How Long Do White Tattoos Last

How Long Do White Tattoos Last?

Hey there! As a tattoo artist, I get a lot of questions about white tattoos and how long they last. So, I put together a guide to clarify things.

Here’s the deal: White ink tattoos tend to fade faster than black or colored ones, making them more like temporary art. How long they stay visible depends on several factors that vary from person to person.

These factors include:

  • Your skin type: Some skin types hold ink better than others.
  • Sun exposure: The Sun is brutal on tattoos, especially white ones.
  • Ink quality: Higher quality ink generally lasts longer.
  • Artist’s skill: A skilled artist knows how to inject white ink for better retention properly.
  • Aftercare: Following proper aftercare instructions is crucial for a long-lasting tattoo.

Tattoos on hands and feet tend to fade the fastest because of constant wear and tear. It’s difficult to give a precise lifespan for these ink designs, but white tattoos often start fading noticeably within 45 to 60 days. You might also see some discoloration or dullness in the ink over time.

Why White Ink Tattoos So Special?

There are multiple ways of making a new tattoo more unique and captivating. Some people go for black tattoos, and some go for colorful ones, but there is something so different and mesmerizing about white tattoos. On lighter skin tones, these tattoos look very minimal and simple. You might not be able to see them from a far distance, but they are very prominent and look amazing on darker skin tones. White ink pops on darker skin tones and looks very bright.

The white ink design glows under ultraviolet light. They are in plain sight but also hidden. What can be something unique about this type of ink design? When the world is full of people with black and pigmented tattoos, go for a white ink tattoo and make a unique statement on your body.

white tattoos

How To Showcase White Ink Tattoos?

There are various options through which you can showcase this not-so-popular pigment color. You can outline one of your old Inkwork and give it a halo effect. Outlining your art will make your old tattoo pop. You can also fill in a dark outlined Body art with white ink, which will look great. If you like very detailed tattoos and want to add dimension to your design, then white ink is a better option because it is easier to see.

 White Ink Tattoos Pros 

Gives you a unique look: White tattoos are not very common, but they have become popular recently. They look very subtle and soft. When everyone is getting tattoos of different colors, you should consider getting a white ink design to stand out and be unique among them.

Fades into a fleshy color: If you don’t want to commit to a tattoo and don’t want to regret getting it, then Skin art with white ink can be beautiful and unique. In other words, if you don’t like a permanent, colorful design on your body, these are great options for the short term. Over time, tattoos will begin to fade.

Glow in the night: One great thing about white tattoos is that they glow in the night if ultraviolet ink is mixed with regular ink. How cool is that? This means that they look stunning, vibrant, and bright at night.

No discrimination at jobs: If you work where a tattoo is not allowed, but you want one, then getting this one might be a perfect choice. The reason for this is that white ink is not as visible as other color inks.

Cons Of White INK Tattoo:

They are very painful: Getting a white tattoo is more painful than getting a black or colorful one because it takes multiple passes to appear under your skin. This can be more painful because tattoo needles are injected into the skin multiple times, causing much pain and discomfort.

Hard to find white ink artist: Not every artist will ink a white tattoo because there are some excellent skills required for white color design.

They fade away: This can be suitable for some people, but it’s also a con. Even after going through so much pain, these tattoos do fade after a while.

Tans with your skin: White tattoos tan with your skin. If your skin gets darker, your ink will get darker too.

It might be mistaken for scars: Because white tattoos are not very common and prominent, you can mistakenly scar them.

FAQs

How Much Are White Ink Tattoos?

The cost of these tattoos may be higher, but it can vary based on individual factors such as the artist and location of the studio. It also depends on the design that you are getting. The prices could start from as low as $50 for small work, but better artists would charge more than that for their skills and delicate work. The typical cost would be around $100-$250 an hour. Besides this, you should also consider the tip cost of the artist when calculating the overall cost.

Does white tattoo ink turn yellow? 

White ink tattoos are prone to turning yellow, especially if you expose your skin to sunlight too soon or without protection. However, you can protect your tattoo by wearing high-quality sunscreen and applying good-quality lotion before going under direct sunlight. Moreover, clean your tattoo with good-quality soap to make it more vibrant.

Do white tattoos heal well?

Unfortunately, white ink designs take longer to heal than black and colorful pigmented tattoos because it takes multiple passes for white ink to show up under the skin. They also require extra care even after they are healed. However, how long a they take to heal depends on aftercare of tattoo. But once white ink tattoos heal, they look cool and vibrant. 

Do white ink tattoos go away?

Like other body ink designs, white ink tattoos will fade over time, but they may disappear quickly. They are usually different from traditional tattoo designs because the ink is not as visible on lighter skin tones, so the design may appear more subtle or muted.

Can your body reject white tattoo ink?

Yes, your body can reject white color ink, just like any other ink used for tattooing. White ink can contain ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction, resulting in your body’s immune system attacking and rejecting the ink. However, this is not a very common issue.  And you should always use the best quality tattoo ink.

Is white tattoo ink more expensive?

Yes, white tattoo ink can be more expensive than other colors. This is because it is more difficult to get the desired result with white ink. Also, very few tattoo artists offer white tattoo services, so they are often priced higher than other colors. 

How long do white ink tattoos last

White tattoos typically do not last as long and tend to fade more quickly when compared to black or other types of colorful ink designs. However, in most cases, they only endure for a few months to a few years. Moreover, it’s worth noting that white tattoos often begin fading within 45 to 60 days. However, the exact lifespan of a white tattoo typically depends on various factors.

Conclusion:

The article has ended, and you know a lot about white ink tattoos, their pros and cons, their cost, and how long they last. White tattoos are indeed beautiful, and if you are shy to try something bold and not sure if you want a permanent tattoo, then go for it.

 But remember that you need to take extra care of it so that the tattoo will last longer and maintain the color for a little longer than usual. Follow the aftercare instructions that your artist told you about. Also, remember to keep your tattooed skin clean before and after it is healed. With this article, I hope I answered some of your queries regarding white ink tattoos. 

Evelyn Grace

Evelyn Grace

Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!

Evelyn Grace

Evelyn Grace

Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!