Does certain tattoo ink hurt more?

Author: Brandi Cartwright  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Generally, the type of ink will not affect the pain levels during an inking session. However, color tattoos need more needles and time to finish the job. With that, a person may feel more pain during the experience.

What is the most painful tattoo ink?

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.

Does different tattoo ink hurt more?

The color of the tattoo does not have anything to do with the amount of pain. Location and the needle pounding on your skin is what is painful. If you were to tattoo a solid 1 inch square in a particular area, the pain would be the same regardless of the color. Black, white, red, green, doesn't matter.

What color tattoo ink hurts the least?

Tattoo ink, no matter the color, feels the same going into the skin. If you use one style of needle and try every color, you won't feel a difference. How much ink needs to be deposited for certain colors makes the difference. Darker ink doesn't need as much color packing.

Does it matter what tattoo ink you use?

Less Fading: Generally, black ink fades less than colored inks, making it a popular choice. If you're looking for longevity and versatility, black ink is a safe choice. However, if you want something more vibrant and are okay with the potential for faster fading, red or blue ink can make your tattoo stand out.

Does White Tattoo Ink Hurt More? (Tatt-Tuesday)

What color tattoo ink to avoid?

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.

What tattoo ink do most professionals use?

Used by professional tattoo artists for many years, Dynamic Black Ink is easy to use and will keep its deep black colour even after healing, with no blue or purple tint.

What hurts more, linework or shading?

Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.

What tattoo ink fades slowest?

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.

Why do tattoo artists not like white ink?

White ink tattoos might also be considered more painful because of how many times the design must be tattooed. In order to completely saturate the intended area with ink, the artist will likely need to go over the white ink several times during multiple appointments with time to heal in between.

What is tattoo pain most comparable to?

How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

Does shading take longer than linework?

A linework tattoo will usually take the least amount of time to complete. If your tattoo looks more like a blank coloring page than a full mural, your artist can call it a wrap at phase one. If your tattoo is black and gray and involves some shading, it will go a little longer.

What is the most toxic tattoo ink?

While red causes the most problems, most other colors of standard tattoo ink are also derived from heavy metals (including lead, antimony, beryllium, chromium, cobalt nickel and arsenic) and can cause skin reactions in some people.

Does numbing cream affect tattoos?

Numbing creams can interfere with this natural healing process. The cream can impede blood circulation due to ingredients like epinephrine, delay the formation of healing cells, and hinder the skin's ability to regenerate.

What color tattoo ink hurts the most?

While there is usually not much pain difference between gray, black, or color tattoos, white ink tattoos are known to hurt more than others. The artist will often need to go over the same spot on the skin to saturate the area.

Do black tattoos turn blue?

Actually ink didn't turn blue. As you can see ink particles stays black. Colour of the tattoo will depend of a placement, epidermis thickness, the degree of skin hydration and skin tone. From my observation, palms and fingers tend to look more blue due to epidermis structure.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

How to make tattoos hurt less?

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!

What size tattoo needle hurts the most?

Pain Factor 1: The Tattoo Needle

Typically, the smaller the pin grouping, the more painful the tattooing experience. Most clients agree that the outlining of a tattoo is the most painful aspect.

Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?

Here Are The Top 10 Most Painful Places To Get a Tattoo.
  • * Head. Migraine hurts. ...
  • * Rib Cage And Chest. Tattoos on the ribs and chest always look great, and they are generally big. ...
  • * Stomach. ...
  • * Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • * Face, and Ears. ...
  • * Lips. ...
  • * Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • * Neck and Spine.

How can you tell if tattoo ink is good quality?

Quality tattoo ink should be free from harmful substances such as heavy metals, carcinogens, or allergens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate tattoo inks, so it's up to the artist and the studio to use reputable brands. Ask your artist about the ink's brand and research its safety profile.

What is the best tip for tattoo artist?

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule governing how much to tip tattoo artists. As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard.

What is the longest lasting tattoo ink?

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.

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