Tip #1 – Black ink generally costs and hurts less Perhaps one of the biggest factors for you might be that black ink generally costs less and hurts less. Why? Because black ink is so strong on all skin tones it doesn't require the same amount of shading and layers that coloured tattoos do.
Color ink is not inherently more painful than black or grey ink. Getting a tattoo with color canbe more painful than a black or grey tattoo because some colors require more ink, which means thicker tattoo groupings and more passes over the same spot with the tattoo gun.
Below is a pain chart from Tattoos-Hurt.com that explains it all using color, with yellow being the least painful to purple being excruciatingly painful. It's not surprising that the most painful areas are also considered the most vulnerable areas of the body.
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between color and black and grey tattoos—it all comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for something eye-catching and vibrant, go for a color tattoo. If you prefer a more classic look, opt for black and grey.
This may be because the process of applying color to the skin involves multiple passes with the tattoo needle, which can be more painful than applying black ink. Additionally, the vibrance and intensity of color tattoos may make them more noticeable and more painful for some people.
* Neon skin inks are loaded chemicals and mercury. The reds are perhaps the worst, because they also contain the highly toxic iron oxide and cadmium. * If you really want to get a permanent tattoo, stick with the basics.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
Colored tattoos, when repeatedly exposed to sunlight, tend to fade easily. This means that they will not age well and will need regular touch-ups to keep them looking sharp and fresh.
When colouring a tattoo you must work through the colours from dark to light. For example you may start with black, move onto dark blue or purple followed by green, light blue, red orange and yellow, finishing with white. Wiping away excess ink is a consistent necessity during the tattooing process.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Myth: In reality, getting tattooed does hurt -- but it does not produce the same type of pain as childbirth. The pain of getting a tattoo feels more like scratching a bad sunburn.
Black and gray: Black and gray inks are the boldest and most dense; thus, they are the most fade-resistant colors. These are suitable for any skin tone, especially with tan or black skin.
The Benefits of Color Tattoos
If you want a tattoo as bright as your personality, then color is the way to go. Several tattoo schools naturally gravitate to colorwork: Old School Traditional, New School, Watercolor, Japanese, and Illustrative are all styles that lend themselves well to color.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking any mind-altering substances, and make sure you keep your body hydrated in the days before and after your appointment. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and has much better ink retention than dry skin.
Make sure you can commit to color
Also keep in mind that color tattoos may be a little more high-maintenance in terms of care and touch-ups.
Generally, black ink takes the cake for lasting the longest. Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink.
A fine line tattoo typically begins to lose its definition after about 15 years. Bigger, bolder lines maintain their look for longer with proper care. At 40, many people will still have their tattoo in great shape, but if not, a touch-up is a great solution.
Small does not equal less pain. That's right when it comes to getting a new tattoo fine lines are more painful than bold traditional. Upside is, most fine line tattoos are smaller. And smaller needle sizes are used mostly for the outline at the beginning of the tattoo, when you are fresh and ready for the pain.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.