Rihanna’s Shoulder Tattoos

Some of Rihanna’s most unique tattoos are located on the superstar’s shoulder, which is a common place for celebrities to get tattoos. Rihanna’s shoulder tattoos, however, are located on the top and front of her shoulders, rather than on the back near the shoulder blades, where most stars opt to get their shoulder tattoos. But location is only one reason why Rihanna’s shoulder tattoos are so distinctive. Both of Rihanna’s current shoulder tattoos are extremely personal, and they both represent very important aspects of her life.

Roman Numeral Shoulder Tattoo

The first of Rihanna’s shoulder tattoos was inked in 2008 and consists of the Roman numerals “XI•IV•LXXXVI” written across the top of her left shoulder. The shoulder Roman numeral tattoo is actually meant to read “4.11.1986,” and represents the birthday of Rihanna’s best friend and manager, Melissa Forde. Talk about having a friend for life!

Rihanna’s Never a Failure Always a Lesson Tattoo

Rihanna’s second shoulder tat was inked just a year later by Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy at his tattoo shop, East Side Ink, in New York City. Rihanna’s shoulder tattoo reads “Never a failure, always a lesson,” and is written backwards on the front of Rihanna’s right shoulder, so she sees it every time she looks in the mirror. Rihanna’s shoulder tat represents the superstar’s motto in life: considering things as lessons instead of mistakes.

Shoulder Tattoos are Most Noticed on Rihanna

Both of Rihanna’s shoulder tattoos are extremely noticeable to the public and also hold very personal meanings for the star. By getting such private yet visible shoulder tattoos, Rihanna exposes her pride along with her flaws, and makes a sort of commitment to the things that mean the most to her in life. Rihanna is obviously a very strong woman, but she isn’t afraid to show off her weaknesses along with her strengths. Rihanna’s shoulder tattoos, as well as other Rihanna tattoo meanings, tell us a little bit about how Rihanna lives her life, as well as her devotion to herself and her loved ones.