Scissors Tattoo Meaning – Symbolism & Design Ideas

Tattoos allow people to express themselves through meaningful symbols and designs. Of the many classic tattoo options, scissors have become a popular choice thanks to their rich symbolic history. But what exactly does a scissors tattoo mean? In short, scissors represent duality, important life choices, cutting ties, protection, and femininity. Scissor tattoos signify themes of moving forward, relationships, and girl power.

In this post, we’ll explore the different meanings and symbolism behind scissor tattoos, understand their origins throughout history and culture, see cool scissor tattoo designs and placements, and explain why someone may choose scissors as their tattoo. Whether you want to better appreciate scissor symbolism or find inspiration for your ink, read on.

We’ll break down the different interpretations of scissor tattoos, trace their roots in ancient Egyptian and Greek myths, showcase badass scissor tattoo ideas, and discuss motivations like commemorating femininity, marking major life changes, and celebrating bonds.

Scissors as Symbols

Scissors hold rich symbolic meaning that makes them appealing as a tattoo choice. By understanding the different interpretations associated with scissors, we can better appreciate their significance in body art.

Duality

The two blades of scissors coming together to create a single tool represent duality and the phrase “better together.” Scissors exemplify how two separate things can work in harmony to accomplish more together than apart. This makes scissor tattoos ideal for representing themes of relationships, balance, and teamwork.

Life Choices

Scissors cutting represent the important choices we make in life. The two blades can symbolize the different paths forward and the ability to “cut your path.” Scissor tattoos can be reminders to make bold life decisions and forge ahead.

Severing Ties

Scissors cutting also symbolize the act of severing relationships or cutting ties with people and situations. Scissor tattoos can represent closing chapters, removing toxic influences, and overcoming struggles by decisively moving on.

Femininity

Scissors are associated with sewing, crafting, and domestic skills historically practiced by women. As such, scissors embody feminine energy and interests. Scissor tattoos elegantly represent femininity, womanhood, and girl power.

Scissors Throughout History

While scissors are most prominently associated with sewing and crafting, their history dates back thousands of years. The earliest scissors appeared in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, forged from a single piece of bronze in the shape of an archaic bird. These crude scissors were used primarily for hair cutting and cloth production. As metallurgy and craftsmanship advanced through the centuries, scissors evolved into more refined, functional tools.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, scissors became vital accessories for sewing, embroidery, lace-making, and other domestic arts. The importance of sharp, precise scissors in creating quality handicrafts elevated them as symbols of skill and feminine creativity. Scissors were portrayed in medieval art and coats of arms related to tailoring guilds. Later during the Renaissance, intricately designed scissors were crafted just for trimming expensive lace and fabrics. The scissors’ heritage is inextricably tied to fine detail work and expressive handiwork throughout history.

Meaningful Scissor Tattoo Designs

Thanks to their rich history and symbolism, scissors make for profoundly meaningful yet aesthetically striking tattoos. Here are some ideas to inspire your scissor ink:

Simple Outline Scissors

Go for clean simplicity with basic outline scissors. Good placements are small and subtle areas like the fingers, wrist, or behind the ears.

Crossed or Open Scissors

Emphasize duality by getting crossed scissors. Or convey openness with blades splayed apart. These work nicely on the forearms, shoulders, chest, or back.

Scissors in Floral Tattoos

Blend scissors into floral sleeve tattoos or surround them with feminine blooms like roses or orchids. This combines scissors with natural beauty.

Matching Scissor Tattoos

Get matching scissor tattoos with your best friend, partner, or loved one to embody teamwork and the phrase “better together.”

Realistic 3D Scissors

3D scissor tattoos with precise shading and highlights make the tool look lifelike. Place these on biceps, thighs, or calves for bold impact.

Scissors and Fabrics

Incorporate fabric textures, sewing notions, or thread wrapped around the blades to emphasize domestic handicrafts.

Other Combinations

Combine with skulls, locks, clocks, hearts, or anything that amplifies the personal meaning for you.

Scissor Tattoo Placement Ideas

When getting a scissor tattoo, placement is an important consideration that can enhance both the aesthetic impact and symbolic meaning of the piece. For small subtle tattoos, the hands, fingers, wrist, and behind the ears allow the scissors to be viewed easily while also keeping the design discreet. For larger, bolder designs, the forearms, shoulders, chest, thighs, and calves provide ample canvas space.

Placement ties into the symbolic value as well. Since scissors represent severing ties or protection, placing them on the shoulders can signify a protective shield watching over you. A scissor tattoo on the inner wrist conveys an inner strength whenever you glance at it. For designs representing femininity, the hips, thighs, and sternum are elegant placements. While versatile in meaning, scissor tattoos have an innate fluidity that pairs gracefully with the natural curves and contours of the body. Ultimately placement should align with both your symbolism as well as a flattering aesthetic flow.

Why Get a Scissors Tattoo?

Scissor tattoos resonate with many people because of the layered symbolism and meaning associated with this striking image. Beyond the common symbolic associations, there are deeply personal, emotional reasons someone may feel compelled to get scissor ink.

For some, scissors represent an inner strength and ability to overcome adversity. Survivors of trauma or toxic relationships may get scissor tattoos to signify empowerment and cut ties with the past. The tattoo acts as a reminder of their resilience. For others, the duality of the two blades coming together inspires balance and harmony in their lives. People who have struggled with bringing different parts of themselves together may use the scissor tattoo as a symbolic representation of inner unity.

Scissors can also symbolize protection. People who want to feel shielded from negative energies or guarded on their journeys through life may identify with the historic use of scissor charms to ward off evil spirits. For many women, scissor tattoos elegantly represent embracing their femininity after being made to feel lesser. The tattoos become symbols of reclaiming their power.

Ultimately, each scissor tattoo holds a unique personal meaning for the wearer. The symbol resonates on a profoundly individual level, making this classic image a deeply intimate form of expression through body art. With its ability to signify emotional strength, duality, protection, and femininity all in one striking motif, it’s clear why the scissor endures as such a popular and meaningful tattoo choice.

Scissors as Enduring Symbols

Scissors have served important practical and symbolic purposes since ancient times. With their compelling imagery and layered meanings, it’s no wonder scissor tattoos have emerged as a popular body art choice. When skillfully inked and thoughtfully placed, they make both beautiful and deeply meaningful tattoos.

So whether you resonate with scissor duality, want to commemorate femininity or shared bonds, or simply think scissors look cool, this classic symbol may be the perfect inspiration for your next tattoo.

Scissors as Timeless Tattoo Symbols

Scissors have a rich history and symbolic meaning that makes them a profoundly expressive tattoo choice. With origins tracing back thousands of years and roots in mythology, protection, femininity, and craftsmanship, it’s clear why this striking image endures across cultures and eras. Whether you resonate with the duality, want to commemorate inner strength, or simply think they look badass, scissors elegantly convey deeper significance through body art.

If you’ve been seeking a versatile yet meaningful tattoo, the iconic scissor symbol undoubtedly deserves consideration for your next personal piece of ink. With its layered interpretations, cultural legacy, and customizable designs, the trusty scissor emerges as one of the most compelling, creative, and iconic tattoo options.