When thinking about getting a new tattoo we contemplate the design, size, location, and of course, whether or not to add color to it. It should be a no brainer, color tattoos look better than grey and black, right? They add brightness and shine to your design and make it stand out. For example, my friend once got a tattoo of a Frida Kahlo portrait on her left arm. The drawing was beautiful, but it was only a black and grey design. With all the details, it looked a little too busy for people to tell what it was, so she decided to add color to it. The finished tat looked completely different.
She put red on the roses, added blue and green to the dress, and used a pink detail the face. Yet, the main reason why she didn’t go for the color first, was because she had to consider the factors of her skin tone, time, pain, and price. According to experts, those elements are to be valued before opting for the color tattoo. For a deeper look at what decision to make, I’ve summarize four important things for you to know before getting a color tattoo.
Pricing
Probably this is one of the determining factors to consider when choosing color over black. Inks that are not black are a little more expensive but what you need to know is that color inks are usually used to fill in spaces, making it a longer and more detailed process. In addition, white ink tends to be among the most pricey ones and they are harder elaborate, usually done by an experienced tattooer.
Images by: @winstonthewhale
Process
As mentioned above, unless you just want to outline a design with color, color tattoos are used to fill in empty spaces within the black outline. This is going to take more time to elaborate, sometimes you will be scheduled for separate sessions. Also, consider that depending on the size and location of where you are thinking about putting this tat, it will cause you more pain than just outlining a design.
Color expectations versus reality
There is a color expectation when entering a tattoo shop, and then there is the finished product. You probably wanted a bright pink on your skin, but turns out it red. These scenarios are more common than you think and if you are looking for a pigment to go well with your skin tone, you want to match the ink with your skin’s undertone since inks react differently to every skin color. What’s the difference between skin tone and skin undertone? A skin tone is is the actual color of your skin: porcelain, olive, and caramel, to name a few. Undertones include warm, cool, and neutral, also associated with blueish, pink, and a ruddy complexion. When getting your desired color, the ink must match your skin’s undertone and not your skin tone. Always follow your artist’s advice on this since they must have more experience with finished color tattoos.
Images by: @winstonthewhale
Color Lasting
So, does color fade away? Yes, they all do and it depends on what color, brand, amount of sun exposure, and the location on which the tattoo was placed. In case you are think about future scenarios where you might get it removed, know that green, orange, and specially yellow inks are the most resistant to the laser removal treatment. On the other hand, white ink fades faster than any other without laser. Also, sun exposure will dull you tat due to a secretion of melanin that skin cells produce when exposed to the sun. Over time, this process will change your tat’s tone eventually.
Images by: @winstonthewhale
To conclude, where you place your tattoo will also determine its tonality and longevity. People with darker skin colors, need a higher concentration of pigment in order for the tat to show. Lighter types of skin, take ink faster and with less pigmentation. Of course you’ll always want to consult with an expert, look at samples of their work, and quote prices with at least three different shops.
Now that you chose your ink, how about a look at some tattoo designs:
5 Unique Tattoo Ideas For Design And Architecture Lovers
20 Under The Chin Tattoos You Didn’t Know You Needed To Boost Your Confidence
5 Unique Tattoo Ideas For Design And Architecture Lovers
