TATTOOING DARKER SKIN
+
COLOR TESTS
If you’re interested in getting a color test, you can view my policies + inquiry form here.
*Please note: The below info is also included in my Color Test Inquiry Form*
I’Il be continuously adding to this page as I expand my knowledge on tattooing darker skin tones to build a comprehensive, accessible database where artists, clients, and anyone curious about tattooing can learn, grow, and feel empowered through shared knowledge.
Why is tattooing darker skin different than tattooing lighter skin?
Tattoo ink sits underneath the first layer of skin, which is composed of many translucent-like layers. These layers act as a “filter,” and a healed tattoo will be viewed through this filter.
Lighter skin has low levels of melanin, so the layers the tattoo will be viewed through are essentially clear, so the ink will stay true to the original color.
Skin that has higher levels of melanin have darker layers, and therefore a darker “filter.” The darker the layers are, the harder it will be to see a healed tattoo. Darker skin also has either warm or cool undertones, which also affects the color ink.
How to create a vibrant color tattoo on darker skin.
There are two main things that have to be taken into account when tattooing color on darker skin: creating high contrast and picking colors that complement undertones.
How to create high contrast.
In order to make a tattoo bright and vibrant, there has to be enough contrast in value between the ink and the skin.
First, we need to understand the tonal value of someone's skin tone vs the tonal value of colors. An effective way to get a visual is to turn a color image into a black and white image.
In the black and white image, notice how the yellows and whites are fairly visible on the lightest end (right side). As the background color gets darker, the yellow and white fades into the background. Why? Becuase they become the same tonal value and do not provide high contrast. Black ink will always show up the best because it provides the most contrast against any skin tone.
(Photo not by me. Can’t find original creator.)
There's a different approach to creating contrast with color ink on darker skin, but in no means is it impossible!
In order to create high contrast tattoos with darker skin tones, we can only work with colors that are darker than the skin tone. This is why lighter colors, like yellows, pinks, or any pastel colors have a hard time showing up when your tattoo is healed.
How to select colors that work well with your undertones.
Regardless of skin tone, everyone has undertones. These can be warmer undertones (red, yellow, etc) or cooler undertones (blue, puple, etc.). This is where color theory really comes into play. You want to chose colors that align with your undertones.
If you have warm undertones, you want to lean into warmer colors. If you have cool undertones, you want to lean into cooler colors.
If you chose colors that are complementary, they will not heal muddy and dull. Remember, color ink sits under the first layer of skin which has your undertone. If you have red undertones and use green ink (red and green are complementary colors), the green will have a red tint on top of it causing it to look dull and muddy.
Complementary colors are opposite each other
in the color wheel.
What color appears when you mix complementary colors with each other.
Are some placements better for color tattoos?
Yes! Areas that don't get as much sun are typically lighter (like your inner arms) since they don't produce as much melanin. This also means your color tattoo won't see as much sun and won't fade as fast as other areas of your body.
Of course, another way to protect your color tattoos is sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. I cannot stress it enough! Pro tip: buy a travel size sunscreen to have on you at all times.
We can make educated decisions on what color ink will look best on your skin tone, but a more affective way is to do a color test!
What is a color test?
A color test is a small and subtle tattoo made of multiple colored dots with the purpose to see how each color heals.
This test allows us to see which colors will appear most vibrant on your skin tone, and which colors won’t show up as well.
A healed color test lets us understand how the color ink looks under your skin’s “filter.”
There isn't a guarenteed final result, color ink will always look slightly different on everyone's skin tone. It’s simply a tool that lets us understand how different colors look on the skin and utilize that knowledge in future tattoos.
*Please note: I will not be offering a color tests as regular tattoos. As previously stated, they are a tool to better understand how color ink heals.*
I only offer color tests to black and brown individuals.
Color tests are a flat fee of $100
($50 deposit, $50 at the end of your appointment).
If you come back for a color tattoo you get $100 off your final tattoo price!
Only available in a straight dotted line
Only available placements are arms or legs
There is no limit to the amount of colors we test
There is no time limit to redeem the $100 off your future color tattoo
Adjusting your expectations.
Although color tattoos are very much possible, it may not be best to use certain colors as explained earlier. Some colors may not provide enough contrast (yellows, light pinks, etc.), and some colors may not complement your undertones.
Although this may be disheartening, this doesn't mean you won't be able to get a tattoo you love! All my flash design's colors can be altered and designs changed to better suit your unique skin tone.