Tribal style face tattoos are becoming more prevalent as collectors use the previously taboo area for interesting depictions of self-expression. Previously, only the Maori Ta’Moko and traditional cultural designs from Polynesia were employed for facial art with any degree of community acceptance (and even that was minimal). Currently though, the stigma of getting a highly visible ‘jobstopper’ tattoo seems to matter less than at any time previously, despite reluctance from a lot of artists to do this type of ink. Face ink with a focus on traditional culture – from Eastern philosophy, to Polynesia, and Norse/Celtic tattoo – is now a staple of tattoo whether others like it or not. The following gallery of top 73 tribal face tattoo ideas depict a range of interesting concepts for technique and placement. If you’re considering a face tattoo these images will help you narrow your choice.

  1. Tribal Style Cheek Tattoo Ideas Source: @arn_o_ne via Instagram Source: @blvck_rune via Instagram Source: @canepazzo_hc via Instagram Source: @collybopink via Instagram Source: @darkspectretattoos via Instagram Source: @eldiablotattoowales via Instagram Source: @ghostgirltattoo via Instagram Source: @golden.spiral.lola_ via Instagram Source: @impermanence_tatu via Instagram Source: @jayw0rk via Instagram Source: @marieradfordtattoo via Instagram Source: @michellemonster_ via Instagram Source: @rayprathertattoo via Instagram
  2. Tribal Chin Tattoo Art Source: @bluebelle777 via Instagram Source: @jono.harrison via Instagram Source: @jordantwotone via Instagram Source: @sorry_mom via Instagram Source: @str8blasted951 via Instagram Source: @tattoo.aida_ via Instagram Source: @thehaletattoo via Instagram
  3. Forehead Tribal Tattoo Designs Source: @black_arrows_tattoo via Instagram Source: @chlomenzies_ via Instagram Source: @elisartattoo via Instagram Source: @goldleaftattoocollective via Instagram Source: @impermanence_tatu via Instagram Source: @ladymarion_tattooer via Instagram Source: @maefloradavies via Instagram Source: @mat_le_black via Instagram Source: @tjmarquezphotography via Instagram Source: @whoisalextattoo via Instagram
  4. Tribal Face Tattoo Ideas for Women Source: @abbeymanson via Instagram Source: @chewstattoos via Instagram Source: @dreadicationlocs via Instagram Source: @maximalabstand via Instagram Source: @missssy_g via Instagram Source: @raineyxentattoo via Instagram Source: @tattooed_dingus via Instagram 5. Tribal Face Tattoos for Men Source: @anita_sinko via Instagram Source: @black_ink_studio24 via Instagram Source: @daddyvasto via Instagram Source: @iskald_svart_ulvblod via Instagram Source: @model_a3 via InstagramSource: @dinnybacio via Instagram Source: @n_e.r_o_ via Instagram Source: @reda_inkmodel via Instagram Source: @shawn.lags_ via Instagram Source: @sojalord via Instagram Source: @the100namesbeast via Instagram Source: @tonyleebruce via Instagram
  5. Tribal Nose Tattoos Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @bpctattoos via Instagram Source: @ikal_ink via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @tanya_grenier via Instagram
  6. Simple Face Tattoo Ideas Source: @cris.tattoos via Instagram Source: @dexterkay via Instagram Source: @electriclinda.life_ via Instagram Source: @kingraccoon_ via Instagram Source: @kriyaluna via Instagram Source: @phoeninkstattoos via Instagram Source: @psymara90 via Instagram Source: @s.dalitattoo via Instagram Source: @smile.inked_ via Instagram Source: @vanaja.traditional.tattoo via Instagram Source: @tenebra94official via Instagram Source: @hawktattoodelhi via InstagramSource: @deepeshmittal.deep via Instagram

Tribal style face tattoos are becoming more prevalent as collectors use the previously taboo area for interesting depictions of self-expression. Previously, only the Maori Ta’Moko and traditional cultural designs from Polynesia were employed for facial art with any degree of community acceptance (and even that was minimal). Currently though, the stigma of getting a highly visible ‘jobstopper’ tattoo seems to matter less than at any time previously, despite reluctance from a lot of artists to do this type of ink. Face ink with a focus on traditional culture – from Eastern philosophy, to Polynesia, and Norse/Celtic tattoo – is now a staple of tattoo whether others like it or not. The following gallery of top 73 tribal face tattoo ideas depict a range of interesting concepts for technique and placement. If you’re considering a face tattoo these images will help you narrow your choice.

  1. Tribal Style Cheek Tattoo Ideas Source: @arn_o_ne via Instagram Source: @blvck_rune via Instagram Source: @canepazzo_hc via Instagram Source: @collybopink via Instagram Source: @darkspectretattoos via Instagram Source: @eldiablotattoowales via Instagram Source: @ghostgirltattoo via Instagram Source: @golden.spiral.lola_ via Instagram Source: @impermanence_tatu via Instagram Source: @jayw0rk via Instagram Source: @marieradfordtattoo via Instagram Source: @michellemonster_ via Instagram Source: @rayprathertattoo via Instagram
  2. Tribal Chin Tattoo Art Source: @bluebelle777 via Instagram Source: @jono.harrison via Instagram Source: @jordantwotone via Instagram Source: @sorry_mom via Instagram Source: @str8blasted951 via Instagram Source: @tattoo.aida_ via Instagram Source: @thehaletattoo via Instagram
  3. Forehead Tribal Tattoo Designs Source: @black_arrows_tattoo via Instagram Source: @chlomenzies_ via Instagram Source: @elisartattoo via Instagram Source: @goldleaftattoocollective via Instagram Source: @impermanence_tatu via Instagram Source: @ladymarion_tattooer via Instagram Source: @maefloradavies via Instagram Source: @mat_le_black via Instagram Source: @tjmarquezphotography via Instagram Source: @whoisalextattoo via Instagram
  4. Tribal Face Tattoo Ideas for Women Source: @abbeymanson via Instagram Source: @chewstattoos via Instagram Source: @dreadicationlocs via Instagram Source: @maximalabstand via Instagram Source: @missssy_g via Instagram Source: @raineyxentattoo via Instagram Source: @tattooed_dingus via Instagram 5. Tribal Face Tattoos for Men Source: @anita_sinko via Instagram Source: @black_ink_studio24 via Instagram Source: @daddyvasto via Instagram Source: @iskald_svart_ulvblod via Instagram Source: @model_a3 via InstagramSource: @dinnybacio via Instagram Source: @n_e.r_o_ via Instagram Source: @reda_inkmodel via Instagram Source: @shawn.lags_ via Instagram Source: @sojalord via Instagram Source: @the100namesbeast via Instagram Source: @tonyleebruce via Instagram
  5. Tribal Nose Tattoos Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @bpctattoos via Instagram Source: @ikal_ink via Instagram Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram Source: @tanya_grenier via Instagram
  6. Simple Face Tattoo Ideas Source: @cris.tattoos via Instagram Source: @dexterkay via Instagram Source: @electriclinda.life_ via Instagram Source: @kingraccoon_ via Instagram Source: @kriyaluna via Instagram Source: @phoeninkstattoos via Instagram Source: @psymara90 via Instagram Source: @s.dalitattoo via Instagram Source: @smile.inked_ via Instagram Source: @vanaja.traditional.tattoo via Instagram Source: @tenebra94official via Instagram Source: @hawktattoodelhi via InstagramSource: @deepeshmittal.deep via Instagram

Tribal style face tattoos are becoming more prevalent as collectors use the previously taboo area for interesting depictions of self-expression.

Previously, only the Maori Ta’Moko and traditional cultural designs from Polynesia were employed for facial art with any degree of community acceptance (and even that was minimal).

Currently though, the stigma of getting a highly visible ‘jobstopper’ tattoo seems to matter less than at any time previously, despite reluctance from a lot of artists to do this type of ink.

Face ink with a focus on traditional culture – from Eastern philosophy, to Polynesia, and Norse/Celtic tattoo – is now a staple of tattoo whether others like it or not.

The following gallery of top 73 tribal face tattoo ideas depict a range of interesting concepts for technique and placement. If you’re considering a face tattoo these images will help you narrow your choice.

1. Tribal Style Cheek Tattoo Ideas

Source: @arn_o_ne via Instagram

Source: @blvck_rune via Instagram

Source: @canepazzo_hc via Instagram

Source: @collybopink via Instagram

Source: @darkspectretattoos via Instagram

Source: @eldiablotattoowales via Instagram

Source: @ghostgirltattoo via Instagram

Source: @golden.spiral.lola_ via Instagram

Source: @impermanence_tatu via Instagram

Source: @jayw0rk via Instagram

Source: @marieradfordtattoo via Instagram

Source: @michellemonster_ via Instagram

Source: @rayprathertattoo via Instagram

2. Tribal Chin Tattoo Art

Source: @bluebelle777 via Instagram

Source: @jono.harrison via Instagram

Source: @jordantwotone via Instagram

Source: @sorry_mom via Instagram

Source: @str8blasted951 via Instagram

Source: @tattoo.aida_ via Instagram

Source: @thehaletattoo via Instagram

3. Forehead Tribal Tattoo Designs

Source: @black_arrows_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @chlomenzies_ via Instagram

Source: @elisartattoo via Instagram

Source: @goldleaftattoocollective via Instagram

Source: @ladymarion_tattooer via Instagram

Source: @maefloradavies via Instagram

Source: @mat_le_black via Instagram

Source: @tjmarquezphotography via Instagram

Source: @whoisalextattoo via Instagram

4. Tribal Face Tattoo Ideas for Women

Source: @abbeymanson via Instagram

Source: @chewstattoos via Instagram

Source: @dreadicationlocs via Instagram

Source: @maximalabstand via Instagram

Source: @missssy_g via Instagram

Source: @raineyxentattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattooed_dingus via Instagram

5. Tribal Face Tattoos for Men

Source: @anita_sinko via Instagram

Source: @black_ink_studio24 via Instagram

Source: @daddyvasto via Instagram

Source: @iskald_svart_ulvblod via Instagram

Source: @model_a3 via InstagramSource: @dinnybacio via Instagram

Source: @n_e.r_o_ via Instagram

Source: @reda_inkmodel via Instagram

Source: @shawn.lags_ via Instagram

Source: @sojalord via Instagram

Source: @the100namesbeast via Instagram

Source: @tonyleebruce via Instagram

6. Tribal Nose Tattoos

Source: @primo_juan_ via Instagram

Source: @bpctattoos via Instagram

Source: @ikal_ink via Instagram

Source: @tanya_grenier via Instagram

7. Simple Face Tattoo Ideas

Source: @cris.tattoos via Instagram

Source: @dexterkay via Instagram

Source: @electriclinda.life_ via Instagram

Source: @kingraccoon_ via Instagram

Source: @kriyaluna via Instagram

Source: @phoeninkstattoos via Instagram

Source: @psymara90 via Instagram

Source: @s.dalitattoo via Instagram

Source: @smile.inked_ via Instagram

Source: @vanaja.traditional.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @tenebra94official via Instagram

Source: @hawktattoodelhi via InstagramSource: @deepeshmittal.deep via Instagram

                        What application ideas work for tribal face tattoo art?                        

With an area like the face, simple is often the best way to go.   Use black ink for the tattoo design, and rely on application technique – strong lines, use of dotwork, negative space, or simple gradient shading – to bring the characteristics of your tattoo to life. 

                        How do I care for a new face tattoo?                        

Approximately 4-5 hours after you get tattooed, you will want to remove the bandage.  Gently wash the area with antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water then gently pat the skin dry. Refrain from putting on another bandage.  Once clean, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo 2-3 times per day.  Keep the area clean and dry throughout the day.   Avoid shaving, touching, or picking at the tattooed area, heavy exercise and direct sunlight. 

                        Why are face tattoos called jobstoppers?                        

Jobstoppers refer to tattoos that are difficult, if not impossible, to hide on places like the face, hands and neck.   In the past, tattoos highly visible ones carried strong associations with criminality.   Because of these ties to criminal elements and societies’ lack of enthusiasm, in the past employers were unlikely to hire someone with visible tattoos: hence, jobstoppers. 

                        Should I get a temporary face tattoo and test the design?                        

Absolutely. In fact, if you aren’t an experienced tattoo enthusiast with little idea of the reaction a face tattoo will draw from people, I’d highly recommend you try it out before making a permanent decision.  Good quality temporary tattoos can work out issues with size and placement and allow you to get more information together to make an informed tattoo decision. 

                        What application ideas work for tribal face tattoo art?                        

With an area like the face, simple is often the best way to go.   Use black ink for the tattoo design, and rely on application technique – strong lines, use of dotwork, negative space, or simple gradient shading – to bring the characteristics of your tattoo to life. 

With an area like the face, simple is often the best way to go.  

Use black ink for the tattoo design, and rely on application technique – strong lines, use of dotwork, negative space, or simple gradient shading – to bring the characteristics of your tattoo to life. 

                        How do I care for a new face tattoo?                        

Approximately 4-5 hours after you get tattooed, you will want to remove the bandage.  Gently wash the area with antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water then gently pat the skin dry. Refrain from putting on another bandage.  Once clean, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo 2-3 times per day.  Keep the area clean and dry throughout the day.   Avoid shaving, touching, or picking at the tattooed area, heavy exercise and direct sunlight. 

Approximately 4-5 hours after you get tattooed, you will want to remove the bandage. 

Gently wash the area with antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water then gently pat the skin dry. Refrain from putting on another bandage. 

Once clean, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo 2-3 times per day.  Keep the area clean and dry throughout the day.  

Avoid shaving, touching, or picking at the tattooed area, heavy exercise and direct sunlight. 

                        Why are face tattoos called jobstoppers?                        

Jobstoppers refer to tattoos that are difficult, if not impossible, to hide on places like the face, hands and neck.   In the past, tattoos highly visible ones carried strong associations with criminality.   Because of these ties to criminal elements and societies’ lack of enthusiasm, in the past employers were unlikely to hire someone with visible tattoos: hence, jobstoppers. 

Jobstoppers refer to tattoos that are difficult, if not impossible, to hide on places like the face, hands and neck.  

In the past, tattoos highly visible ones carried strong associations with criminality.  

Because of these ties to criminal elements and societies’ lack of enthusiasm, in the past employers were unlikely to hire someone with visible tattoos: hence, jobstoppers. 

                        Should I get a temporary face tattoo and test the design?                        

Absolutely. In fact, if you aren’t an experienced tattoo enthusiast with little idea of the reaction a face tattoo will draw from people, I’d highly recommend you try it out before making a permanent decision.  Good quality temporary tattoos can work out issues with size and placement and allow you to get more information together to make an informed tattoo decision. 

Absolutely. In fact, if you aren’t an experienced tattoo enthusiast with little idea of the reaction a face tattoo will draw from people, I’d highly recommend you try it out before making a permanent decision. 

Good quality temporary tattoos can work out issues with size and placement and allow you to get more information together to make an informed tattoo decision.