Until a few years ago, white ink was only used in small touches in the making of a tattoo – ideal for accentuating the effect that plays between light and shadow among other colors of ink. Today, its use may be quite different. Indeed, tattoos exclusively traced with white ink have grown in popularity and are now enjoying enormous success. We can not say that celebrities have nothing to do with it … Once Rihanna or Lindsay Lohan succumbed to the discreet white tatoo, the trend was launched.
However, falling for the white tattoo is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are many things to know before you have to go to the tattoo parlor of your choice. So, what about this new, little-known fashion that is taking hold of the tattoo universe? In this article, we reveal all the secrets of white ink tattooing. Get inspired by these photos found on Pinterest and Instagram !
The specifics of white pigments
To tattoo exclusively in white ink, obscuring all other colors and inks, is to have in the first weeks a tattoo that looks more like a scar than a work of art. The skin is swollen where the needles went and the scarification effect is stunning. Subsequently, the tattoo certainly preserves a slight impression of relief, but becomes much more discreet. The contrast between the white ink and the skin is minimal, do not succumb to it if you fall for the pieces that stand out. On the other hand, if you dream of a tattoo that is most discreet and very easily concealable (under a thin layer of makeup, for example) – the finesse and beauty of white ink will have the art to make you happy.
What motif should you choose for a successful white ink tattoo?
While some patterns would not be highlighted at all by white pigments, others work particularly well. It is therefore important to identify them before getting a tattoo. Stars, crescent moon, heart, triangle, flowers, feathers, mandala, lace … So many patterns perfectly suited to white pigments. If you feel that these kind of little symbols do not suit you, then you might be better off giving up the trend of white ink, because these are the patterns that it can sublimate. Like a secret, you could also get a small message that you hold close to your heart and want to engrave in your flesh, without having to share it with everyone… the rest, it would be better to turn to a black tattoo or another ink color.
Be aware that if small models are preferred for a tattoo with white ink, it is because there is a good chance that you will be disappointed by devoting to this type of tattoo a large area of your body. The wrist is, for example, a very good place to register your white tatoo.
Why let yourself be tempted by the white ink tattoo?
Forget black and all other ink colors in order to get a tattoo only in white – have you ever considered this possibility? Refined and discreet, there are a thousand and one reasons why the trend of tattooing with white ink suits you. Whether it is your very first tattoo, whether you want to bet on discretion by professional obligation or other, whether you want to opt for originality by moving away from the traditional black tattoo, which you need to almost make invisible a small scar or several … The tattoo with white ink has (apparently) everything to please you. Only here, some tattoo artists refuse to do it and there are reasons for that: now discover the contraindications of tattooing with white ink.
The disadvantages of white tattooing
If you are absolutely a fan of the tattoo in white ink and you dream of adopting one, what follows may disappoint you… However, you must know everything before getting a tattoo – as good as the bad aspects of this white tattoo that you are about to engrave on your skin.
Already, the white pigments are so specific, that the appearance on your skin will be very difficult to determine in advance. So you can take inspiration from the photos you find on Instagram or Pinterest, without being sure that the result will be the same on you.
Also be aware that tattoos done in white ink can age very badly: when some turn yellow due to their translucent pigments coloring much more easily, others eventually disappear over time. Sometimes the white tattoo can even end up looking like a skin problem… You will therefore have to be well aware of this in order to protect your white tattooed skin, in particular from the sun. You will understand: equip yourself with a healing cream tube ((available from 11 euros on 1001pharmacies.com) and a high protection sunscreen ((available from 14.29 euros on 1001pharmacies.com) is always essential, especially when it comes to getting a white tattoo.
Last point, with equal design and similar location on the body, a white tattoo often takes much longer to be performed than a traditional tattoo. Indeed, white is certainly applied in the same way as any other ink color, but as it is easily hidden as soon as a few small bleeds appear, several sessions are often necessary for the complete realization of a drawing. If you are sensitive to needles or too impatient, the trend of white tattoo is therefore certainly not for you.
You now know why some tattoo artists are reluctant with white tattoos.
Good to know :
- There is a belief that a white tattoo necessarily shines under UV light lamps – such as those found in discos, for example. This is not entirely true. In fact, for white ink to shine, its pigments must be very specific. So do not hesitate to tell your tattoo artist what you want so that he can adapt to it best using the most appropriate type of ink.
- While one might imagine the opposite, a white tatoo is not highlighted on dark skin. Remember: this type of tattoo is above all translucent and therefore in no way covering. On black or mat skin, the result is therefore even less visible than on white skin. The lighter the skin, the more the white tattoo stands out. Also be aware that if you have freckles, getting a tattoo in white ink is not the best idea you can have either. On your skin, the rendering may give a vague and imprecise effect. Ask your tattoo artist for advice.
- It is also said that – more than any other ink color – white makes the tattoo much more painful. We told you a little above, there is absolutely no difference in method between making a black tattoo (or another color) and that of a white tattoo, regardless of the tattoo artist. This belief stems from the fact that – in the process of making a black lambda tattoo – white is usually added at the very end, as a final touch-up. However, it is precisely at this point, after the numerous passages of the needles on the body, that the skin is most sensitive. The color of the ink therefore has no impact on the pain of the tattoo, all tattoo artists will be able to confirm this.
Still arousing many false beliefs, tattoos done in white ink fascinate as much as they intrigue. You will understand: they have become an atypical fashion that many women choose to fall for. However, behind this trend there are a lot of things to take into account before taking the plunge. Thanks to this article, you will know more about white tattooing – both its pros and cons. You also have a global vision of the different kinds of white ink tattoos that exist – thanks to these carefully selected photos on Pinterest and Instagram. All the cards are therefore in your hands, all you have to do is choose the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the creation of your white tatoo, its design and its location on your body. than go to the tattoo parlor of your choice!
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