Wolf tattoo

The wolf here is always a head, and always a statement piece. You’ll find tribal wolf heads built from bold, interlocking solid shapes with the jaws open, ink-wash wolves in a sumi-e spirit, all brushy fur and splattered ink, and illustrated designs where a wolf head shares the frame with flowers and butterflies. Whatever the style, the result is blue-black.

These are medium to large designs, so give them space. The forearm and calf suit the tribal heads, while the ink-wash and illustrated pieces open up on the upper back, upper arm, thigh or shoulder blade. The forearm, shoulder and upper back are also where it lasts longest, since they see less friction than hands or feet.

People tend to choose a wolf for loyalty to their own circle, for trusting their gut, or for a sense of freedom.

Before you commit to a big piece

A large wolf tattoo is a real decision, and a temporary one lets you live with the size and placement first. Every wolf tattoo here uses jagua ink. Fresh off the paper it looks washed out; within 24 to 48 hours it darkens to blue-black. Applying it takes two minutes at most, then it needs 8 hours with no water or rubbing. After that it’s waterproof and stays with you for up to two weeks. Vegan, no PPD. Our guide on how to try a tattoo before you get it covers sizing and placement.

If the wolf you have in mind isn’t here, a custom tattoo turns your own artwork into a print run of at least 3 copies.

Still looking? Browse animal tattoos, or see the bold graphic shapes of our tribal tattoos.