They create an aesthetic that is completely unique and separate from traditional black ink or full-colour tattoos. The end result can be subtle and intricately beautiful. However, white ink tattoos are notoriously difficult to achieve and require much more care than tattoos done in darker colours.
White ink tattoos can be more prone to fading than traditional black ink tattoos. Typically, they may need to be touched up every 1 to 3 years, depending on various factors such as skin type, placement, exposure to sunlight, and aftercare.
Healing Process: White ink can sometimes heal poorly, leading to uneven coloration or patchiness. Limited Detail: Fine details may not translate well in white ink compared to darker inks, which can limit the complexity of designs.
White ink has a thicker consistency. White ink isn't usually being manufactured for outlining work. The thicker consistency makes it harder for artists to achieve clean lines that stay crisp after healing. It can also cause a raised appearance, causing the scarred look.
White ink can discolor, over the years we have seen white tattoos that have gone yellow, green and grey. The chemical composition of White ink is different to black ink, which means it spreads in the skin a lot more than black ink, which means delicate and detailed designs will spread and look blurry.
White ink fades quickly. When they do, the color can change to a yellow or off-white color that isn't very attractive. This sometimes makes it more difficult to touch up or regain their original brightness. In reality, many people end up covering them.
White ink tends to be thicker. Extra effort is required to get the ink in, and to top it off, a lining needle is used which also generally hurts more. White ink takes the tattoo to whole other level, and really makes the tattoo pop.
White ink or not, we got you. To recap on why white ink has this notoriously more painful aura than other ink colours, here is what we have learned: ✨ Pigment Size and Density: Larger particles mean deeper injections and more pressure.
During the healing process, a white ink tattoo may look raised or puffy. This is temporary, and as the skin settles, the true nature of the white emerges. The initial lack of contrast may give way to a stunningly different appearance, as the tattoo fully takes shape.
White tattoo ink is often used to create a more delicate look or to add contrast to black ink. It can also help cover up existing tattoos. White ink is more expensive than black ink, and it's also more likely to fade over time. Ultimately, the choice between white and black tattoo ink comes down to personal preference.
Generally, black and white tattoos heal more predictably and age better than their color counterparts. The crispness of black ink remains distinct over time, making it a reliable choice for designs that aim for longevity and minimal fading.
Some UV inks may also contain carcinogenic compounds. Side effects and complications of any tattoo may include : infections from contaminated equipment or ink, or unhygienic practices. severe infections may cause fever and chills and may require treatment with antibiotics.
“But when white ink tattoos are performed on dark skin tones, they tend to fade completely after the healing process, which is why many tattoo artists will not recommend these to dark-skinned individuals.”
Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.
Though white ink tattoos can be really cool and striking, they may require more frequent touch up than other tattoos because of how quickly they fade. Some clients report that faded white ink tattoos can look like scars, which is appealing to some, while others may not like the look.
Skin Canvas: White tattoos can take on a different life depending on your skin tone. On lighter skin, they offer a subtle look, while on darker skin tones, they can appear more like a cool-toned scar.
Allergies and Skin Reactions
Did you know that certain skin may react to tattoo ink due to an allergic reaction? Some clients may unknowingly have a pigment allergy, causing their skin to inflame and push the ink out. It's no surprise then that these tattoos appear faded or patchy.
On the other hand, white ink reflects all wavelengths of light and absorbs the least heat, making it much more challenging to treat.
Yellows and Greens with Cadmium
Yellows and bright greens often contain cadmium, which can cause skin irritation and has been associated with other health risks. They also tend to fade or change color over time when exposed to sunlight.
White pigment in tattoos has earned quite a reputation for being notably more painful than its colorful counterparts. The science behind this discomfort lies in the composition of the white ink itself. Unlike other tattoo pigment colors, it's denser and thicker, making it a challenge to work with.
Unlike outlining, shading isn't necessary for every tattoo. Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo.
White ink tattoos can become raised due to the additional trauma once they heal. It's also important to note that when a white ink tattoo heals, the ink will, like all other tattoos, be resting underneath the topmost layer of skin. This makes the tattoo more natural-looking and, unfortunately, less vibrant.
Black ink is the safest color of tattoo ink, followed by some greens and blues.