and death.
  • Symbolizes overcoming challenges and beginning a new life.
  • Symbolizes the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
  • Depicts that change is a part of life and inevitable.
  • Symbolizes the merging of something beautiful or delicate with something dangerous.

Skull and rose tattoos come in a spectrum of styles, designs, sizes, colors, and notable meanings. So, if you are debating whether to get this design ink or just looking for ideas, ahead we share 85 skull and rose tattoo designs that you can take a look at.

85 Skull And Rose Tattoos

There are not only multiple variations of skull and rose tattoo designs but also different body placement options you can choose from.

Skull And Roses Sleeve Tattoos

A tattoo sleeve or sleeve tattoo is a collection of small tattoos or a big tattoo that runs across most or all of a person’s arm. The beauty of skull and rose sleeve tattoo designs lies in the fact that you can almost tell a story with different sizes or styles. Though these sleeve tattoo designs are sure to get noticed, they are also easy to hide if you don’t want to show it off to the world; just roll down your sleeve and you are good to go.

1. Intricate Black And Gray Rose Tattoo

Big and bold ink designs make for jaw-dropping tattoo artwork. Plus, this monochromatic tattoo has a timeless appeal. Nothing is ordinary about this skull and rose tattoo! It’s the detailing that makes it unique. The extensive shading work and negative spaces help to add some dimension to it. The skillful use of dark and light colors adds some interesting contrast, capturing the essence of the tattoo, just the way the rose and skull are symbolically contrasting elements.

2. Skull And Rose Blackout Tattoo

The bolder, the better! That seems to be the idea behind this blackout tattoo featuring skulls, a ribcage, and large roses. This a great tattoo design if you are looking for ways to cover up an existing tattoo that no longer interests you. These tattoos typically cover a large section of the arm with black ink making them widely visible and undeniably badass to look at.

3. Skull Embedded In Rose Tattoo

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Do not feel intimidated by this human skull embedded in a rose tattoo! The detailing of the skull, line shading on the rose, and bold shadowy black outlines creates powerful imagery. Overall, this design composition represents the cycle of life and death.

4. Colorful Skull Butterfly Rose Tattoo

Celebrate the natural world with this realistic tattoo. It involves a lot of elements with different symbolic meanings such as the skulls, roses, butterfly, and spider web. It may signify change and the interconnectedness of various elements of life. This tattoo strikes a balance between vulnerability and strength. Not to mention the vibrant colors used to make this tattoo seem even more realistic. .

5. Illustrative Skull And Black Rose Tattoo

Getting this tattoo may not be the most comfortable experience ever, but its stunning design will convince you to take the plunge. This harsh juxtaposition of the ethereal roses against the black and gray skulls could symbolize something beautiful in the midst of destruction. The black outline and backdrop add dimension to this extravagant piece of work. Also, the glossy effect on the tattoo looks stunning too.This tattoo perfectly shows the rebellious spirit of romanticism in all its beauty.

6. Detailed Skull And Rose Sleeve Tattoo

Are you not impressed with the great attention to detail this tattoo holds? It features big skulls and roses designed cleverly with a flawless shading technique that adds some texture to the whole artwork. This traditional tattoo alludes to an unabashedly bold vibe while being a little fainter than most of the other tattoos on this list.

7. Killer Skull And Rose Tattoo

Bold designs make for a statement! This design gives off dark and intense vibes. This surreal artwork blending roses with skulls that may represent love, loss, and transformation. The bold black ink against the skin creates contrasts that work well to bring together the contrasting themes of life and death. The detailing done on this tattoo is absolutely phenomenal, it makes the design look so real!

8. Cape Skull And Rose Sleeve Tattoo

Behold the creepiness! This skeletonized grim reaper with the cape and roses design may just give you sleepless nights. This spine-chilling tattoo is perfect for those of you who love all the things that go bump in the night. This intricately detailed artwork looks like a beautiful mess and may symbolize mystery, darkness, beauty, and change, possibly amalgamating the ideas of creation and destruction. The black-and-white aesthetic never looked so good!

9. Wild Skull And Rose Tattoo

Just the tattoo design for those wild at heart! The artistic shading adds a certain rough-n-tough depth to this rose and skull design and makes the design appear more three-dimensional. Further, the light and dark shades create shadows, making the design look even more stunning and hyper-real. The dark black shading in the background helps incorporate all the different elements seamlessly.

10. Classic Skull And Rose Tattoo

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This tattoo will surely turn heads! It’s bold, realistic, and does not come across as overwhelming. The incorporation of the skull and roses not only creates an aesthetic contrast but a symbolic one too! It represents the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of life. Also, the shading and negative spacing makes the design ‘pop’. Also, that rich black backdrop helps connect the two contrasting elements more naturally.

11. Mandala Skull And Rose Tattoo

This mandala artwork with a skull and roses is surely one of the coolest tattoos out there! TThe complicated shading done on the roses, lily, and skull gives the tattoo an all-too-real 3D effect feel. Also, you will find intricate line work and butterfly wing mandala patterns that take this design to a whole new level. To put it simply, it looks creepy and cool all at the same time.

12. Maximalist Skull And Rose Tattoo

Maximalist tattoos make a big statement! The black shading helps to create a lot of contrast by adding a sense of highlights and shadows in the tattoo designs. Also, it serves different purposes, in a few places it helps to put focus on design intricacies, and in other places, it helps to create negative space within the tattoos. Further, the open-mouthed skull makes the design look every bit creepy and kooky.

13. Gothic-Style Skull And Rose Tattoo

This glorious gothic tattoo will scare you straight but is eerily beautiful. The dagger stands for betrayal and the tarot card imagery of a ‘The Lovers’ skull couple signifies the beauty, struggles, and temptation that come with being in love. It can also highlight the complexity of relationships such as the willingness to endure pain for the sake of their loved one. Further, the pearl necklace and roses included in the design stand for beauty and elegance, representing everlasting love. While the dagger and skull may symbolize mortality and danger.

14. Skull, Rose, And Serpent Tapestry Tattoo

A skull with a rose resting on the head as a crown may symbolize authority and power along with a compass to signify navigating through life’s journey. The rose individually may signify the passage of life. On the first look, it appears that leaves are coming out from the mouth cavity of the skull. However, on closer inspection, you realize that they are the fins and tail of a fish. Generally, fish symbolize good fortune and prosperity, so this tattoo may signify that the tattoo wearer is ready to accept all good things in their life.

15. Hyper Realistic Skull And Rose Tattoo

This black-and-gray tattoo with a disfigured skull and a big rose takes up the whole of the arm. Its very chaotic appearance makes this artwork dynamic and visually intriguing. This intentionally unbalanced inkwork may denote the unpredictability of life. Another important thing to make to take a note of is the masterful shading that gives the tattoo a raised appearance.

Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Tattoos

These ‘skull with a rose in the mouth’ tattoos symbolizes many things like love, passion, gloominess, and darkness. They look daunting and have a powerful aesthetic.

16. Minimalistic Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Tattoo

This minimalistic skull with a rose in the mouth tattoo has our hearts! This tattoo makes for a cool yet eerie tattoo! Designed like a man holding a rose in his mouth, often depicted when dancing the vicariously challenging tango, it represents the struggle between the good and the evil. The skull and rose together can also symbolize the birth of a new life after overcoming obstacles or defeating an enemy. The perfect design for minimalists or those who want a quiet and hidden tattoo.

17. Linework Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Tattoo

Simple yet impactful, this skull with a rose in the mouth tattoo uses thin line work to give the design a clean, dainty, and minimalistic aesthetic. Another fantastic thing about this design is that the skull has somewhat round-shaped teeth as opposed to the sharp and piercing ones commonly seen in most intricate tattoo designs, adding to the minimalist aesthetic. It makes the tattoo look less intimidating and more playful.

18. Heavily Shaded Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Tattoo

The bold black outline and shading add depth and life to the design. The human skull essentially eating a rose may act as a morbid reminder of mortality and life. The incredibly detailed hatching gives a textured appearance and a vintage feel to the design. Also, the shadowy black outline along the edges cuts down the harshness of the design and gives the tattoo a lifted appearance.

19. Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Name Tattoo

If you are a big fan of tattoos that carry some sort of significance, then consider getting this tattoo with a name under the skull with a rose in the mouth design. It will look beautiful on the lower forearm and always serve as a reminder of your loved one. We love the little detail of the crack, which may signify that the partners have been together for a long time and through thick and thin.

protip_icon Trivia
Pop star Jessy Nelson revealed her new tattoos to the world, a skull and rose, during the teaser release of the Sport Relief single video.

20. Intricate Skull With A Rose In The Mouth Tattoo

This tattoo is a tour de force! The heavy, intricate detailing on the skull sharply contrasts with the soft work done on the roses. It is rough grit meets dainty floral in the best way possible, The missing teeth and cracks on the head of the skull may be in memory of someone who has overcome a lot or has lived a long experienced life. The roses may highlight the beauty of the person or beauty of life and overcoming challenges in general.

21. Fine Line Skull And Rose Tattoo

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This tattoo design has a classic, minimalist allure with a touch of realism. The red, filled-in rose adds a pop of color and delicacy to an otherwise monotonous design marked with linework. The simplicity of the design is winsome. The artistic shading on the skull brings out the natural contours and details of the human skull.

22. Surrealistic Tattoo

Get this tattoo inked to show your spooky spirit! The strategically unfilled parts of the design prevent the entire artwork from looking overwhelming and give it a clean and understated look. The cracks and forehead wrinkles are indicative of an aged skull that has been through a lot. Also, the filled-in dark areas such as the eye sockets and mouth make the tattoo visually prominent and add to its overall mysterious theme.

23. Vintage Skull And Rose Flash Tattoo

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While colorful variations of this ‘skull and rose’ tattoo theme may look great, this black and gray tattoo stands out in all its simplicity. Proving that a simply shaded tattoo with common yet juxtaposing elements such as a skull and a stemmed rose makes for quite the masterpiece. Plus, the minimal shading in the design gives an elegantly subtle yet bold appearance.

24. Gray Wash Skull And Rose Tattoo

This traditional-style tattoo design has managed to stay relevant even in these present times! It is still one of the most sought-after tattoo styles. The great level of detailing and skillful shading add a dash of mystery to the design.

25. White Ink Skull Tattoo

Make a classic black and gray skull stand out with some white ink! It gives the design the illusion of  a shine and adds dimension to the artwork. It makes the tattoo look more life-like, adds texture, emphasizes details, and gives it a softer and delicate appearance.

26. Spooky Skull As A Rose Tattoo With Barbed Wires

Talk about a play on words or rather, in this case, art. The tattoo starts off with a regular rose stem, complete with leaves and thorns. But, where there is supposed to be a rose, sprouts a skull minus the lower jaw. What really takes our breath away is the exquisite detail added to the design – the crack on the skull, the almost tear drop under the eye cavity, the dark hollow where the skull meets the stem. The lack of a rose may be a sign of betrayal. It is almost as if the tattoo tells the beautiful yet melancholy tale of a man impaled on a beautiful yet thorny creature.

27. Small-Sized Realism Skull And Rose Tattoo

With intricate details and precise shading, this small-scale tattoo reflects the micro-realism spirit to the core. The small bits of negative space and different types of shading help to add some dimension to the design, making the eyes look truly hollowed out. The delicate yet precise outlining gives it a cool and fresh look.

28. Rose Through The Skull Tattoo

Micro tattoos make as much of a statement as huge designs! This intensely shaded ‘rose going through the head of the skull and exiting through the teeth where the jaw is supposed to be’ design is becoming quite a popular hand design. While we applaud the work on the skull, the sheer detailing of the rose makes this tattoo perfect.

29. Black And Gray Traditional Skull And Rose Tattoo

The rose passing through the broken crowned skull via the mouth could represent strength and the ability to overcome challenges. The hints of blue color on the embellished crown may be suggestive of the lasting legacy left behind by the one who has crossed over to the other side. The name and dates added at the bottom of the tattoo serve as a lovely way to remember someone. It is a beautifully emotional take on classic memorial tattoo designs that generally only depict a single rose.

30. Black And Gray Realistic Skull And Rose Tattoo

Make the ultimate power move by getting this black and gray realistic-looking skull and rose tattoo. This tattoo imbues strength, featuring a huge skull comparatively larger in size with regard to the tiny rose design. This unbalanced tattoo design may indicate unconformity to societal norms and a rebel at heart. It could also indicate a person’s ability to embrace their flaws wholeheartedly.

Skull Rose Hand Tattoos

Skull and rose hand tattoos tend to fade quicker than other tattoos due to constant movement and friction faced by the limb. However, they put your hand on display splendidly.

31. Shaded Skull And Red Rose Hand Tattoo

This design features a red rose carrying a skull inside, perfectly fitting the dorsal side of the hand. The bright colors in the tattoo design make it look endearing. Also, the broken teeth of the human skull may represent the inability to move on after loving someone, a worn out soul, or someone who has passed away. Plus, the black shading on the outlines of the tattoo gives it an eerie vibe.

32. American Traditional Skull And Red Rose Hand Tattoo

If you are a fan of American traditional tattoos, this one is for you. Characterized by bold lines, minimal shading, and vivid colors, this design with a rose placed at the top and bottom of the human skull truly steals the spotlight. The cracks on the skull and fangs tell the tale of something supernatural.

33. Edgy Skull And Red Rose Hand Tattoo

This tattoo is powerful, loud, and detailed. The tactful use of black and gray colors adds to the overall theme of mourning and melancholia in the design. The blotches of dark black ink make this skull tattoo look even more edgy and unconventional. Plus, the thin white lines add a soft glow to the tattoo, defining its outline.

34. Blackwork Skull And Rose Tattoo

If there is one tattoo that perfectly describes strength and boldness, then it’s got to be this blackwork tattoo. The rose added to the side of the skull is quite reminiscent of how some women wear flowers or hats on their heads. The gradient shading helps to add a sense of depth and dimension to the design. While the negative spaces make the elements more standout. It also helps to soften harsh lines.

35. Half-Filled Colored Skull And Rose Tattoo

The red and green hues make this tattoo look more satisfying. The roses with thorns and leaves may demonstrate courage and setting boundaries to protect oneself from emotional pain. The curvy swirls add a sense of softness and fluidity to the design.  The bold black lines and added color give this tattoo a classic comic illustration feel.

36. Half-Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

Can anything be more terrifying than this half-skull tattoo with a rose bursting from its side? It is scary enough to give one a nightmare! The design is intensified by the brilliant shade work done in and on the outlines of the tattoo design. Further, the negative space, white lines, and gray watercolor effect make this tattoo look truly a remarkable piece of art.

37. Red-Hued Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

Who said a skull and rose tattoo cannot look delightfully ghoulish? Well, the case in point is this alluring red rose and filled-in skull tattoo. It truly captures the spooky spirit and looks super cute. The black shading on the red backdrop looks absolutely flawless and brings clarity to the design. The halloween-inspired ink designs on the fingers add a punch to it.

38.Large Skull And Big Rose Hand Tattoo

A large skull and rose tattoo with exceptional black and gray ink work adds to the impact, magnanimity, and aesthetic appeal of the design. It also features a cross and butterfly that add to the complexity of the design. This composition has a high contrast thanks to the detailing and negative space, giving the artwork a three-dimensional effect and imbuing a sense of realism into the design.

39. Dotwork Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

Oh, those dainty black dots! They not only fill in the design but also add a sense of uniqueness and a textured feel to the design. In this blackwork design, the rose with a stem and envelope, possibly signifying a love letter, is separated from the half-skull using a negative space. This brings a sense of balance and equilibrium to the design and works as a transitional element to interconnect the opposite elements.

40. Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo With Solid Black Band

This tattoo gives off that classic Victorian goth vibe with a flawless pencil sketch-looking, detailed skull lying on an open rose. The solid black band nicely enhances the tattoo. This work clearly shows the skill of the artist from the fine line shading to the crisp outlining of the design.

41. Cyan Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

Yes, a skull and rose hand tattoo can be a whole lot of fun! This body art features a dainty pearl necklace with a few skull charms that may symbolize looking for beauty in the most unexpected places. It could also represent the synchronism of beauty and death. Also, the large amount of black shading, cyan hue, and curvy lines forming the rosebud give this tattoo design an animated look.

42. Punk Rock Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

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This black and gray skull and rose tattoo is every bit daring, giving off edgy-cool vibes. The lettering on the wrist and fingers gives the design a vintage-era and punk-rock feel. Another good part about this grayscale tattoo is that it is sure to look badass even after fading a bit.

43. Samurai Skull And Rose Tattoo On Both Hands

Why try to fit an elaborate tattoo on one hand when you can spread it across both? The samurai skull on one hand and rose design on another can be reflective of the dual personality of an individual. Generally a samurai skull tattoo signifies the overcoming of a hard trial, while the rose symbolizes the beauty of life.

44. Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo With Minimal Shading

The low-key contrast created by the subtle shading combined with line work makes this simple minimalistic tattoo look very bold and a little realistic. It has an artsy feel and looks chic. The fine line work helps to lend subtlety and delicacy to the design that is juxtaposed with the harsh and powerful appearance of the skull.

45. Faded Skull And Rose Hand Tattoo

Who said faded tattoos do not look great? They very much do and proving our point is this subdued skull and rose tattoo. The skull opening to a bud is powerful imagery, giving a subtle steampunk skull with a creative hat vibes! It may encourage the wearer to look for beauty in the darkness and can be viewed as a symbol of the renewal of hope.

Skull And Roses Thigh Tattoos

Skull and rose tattoos on thighs allow one to choose a large design owing to the surface area and give enough space for the colors and details on the design to pop up.

46. Opaque Gray Skull And Rose Thigh Tattoo

This unassuming style features a large skull surrounded by beautiful roses. It looks fabulous and haunting at the same time. The black shading in the artwork creates a nice contrast and adds a soft and subtle transition between the light and dark areas. The broken teeth on the skull may symbolize loss or be indicative of resilience in times of challenging situations.

47. Pencil Art Skull And Rose Tattoo

This beautiful tattoo piece looks like a freshly sketched work of art. The captivating rose designs with multiple petals makes this design look pretty and ultra-feminine. The way it is juxtaposed against the detailed work done on the skill gives a wow factor to the overall tattoo. Not to forget the bold yet thin black outline that adds a sense of depth and dimension to the imagery, rendering a more balanced look.

48. Tiki Skull With Bones And Rose Tattoo

Brighten up your skull and rose tattoo the Tiki way to give your design a playful touch. Then take it up a notch by bringing bright colors into the scene! The alluring red roses with hints of yellow on petals and green leaves make this design a sight to behold! The orangish hue around the Tiki skull gives the design that classic ‘Scooby Doo’ spooky vibe.

A blogger shares his experience getting a complex tattoo sleeve featuring a grand skull and roses along with diamonds and leaves, which took more than 6 sessions to finish. He writes, “It has been quite a journey which I will never forget. A lot of pain but it always feels good afterward especially when the result is like this (i).”

49. Lady Luck Skull And Rose Tattoo

This tattoo has a myriad of interesting elements: a female face, complete with hair, designed back-to-back with a skull, background web, with two roses standing front and center. This tattoo is heavily influenced by the American traditional style of tattooing. The imagery of the weeping woman may be associated with sorrow or longing for someone. The inclusion of a spider web represents fate and destiny, adding to the mysterious theme of the skull design.

50. Delicate Linework Skull And Rose Tattoo

The rough and beaten down skull is juxtaposed beautifully against the dainty roses. The line work makes the imagery look precise, refined, and softer. The design certainly has an ethereal touch and alludes to a weightless feel, adding to its subtle and delicate aesthetic. The subtle shading looks beautiful and adds to the beauty of the design.

51. Skull And Rose Thigh Tattoo With Traditional Designs

Get ready to celebrate the spooky season of halloween in the best way possible! This skull tattoo designed with a side rose and a backdrop of paisley-esque motifs is very traditional meets eerie. The opened rose petals may signify beauty since the flower looks its best then. The detailing done on the skull is truly praiseworthy, from the outlines and shading to the addition of the possible bruising around the eyes.

52. Skull And Rose Thigh Tattoo With Traditional Floral Design Element

This floral-shaped, traditional design of a skull, two roses, and a mandala pattern looks so aesthetically pleasing. The circles, dots, and lines both straight and curvy adds a sense of playfulness to the design. The beauty of this artwork is that it combines different elements and yet looks harmonious.

53. Heavily Black Shaded Skull And Rose Thigh Tattoo

The heavy black shading gives a whole new edge to the classic skull and rose tattoo design. It also incorporates other floral details that adds a whimsical touch to the tattoo. Also, the unfilled rose leaves pop against the shaded side of the skull. This design may signify one’s ability to bloom even in the most turbulent times.

54. Skull And Colorful Rose And Leaves Thigh Tattoo With Negative Space

This tattoo design casts a spell on us! The fiery tones of red and dual-shaded green leaves look utterly captivating and playful! Further, the negative space in the design helps the ink work to look clean and less crowded. And combining both colored and black-and-white, filled and unfilled elements brings a sense of cartoonish vibes to the design.

Skull And Rose Tattoos For Females

If you are looking for skull and rose tattoos specifically designed for women, then your search ends here. These tattoos are aesthetically pleasing with an added touch of femininity.

55. Skull Adorned With Red Rose Tattoo For Women

What is not to love here? The skull, adorned with a head of and surrounded by roses, with a halo-like design at the back looks surreal! The black color backdrop makes each of the design elements stand out. The red roses around the skull and ribcage design serve as a decorative element and look visually striking. The subtle shade work creates a dynamic sense of light and dark.

56. Sketch Effect Grayscale Skull And Rose Tattoo For Females

This glow-in-the-dark tattoo has our hearts! A rose whose petals transition into a skull, the black-and-white contrast looks beyond beautiful. Apart from that the sketch effect gives this design a sense of fluidity, while the white ink adds the illusion of reflecting light.. Further, the gradient transition and gray color wash detailing on the rose and skull adds a dynamic feel to the composition. And the open mouth of the human skull makes it look ominous.

57. Cascading Red Rose Skull Tattoo For Females

The red, enchanting roses give a sense of daintiness to this design, while the clever negative spacing delivers a weightless feel to it. However, the incorporation of the skull added in line with the red roses creates a sense of uneasiness and has an intimidating effect.

58. Skull And Rose Tattoo In Pastel-Purple For Females

Looking for an ultra-feminine gradient skull and rose tattoo? Your search ends here! We recommend playing with different shades of purple! The soft and deep purple toned rose paired with the black and gray skull makes this design look absolutely enchanting. Also, a purple rose is often associated with mystery, and pairing it with the skull may symbolize the mystical aspect of life and death.

59. Skull And Rose Tattoo With Clock For Females

A clock tattoo generally indicates the passage of time and may denote the beginning or the end of life. Combining it with a skull indicates the brevity of life. The rose, often associated with eternal love, can commemorate the passing of a loved one  when paired with these tattoo elements. The black shadowy backdrop delivers a sense of contrast and depth to the tattoo design.

60. Blazing Red Rose And Skull Tattoo For Females

The fiery red color of the rose offers a bold contrast against the heavily shaded skull. The incorporation of white lines elevates the brighter, more delicate details of the design. This tattoo tries to bring together contrasting themes such as softness and strength and femininity and rebellion. This tattoo is attention-grabbing and the shadowy detail along the leaves looks amazing too.

61. Wild Red Rose And Skull Tattoo For Females

This tattoo is a great choice for those of you who are wild at heart. This blend of femininity, in the form of a rose, and danger, symbolized by the skull, is unabashedly bold. The heavy shading and bright colors add a dramatic effect to the design. Plus, the jagged curvy black lines add a touch of chaos in a beautiful way, bringing a bit of edge to the tattoo.

62. Black And Gray Rose And Skull Shoulder Tattoo For Females

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This tattoo is for all you lovely people who make the most out of a tough situation. Apart from the detailed shading on the skull, rose, and leaves, the meaning of this design speaks volumes. It tells the tale of a person placing something beautiful on an imperfection.

63. Red And Purple Skull And Rose Tattoo For Females

This adorable piece of art looks equal parts spooky and cute. The little eye detailing on the skull gives it a fun and animated look. The purple, green, yellow, and red tones enhance the vibrance of the design. If you want to keep your tattoo a secret, look for getting it in an easy-hide-place like the lower leg.

64. Traditional Wine-Hued Skull And Rose Tattoo For Females

This ranks among the most timeless designs. The skull design, complete with the nasal cavity and eye sockets, and the additional bones creates an interesting contrast against the delicate surrounding rose petals. The hint of wine and green hues adds a touch of liveliness to the design and is a sheer delight to look at. The thorn detailing on the rose stem signifies that love comes with its own set of challenges.

65. Skull And Rose Spider Web Tattoo For Females

This artwork reflects both the macabre and beauty of life. The fine line work adds intricacy, while the geometric and linear pattern of the web shows the artist’s mastery with precision. The tender petals of the rose unfurl from the skull and the stem is not a typical rose stem but rather a spine. This is a visually interesting composition and the white detailing only increases its allure.

66. Skull And Rose Black Ink Tattoo For Females

Black artwork tends to come across harsher on the skin as the ink is more saturated. But if you have decided to go for such a tattoo, try something like this tattoo design. While you may notice line work and heavy shading on the leaves and stem of the rose, the flower itself is very simple with some light shadow work done. Similarly, the skull is left unshaded, with a focus on the adding subtle detailing with lines.

67. Rose Windling Around The Side Of A Skull Tattoo For Females

The red rose in its full bloom stands gracefully by the side of the skull. The color red stands for passion as opposed to the dark colors used for the skull that may signify mystery and death. Further, this design is adorned with black bold line work, while the leaves contain hints of green and yellow, depicting the turning of seasons. The combination of colors is impressive and the very placement of the rose lends a unique touch to the design.

Skull And Roses Tattoos For Guys

These skull and rose tattoos are bold and edgy, basically perfect for men. They commonly incorporate dark shading and intricate designs to add a touch of masculinity to the designs.

68. Skull And Rose Tattoo With Dots And Linework

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful before? This dynamic composition features clean intricate linework, minimal shading, and dotting that greatly enhance the tattoo’s visual appeal. The curvy rose petals holding the thin yet bold skull brings balance and unity to the entire composition. Also, the detailing, such as the curvy lines in the eye sockets, gives this tattoo a steampunk vibe.

69. Rose In The Skull Tattoo

The beautifully detailed red rose, with yellow-green leaves that depict fall, positioned inside the skull looks nothing short of stunning. Plus, the gray and red tones on the human skull add an extra layer of intrigue to the design. The tiny white dots across the design lend a magical sparkle to it.

70. Skull And Rose Draping Tattoo

This elaborate piece of art with a skull embedded in one of the roses that flows down the arm is alluring. This design flows well, creating a sense of movement. Further, the yellow accents on the petals and white shading brings a realistic and striking touch to the design. Plus, the cracks and voids of the broken skull are also beautifully articulated.

71. American Traditional Skull And Rose Tattoo With Negative Spacing

This American traditional rose and skull tattoo is bold and classic. It is characterized by clean lines, solid black shading, and negative spacing. Plus, the rich tones of red and green further increase its boldness. The hollow fiery eye sockets and the nasal cavity may represent the fire in one’s soul. Overall, the design has a vintage appearance, true to its traditional aesthetics.

72. Skull And Rose Tattoo With Thin And Precise Linework

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The intricate thin lines and minimal shading give this tattoo a minimalistic feel while still looking impactful. Its placement on the arm gives off an elegant appeal. Further, the light yet intricate shading takes this design all the way up to eleven!

73. Vibrant Rose And Skull Tattoo

The broken skull and rose tattoo, a truly timeless design. The petals of the rose and leaves look bright and carefully shaded to create depth. The use of bold colors such as dark red and green enhances the vibrancy of the design. The rose going through the broken skull may symbolize something beautiful being birthed out of hardship and is reflective of the journey of life.

74.Two Skull And Rose Tattoo

This tattoo features two broken skulls, one breaking the other. The visible cracks and brokenness of the skull depicted in the artwork make it a visually engaging composition. Also, the rose, standing for enduring beauty, adds to the complexity of the design. Plus, the grayscale gives the tattoo a more rugged appearance that goes well with the dark theme.

75. Colorful Skull And Rose Behind The Ear Tattoo

The red-shaded rose with green leaves symbolizes love and the skull is reflective of the very nature of life. This work fits perfectly on the side of the neck. The red, green, and yellow inks add a nice pop of color to the plant, while the tattered skull stands out in white. This tattoo perfectly shows how contrasting colors add to the overall design’s aesthetic.

76. Dynamic Skull And Rose Tattoo

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This is definitely an eye-catching work of art. The skull positioned under the rose has a cascading effect. The stem passing through the skull looks powerful and ultra-cool. Plus, the soft shading helps to give it a sleek, modern, and sophisticated appearance.

77. Rose Piercing The Skull From The Top Tattoo

In this design, the stem of the rose piercing through the skull may symbolize taking away something beautiful from a disastrous circumstance. The detailing on the skull and leaves has a contrasting effect, putting the spotlight on the rose. Plus, the white detailing highlights the subtle nuances of the design.

78. Disfigured Skull And Rose Tattoo


Beauty lies in imperfection! The contrast created between the fragmented skull and the vibrant rose looks amazing and adds an extra layer of complexity to the design. It may represent the embracing or acceptance of flaws. The mix of yellow, green, and black hues on the leaves creates a lovely autumn gradient effect. Also, the skull hand holding the eyeball literally sends chills down the spine.

79. Grayscale Skull And Rose Tattoo With A Missing Jaw

If you are not afraid of macabre-themed tattoos, then this is for you! This beautifully shaded rose and skull tattoo with a missing jaw invokes a sense of curiosity with a touch of mystery. Also, the thin dark outline makes the tattoo slightly more visible, giving it a clean look.

Sugar Skull Tattoos With Roses

These sugar skull and rose tattoos look mysteriously beautiful yet powerful at the same time.

protip_icon Trivia
As early as the 12th century, Europeans began to use sugar skulls in celebration of All Saints Day.

80. Sugar Skull And Rose Tattoo With Poppy Colors

If you are looking for an ink design with a stunning pop, then here is what you need to go for. The varied colors and patterns lend a sense of richness to the design with a bit of edge. The cute little detailing of curvy lines forming the boundary of the eye socket gives this tattoo a unique charm.

81. Delicately Adorned Sugar Skull And Rose Tattoo

Got an affinity for sugar skull tattoos but looking for a design that draws attention without looking overwhelming? Your search ends here! The red rose paired with other colored flowers and playful patterns look mesmeric. Plus the pretty curvy detailing around the eye socket and green flowers positioned inside it give the gracefully detailed tattoo a softer touch.

82. Black Skull And Rose Tattoo With Scripting

Here, a script beautifully outlines the curves of the skull. The traditional motifs and designs along with the rose add to its aesthetic. The all-black design looks edgy and cool. Plus, the light shading gives this design a traditional feel. The subtle dot work and teeny designs help to create a flow among varied visual elements.

83. Grayscale Skull And Red Rose Tattoo

Adding bright colors to a grayscale tattoos may enhance its vibrancy and make the design stand out. The red rose and green leaves atop the skull create a dramatic visual contrast. Further, the intentionally left black ink blotches around the design give it a more intense touch. Another interesting thing about this design is the ‘spade’ symbol used to depict the nasal cavity.

84. Sugar Skull And Red Rose Tattoo In Soft Blue Tones

Color me intrigued! The soft tones of light blue and pink create a subdued effect. The pink floral detailing and green foliage add to the daintiness of the design. Plus, the red rose blooming from the sides of the skull looks mind-blowing. Also, the yellow curvy lines with dots and cross symbols add to the intricacy of the design. Lastly, the roses placed inside the eye sockets look incredible too.

85. Whimsical Sugar Skull And Rose Tattoo With Negative Space

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The curvy lines and floral design detailing on the skull and sockets makes the design look ultra-feminine. Overall, the composition looks striking and the well-shaded roses and skull outline (down to the cracks at the back, mind you) is stunning. The full flowers in the hollowed eye sockets and the half flowers on the cheeks and jaw give this tattoo a nice playful hint, almost like a retro eye spiral effect. Very rad!

A skull and rose tattoo is commonly associated with traditional tattoo designs, but we say the sky’s the limit on what you can get and make of it. These designs have been the trendsetters in the tattoo industry and suit old folks, Gen-Z, and millennials, well just anyone who wants to get them inked. These artworks are characterized by bold shapes and black outlining, in short these designs remain extremely popular to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do skull and roses tattoos have any specific significance for certain groups or subcultures?

A skull and rose tattoo are often associated with punk and glam rock culture. They are also widely seen in biker culture and imbue the adventurous spirit. While in Mexican culture, they are associated with the ‘Day of the Dead’ or Dia de Los Muertos, which symbolizes the celebration of the life of deceased loved ones.

What should I consider before getting a skull and roses tattoo?

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the meaning of the tattoo and if combined with other elements what message it conveys. Also, these tattoos come in various styles be they traditional, contemporary, or realistic, it is important to understand what type of tattoo appeals to your personal aesthetic and style, before deciding on one.

Key Takeaways

  • Skull and rose tattoos are immensely popular and have a timeless appeal. They include themes of life and death that is the duality of nature.
  • These tattoos are versatile and come in various forms, styles, and iterations.
  • They make for meaningful tattoos and convey deep emotions such as love, loss, beauty, life, etc.
  • The rise of sugar skull tattoos has put a contemporary spin on traditional skull and rose tattoos. The designs have become more fun, lively, and ornamental.

Illustration: Skull And Roses Tattoo Design Ideas With Meanings

skull and rose tattoo

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Once you take the plunge and get that skull and rose tattoo you have always wanted, the next step is to take good care of it, especially during the healing phase. Check out the video below for more information.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

(i) The Diamond / Rose / Skull / Leaf sleeve is finally done !
https://supermagnus.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/the-diamond-rose-skull-leaf-sleeve-is-finaly-done/
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Brik Rangel
Brik RangelTattoo Artist
Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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