Benefits of Black and Grey Tattooing

Ever since the invention of tattoos, black and grey has cemented itself as one of the most popular styles requested today. Also known as “jailhouse” or “prison style”, black and grey tattooing originated in American prisons back in the 70’s and 80’s where inmates fashioned makeshift tattoo machines made with guitar strings, tooth brushes, pens, and discarded electronic parts. Decades later, black and grey has since been popularized throughout shops all around the world by tattoo pioneers such as Jack Rudy and Freddy Negrete.

Here, we list the benefits of black and grey tattooing:

Tattoo by CHino

Longevity

Unlike other pigments, black ink is primarily carbon based. Due to carbon’s lightfastness reactivity to light, black and grey pieces are less susceptible to fading/damages from exposure to the sun. In comparison, when using multiple pigments for colour projects, each pigment is made up of elements that photo-react differently, resulting in an uneven balance of saturation and consistency.

Black ink is the foundation of black and grey tattooing. Through the process of dilution, a single black pigment can achieve a variety of shades ranging from dark black to light grey. The advantage of using only one primary element allows for consistent aging and settling without relying on the balance and consistency of other pigments.

Versatile. Including but not limited to larger designs, micro portraits, complex patterns and delicate/intricate details.

Black and grey tattooing can be applied to a number of concepts. Using space as an essential value, black and grey tattoos are ideal for large scale projects. In contrast, due to black pigment’s fluidity, finer line work and details can be achieved while adjusting black and grey tones to create dimension and depth.

Tattoo by Guido

Tattoo by Vince

Less Traumatic

Black and grey tattoos are generally less traumatic. When done properly, pigment is often applied with a shallower needle depth. Whereas, colour tattoos usually require needles to go deeper while the machine runs slower to achieve saturation.

Tattoo by Jazz

Tattoo by Jesse

With all these factors to keep in mind, does that make black and grey the ideal style for your tattoo? There’s no definite answer without taking into consideration your tattoo concept and vision. While visual aesthetic may be subjective, there’s no doubt the benefits of black and grey are what continue to make it so popular today.