Pros and Cons of White Ink Tattoos
Are you in love with the white ink tattoo trend? Here are some things to know if you are considering getting one.
If you think white ink tattoos are something new, think again. R & B recording artist Rihanna, made a statement back in January 2012 with a tattoo made with semi-permanent white ink.
Although the design faded after several weeks it caught the eye of many of her fans.
Fast-forward five years and tattoos made of white ink is trending. People are excited about the look and intricate designs. Some even see them as an alternative when working in an environment that isn’t tattoo friendly.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to consider. Deciding on a tattoo design comprised solely of white ink is no different. The most important question — will anyone be able to see it?
We’ve done some research for you. Keep reading to learn some of the pros and cons of this unique tattoo option.
Are They Difficult to Achieve?
Let’s be frank. White ink tattoos are not for amateurs. I will reiterate this several times. You need a skilled tattoo artist who has expertise in all white tattoos.
There is no other way to put it. Because you are using one color it is hard to mask imperfections. When that one color is white the larger the design the bigger the margin for error.
If you are doing a small design that is only a couple of inches in size, people may not notice the tattoo. Some may even think it’s the residuals of a childhood accident.
These may be the most difficult to pull off. Is it worth it to get a tattoo and then have to constantly explain it’s a tattoo?
Does Skin Tone Matter?
Tattoos are the art of creating designs using ink that is inserted under the skin. One would think that white ink under darker skin may not be easily detectable.
The truth is people with darker complexions have found as much success with white ink tattoos as those with paler skin tones. It’s not so much about the skin tone, but the expertise of the tattoo artist.
Tattoo artist experienced with white ink will be able to mix other light hued colors to perfect the white ink. By doing so, a blend is created to help highlight the white under darker pigmentation.
Regardless of the color of your skin, white ink tends to fade over time. What remains of the tattoo is what people tend to judge. Based on images of lighter skin complexions, the tattoo can be seen as a geometrical work of art.
For darker complexions, the faded tattoo can be unnoticeable or mistaken as a scratch or scar.
The trick for darker skinned individuals is to have the tattoo retouched several times to add contrast. When done right, you end up with seriously dope white ink tattoos.
Do White Ink Tattoos Keep Their Color?
As mentioned above, tattoos have a tendency to fade over time. Whereas most tattoos aren’t nearly as vivid after a few weeks, tattoos done with white ink have a different effect.
Simply put, the tattoo may appear colorless a month later.
Some people have reported that their tattoos have changed from white to yellow, beige and even pink. Exposing white ink tattoos to any kind of sunlight is what causes the yellow discoloration.
Using inexperienced artists unfamiliar with white ink can cause other issues. For example, using colored stencils can create unintended color patterns if it comes into contact with the white ink.
Tattoo stencils are made from carbon paper. What would be worse than not having a pure white tattoo? Having a tattoo with hints of blue.
The Difference Between White Ink and Ultraviolet (UV) Ink?
Nothing says bold and beautiful like adding a UV component to your white ink tattoos.
During the daytime, no one can see your tattoo. Head to the club and under black lighting, your tattoo comes to life. Sounds cool? This effect means injecting additional chemicals into your skin to produce the glow-in-the-dark reaction.
Since UV ink has not been tested for the purpose of tattoo art, it is difficult to determine how an individual’s body will react.
When done right and absence of any allergic reaction, UV ink tattoos can be breathtaking. If you are not the party-goer and won’t be coming under any black lights, this isn’t for you.
Remember, regular white ink will mostly be used for your tattoo. If a tattoo artist recommends UV white ink, ask questions.
Like regular tattoo ink, UV ink also fades over time and is known to break apart.
White Ink vs. Henna
The most compelling white ink tattoos are those with intricate lace designs. Some people may confuse them with the popular henna tattoos. Please note these are two separate art forms.
Henna is a temporary dye that is produced from the Henna plant. They only last for several weeks and are a brownish color with a hint of orange.
Although white ink has been said to fade, it is still a permanent tattoo that requires ink to be injected into the skin. Even if you can no longer see the ink, the design is still noticeable in the pattern of your raised skin.
The only true comparison of the two is the designs. Henna tattoos are usually elaborate works of art. They contain lace patterns, scrolls, and other interesting features.
The same can be said for trending tattoo styles used for white ink tattoos.
If you choose this route, know that tattoos of this nature can look distorted and unattractive if the artist makes the slightest mistake. The last thing you want is an infection or scarring from a botched tattoo job.
Consult the Experts
After reading this blog you should have a better understanding of white ink tattoos.
These tattoos are not for everyone so you want an artist who will sit down with you and give an honest assessment.
If you live in the Las Vegas area and looking for a tattoo artist, visit Visit our Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo shop and meet our team. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality custom tattoo art.