What are blackout tattoos?
Blackout tattoos are exactly what they sound like: large areas of the skin saturated with solid black ink to create a bold, high-contrast look. While they often involve covering significant portions of the body, such as the arms, legs, or torso, blackout tattoos don't have to be completely uniform.
Some designs incorporate negative space, coloured details, or white ink layered over the black known as a "white out" tattoo to create unique patterns and visual contrast.
When to consider getting a blackout tattoo
Blackout tattoos have become really popular in recent years, both for their bold look and for practical reasons. While the style itself isn’t new; since many traditional cultures have used large areas of black ink in tattooing for centuries; the modern version has grown as tattoo artists started experimenting with solid black designs and creative ways to cover up old tattoos.
Today, people choose blackout tattoos for different reasons. Some like the strong, striking aesthetic, while others use them to hide unwanted tattoos. Many also prefer them over laser removal because they can be faster and more affordable.
Pros & Cons of Blackout Tattoos
Pros:
- Great for Cover-Ups: Blackout tattoos work well for hiding large or unwanted tattoos that are hard to remove or redesign.
- Bold Look: They create a strong, eye-catching style that really stands out.
- Customizable: You can add details like negative space, white ink, or geometric designs to make them more unique.
Cons:
- More Painful and Time-Consuming: Because they cover large areas, they often take multiple sessions and can be more uncomfortable than smaller tattoos.
- Very Permanent: Once done, they’re difficult to remove or change, so it’s important to be sure before committing.
- Longer Healing: The healing process can be more demanding and requires careful aftercare compared to smaller tattoos.
Does a Blackout Tattoo Hurt More Than Other Styles?
Yes, usually.
Pain levels vary depending on where the tattoo is placed and your personal pain tolerance. Fleshier areas tend to hurt less, while bonier areas can be more uncomfortable. Most people say blackout tattoos are more painful than regular tattoos, but still manageable with breaks and good communication with the artist.
The main reason they tend to hurt more is that the artist has to fully saturate the entire area with black ink, which takes more time and repeated passes over the skin.
Healing Blackout Tattoos
Aftercare is very important if you want your blackout tattoo to heal properly. Right after the session, your artist will usually place a protective bandage over the area to help prevent infection. You should leave it on for as long as they recommend.
Blackout tattoos can take a bit longer to heal than other styles because the skin goes through more trauma from being fully saturated with ink. Once you remove the bandage, it’s important to take good care of the area.
Blackout at Tattoo Lounge
We often get requests for cover-ups, and in many cases we suggest blackout tattoos as a great option for covering larger areas with detailed or very solid tattoos that would be difficult to cover using traditional methods.
Book a consultation
Book a free consultation with us to discuss your blackout tattoo and get an estimate for your project.
Tattoo Healing and Aftercare FAQ
Can you tattoo with white ink over a blackout?
Yes, you can tattoo white ink over a fully healed blackout tattoo, but multiple sessions will be required in order to make the white ink visible. It will need to be taken into consideration that white ink will have a muted "chalkboard" appearance.
Do blackout tattoos feel hotter in the sun?
Yes. Dark black ink absorbs sunlight and UV rays, meaning your tattooed skin will feel noticeably warmer or even hot in direct sunlight.
We recommend using a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent fading, blistering, or heat damage.
