Rainbow Tattoo Ideas Celebrating Color and Diversity

Rainbow tattoo ideas are now most often linked to the worldwide LGBT movement and allies in support of gay pride. 

For others, a rainbow tattoo is linked to hope and happiness, as a means to signify that the tough times (rain) are clearing and that the sun inevitably comes out again.

Rainbows–and their bright colors–can be tattooed in a range of different styles. For many, a simple color design utilizing the traditional arched rainbow shape is the most popular, however vivid neo-traditional designs are increasingly being applied.

Rainbow tattoos are an increasingly visible tattoo choice, particularly within the Pride movement as a means of signifying the importance of the rainbow as a point of strength in the LGBT community. 

There are also tattoo fans that get a rainbow tattoo as a bright symbol contrasting against or building up another image for aesthetic, rather than symbolic purposes.

Check out our collection of 31 top rainbow tattoo ideas that can provide useful concepts for your own body art design.

1. Back and Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

2. Tattoo Ideas for the Arm

3. Cute Tattoo Ideas

4. Heart and Rainbow Tattoo Designs

6. Simple Tattoo Art

7. Watercolor Tattoo Designs

8. Traditional Arched Tattoo Ideas

What do rainbow tattoos symbolize?

Rainbow tattoo ideas are now most often linked to the worldwide LGBT movement and allies in support of gay pride. The rainbow flag/symbol is a central image that has been co-opted by LGBT men and women.

For others, a rainbow tattoo is linked to hope and happiness, as a means to signify that the tough times (rain) are clearing and that the sun inevitably comes out again.

There are also tattoo fans that get a rainbow tattoo as a bright symbol contrasting against or building up another image for aesthetic, rather than symbolic purposes.

What style rainbow tattoo idea can I get?

Rainbows–and their bright colors–can be tattooed in a range of different styles. For many, a simple color design utilizing the traditional arched rainbow shape is the most popular, however vivid neo traditional designs are increasingly being applied.

For others, incorporating the rainbow into a cool or cute design will suffice, while rainbows within love hearts are popular for the LGBT community and their allies as a way to demonstrate that ‘love is love.’

Where should I place my rainbow tattoo?

Rainbows are an increasingly visible tattoo choice, particularly within the Pride movement as a means of signifying the importance of the rainbow as a point of strength in the LGBT community. Areas such as the inner wrist, hands, fingers, and collarbone are all popular placements for smaller tattoos.

For larger pieces, the upper arm, shoulder blade, and center of the back are versatile and well-balanced locations for both simple and more illustrative rainbow tattoos.

How much do rainbow tattoos cost?

While more expensive than black and gray or black ink tattoos of similar size and complexity, rainbow designs are still moderately priced. They tend to be smaller, solid color expressions or even linework tattoos.

While a small linework piece may cost the shop minimum or up to $150-$200, an experienced tattoo artist will likely have you in the chair for 2-3 hours for a nice rainbow tattoo.

If you’re after a complex single needle or brightly colored neo-traditional tattoo and require a specialist in that application type, you’re likely to pay in the vicinity of $200+ per hour for the best artists.