Dark tattoo ideas
Evil and Demon Tattoos: Dark Designs, Demons and Their Meanings
Quick answer: Evil and demon tattoos depict demons, devils and dark symbols: horned demon faces, Japanese oni and hannya masks, Krampus, Baphomet and the number 666. Many carry protective or defiant meanings rather than literal evil, and they suit black and grey realism, blackwork or Japanese style at 3–10 inches.
- Typical size
- 3–10 in
- Best styles
- Realism, Japanese, blackwork
- Common meaning
- Protection, defiance
- Designs on this page
- 10
What evil and demon tattoos really mean
An "evil" tattoo rarely means the wearer worships evil. Most people choose demon imagery for one of four reasons:
- Protection. In many traditions a fearsome face scares off worse things. Japanese oni and the gargoyles of gothic churches both work this way.
- Inner demons. A demon can stand for a struggle someone has faced, such as addiction, grief or anger, and survived.
- Defiance. Devils and inverted symbols are classic signs of rebellion against authority or religion.
- Love of the genre. Horror films, heavy metal and dark art all use demonic imagery.
Decide which meaning is yours before you choose a design, since the same face can read as a guardian or a threat.
Evil tattoos: design gallery
Real dark and evil tattoos
Real dark tattoos: a skull cover-up, a grim reaper on the ribs and a traditional snake biting a hand.
Photos are shared under open licenses (Creative Commons or public domain) and credited to their authors. Tattoo artists are named where known.
Demons from different traditions
| Figure | Origin | Tattoo meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Oni | Japanese folklore: horned ogres with clubs | Punishment of evil, protection, strength |
| Hannya mask | Japanese Noh theater: a woman turned demon by jealousy | Passion, jealousy, the dual nature of people |
| Krampus | Alpine Christmas folklore: a horned figure who punishes bad children | Dark humor, winter, rebellion |
| Baphomet | Éliphas Lévi's 1856 drawing of a winged, goat-headed figure | Balance of opposites, occultism, defiance |
| The devil | Christian tradition | Temptation, rebellion, inner conflict |
| Bosch-style demons | Hieronymus Bosch's paintings | The absurd and the grotesque; see dark art |
16 evil and demon tattoo ideas
Faces and masks
1. Hannya mask
Horns, gold eyes and a wide mouth, usually in Japanese style.
Size: 4–7 in · Style: Black and grey realism
2. Oni mask with a club
A guardian demon for the shoulder or thigh.
Size: 4–7 in · Style: American traditional
3. Horned demon portrait
Black and grey realism with glowing eyes.
Size: 5–8 in · Style: Black and grey realism
4. Devil skull
A skull with small horns, a bold traditional classic.
Size: 2–4 in · Style: Black and grey realism · Meaning
Symbols
5. Inverted cross
Rebellion, or the cross of St. Peter in its original meaning.
Size: 1–2 in · Style: Neo-traditional · Meaning
6. 666 in blackletter
The number of the beast from the Book of Revelation (13:18).
Size: 2–3 in long · Style: Ignorant style · Meaning
7. Baphomet
Lévi's winged figure, symmetrical for the chest or back.
Size: 5–8 in · Style: Sketch · Meaning
8. Demonic sigil
A geometric seal drawn in fine black lines.
Size: 2–4 in · Style: Neo-traditional · Meaning
9. All-seeing eye with horns
Watchful and wicked.
Size: 2–3 in · Style: American traditional · Meaning
Scenes and creatures
14. Grim reaper and demon
Two figures for a sleeve or back piece.
Size: 6–10 in · Style: American traditional · Meaning
15. Possessed eyes
A realistic pair of eyes with black irises.
Size: 3–5 in · Style: American traditional · Meaning
16. Death tarot with a horned rider
Transformation through darkness.
Size: 3–5 in · Style: Blackwork · Meaning
Best styles for demon tattoos
- Black and grey realism: frightening faces and possessed eyes.
- Japanese style: hannya and oni masks with wind bars and clouds; ask for an artist trained in it.
- Blackwork: sigils, inverted crosses and bold horned silhouettes.
- American traditional: devil girls, devil skulls and flaming hearts in bold color.
Things to consider before getting one
Demonic imagery reads differently to different people. Think about visibility at work and with family, and research a symbol's history before you commit: some symbols have been adopted by groups whose meaning you may not want to share. If you are unsure, a hidden placement such as the upper arm, thigh or back gives you control over who sees it.
Evil tattoos by placement
| Design | Size | Pain | Fade risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skull on the wrist | 1.5–2.5 in | 6/10 | Medium |
| Skull on the hand | 2.5–4.5 in | 7/10 | High |
| Serpent on the forearm | 3–7 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Serpent on the ribs | 4–10 in | 8/10 | Low |
| Grim Reaper on the forearm | 3.5–7 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Grim Reaper on the thigh | 4–9 in | 4/10 | Low |
| Death Tarot Card on the forearm | 3–7 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Death Tarot Card on the thigh | 4–9 in | 4/10 | Low |
| All-Seeing Eye on the upper arm | 3–6 in | 3/10 | Low |
| All-Seeing Eye on the shoulder | 3–6 in | 4/10 | Low |
| Dagger on the forearm | 3–7 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Dagger on the thigh | 4–9 in | 4/10 | Low |
| Skeleton Hand on the forearm | 3–7 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Skeleton Hand on the thigh | 4–9 in | 4/10 | Low |
| Vampire on the chest | 4–9 in | 6/10 | Low |
| Vampire on the wrist | 1.5–2.5 in | 6/10 | Medium |
| Werewolf on the upper arm | 3–6 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Werewolf on the shoulder | 3–6 in | 4/10 | Low |
| Medusa on the upper arm | 3.5–6 in | 3/10 | Low |
| Medusa on the shoulder | 3.5–6 in | 4/10 | Low |
Frequently asked questions
What does a demon tattoo mean?
A demon tattoo usually means protection, a survived inner struggle, rebellion or love of dark art and horror, rather than literal evil. Japanese oni and hannya masks in particular carry protective and emotional meanings in their own tradition.
What is a hannya mask tattoo?
A hannya mask tattoo shows the horned female demon mask from Japanese Noh theater, which represents a woman transformed by jealousy and rage. As a tattoo it stands for passion, jealousy or the two sides of a person, and it suits Japanese or black and grey styles at 4–7 inches.
What does 666 mean as a tattoo?
As a tattoo, 666 is the "number of the beast" from the Book of Revelation (13:18). Wearers usually mean rebellion, a love of heavy metal or horror, or simple provocation. It is short, so it fits the fingers, neck or wrist in blackletter.
Are evil tattoos bad luck?
No, there is no evidence that evil-looking tattoos bring bad luck. In several traditions, fearsome faces such as oni and gargoyles were meant to ward bad luck off. Choose the meaning that matters to you and check the history of any symbol first.