Tattoo ideas for people with dark skin tones

Most tattoo advice is designed for people with light skin, but while many of the same guidelines apply to people with brown or black skin, there is some additional information to be aware of.

Amanda Greenidge, tattoo artist and owner of Aggies Ink in London, assisted us in answering your queries, ranging from whether you may wear particular colors to the consequences of laser removal. Consider the following suggestions before you ink:

On dark skin, which inks perform best?

I normally recommend sticking to black and grey tattoos, but your tattoo artist should be able to tell you whether the colors you choose would work with your skin tone.

What if all I want is color?

This is dependent on how black the skin is and whether or not it is light enough to contrast with the chosen colors or for each color to be visible. Purple doesn’t seem to work well with dark skin tones, and I wouldn’t recommend yellow or white because they will fade, look murky, or even disappear with time.

What is the rate at which colors fade?

The tattoo may appear bright when it is first applied, but after a few months, it may turn dull. Again, it all depends on how dark the skin is in the first place.

Is it true that darker skin scars more?

You must be cautious with black skin because it is prone to keloid formation (an overgrowth of scar tissue that develops around a wound). If you’re prone to keloids, tell your artist (if you’re unsure, consult your family because it’s a genetic condition). Also, ask to view examples of their work if they have dealt with much black skin. The artist may need to alter their technique to suit your skin, such as lowering the power and not repeating the same region too often.

Is laser removal a viable option?

The laser is not recommended on darker skin because it can alter the skin’s natural pigment. There’s a chance it’ll leave you with white spots and scarring.