A skull tattoo concept invariably denotes death, decay, and the unstoppable passage of time – however it may also be used to explore the duality and intertwining of life and death.

The skull is also commonly taken as a symbol of death, danger and destruction, while in outlaw culture the skull is a symbol of alienation and rebellion, a totem for those outside and on the fringes.

The following 145+ cool skull tattoo ideas demonstrate the best in skull design, showcasing inspiration you can use to apply to your next piece of body art.

1. Sugar Skull Tattoos

The Calavera, candy skull, or sugar skull, is recognized worldwide and attractively links to the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos).

These over-the-top candy skull designs are a fixture in Mexican culture, less fatalistic than their anatomical counterparts but carrying the same visceral qualities along with increased rates of artistry.

Calavera imprints and cartoon skulls are often more creative and original than the typical skull and crossbones. Additionally, the sugar skull tattoo often include flowers, abstract line-work, and other traditional tattoo flourishes.

2. Hand Skull Tattoos

Hand Skull tattoos are growing more prevalent in visible body art such as candy skulls or realism design ideas.

Gnashing teeth are a frequent centerpiece of a man or woman’s skull hand tattoo – the bone structure often creates intense detail.

For some a skull hand tattoo revels in the incorporation of macabre elements like flesh and blood, or strikes an old-school note by focusing solely on the skeletal facial structure rather than symbolic meaning.

3. Traditional Skull Tattoos

The skull is a basic symbol humans are hardwired to recognize. The human skull is a shape that not only connects instantly to human recognition, but it exemplifies death and peace all at once.

The death’s head or grim reaper is prevalent in traditional ink and often thought of as a symbol of mortality amongst different cultures of the world – as is the jolly roger for those with a life on the seas.

When used in traditional tattoos brings about themes of death, inevitability, and the cycle of life.

4. Wolf Skull Tattoos

People seek wolf tattoos for a multitude of reasons, most of those being cultural meanings or personality traits of the canine.

Wolf skull tattoos provide an interesting alternative to fully formed creatures by focusing on the dead skull.

Some believe wolves are vicious and to be avoided at all costs while others find them majestic, protecting each loved one in their pack with great cunning and ferocity.

5. Skull Tattoos for Men

The skull is one of the few tattoo ideas that have never gone out of style.

Naturally, tattoos are meant to tell a story, to explore the depths of one’s personality for all of the world to see, whether it’s a pirate’s jolly roger or a culturally important tribal skull.

A skull is the perfect visual tale, with freedom for you to get creative with the skull tattoo design elements and application style.

Think about pairing up your skull tattoo with other dominant or meaningful symbolism. A skilled tattoo artist can construct elaborate, detailed works of art from simple ideas.

6. Bull Skull Tattoos

The uncompromising strength of a rugged steer is magnificently captured in bull skull tattoo design.

These assertive creatures have been revered for their virility among Native Americans and colonial cowboys alike. In essence, these intimidating powerhouses stand for an authoritative presence and tremendous confidence.

Rodeo fans absolutely love these deadly oxen, while Astrology buffs may get a similar thrill from the animal’s kinship with the sign of Taurus.

7. Small Skull Tattoos

The small skull tattoo is a classical tattoo designs in modern body art.

Symbolizing mortality, immortality and the dramatic interplay between life and death, skull tattoos embody the shadow side supremely beloved by tattoo enthusiasts worldwide.

Small skull tattoos remind the wearer and the world that all beings are part of the cosmic cycle of life and death, whether it’s a solo skull or design incorporating a serpent, bird, butterfly, or pirate flag.

8. Skull Sleeve Tattoos

Skull sleeve tattoos carry serious energy alongside retro flair. They also can signify Mexican heritage by being tied to the Day of the Dead.

Flaming skull tattoos are a fine alternative to the standard skull sleeve designs, and the eye sockets also leave lots of room open for expression, or a lack thereof.

In the end, the facial features can be fine-tuned to your liking. Any size is an acceptable possibility, and it is quite easy to get carried away.