Choosing colors for your tattoo is an important part of the tattoo design process. Colors can change the overall effect of the tattoo and can help the tattoo come alive or replicate the original image.
If you want a tattoo with intricate patterns and sharp contrasts, black and grey are better color choices for you. Realism, portrait, tribal, and black tattoo styles prove that monochrome tattoos are great too. Black and gray tattoos are created by using black ink mixed with water to create lighter and darker shades of ink. This technique is used to create light and shadow effects that give dimension and movement to your tattoo.
If you are a beginner getting a tattoo for the first time, deciding which tattoo color and design to choose can be a real challenge. Here’s a guide to what tattoo colors and designs you should consider.
Black and gray are the longest lasting colored tattoos and most durable colored tattoo. These dark colors are solid and eye-catching and do not fade easily. Bright, muted colors like pink, yellow, light blue, and light green tend to fade faster.
How long a colored tattoo lasts may depend on the area where you get the tattoo. This is because some parts of the body are more prone to aging and secondary changes in weight. Here are some of the best areas to get the longest lasting colored tattoos.
1. Upper chest or collarbone. This area is usually covered by clothing, so it is not exposed to direct sunlight. It is also an area that is less likely to stretch with age, especially the collarbone, so the tattoo design will be long-lasting and sturdy.
2. Inner arm. The inner arm is a better area for a colored tattoo than the outer arm. This area is exposed to much less sunlight, and the softer skin is usually less damaged compared to the more muscular outer layer.
3. Back. This is a relatively hidden area, so it is generally not exposed to UV rays. The larger, flatter space allows you to play with larger, more striking tattoo designs. The back also doesn’t stretch as much as the stomach when your weight fluctuates, so the color of your tattoo won’t distort over time.
4. Shoulders and calves. These parts of the body are not affected by aging, which means the colors will stay bright and fresh for longer. Due to the sensitivity of the skin, these areas may be more painful to tattoo, but the flat areas will allow your artist to create large and detailed tattoo designs.
Black and grey are the most commonly used colors in tattoos. They are suitable for all skin types, from light to dark. Since black is a durable color, that’s why it is often used for tattoo lines. When executed in black and gray.
Red tattoos tend to fade over time, not as much as black, but better than other bright colors. This is because many people are allergic to red ink, although advances in ink have reduced this. If you are concerned, we recommend that a tattoo artist does a trial run with red ink on your leg before starting the tattoo.
Yellow and orange fade quickly on pale skin and are difficult to see on darker skin. Yellow ink is usually the first color to fade on a tattoo. If your base color is yellow, avoid using this color as it will look cloudy on the skin. Avoid using these colors as highlighting or additional finishing touches.
When it comes to tattoos, blue ink is a much more durable pigment. This color is suitable for all skin types. The lighter the color, the faster it will darken and fade.
Over time, purple quickly loses its intensity. The lighter the purple, the more likely it will fade. Darker shades of purple will last longer and look especially good on darker, warmer skin types.
White ink tattoos are growing in popularity due to their delicate and soft nature. Harder to spot compared to other colors, they fade much faster than other colors. White ink lasts longer on pale skin compared to darker skin types.
How to prevent tattoo color from fading?
There are many reasons why tattoo colors can fade. It is important to choose a professional tattoo artist who is experienced and knows how to use color so that the color is less likely to fade over time.
To ensure that your tattoo color stays like new for a long time, make sure to apply sunscreen. UV damage usually results in dense collagen and blotchy hyperpigmentation. This will result in poorer skin quality and will not absorb or retain the tattoo pigment. Keep the tattoo area moisturized to ensure it lasts longer and is brighter. Use unscented moisturizers and soaps, as they are gentler on the skin.
Furthermore, if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your tattoo color, ask a professional tattoo artist to touch it up so that the tattoo looks fresh again. A good artist will make your tattoo look bright and colorful again.
How do I take care of my new colored tattoo?
Taking care of your new colored tattoo is an important step to ensure that it stays looking good for a longer time. Here are some of our tips.
1. When you remove the covering from your new tattoo, wash the area with warm water and mild soap. Flush with water and pat dry.
2. Use an antibacterial ointment for the first few days. Your tattoo artist can recommend one. Use it until the wound is dry and the tattoo is healed. Always apply the ointment and do not rub.
3. Avoid direct sunlight and do not soak the area until the tattoo heals.
4. Regardless of how itchy the tattoo is, do not scratch it. Avoid touching the area if possible.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol the day before and a few days after the tattoo.
6. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, going to the gym, and swimming until the tattoo is fully healed.
