Want to get a white ink tattoo? Here's what you need to know
When it comes to tattoos, bold black designs have long been the go-to. But a more subtle style has been catching people’s attention lately: white ink tattoos.
The style recently sparked renewed interest after Bela Padilla shared that she got a delicate white ink tattoo on her arm from Tattoo Nebula.
In a post by the tattoo shop, the actress was seen getting a heart-shaped thumbprint tattooed near her wrist in white ink. In the caption, they highlighted that it was “one of those quiet little pieces that says everything without needing to be loud.”
Indeed, white ink tattoos have carved out a niche among tattoo lovers who prefer designs that are subtle, delicate, and almost hidden from plain sight. But while they may look appealing, they also come with challenges that people should carefully consider before getting one.
PhilSTAR L!fe spoke with experts to learn more about the realities of getting white ink tattoos. Read on before booking your appointment:
What’s special about white ink tattoos?
Patricia, marketing specialist of P&P Tattoo, explained that white ink tattoos use only white pigment instead of the darker inks commonly used in traditional tattoos.
“Visually, it gives a much more subtle and delicate look. Unlike black or colored tattoos that create strong contrast on the skin, white ink tends to appear softer, almost like a raised design or scarification effect depending on how it heals and the person’s skin tone,” she said.
Artist King David Usi of Tattoo Gilgal, meanwhile, said that these are harder to apply as the white ink is thicker than black ink, and it also depends on the client’s skin tone.
During the tattooing process, artist Elmer Bartolome of Dreamer's Tattoo meanwhile noted that the pain level is “generally the same as a regular tattoo,” but that it can “feel more painful when the artist uses white ink as highlights over an already tattooed area, especially on black ink, because the skin has already been worked on and is being tattooed again.”
What to watch out for
Given its lighter pigment, the biggest risk that you have to watch out for is how white ink tattoos usually fade faster and are more prone to discoloration compared to black ink tattoos.
“White pigment is lighter and less visible to begin with, so even slight fading becomes more noticeable. Longevity depends on several factors such as skin type, placement, sun exposure, aftercare, and how well the client’s skin retains pigment during the healing process,” Patricia said.
She emphasized that areas that experience frequent friction or sun exposure usually fade more quickly.
White ink works similarly to other tattoo colors, but from Bartolome’s experience, it is “usually more noticeable and compatible with lighter skin tones.”
“On darker skin tones, the white color may not appear as vibrant or visible after healing,” he said.
Patricia echoed the same sentiments, stressing that it’s important to set realistic expectations because white ink doesn’t always heal bright white.
“It can sometimes settle into a softer cream or slightly yellowish tone over time,” she noted.
How to care for white ink tattoos
If there's one thing that you should keep in mind, it's that white ink tattoos are particularly affected by exposure to the sun.
"Sensitibo ang white ink sa balat lalong-lalo na kapag ito ay madalas na nabibilad sa araw. For aftercare, pwede kang gumamit ng mild lotion na may moisturizer basta walang whitening content. Kapag napapansin mo na nagbabalat na ang tattoo, 'wag mo itong lalagyan ng lotion," Usi advised.
According to him, you can also do water therapy. First, wet the tattoo with lukewarm water to open the pores, then use a mild soap or antibacterial, non-whitening soap.
Lather the soap in your hands first before applying it to the tattoo. Do not apply soap directly to the tattoo. After that, rinse it with cold water to help close the pores.
Patricia noted that people should not expect white ink tattoos to look bright and opaque forever like fresh paint on the skin, because in reality, they heal “much softer and can change over time.”
“Another mistake is choosing white ink solely because it looks trendy online without understanding how subtle it becomes after healing. It’s also important to go to an experienced studio, because white ink requires careful technique and proper consultation,” she advised.
Aside from this, Usi discouraged choosing overly detailed designs for white ink tattoos.
"Posibleng maging pagkakamali ng client ang pagpili ng design na may masyadong maraming detalye, dahil kapag ito ay gumaling, posible na mawalang-bisa rin ang detalye na nalagay at ipinadagdag ng client," he said.
Ultimately, if you want a tattoo that lasts longer and stays more visible over time, Bartolome stressed that “black and white designs are usually the better option.”
“Colored or white-ink-heavy tattoos can still look good, but they may fade faster and lose some of their clarity after several years without proper care,” he said.
Where to get white ink tattoos and for how much?
If you’re still interested in getting a white ink tattoo, Bartolome said that black and white tattoos are usually more affordable, while colored and highly detailed tattoos are more expensive because they require “more time, precision, and multiple ink colors.”
For P&P Tattoo, Patricia said that their rates are the same as their other tattoos, but that it depends on the size and design. According to them, a 2x2 minimalist tattoo would cost P3,000 at their shop.
You can message them on their social media accounts or website to book a session. They have branches in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Quezon City, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa.
Tattoo Gilgal also offers the service for the same starting price of P3,000, but this still depends on the size of the chosen design.
You can set an appointment by messaging them on their social media accounts. They are located at Paseo HK Commercial Complex in Antipolo City.
Whiplash Tattoo is another studio you can go to for white ink tattoos. The starting price is at P3,000 for designs that are two inches in size, which is the same starting rate as other ink colors. This can go up to P4,000 for words, names, or numbers and P6,000 for portraits.
Their studio is located at Casa Avandy, Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes in Parañaque.
If you want to follow Padilla's footsteps and have your tattoo done at the same parlor, Tattoo Nebula's rates start at P2,000 for a 2x2 black and grey minimalist design, and P3,000 for colored.
You can book an appointment through their social media accounts or their website. Their studio is situated at 295 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City.
