Getting White Ink Tattoos lets you experiment with many art forms. There are countless options. They range from huge sleeves to tiny fragments, and everything in between. To be true, finding the perfect design that fits your personality could take some time. Use similar caution when choosing ink, especially for people with dark skin.
Are white ink tattoos worth the cost for those with dark skin? They’re popular, but do they work? We spoke with doctors Bradley Glodny and Hadley King, and tattoo artist Miryam Lumpini. We wanted to learn about white tattoo ink and its impact on dark skin. If you want a full white ink design, read on to learn more about the entire tattooing process.
Get to Know the Expert
The owner of Park Avenue Dermatological, a NYC skin clinic, is Dr. Bradley Glodny. He is a board-certified dermatologist.
Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, specializes in surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She is the proprietor of New York City’s Dr. Hadley King Dermatology.
Tattoo artist Miryam Lumpini is the global creative director of BodyMark by BIC. It’s a brand of skin-safe, cosmetic-quality temporary tattoo markers.
What are tattoos made with white ink?
White ink tattoos, says Glodny, use white ink instead of darker colors. Those are often used in tattoos. Black and white ink tattooing techniques are identical. But, white ink reacts differently to skin, especially on darker skin. Unlike darker ink, white ink is translucent on the skin. It lets the skin tone show through the opaque ink.
Black vs. White Ink Tattoos on Skin Tone
White tattoos show up better on darker skin, says Glodny. It’s due to pigmentation differences. “White tattoos can be much more understated on those with paler skin tones.
white ink tattoo after 5 years
white ink tattoos on black skin
white ink tattoos healed
How can you discover the ideal artist?
The two most important factors in choosing a tattoo artist are the artist’s portfolio and the shop’s condition.
King says the most crucial step before getting a tattoo or piercing is to visit a reputable shop. It should use antiseptics and be willing to discuss its methods for keeping tools and inks clean. Glodny continues, “Find a clean, well-maintained tattoo parlor. Get a recommendation from someone with good results there. Also, check reviews of the place.”
We advise choosing a tattoo artist who specializes in dark skin. They should know how white ink will react to your skin tone. Check the artist’s portfolio. It will show their work with different skin tones and white ink tattoos.
Getting a white ink tattoo and taking care of it
Lumpini says, “To preserve ink, especially white ink, follow the tattoo aftercare.” A white ink tattoo needs the same care as any other tattoo. She does, however, stress the need to follow your artist’s cleaning and moisturizing instructions for your piece. Above all, be cautious to shield the sun from your tattoo. It’s imperative to shield your skin from the sun’s rays, especially any tattoos. The sun’s rays will fade your new tattoo. UV rays in the sunlight will disintegrate the ink.
Glodny says tattoo care instructions vary by artist. Recent tattoo rules say to apply “Tegaderm, a translucent dressing, or a second skin” to your tattoo. Leave it for five to seven days. He argues that nothing should be done to the tattoo until it is removed because the second skin protects it. Most specialists advise using Aquaphor for a few weeks. Use it until the tattoo stops drying out.
How can you determine whether the ink is correctly healing?
After a tattoo, King advises seeking help for:
- severe pain
- swelling
- bleeding
- headaches
- a fever
She says red bumps around the tattoo are the most typical early signs of an infection. If the red bumps are from needle irritation, they should go away in a few days. If they worsen or persist, see your doctor. This is especially important if you have a fever, swelling around the tattoo, pus, or raised hard areas.
King suggests using bacitracin or prescription mupirocin ointment. Also, wipe the area with soap and warm water to keep it clean while you wait for your doctor’s visit. Note that bacitracin may cause allergic contact dermatitis in some patients. If your skin reddens while using it, stop using it at once.
What Is the Duration of a White Ink Tattoo?
According to Lumpini, your tattoo will look its best for a specific amount of time. “It may depend on the person and their recovery,” she explains. “It also depends on the artist and the ink.” To protect the ink and the art of white ink tattoos, you must care for your tattoo from the start.
Glodny states that darker-skinned people are more likely to lose their white tattoos. Their skin may mask the very light, faded white pigment.”
Regardless of skin tone, white ink tends to make skin appear more three-dimensional. Time also makes it less interesting. Keep that in mind when choosing your design and ink. White ink tends to fade more quickly due to its pale tint.
The Last Point to Remember
White ink tattoos have a creative role in the tattoo industry. White ink is very sensitive. So, it’s important to consider your skin tone when asking a tattoo artist to use only that hue. It’s vital to confirm that your tattoo artist is skilled. They must also be honest about how your tattoo will fade over time. Nobody wants to proudly own a piece of art that they will never really appreciate.