White Ink Tattoos Are So Mesmerizing—Here's Proof

There are tons of ways to make a tattoo unique, and pigment color is no exception. You may think of tattoos as being primarily black or multi-colored, but white ink tattoos add a certain level of intricacy and airiness to any tattoo. When using a lighter colored pigment, you’re almost hiding your design in plain sight, meaning that you may feel more inclined to get that large or super visible tattoo because it won’t be as flashy. That’s not to say that white ink tattoos don’t make an impact; on the contrary, these designs will stand out because of how aesthetically specific they are in a sea of dark-ink tattoos. Plus, they glow under ultraviolet (UV) light—talk about making a statement.

Aside from how much of an impact a white ink tattoo will make, there are many different design options for how to showcase the uncommon pigment color. Outlining a colored or blackwork design in white will make it pop and give it a sort of halo effect, whereas filling in a darkly-outlined design in white makes the outlines pop against such a bright background. Considering how light white ink is, it's much easier to see how raised a tattoo is, which can be a perk if you like a more dimensional, detailed look.

Just like any tattoo, white ink tattoos require an experienced and professional tattoo artist. White ink will appear differently on different skin types—brighter on darker skin and much more subtle on pale skin—and white ink is actually thicker than traditional black or colored ink, so make sure the artist you choose is also familiar with how to properly apply the ink in general and on your specific skin color.

White ink also requires more attention and consideration when healing to ensure they heal properly. Because artists go over white ink tattoos more than other inks, the wound may feel more intense or painful during aftercare, so make sure you’re being gentle. White ink tattoos may also fade in the sunlight, so it’s doubly (if not more) important to wear sunscreen when going outside (both for new and healed tattoos) and to avoid direct sunlight during the aftercare process. If you’re nervous about your white tattoo fading, talk to your tattoo artist—they’ll have the best and most specific advice on how to keep it fresh.

If white tattoos have piqued your interest, or if you’re considering a white ink design but don’t know what, let these 10 tattoos be your inspiration.