'Tail Tattoos' Are Trending Again, So The '90s Renaissance Is Officially Complete

It's always fun to see which fashion and beauty trends of the past will resurface next. Right now, it's the '90s and Y2K revival taking center stage. Trends circa the '90s have come back full circle, and like scrunchie hairstyles, low-rise denim, and '90s manicures, tattoos aren't left out of this conversation. "Tail tattoos," or lower back tattoos, were one of the defining tattoo styles of the '90s and early 2000s. Even celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera showed off their back ink on the red carpet.

Recently, Gen Z and millennials have brought these tattoos back into the spotlight, from large and bold designs to more subtle and minimal styles. These tattoos are placed on the lower back near the tailbone, typically in the center of the back for symmetry. They're perfect to display under a crop top or in your favorite bathing suit at the beach this summer. Let's take a look at how people are bringing back the lower back tattoo.

Tribal designs were among the most popular tail tattoos in the '90s and early-2000s, and they're making a comeback today as well. You can ask your tattoo artist for a specific image in the center, like the heart above, and then have symmetrical lines branching out across your lower back.

Butterfly designs are super popular for lower back tattoos because of their symmetrical wings. You can go for a very detailed, realistic butterfly or something more minimalistic. In the tattoo above, the artist added fairies and sparkles around the butterfly, giving it a magical look.

Beyond looking beautiful, butterfly tattoos have several different meanings that may apply to your own life, like transformation, freedom, and overcoming difficult times.

The back is one of the most ideal places for a snake tattoo. Similar to butterflies, snake tattoos can be a symbol of transformation and strength for people. You may see someone have two snakes on each side of the back, or just one slithering up the spine. 

A lot of people like to get two branches of leaves or flowers on each side of the back, while others get one floral design in the center. Either way, flowers make for stunning lower-back tattoos. Though a lot of them are done with just black ink, don't be afraid to add some color, too, if that's what you want!

Ornamental tattoos have also been trending lately. These are decorative and intricately designed tattoos that look gorgeous no matter where you get them, but the lower back provides ample space for these beautifully detailed designs. It's common to see mandala ornamental tattoos, as well as geometric designs using black ink and dot work.

If you're not a fan of huge, detailed tattoos, you can keep it simple and get a small fine-line tattoo on your lower back. This is a more subtle option for people who may want their tattoos hidden, while still having a beautiful design on their bodies.