In a field that is constantly looking for something new and unique, white ink tattoos are becoming increasingly popular.  Do you need a tattoo that is not easily noticed, a tattoo that is just for you, or do you just want to be different?  If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you might want a white ink tattoo.

Exactly What Is A White Ink Tattoo?

White ink tattoos are exactly what you would expect. A tattoo applied using only white ink. These tattoos are less visible than traditional tattoos and depending on body and skin type can appear to be a brand or scarification once healed.

The application process of a white ink tattoo is slightly different than a black and grey, or color piece. White ink tattoos have no solid outline like other tattoos. Care must be taken by the tattoo artist to only apply white ink without bleeding in any of the outline ink placed on the skin. This will cause the bright white color to dull and become even less noticeable.

White ink tattoos require more ink than traditional black and grey or color tattoos. White must be applied stronger than color ink. This requires the tattoo artist to go over the same area three or more times. So a white tattoo may be more painful than a color tattoo due to the added passes required.

The ink used to place a white ink tattoo is not the same white a tattooist uses for changing the pigment of colors. The white used in white ink tattoos is thicker and of higher grade. This ink is specifically made to stand out and remain bright. Be sure to ask your tattooist what type of white ink he will be using. If he just gives you the “all white is the same” speech… run!

Placement Of  A White Ink Tattoo

Care must be taken in choosing the location of your white ink tattoo. White is very susceptible to sun damage. White appears to yellow once tanned, and the original bright white color will never return once tanned. This damage can be done in as little as one time tanning or a single sunburn.

Careful consideration must be taken when choosing the location of your white ink tattoo. Hands are not a good spot, as well as the top of your forearm since they are likely to be exposed to the sun regularly. You are best to place your white ink tattoo where it will never see sun. Good placement can be ; under your arm, chest, back, the underside of your wrists, legs (as long as you dont tan them), basically anywhere you can keep out of the sun.

Choose A Tattoo Artist Who Has Pictures Of His White Ink Tattoos

White ink tattoos are not a project for the novice tattooist. Choose your tattoo studio and artist carefully. Ask to see his books and be sure there are examples of white ink tattoos in there. If he doesn’t have examples, he’s probably not very good at applying white ink tattoos, or never even attempted one. Also, ask to see pictures of the tattoos once healed.

If you see his books and like what you see, go for it! But if his white ink tattoo examples don’t look the way you want your tattoo to look, don’t expect him to just start doing things right with your piece.