There are many things to consider when getting a tattoo. One important decision you will have to make is whether you want a full color or black and gray tattoo. For each there are pros and cons. The most important thing to remember is to listen to your own gut feeling. But if you really can’t figure out which style to choose, here’s a guide to help you decide.

Black and gray tattoos date back centuries. They are the oldest forms of tattooing and were considered a luxury back in the day. Only the richest people could afford tattoos. The tattoo standard has obviously fallen since then. One way to decide if a black and gray tattoo design is right for you is to ask yourself what you are looking for in a tattoo. Some designs just look better in black and gray.

One advantage of black and gray tattoos is that they hold up better than colored tattoos over time. Sunlight is a killer for tattoos. It can damage the overall integrity of the tattoo and break down the pigments. Since less ink is used with black and gray tattoos, sunlight has less of an effect on the overall design. Also, dark inks take much longer to fade. This is not the case with colored tattoos.

If you decide to get a black and gray tattoo, there are a few things to expect from your artist and the overall experience. Since black and gray only use one or two colors of ink, choosing the right artist is very important. Color tattoos can hide blemishes and don’t need to be as detailed. The inks used with black and gray tattoos are black and sometimes white. White is used to highlight a specific part of the tattoo, as well as for dramatic effect. For example, white ink is used in portraits to highlight the whites of the eyes and teeth.

Now, to the colored tattoos. These tattoos attract more attention, so keep that in mind. One con for colored tattoos is the fact that some people have allergies to the ingredients in the inks. However, this is quite rare and the allergy commonly only applies to one color. The reason why people have these allergies is because of the ingredients that are used to make the ink. Finding the exact ingredients for each ink is nearly impossible, as the companies that make the ink are fiercely protective of the recipes. Think about the “secret family recipes” your grandmother has kept.

The thought of having a bad reaction to ink can be a little scary, but don’t let it scare you. Color tattoos are generally the most visually appealing! However, if you want your tattoos to stay as lustrous as the day you got them, you need to take proper care of them. Yes, I’m going to talk about sunlight again. That’s because it only takes one serious sunburn that can permanently damage your tattoos. However, using sunscreen any time you spend an extended period outdoors can prevent sun damage.

For the best selection of black and gray and color tattoo designs, go to Chopper Tattoos by clicking here.