Some time ago I wrote about the growing popularity of tattoos in recent years. And I also referred to white ink tattoos, specifically one that covered a surgery scar for an elderly lady. I’ve been mulling over getting inked again for a while now and, after narrowing down a list of favourite designs, I find I’m coming down very much in favour of a white tattoo design. Not least because of their delicate, airy, almost magical appearance.
What Are White Ink Tattoos?
When you think of tattoos, you probably visualise designs of black and coloured inks. White tattoos only contain white ink, which gives them a much softer, more subtle, almost ethereal look. And before anyone mentions it, yes, the images used in this article aren’t of real white ink tattoos because I couldn’t find any that were free to use! I’d be delighted to update the post with some credited photos if anyone knows of some though 🙂
Real tattoos are also much harder to do correctly because white ink is harder to see on skin. So you really need to do your research and find a tattoo artist with plenty of experience in handling white ink tattoos. Something else to bear in mind, the colour of your skin will also dictate how visible the eventual design turns out. For example, it might not be visible at all on very pale skin, whereas on darker skin it could look stunning.
Do White Tattoos Last?
Despite what I just said about pale skin, white tattoos can last longer with this skin tone because there’s less melanin to affect the ink. They’ll still fade in time though.
Do White Tattoos Always Fade?
Yes, they do and the ink tends to either revert to your natural skin colour or turn into a light grey or yellow, particularly if you don’t practice the right aftercare or apply adequate SPF skincare protection. In many cases, white ink tattoos can end up looking like a decorative scar.
Does White Tattoo Ink Hurt?
All tattoos hurt, but white ink is usually the most painful part of a tattoo session because it’s used in outlines and highlights, so the tattoo artist is going over previously tattooed skin. And in all-white ink tattoos, in order for the design to show up on your skin, it needs to be fully saturated, so your tattoo artist has to go over the same area again and again.
Does White Tattoo Ink Glow in Blacklight?
White ink isn’t the same as a specialist UV ink but a white tattoo will still glow under a UV light or Blacklight due to its natural radiance compared to other coloured inks.
So, that’s some commonly asked questions about white ink tattoos answered, now it’s time to share some soft, pretty, and magical white tattoo ideas to inspire you.
White Ink Tattoo Designs To Try
Feather of Light
A white feather delicately inked on your wrist or collarbone represents purity, grace, and freedom, a sense of lightness and spirituality.
Lunar Whispers
The moon is a symbol of femininity, intuition, and the cycles of life. A white crescent moon tattooed on the back of your neck or ankle hints at magic and mystery.
Serene Lotus
The lotus flower is revered for its ability to bloom beautifully amidst the murky waters. A white lotus tattoo on your shoulder or rib cage signifies purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.
Celestial Stardust
A constellation tattoo composed of tiny white stars can adorn your forearm, thigh, or shoulder blade and reference a cosmic connection.
Whimsical Butterflies
Butterflies symbolise transformation, rebirth, and the fleeting nature of life. Try some delicate white butterfly tattoos fluttering across your collarbone or descending down your arm for a whimsical touch.
Ethereal Mandala
White ink beautifully complements the intricate patterns of a mandala tattoo on your upper back or thigh to signify balance, harmony, and a connection to the divine.
Enchanted Forest
Bring a touch of magic to your skin with a white forest tattoo stretching along your forearm or calf. Intricate trees and delicate leaves, even some hidden creatures, evoke a sense of enchantment.
Sacred Geometry
Sacred geometric shapes, such as a white Fibonacci spiral or a flower of life, represent the underlying patterns and interconnectedness of the Universe.
Whispers of Wisdom
Capture a meaningful quote or a few inspiring words in white ink on your inner wrist or rib cage. These delicate and subtle white lettering tattoos offer a personal reminder of strength, resilience, or self-love.
Delicate Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatchers are believed to filter out negative energy and capture positive dreams. A white dreamcatcher tattooed on your shoulder or ankle serves as a gentle reminder to know your worth, follow your dreams, and embrace positivity. And this is why this design is my favourite future inking.
I had a small tattoo done on my hip several years ago (I call him my Little Spy) and would really like to get another one done on my shoulder now. I’ve recently updated my Pinterest board with some new white ink tattoo designs that I love. However, as I can still vividly remember how much my Little Spy hurt, I think it’s going to have to be a very small Dreamcatcher this time around!
Do you have any tattoos? If yes, would you like to get any more done? If not, does the idea of a white tattoo appeal? Which is your favourite design from the 10 I’ve listed above?
Wow I’ve never seen white tattoos before! I don’t currently want to get a tattoo, but this looks like such a beautiful and unique option 🙂 thank you for sharing x
They’re very different to what you’d usually expect to see from a tattoo, aren’t they? x
Aww these are lovely. I’d never think to get a white ink tattoo, but actually I think they’d be much more suited for me. I have black line work tattoos currently (some which I like, some which I’m pondering getting removed) but these are so pretty.
Claire.X
They’re very subtle, still personal but softer – perfect for those of us who need to be a little more discreet 🙂 x
I’ve never seen an all-white tattoo before but I bet they would look absolutely lovely and you’re right, definitely with an almost magical quality to them! I’d love to see yours if/when you get it done! I really want another tattoo but I’m so torn with what to get. I had a couple of ides but keep going off them!
I know what you mean – it’s taken me literally year (not counting lockdown) to decide on something! If/when I do, I’ll definitely let you know 🙂
I had an entire Pinterest board dedicated to white tattoos. I think they’re so pretty and feminine looking. I’m definitely going to add a few of these to the list.
My Pinterest board was originally just for small tattoos, but it has a lot of white ones now too.
Wow this looks stunning, though I’m not fan of the tatooes.
Such a great decoration..
I know what you mean, but I do think these are rather lovely 🙂
Very unusual. I am thinking of getting a tattoo.
Oh, great timing on my part then!
White ink tattoos do look very pretty, as you say, they definitely have that magical quality about them! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
They really do, so unusual as well! x
I didn’t know white tattoos actually last longer because of the melanin in the skin. I have seen white tattoos on Pinterest and they look so pretty. Thank you for sharing this information. I learned a lot about white ink tattoos.
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post – TBH I didn’t know about white ink and skin before I researched it either!
White ink tattoos sound lovely! I also like that it would look good on all different skin tones and you can have some lovely designs with it x
They can be really effective if done professionally – as well as being a little different from the norm 🙂 x
Wow! Never heard of white tattoos before but now I want one. They look so beautiful. I would definitely get a lotus. Thank you for sharing!
They are gorgeous, aren’t they? So delicate and unusual 🙂
Ok, a white tattoo? It looks so cool but never seen something like this before. Love the design of them as well.
They are so unusual, aren’t they? Really beautiful.
I like the look of white tattoos but probably wouldn’t get one as I am so very, very pale that it is unlikely to even be visible, haha! I will be getting another tattoo soon (hopefully) but maybe not like this. I love the idea of them though.
Yes, I think they’re better on tanned or darker skin – good luck with your new tattoo!
Tbh I think a white tattoo would be a great “starter” tattoo, I’ve got about 14 in total now and any of them that once contained white ink no longer have the white ink, it’d be a great way to see if you’d want the tattoo more permanently later on in life and if you didn’t, you got a regret free tattoo!
That’s such a good idea (perhaps not from the pain angle (!) but if you wanted a discreet inking then a white tattoo would be a brilliant first one!
I’ve never heard of these tattoos before. But they look amazing. Thank you for sharing them.
They are gorgeous, aren’t they? Glad you like them too.
Oh, how stunning! Tattoos aren’t to my personal fashion taste, but I’ve got a friend who loves her ink. I just might have to share this with her — I know she’s got big tattoo plans coming up this year!
Oh, that’s great timing on my part – how exciting!
Oh wow! I never thought about getting a white ink tattoo, but they are pretty! I especially love the idea of a constellation tattoo in white ink.
That would look amazing, wouldn’t it! So striking 🙂
These are such elegant designs. I especially loved your idea to use these to cover blemishes or scars from a surgery. So smart!
Admittedly it would have to be quite a small surgery scar, bearing in mind white ink, but yes, I thought it would be lovely too 🙂