Color tattoos are more susceptible to fading, and these risk factors increase the chances of damage.
Colored tattoos can fade over time due to various factors, including: Ink Quality: Higher-quality inks tend to fade less than lower-quality ones. Color Used: Some colors, like black and dark blue, tend to last longer, while lighter colors (like yellow and pastel shades) may fade more quickly.
Color tattoos require a commitment not only to the initial artwork but also to the care and maintenance it will need over time. While advancements in ink and tattoo care have improved the longevity of color tattoos, they can still fade and require touch-ups, especially if exposed to the sun frequently.
Generally, it's common to consider re-coloring or touch-ups every 5 to 10 years, but this can vary widely based on the factors mentioned. If you notice significant fading and want to maintain the vibrancy, consult your tattoo artist for advice tailored to your specific tattoo and skin type.
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.
Black and grey: The lack of colour minimises fading, and the detail shading can age gracefully, often looking more refined as the skin changes. Tribal: The simplicity and deep black ink in these tattoos maintain their visibility and integrity.
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.
Reds tend to come with higher risks. Black tends to be the safest tattoo color, followed by blue and green pigments. Take some time to chat with your tattoo artist to ensure their equipment is properly sterilized and that they are using the highest quality inks with the lowest possible levels of toxicity.
Aftercare & Aging
Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.
REACH had 4,000 chemicals typically used in colourful tattoo ink prohibited in January 2020 in the EU. Some of which are already banned in products applied on top of the skin – can cause 'cancer or genetic mutations'. However there is no concrete evidence between tattoos and cancer or genetic mutations.
Allergic reactions.
Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can happen even years after getting a tattoo. Red ink tends to be more prone to allergic reactions that other tattoo ink colors.
One of the most common misconceptions is that colored tattoos are more expensive than black and grey pieces. The price of a tattoo depends on several factors, including the size, complexity, and duration of the appointment, not the colors the artist uses.
And these would be the disadvantages of color tattoos: They are not highly recommended for very dark skin. They are more delicate and have less durability. The sun affects them very negatively.
Now, I've had 20 years to see how my tattoos have aged. Once crisp lines have become fuzzy around the edges from ink slowly migrating outward. Bright colors have now become pale in hue. I like to think of the change being likened to screen resolution moving from 4K toward Standard definition.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
Delicate Skin Areas
Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin. Aging skin as well as clients with skin trauma/more delicate skin, can also increase the risk of a blowout.
Black ink lasts the longest and is least likely to blur, making it the best choice of ink color for long-lasting tattoos. Black ink is so reliable it is usually used to help hold in color molecules.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Found in some black inks derived from carbon black. PAHs are known carcinogens that can potentially leach into the skin. Heavy Metals: Inks containing lead, cadmium, chromium, or nickel can pose health risks, including carcinogenic effects.
Red ink is still the most likely color to cause skin problems. Why? Red tattoo inks are the most likely to cause health complications, including rashes and pseudolymphomas, both symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The primary pigments under restriction are Pigment Blue 15 and Green 7. The ban took place in January 2023 following an additional one-year derogation period granted for these two pigments. The European Union ink ban allowed the derogation period to allow businesses more time to find safe alternatives.
You need to add a protective moisture barrier and shine up the finish. We recommend a tattoo brightening cream or gel like VIVID Gel. This clear coat protects what is underneath and leaves your tattoo with a rich shine and bright colors.