Is your heart looking to be set ablaze? Well in the fiery world of Dragon Tattoos, there is no shortage of Red Dragon designs that will set your heart on fire.
And you’re in the right place, we’ve blazed over the internet to find you the hottest Red Dragon Tattoo ideas we could find.
So brace yourself for the unbareable heat that is the scorching hot relm of Red Dragon Tattoo designs.
The Symbolism of Red Dragon Tattoo
The color red has been associated with many things throughout history, from fire and aggression to love and passion, but what association does the color red have with Dragons?
Read: What Does A Dragon Tattoo Mean
The Red Dragon Tattoo meaning takes on many interpretations, however, in Chinese tradition, the Red Dragon is associated with good fortune and happiness, hence why it is often seen at celebrations and weddings. In Wales, the Welsh kings of Aberffraw adopted the imagery of the Red Dragon to symbolize power and authority.
Thanks to TV, film, and video games, modern interpretations vary wildly. A red dragon can symbolize a range of things, from power, love, protection, strength, fire, prosperity, and more.
If you’re interested in Dragon Tattoos, or specifically Red Dragon Tattoos, and looking for inspiration, then we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at some of the best Red Dragon Tattoos we could find.
Top Red Dragon Tattoo Designs
Now that we know a little about Red Dragon Tattoos, let’s take a look at some amazing Tattoo Designs.
Chinese Red Dragon Tattoo
Starting off simple with this traditional Chinese Dragon Tattoo.
The Chinese Dragon was associated with the emperor of China and used as a symbol to represent imperial power.
Chinese Dragons are also the patron of the South China Sea. Red dragons are most popular to decorate houses and walkways for festivals, such as weddings and grand openings.
Yin and Yang Red Dragon Tattoo
We’ve already discussed what the Chinese Red Dragon symbolizes, so why not match it with something from Chinese philosophy? Yin and Yang dragon tattoo ideas are opposing yet complementary forces that together form a dynamic system.
Yin is feminine, cold, and wet, while Yang is masculine, hot, and dry. Yin and Yang each have a dot of the opposing color within each of them to represent how each side contains some of the opposing elements within it.
While the colors are usually black and white, this artist’s impression of the Red and Black still carries the same meaning, and the two opposing color dragons still look in harmony together, embodying the teachings of Yin and Yang.
Red Dragon Tattoo with Flowers
Adding flowers to a tattoo always makes it look more feminine and beautiful and this Red Dragon with Flowers tattoo is no exception.
The Red Chinese Dragon signifies good fortune, love, and happiness already, but so do the Lillies in Chinese traditional art, so this dragon with flower tattoo really is doubling down on the symbolism.
Red Dragon and Sword Tattoo
If you prefer a design that looks more like a sigil or a coat of arms, then check this one out.
A Red Dragon and Sword tattoo is perfect for those looking for a medieval or fantasy aesthetic.
The Dragon can symbolize the family associated with the sigil, while the sword represents how they are warriors in battle.
Equally, a Dragon wrapped around the sword can represent how the sword is a fusion of the Dragon’s strength and the power of the sword itself.
Red Dragon Head Tattoo
If you’re looking for something a little more detailed, then a Red Dragon Head Tattoo might be for you.
Just by concentrating on the head itself gives the artist more opportunity to be more intricate with the detailing of the design. This design is no exception.
There is a huge amount of little detail in this Dragon head tattoo: spikey protrusions, rough skin, 3d effect on the teeth, boils or bumps on the top of the head, and you can also see the clouds wisping over the Dragons claws.
While a Dragon head doesn’t usually have the elegance of a full body Dragon tattoo, it makes up for it in high detail and a powerful look.
European Red Dragon Tattoo
Moving on from traditional Chinese and Japanese style Dragons, let’s take a look at a European style Red Dragon Tattoo.
Red doesn’t have any notable significance when it comes to European Dragon Tattoo styles, so either it’s just a color you like, or you can make it have a meaning of your own.
You can have meaning for the color, such as blood, fire, aggression, or love. This Red Dragon Tattoo is particularly neat for how the tail coils around the body and passes through the black wisps it creates.
And for any Welsh readers or those with Welsh heritage, you could always get a European Red Dragon to honor your Welsh ancestry.
Bearded Red Dragon Tattoo
Dragons with Beards can symbolize long life and wisdom.
Often, in TV and film, the oldest and wisest Dragons sport beards to symbolically show their ancient wisdom, which they can bestow upon anyone who encounters them.
This Bearded Dragon is absolutely gorgeous, boasting deep Ruby Reds that make it shine on the wearer’s body.
Fire Dragon Tattoo
You can’t think Dragon without thinking of fire also, so a Fire Dragon or Fire Breathing Dragon is probably one of the go-to ideas for people who are thinking about a Red Dragon Tattoo idea.
It’s surprisingly difficult to find a Red Fire Dragon Tattoo as most are black, but thankfully, I found this design after a while of searching.
Dinrall Legend of Zelda Tattoo
The Dragon Dinrall, guardian of the Spring of Power, is one of the four roaming Dragons in the Legend of Zelda open-world series of games (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom).
Dinrall drops plenty of useful materials if you hit her in the right spots, so grab your best long-shot bow, set a campfire, and wait for the right opportunity to aim your shot. Pity she only drops one piece at a time!
Ultimate Shenron Dragonball GT Tattoo
While Dragonball GT might not have been so beloved by the Dragonball fandom, alas, it still exists, and some out there love it.
So, if you do love Dragonball GT and are looking for a Red Dragon Tattoo, then Ultimate Shenron is perfect for you.
Unlike normal Shenron, Ultimate Shenron is summoned when one collects all the Black Star Dragon Balls, which the nameless Namekian originally created before he separated into Kami and King Piccolo.
Dragona Tattoo
Fans of Dreamworks? Love the Shrek series? Well then, if you also love Dragon tattoos, Dragona is the perfect Red Dragon Tattoo for you!
What’s that I hear you say? She’s pink? Well, this 100-foot-long Dragon is Magenta-Red actually, so it counts!
Dragona was initially the antagonist of Shrek and Donkey who was in charge of guarding Princess Fiona before Shrek and Donkey rescued her. But during the duel, Donkey sweet-talked his way into this Red
Dragon’s heart, and she became infatuated by him. By the end of Shrek 2, it’s revealed that Dragona and Donkey have children together, so this Red Dragon is perfect for those who are looking for a Red Dragon with romantic symbolism.
Mushu Dragon Tattoo
For Disney fanatics, who else could I possibly suggest than the guardian of lost souls, the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Mushu!
Mushu is the tiny, loud-mouthed, self-absorbed deuteragonist of the Mulan series, fixated on redeeming himself at any cost after failing to protect Fa Deng and being demoted to an incense burner and gong ringer.
However, by the end, Mushu learns his lesson that putting Mulans life at risk to further his own goal isn’t the right path for a guardian.
A Mushu tattoo is perfect for anyone who has been on their own journey of self-discovery and bettering themselves.
Red Gyarados Tattoo
While Gyarados isn’t a Dragon-type Pokemon, Gyarados is based on the legendary tale of the Koi Fish (You can check out our Koi Fish Tattoos here) that battled against the currents to the reach the Dragon Gates and be transformed into a Mythical Dragon.
The reason why Gyarados is a Water-Flying type is because in some tales of the Koi fish, the Koi leaps over a waterfall as if he was flying to reach the top of the mountain, so hence the flying and not Dragon type.
This Shiny Gyarados Pokemon Tattoo is done in a traditional Chinese/Japanese Dragon style with florals to match the traditional style and the water to match Gyarados being a water-type Pokemon
Slifer the Sky Dragon Tattoo
Photo credit: Reddit
My goodness, as someone who loves Dragons and loved Yu-Gi-Oh back in the day, you cant imagine how much I begged my Father to give me money to buy Yu-Gi-Oh cards just for a sliver of a chance to get any of the 3 Egyptian God cards.
And of all the Egyptian God cards, Slifer was my favorite. I still fondly remember the first episode in which he appeared and made sure I’d get myself my very own Revival Jam to prepare for the day I’d finally get my Slifer card.
Alas, it didn’t happen, and I’m still bitter about it. However, if I can’t have the card, I can always get the tattoo, right? And Wow! Check this out.
This Slifer the Sky Dragon is done in the Ukiyo-e Japanese art style that was popular in the 17th to 19th centuries. The detail on this piece is absolutely sensational and probably my favorite of all the pieces we’ve seen today.
Red Dragon And Woman Tattoo
Little Red Dragon Tattoo
You don’t have to go all out with your Red Dragon Tattoo. Instead, why not try out something like this small Red Dragon?
This adorable little design is done by the incredible tattooist.inno, who specializes in Dragon Tattoos.
This super cool design has the little Dragon alongside a yellow Griffin and a blue Pegasus.
Red Dragon Floral Tattoo
If you want to add a little bit of vibrancy to your Red Dragon Tattoo, then try out a Dragon Flower Tattoo.
With up to 400,000 species of flower known in the world, with more constantly being discovered, you’re in no shortage of potential symbolic meanings to pair your Dragon with.
Korean Red Dragon Tattoo
Korean dragons, known as “yong” or “mireu,” are typically depicted as benevolent beings possessing magical powers and often associated with water and agriculture.
Korean Dragons are similar to their Chinese and Japanese counterparts, symbolizing the same themes of power and protection.
You can tell a Korean Dragon from other Asian Dragons by its art style like the one shown, but Korean Dragons are usually, but not always, depicted with an orb in their hand and having four fingers.
Latias Tattoo
This Pokemon Tattoo is of Latias, the 380th Pokemon in the Pokedix.
Latias has glass-like, downy feathers that can enfold its body and refract light, which allows it to become invisible or alter its appearance.
Latias can understand human speech and use telepathy to communicate.
This adorable Latias Tattoo comes with Latias’ male counterpart, Latios.
Treasure Hoarding Red Dragon
Dragons, specifically European Dragons, are known for hoarding large amounts of treasure.
The Dragon hoarding treasure trope symbolizes the trappings of greed and the lengths one will go to protect it.
A valiant hero usually thwarts the greedy Dragon, as it serves as a plot device to motivate the hero, representing good, defeating the beast representing evil.
Fantasy Red Dragon Tattoo
Dragons are quintessential elements when it comes to fantasy literature, art, and media.
They are the ultimate embodiment of power, mystery, and, often, the supernatural.
Dragons usually play pivotal roles within fantasy, whether they be antagonists, wise guides, a mount for heroes, or even the protagonists in some stories.
Chinese New Year Dragon Tattoo
The Year of the Dragon is one of the most celebrated years in the Chinese Zodiac, known as “Shengxiao.”
The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, which otherwise includes real animals.
People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to embody power, strength, and good luck, described as ambitious, energetic, confident, and willing to take risks.
Cute Red Dragon Tattoo
You don’t always have to go for big and strong Dragon Tattoo designs.
For those looking for something a little smaller and softer, try out this super adorable Cute Red Dragon Tattoo.
This little guy with a big belly is happily carrying his own little basket of flowers as some of them tip out while he is flying.
Caraxes Tattoo
This Red Dragon Tattoo is of Caraxes, the Dragon mount of Daemon Targaryen, initially ridden by Prince Aemon Targaryen.
Also known as Blood Wyrm, this Dragon was formidable, fearsome, experienced in battle, and considered to be the fiercest of all the young dragons of the Dragonpit.
Smaug Tattoo
Stylized in a Neo Traditional Tattoo Design, this Red Dragon Tattoo is of Smaug, the last great Dragon of Middle-Earth.
Drawn to the enormous wealth collected by the Dwarfs of Lonley Mountain, Smaug destroyed the city of Dale and took control of the mountain.
Guarding his treasure for 171 years, Smaug was awoken from his slumber by several Dwarfs.
During his attempt to destroy Lake-town in a rage, he was killed by Bard the Bowman, the man who would go on to become the new King of a renewed Dale.
Where to get your Red Dragon Tattoo
Now that we’ve seen some Red Dragon Tattoo ideas, we need to decide where to put your new red ink. The position of your tattoo is vital.
The anatomy of both the tattoo and your body needs to have symmetry in order to make your tattoo really pop. So, let’s dive in.
Red Dragon Tattoo on The Back
The back is a great place for people who want a spectacle.
Traditional Asian Dragons are long, so the length of the back is perfect, but if you prefer European style Dragons, then a European Red Dragon Tattoo with an open wingspan is terrific for the back as the back offers the width for the wingspan and the length for the tail to run down your spine.
Red Dragon Tattoo On Side
Looking to up your bikini game? This Red Dragon Side Tattoo is perfect.
The Side offers a good amount of width but a lot of length.
You can choose to have the tattoo running from the hip up as far as the armpit, or like this design, it starts half way up the side of the torso and ends just above the knee.
Red Dragon Tattoo Designs On Arm
If you’re looking to show off your ink as often as possible, then the arm and leg are the obvious locations for your Red Dragon Tattoo.
While the arm and leg both offer the length required for both Asian and European Dragon tattoos, they don’t always offer the width to really show off the intricate designs or anatomy from a glance.
Particularly with the European Dragon, the arm and leg doesn’t have enough width to really showcase the width of said Dragon due to its wider body and wingspan compared to the slender and long Asian style.
Ear and Neck Red Dragon Tattoo
This location offers subtlety and grace that’s perfect for those who love the Dragon symbolism yet don’t want to go overboard.
Obviously, to fit behind the ear will require the piece itself to be quite small, so you will be sacrificing detail.
However, you can go a bit more extreme and have the dragon be larger, starting from the bottom of the neck and working its way all the way up to behind the ear.
Red Dragon Tattoo on Chest
If you’re looking to wear your Red Dragon Tattoo with pride, then wear it on your chest. The chest is a great location for a Red Dragon Tattoo, as it offers a lot of space for intricate detail.
For men, it offers more options as the Dragon can be placed directly on one or each pectoral muscle, while women have more limited options having to work around the breasts.
Conclusion
And there you have it; as our fiery journey concludes, I hope we’ve breathed fire into your imagination and you’ve been set ablaze with the inspiration you’ve been seeking for on your magical journey into the art of the Red Dragon Tattoo.
Just like how you need to take appropriate action to heal your burns from a Dragon’s fiery breath, so too must you take the correct healing procedures after getting inked.
With these Tattoo aftercare products you are guaranteed to be back on your feet in no time and get that fire burning as soon as possible.
But if red doesn’t give you fiery enthusiam, check out these Blue Dragon Tattoo designs to see if they can soak into your imagination, or these Yellow Dragon Tattoos are sure to give you a shock.
