People have many different ways of expressing themselves. Some perform music or plays on a stage, some create things to give form to their thoughts and feelings, and some create art on canvases or murals. On the other hand, there's also a form of expression that you can always carry with you: tattoos. Some people might get tattoos to represent their beliefs or because they don't want them to be seen by everyone. The opposite is also true; for those who see tattoos as art, they might be happy to have them seen or want others to appreciate the designs they've had etched on their skin, wouldn't you agree?
If you're getting your first tattoo, deciding on the color and design can be quite challenging. This guide will help you consider what tattoo colors and designs you should choose. It will also cover proper aftercare for your ink.
Key Points for Choosing Ink Colors
Tattoos are permanent, and you want to avoid regretting them or spending money on laser removal. Before deciding on a trendy color or your favorite color for a tattoo, it's a good idea to consider these few points.
Skin Tone and Complexion
Consider your skin tone and condition. Are you fair-skinned or dark-skinned? Do you tan easily? Lighter colors look better on fair-skinned individuals. For those with relatively darker (but not very dark) skin, primary colors like red, orange, green, and blue tend to look good. For what is known as dark skin, darker ink colors such as dark blue, crimson, and black are said to be a good match.
Undertones
Tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, and your undertone, located just above the tattoo ink, acts like a "filter" that influences how the tattoo color appears. There are three types of undertones: warm, neutral, and cool. Warm undertones typically have yellow, peach, or golden hues, characterized by green-colored veins, and complement deep blues, greens, purples, reds, and blacks. Cool undertones, on the other hand, typically have bluish, reddish, or pinkish complexions, characterized by blue or purple-colored veins. They pair well with colors such as red, black, white, purple, and orange. Lastly, neutral undertones are characterized by veins that are not distinctly colored and an even complexion. Any tattoo color can be matched with a neutral undertone.
Freckles
People with lighter skin tones often develop freckles and tend to have sensitive skin. Ink colors like white and pastels do not show up well on freckled skin. Consult a dermatologist or tattoo artist to determine if it is advisable to tattoo over freckles.
Which Color Lasts the Longest?
Below is a simple guide to tattoo colors, ranked from the longest-lasting to the fastest-fading.
・Black and Gray: Black and gray inks are the most resistant to fading due to their high pigment concentration. They suit any skin tone and are especially ideal for tanned or dark skin. With proper aftercare, they can last over 10 years before needing a touch-up.
Dark Blue: Similar to black ink, dark blue tattoo colors are suitable for darker skin tones. They have long-lasting pigments and can also endure for nearly 10 years.
Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple: These ink colors fade faster on lighter skin and even quicker on sensitive or freckled skin. Generally, they last about 8 years or more before needing a touch-up.
Pastel Colors and White: These are the lightest ink colors and, therefore, fade out the fastest of all colors. They generally begin to fade within about 5 to 8 years. Additionally, pastel and white ink colors can look like scars if not properly applied.
UV Tattoos: These tattoos appear fluorescent under ultraviolet light. While they have become popular recently, their drawback is that they don't last as long as other colors. Their lifespan is roughly 3 to 5 years. Although they are unique in that they glow in the dark, their durability is not particularly long.
A fundamental question before getting a tattoo is, "Should I go for a realistic tattoo, or something more symbolic?" Of course, it depends on personal preference, but the general styles are as follows:
Realism: Often applied to photos of people, animals, or any real-life images. These often turn out bold and highly expressive. Common examples include roses, lions, wolves, butterflies, and Marvel characters. However, achieving these designs with an identical image requires high skill from the tattoo artist, so it's wise to carefully choose your artist.
Symbolism: This refers to relatively small designs or text that symbolize something. Common examples include infinity symbols, constellations, or birth dates written in Roman numerals. These have a more subtle and minimalist appearance and usually carry deep meaning.
References
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