Why white ink tattoos hurt more — MARKD TATTOO | SYDNEY TATTOO ARTISTS (2024)

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Why white ink tattoos hurt more — MARKD TATTOO | SYDNEY TATTOO ARTISTS? ›

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.

The process of tattooing involves puncturing the skin, which naturally leads to some level of pain. However, when it comes to white ink, the repeated passes over an already tattooed area and the potential for deeper penetration can irritate the nerve endings more intensely.

Because white ink is thicker in consistency it is a lot trickier to line with. White ink fades very quickly, the general rule is the lighter the pigment the quicker your body can break it down, white is the lightest coloured pigment you can get and the quickest to fade away.

During the healing process, a white ink tattoo may look raised or puffy. This is temporary, and as the skin settles, the true nature of the white emerges. The initial lack of contrast may give way to a stunningly different appearance, as the tattoo fully takes shape.

The skill and technique of the tattoo artist can influence the amount of pain experienced during the session. An experienced artist with a light hand and a smooth, consistent technique may cause less discomfort than an artist with a heavy hand or inconsistent technique.

The reaction can start within a week of getting the tattoo or months to years later. White ink used in tattoos can cause allergic reactions. Body lotions, chemical sunscreens, and sunshine can all affect white ink tattoos.

Below is a pain chart from Tattoos-Hurt.com that explains it all using color, with yellow being the least painful to purple being excruciatingly painful. It's not surprising that the most painful areas are also considered the most vulnerable areas of the body.

Tattoo artists inject white ink deeper into the skin than black or colored ink. 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.

They can be used to improve the appearance of scars

If you have a scar, you could use a white ink tattoo to create a unique design since they generally resemble scars after some time.

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.

Are white tattoos better yes or no? ›

Though white ink tattoos can be really cool and striking, they may require more frequent touch up than other tattoos because of how quickly they fade. Some clients report that faded white ink tattoos can look like scars, which is appealing to some, while others may not like the look.

It's especially difficult to remove flesh-colored or white ink and permanent makeup tattoos because the pigment in these colors can oxidize, turning black, when treated by laser. After the pigment has oxidized, it can't be treated by laser.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.

What all artists absolutely hate, though, is being micromanaged. No one cares if you're a painter, a graphic designer, or just a stickler for accuracy and detail. When you choose a tattoo artist, you're telling them you trust them. Then, when you start micromanaging, you're saying you're not so sure anymore.

In Summary. Color ink is not inherently more painful than black or grey ink. Getting a tattoo with color canbe more painful than a black or grey tattoo because some colors require more ink, which means thicker tattoo groupings and more passes over the same spot with the tattoo gun.

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.

"When getting white over black, just be aware that the tattoo will not be as bright as if it were over fresh skin," Will adds. "[White ink on black tattoos] tend to hold together much better over time when the artwork is pretty bold and graphic.