What to know about white tattoos?

Author: Julien McLaughlin PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

We can agree that white ink tattoos are very beautiful, but there is more to them.
  • They are perfect for professionals.
  • They're conservative.
  • They can be used to improve the appearance of scars.
  • They don't last forever.
  • They may change color while they fade.
  • It's hard to work with.
  • Good ones are expensive.

What to know before getting a white tattoo?

White tattoos are beautiful, but before you rush out to get inked you should know that:
  • They can easily fade is not taken care of.
  • Not every tattoo artist will tattoo them.
  • Your tattoo will tan like your skin, so remember your SPF.
  • They won't always look crisp white, they can look grey or yellow.

How long will a white tattoo last?

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.

What are the downsides of white tattoos?

Fading: White ink tattoos tend to fade faster than traditional black ink tattoos. They may require more touch-ups over time to maintain their appearance. Visibility Issues: On darker skin tones, white ink may not show up as well, sometimes appearing as a very subtle mark rather than a clear design.

Do white ink tattoos heal differently?

White is one of the inks that changes the most once healed because it will especially show the undertone of your skin. Unlike painting on a black canvas with acrylic, which would show a great contrast, skin is the opposite. The darker the pigment, the less you'll see the white once it's healed.

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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 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.

Is white the most painful tattoo color?

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.

Do white tattoos glow under blacklight?

Do white tattoos glow in the dark? It's a common misconception that all white ink tattoos glow in the dark or under the black light. White ink on its own will not show up under black light. In order for your tattoo to glow under UV light, UV ink needs to be added to the white ink.

Why do people get white tattoos?

The Minimalist Appeal. For the aesthetically minded, white ink offers the chance to participate in the tattoo movement while maintaining a minimalist style. These tattoos are often simpler in design, focusing on fine lines and subtle shading, and as such, they are a canvas for those who believe 'less is more. '

Do all white tattoos turn yellow?

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.

What color tattoo ink fades the most?

Pastel tones and neon shades are most likely to fade, while dark black, blue, and green hues last the longest.

Are white tattoos more expensive?

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.

Do white tattoos age well?

Unfortunately, white ink molecules do not hold in place well and require extreme stretching of the skin and heavy applications to be visible. As a result, white ink tattoos over ten years will become distorted and faded. Most end up looking like a scar rather than a piece of artwork.

Do white tattoos look like scars?

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.

What is the best white tattoo ink?

In conclusion, the best white tattoo inks available on the market today, including Xtreme, Starbrite, Raw, Fusion, and Eterna, offer exceptional qualities that make them stand out.

What are the cons of white tattoo ink?

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.

Why does my skin reject white tattoo ink?

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.

Is UV tattoo ink legal?

Companies may claim FDA approval, but any approval of UV inks is for animal identification purposes rather than human use. Tattoos made with any ink can sometimes cause allergic reactions, irritation, and other side effects, although some chemical components tend to trigger more reactions than others.

What is the safest tattoo Colour?

Black ink is the safest color of tattoo ink, followed by some greens and blues.

How long does white tattoo ink last?

Your white tattoo may lose its pristine whiteness in as little as two months, even if you take great care of it. Shifts in color can also cause the appearance of premature fading.

What are the worst tattoo colors?

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 is the healthiest tattoo ink?

Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients. Using organic ink not only reduces the risk of adverse reactions but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices within the tattoo industry.

What can tattoo pain be compared to?

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.

What is the hardest style of tattooing?

Find the Right Tattoo Artist For Your Realism Tattoo

If you're thinking about getting a realism tattoo, don't shy away because they're hard!

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