Phoenix is a mythical creature, just like dragons and mermaids. It often symbolizes rebirth and resurrection. Therefore, phoenix tattoos resonate with people that have gone through struggles and challenges. In a word, they are for the tough souls.
They may also bring strength to those in the middle of a critical transformation. In this case, it’s a totem of faith.
However, most phoenix tattoos are in vibrant colors, daring, and expressive. And sometimes they can be too overwhelming for girls. But with creativity, you can make a phoenix tattoo classy and elegant.
So if the phoenix represents your goal or life philosophy, why not make it your next tattoo? From small to big, black to color, these gorgeous phoenix tattoos for women will help inspire you.
The meaning of phoenix tattoos
Phoenix is a mythical creature that can be found in various cultures. In Greek mythology, the phoenix never really dies. They burn their old selves in the fire and rise again from the ashes.
In Chinese folklore, the phoenix often symbolizes virtue and grace and is seen as a representation of the Chinese empress.
Phoenix tattoos inherit similar symbolisms from the phoenix motif. It is a symbol of rebirth and strength in facing life adversity. A rising phoenix tattoo often comes with fire imagery, meaning the phoenix is reborn from ashes. Therefore, it has become a tattoo idea for survivors or those who have gone through major difficulties.
Besides the deep meaning behind phoenix tattoos, they are purely gorgeous. Phoenix is often depicted as a peacock-like bird with tails in different colors. As a tattoo element, it’s usually drawn with its wings spread wide. The fearless and dominant look gives tattoo wearers power.
Disclaimer: This collection of phoenix tattoos for women is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
Phoenix tattoos for women
Small phoenix tattoos for women
For a tattoo motif as expressive as the phoenix, going big is not the only option. You can have a small, dainty tat and still make a statement. The following small phoenix tattoos for women may not be the most outrageous. But it’s the simplicity and meaning that make them timeless.
Small phoenix behind the ear
@oztattoom
A great way to keep a tattoo discreet is to put it behind the ear. Even with the bold lines, you can still hide this tribal-style tattoo with your hair down. But when you pull it up, it will be a powerful statement of strength.
Cute phoenix chest tattoo
@ink.canart
Besides rebirth, the phoenix also represents balance. It’s a symbol of Yin and Yang in the east. This tattoo embraces this idea by placing it in the middle of the chest. It’s not only gorgeous but also alluring.
Phoenix feather tattoo
@disegnarti
Inking a giant bird on the skin can be a painful process. That’s why if you want something simpler and smaller, it may be a good idea to consider phoenix feather tattoos. With the firey colors, the viewers can still recognize it as a phoenix tattoo.
Black phoenix feather collarbone tattoo
@anamadysun
Another phoenix feather tattoo, but with a different placement. The collarbone is a unique area to work on because of the slightly tilted angle of the bone. It gives the tattoo a feeling of extension and movement.
Small watercolor phoenix on the shoulder blade
@joytattoo_
Unlike vibrant, solid coloring you can see in traditional tattoos, watercolors are a subtle way to add just enough glam to the tattoo.
Black phoenix wrist tattoo
@mmarcadini
The wrist is a small space. But you can reduce the details and make it fit on the placement.
Geometric phoenix tattoo
@yai_tatts
Geometric tattoos appeal to a large demographic because of their balance and structure. Also, it’s not as literal as a realism tattoo. So if you want something abstract, consider geometric phoenix tattoos like this one.
Simple phoenix outline symbol
@botanink_ko
One good thing about outline tattoos is their simplicity. Inking phoenix in detail often takes a long time and may cause much pain. On the contrary, a simple, sleek symbol like this is perfect for pain-sensitive people.
Small ornamental phoenix on the ankle
@kimkoss.ink_
Mixing multiple styles together adds fun to a design. Take this ankle tattoo as an example. The body and wings are sleek with no excessive shading. But the tattooist draws the tails in detail, creating a visual contrast.
Abstract symbolic phoenix
@yellowltattoos
This ankle tattoo may not scream “phoenix” at first sight. But you can still tell when you look closer. It will be a conversational piece that keeps people guessing.
Stunning and bold rising phoenix tattoos
Transformation, resurrection, rebirth – most phoenix symbolisms are acts of courage. That’s why it makes sense to go bold and big with phoenix tattoos.
But expanse and vibrant tattoos don’t mean overwhelming. The following phoenix tattoos for women manage to be both daring and elegant.
Full sleeve ink wash style phoenix tattoo
@hanu.classic
Chinese ink wash is often used in traditional Chinese painting. This tattoo embodies the same style, creating a flowy piece of art on the skin. This look is perfect for you if you resonate with the phoenix symbolism and want to celebrate your oriental root.
Full side phoenix tattoo
@aestet.ink_
A full side tattoo like this is not for everyone. It extends from the waist all the way to the rib and the thigh. It’s undoubtedly bold. But at the same time, such an expansive space gives plenty of room for details and creativity. And that’s exactly what the tattooist does.
Look closer, and you will see the floral patterns on the phoenix’s body. Its tail is also decorated with flowers, enhancing the femininity of the design.
Black phoenix tattoo
@tattooist_jaymee
If you want a large phoenix tattoo, the back is an ideal placement. You can ink on the shoulder blade or stretch it along the spine like this black tattoo. Either way, it will be a stunning announcement of a new life chapter.
Phoenix quote tattoo
@aksinya.tattoo
If you want to go big, you don’t need to stop with one placement. This phoenix tattoo for women stretches across the shoulder and the sleeve. And the quote pushes the idea of finding strength in yourself.
Intricate phoenix shoulder tattoo
@solovyovatattooer
Compared to the phoenix we’ve seen above, this one takes a softer approach. The lines are curvy, and the phoenix looks calm but determined, indicating the combination of power and beauty.
Detailed phoenix forearm tattoo
@stockholminktattoo
Instead of drawing an entire phoenix, this tattoo focuses on the wings and feathers. But it doesn’t lose its finesse because of it. With the layers of feathers so well portrayed, the tattoo is an intricate piece of art.
A girly phoenix on the side
@barbara_corbucci_tattooer
A good tattoo has to fit the wearer’s personal style. This phoenix rib tattoo does exactly that. By painting the feathers in purple and pink, the tattooist transforms the phoenix into a symbol of beauty and strength.
Fire phoenix
@keirareneetattoos
There’s nothing more empowering than a flaming phoenix tattoo like this one. The red and orange colors of the phoenix resemble the fire, which shows that it is reborn from ashes.
Rising phoenix back tattoo
@yktaipei
This shoulder tattoo shows why less is more. The tattooist could have tattooed the entire phoenix in red. But he didn’t. Instead, he deliberately paints half of the phoenix in black, thus making the other half pop out.
Black phoenix on the back
@alice_b_jb
This back tattoo is proof that blackwork can be stunning, too. With the details and the level of skills, the tattoo makes a gorgeous statement of courage and power.
Adorable floral phoenix
@deni_teckuje
One good thing about tattooing a mythical creature is that there is more than one answer. Much like dragons and unicorns, you can recreate the imagery to your liking.
This floral phoenix tattoo is a great example. By adding flowers and changing the proportion, the tattooist makes a fierce animal cute.
Red phoenix sleeve tattoo
@astrolabium_tattoo
Neo-traditional tattoos are all about vibrant colors and bold lines. This tattoo takes one step further by adding the shiny spots, making it stand out even more.
Realism phoenix thigh tattoo
@ciel_tattoos
Besides the back, the thigh is another ideal placement for an expansive and sophisticated design. So if you want to go big, why not give thigh tattoos a try?
Phoenix red ink on the back
@rahon_tt
Red ink is not a common style because of the potential allergies it may cause. But it works so well with the phoenix motif because red is the color of fire. So if it appeals to you, do your research, understand the risk and go for it.
Phoenix rising from fire
@justin.llllll
This tattoo captures a phoenix from the back, showing off the beautiful feathers on the tail. But what really makes the tattoo stand out is the flames around it. It not only echos with the rising phoenix mythology. The red also creates a visual impact and catches eyeballs.
Blue phoenix sleeve tattoo
@elly_tattooist
Phoenix tattoos don’t always have to be red and yellow. If you have a favorite color, why not give it a makeover like this one?
Realism fire phoenix tattoo
@adrienn.kern_
It’s certainly a challenge to tattoo birds realistically. But this tattoo not only pulls off the task. All the flames are portrayed to perfection as if burning on the skin.
Oriental phoenix
@maya_gat
Unlike most phoenixes we see in tattoos, this oriental version looks like a combination of eagle and creek. Not as vibrant, but it embodies a sense of elegance and wisdom.
Sophisticated phoenix on the back
@vladimir.kutuev
You can layer different elements into one tattoo to make it more meaningful. This one is a good example.
Apart from the phoenix, this tattoo also has a golden ratio symbol. Also known as the Fibonacci spiral, it symbolizes structure and balance. And the moon phase by the wing further demonstrates the feminine power.
Sleek fine line phoenix arm tattoo
@nothingwildtattoo
Contrary to the last tattoo, this one chooses to reduce instead of add. It takes away the shading and the solid body silhouette, which is a risky move. But it makes the tattoo lighter and suits women better.
Watercolor phoenix back tattoo for women
@judas_tattoo_
Colors do wonders. By creating a warm and cold color palette, this tattooist makes the back piece pop out on the skin.
Radiating phoenix on the spine
@yesimkurtw
Adding radiating lines is a clever way to capture even more attention, just like this back tattoo. It puts the phoenix in the center and draws eyeballs to the fascinating imagery.
Shiny phoenix collarbone tattoo
@juliasaccardo
Like bird or dragon tattoos, the natural movements of the animals give liveliness to the design. This chest tattoo feels even lighter by keeping the lines curvy as if the phoenix is flowing in the air. The shining spots act as a brilliant finishing touch.
Creative phoenix tattoos for women
It’s true that phoenixes may not vary much in their appearances. But you can be creative with the color and overall presentation. The following phoenix tattoos for women will inspire you if you want something different from the crowd.
Japanese phoenix tattoo for women
@tattooist_eq
Japanese phoenix tattoos are known for their vibrant colors, massive coverage, and bold, thick lines. But this one is different.
It’s relatively small. But by adding a Ukiyo-e painting as background, this side tattoo is no doubt a representation of Japanese art.
The phoenix dagger
@auua.tattoo
Unlike all the tattoos we’ve seen, this phoenix tat is not about the phoenix. Instead, the phoenix element is embedded as the decoration. Because the dagger also symbolizes strength, this tattoo will belong to a strong soul.
Tribal phoenix tattoo
@anothertattoo.hn_
Tribal tattoos are seen as armor that protects the wearer and gives strength. This phoenix is illustrated in tribal style. And the way it rises up and touches the sun makes the tattoo even more empowering.
Wrap-around-the-ankle phoenix tattoo
@shvetstattooing
Most anklet tattoos are either flowers or leaves. However, this one is an exception. By extending the wings and tails of a phoenix, the tattoo wraps around the ankle elegantly.
Simple abstract phoenix
@ahmetgulsentattoo
The phoenix is not necessarily a simple tattoo motif. But you can always simplify the design and create an abstract version like this one. And the result is sleek and beautiful.
Phoenix and flower tattoo
@bium_tattoo
If black tattoos are too bland for you, consider adding color decorative elements. Take this back tattoo as an example. The phoenix is purely black. But the flower below is in red, providing a striking visual impact.
Elegant oriental phoenix
@olgacaca
A phoenix can be an immortal creature that resurrects from the fire again and again. But it can also be a divine bird guarding its people. This tattoo translates the second idea into beautiful ink.
Phoenix and butterfly
@boboxqueen
From afar, this shoulder blade tattoo may look as ornamental. But it’s, in fact, a phoenix that is transformed into curvy shapes. So if you want to make a phoenix tattoo more feminine, this one may inspire you.
Phoenix on the cloud
@tattooist_jason
There is more than one posture of the phoenix other than rising from the fire. This one, for example, depicts a phoenix resting on the clouds. The stars, in addition, add fun to the design.
The soaring phoenix
@nikoambros
Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth and strength. This collarbone tattoo captures the phoenix as it’s flying away. The glowing feathers are like burning flames, stunning and empowering.