White ink tattoos are a unique and increasingly popular way to express yourself. These tattoos stray from the traditional style with bold black outlines and instead are done entirely in white ink and can be either very subtle or appear to look like scarification.
On this page we will go over how white ink tattoos work and why you might want to get a white ink tat.
The white ink used in white ink tattoos is not the same kind that tattoo artists use for highlighting and blending in traditional work. Instead, it is a thicker, high quality ink designed to stand out on its own. These days you will find that just about every tattoo shop has this ink, so it is not something that you will need to seek out if you do decide to get a white ink tattoo.
While the white ink is different than other colors used in tattooing, the cost is usually the exact same as it would be if you used other colors. The only difference is the effect it has on your skin. If an artist tries to make you pay more for a white ink tattoo, they may have some extremely rare ink, but in most cases, you’ll want to check out some other shops before you get the work done. White ink tattoos should not cost you more than any other tattoo.
These tattoos are great for people who may not be able to have traditional tattoos visible in their work environment. In fact, this is probably the reason why the majority of people get white ink tattoos. It’s especially true when people want to get white ink tats on their wrists or hands since many workplaces do not allow people to have visible tattoos showing.
Another reason why some people want to get white ink tattoos is because they want to keep their ink as private as possible while still being able to get what they want, where they want it. A good example of this is when someone wants a big design going down one of their arms but he or she isn’t the type of person who wants to show off their tattoo to everyone.
White ink tattoos are also great for people who do not want to make a bold statement with the design that they get. If the tattoo meaning is one that they don’t want to have to explain all of the time, then a white ink design might be a great choice for them. What’s great about this is that you can choose absolutely anything you want and don’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks.
Some people simply like the mysteriousness of white ink tattoos. Only they and those close to them know it’s there, so it comes as a semi-shock to people who happen to notice it after a while. In fact, this “mysterious” can actually add to the overall design of a tattoo that was already going for that type of meaning.
Since white ink tattoos are harder to spot and will likely be seen only by you showing it to someone, it can be a good way to create a tattoo that holds its meaning long after you get it. The truth is that it’s even easy for owners to forget about their white ink tattoos, so it’s a nice little surprise to be reminded of both the tattoo and its meaning after weeks or months of not seeing or thinking about it.
One of the reasons why white ink tattoos shot up in popularity is because they are known for having a glowing effect under UV lights. Unsurprisingly, these designs have become increasingly popular with the rave crowd since they allow people to “glow” in the dark. Even if you are not a raver, it is a nice little bonus that you get with your white ink tattoo.
The subject matter of the white ink tattoo is entirely up to you, but popular choices include simple designs such as hearts, stars or flowers. Since the fading effect happens to pretty much every tattoo, shapes are usually better than heavily detailed designs since the overall look will appear basically the same even after a long amount of time has passed.
Many people also choose to use white ink to display a meaningful phrase, name, date or symbol. Sine white ink tattoos are often very personal, these ideas are perfect for this type of tat. You’ll know it’s there and it means a lot to you, but it doesn’t have to be public information. The main thing with these tattoos is that it is something that means a lot to you rather than getting a tattoo that everyone will be asking you about.
There are some things to consider when opting for this style of tattoo. There can be complications with the absorption of the ink so there is no guarantee that your tattoo will be long lasting. That is why most artists recommend getting a less-detailed tattoo design when using this type of ink. It’s usually a good idea to get a white ink tattoo that is made up of simple lines and perhaps filled in to give you a design that will look good for years regardless of fading.
These tattoos are best done freehand as using a stencil runs the risk of dulling the white ink with the black lines from the stencil. What this means to you is that you should be sure to get the work done by an artist you trust and who has worked with white ink many times in the past. Do your homework on the artist so you can all but guarantee that you will be happy with his or her work.
White ink tattoos also lack that shadowing effect that black lines bring to most tattoos. This is why white ink tats can often look more like scars than tattoos; of course, some people love that effect and it’s one of the main reasons why they went with white ink over black. If you were looking to get a tattoo that looks more like a brand than a traditional tattoo, then you might find that white ink is perfect for you.
It is also not recommended to place the tattoo in an area that is not prone to receiving direct sunlight as this can significantly fade the tattoo. While you can get white ink tattoos on your hands and arms, these should be minimalist designs or simple lines that will look good even after they fade a bit. You can always get a more detailed design if you don’t mind touching it up every once in a while.
What’s interesting about the white ink tattoo is that it can start out as all-white, but you can always fill it in with color. In fact, white outlines are known for making the inside of some tattoo images pop just a bit more than black outlines. If you aren’t sure about whether or not you want to get your white ink tattoo filled in later, take your time to think about the design you want before you commit. You might want to leave some room for some color later on in case you want to change it up a bit in the future.
Be sure to talk to your artist prior to deciding on this style of white ink tattoo to make sure it something both of you are comfortable with. Most designs work just as well in white ink as they do in any other color, but you’ll want to get a good idea of what it will look like immediately and in the future before you commit to it. If you take your time before choosing a white ink tattoo design, chances are you will be extremely happy with your white ink tattoo for years to come.