Are Black and Grey Tattoos Faster?
(Updated 2024) It is not an easy decision determining whether you are going to go for color or black and gray tattoos. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo and have not put some serious thought into which style you are going for, you should sit down and think for a bit.
It is essential to understand here that as much as tattoos are a form of self-expression and artistic statement, they are also permanent. So, you should settle this debate of color vs. black and gray before you go see your tattoo artist. Any future work that you get done on your tattoo will depend heavily on which style you go for. In this article, we will help you make up your mind by giving you a run-down of the advantages and disadvantages of color tattoos and black and gray tattoos.
Black and Gray
This style of tattooing has been in existence since the very beginning of the art of tattooing. It is the O.G style if you will. The simple reason for this is that the natural ingredients available at the time used to make tattoo ink produced mainly black and gray color.
The beauty of black and gray tattoo depends on the density and spacing used to create alluring depth and layers in the design. Let's take a look at the pros that you can get with black and gray tattoos:
1- They Take Less Time. Since there is less ink required to create a black and gray tattoo, it is a little bit faster than colored tattoos. Some people even say that getting black and gray tattoos is less painful as well, but that is a subjective factor and varies from person to person.
2- They are rich in Contrast. Black and gray tattoos are known for their rich contrast, and because of this trait, they are more visible on darker skin tones compared to colored tattoos.
3- They are Neutral. Another significant benefit of getting a black and gray tattoo is that it is neutral. This is a very big advantage since your black and gray tattoo will almost never create a clash with your outfit. If you are someone who loves fashion and is always changing styles, then going for a black and gray tattoo is a wise choice. Colored tattoos can make wearing specific colors difficult. On the other hand, black and gray tattoos complement whatever color you decide to wear.
4- They Last longer. This is another major factor where black and gray tattoos shine. They last significantly longer than colored tattoos. Colored tattoos can fade over time and might need regular touch-ups to remain sharp. Black and gray tattoos are low maintenance in this regard as they don't fade easily and do not require you to get periodic touch-ups. A good estimate for a professionally done black and gray tattoo is 15 years without any signs of fading. That is a long, long time before you will need to go to a tattoo artist to get a touch-up.
5- Their Versatility. Black and gray tattoos are more versatile than colored ones as they work well with almost any design. There are certain limitations to what you can do with colored tattoos, whereas with black and gray tattoos, you can get practically any design that your heart desires.
6- They are Classy & Classic. There is history and class attached to black and gray tattoos. They always stay in the trend and are great to look at. You do not run the risk of getting something that you will regret in a few years because of the over the top color choices. They also age well. Since then, there is no color to fade; they stand the test of time pretty well.
Overall, black and gray tattoos are faster, cheaper, and classier than colored tattoos. They last much longer without any significant fading than colored tattoos. However, it is crucial to go to the right tattoo artist because there is a certain level of mastery and experience involved when it comes to getting an intricate design in black and gray. The most significant risk of getting a black and gray tattoo is that you end up with the wrong tattoo artist who cannot provide you with the realism that your tattoo is going to need to come to life. Other than that, you are always safe, getting a black and gray tattoo. It is a simpler and easier tattoo that will age well and stand the test of time. The only thing to keep in mind is making sure that you absolutely love the design you want to go for and are 100% sure about it. Black ink is one of the hardest to remove, so don't get a tattoo that you would want to get rid of.
Colored Tattoos
Color tattoos are vibrant, bright, and bold. There are several advantages to getting a colored tattoo as well. It all depends on the design that you want and what is the purpose of the tattoo. If you want your tattoo to make a statement and make you stand out, then going for colored tattoos is the better option. With colored tattoos, you can be more creative and really embody the reality of some images. As we have mentioned earlier, it is harder to bring this realism aspect with black and gray tattoos. It can be done, but it is much more challenging as compared to colored tattoos. There is also an added benefit to getting colored tattoos. They are easier to remove or cover-up. You can even use color tattoos to modify or cover your existing black and gray tattoos. But the point that we are trying to make here is that colored tattoos are better if you want a statement piece and want your tattoo to stand out. Let's take a look at some of the advantages that you get with going for a colored tattoo:
1- They are better suited for light skin tones that allows you to naturally show contrast well and to keep colors unaltered over time.
2- They give you more room for expression and allow you to get creative with your designs. It is easier to see and mood of the tattoo with color as compared to black and gray.
That being said, you should really think hard and judge all aspects before you decide which style of tattoo you are going to get as there are some severe downsides to colored tattoos as well:
3- They fade. 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.
4- They usually take more time. Colored tattoos take more time to complete since there is more work involved as compared to black and gray tattoos. Unless we are talking about a highly detailed black and grey realistic piece, that, compared to a colorful piece, would take approximately the same amount of time. Sometimes more.
5- Coloured tattoos are costly. There is more work involved in getting a colored tattoo, which means that it is going to cost you more than a black and gray tattoo.
If you are looking to get a cover-up tattoo, then colored tattoos are the best solution for that. If you want a statement piece that you want people to notice and see, then colored tattoos can do an excellent job at that as well.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
Overall, black and gray tattoos are faster than colored tattoos. Both styles have a time and a place. It all depends on what you want your tattoo to look like and what you want it to tell the world. If you want a simple tattoo that lasts and stand the test of time with grace, then black and gray is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a tattoo that shows the world your creativity and makes a strong statement, you are better off going for a colored tattoo. Please make sure you spend enough time thinking about which style resonates with you. It is going to define what your tattoo design ends up looking and feeling like.