Getting inked is a decision that demands plenty of planning, contrary to the spontaneity and adventure tattoos are often associated with through the years. Turning your body into an inked work of art is something you have to live and love forever, so other than drawing up the best design that reflects your personality, you also need to consider the best color schemes that would perfectly complement your looks. 

When it comes to coloring your tattoo, are you the type to add splashes of color, or would you prefer to keep them back, gray, and more monochromatic? There are many ways to color your tattoo, and today, we’ll share with you the pros and cons of each.

What to Know About Black and Gray Tattoos

Painting It Black

If you want to make your tattoo pop, black is the ink color you should be looking for. No matter how beautiful the design is, a tattoo that’s not done in black will not make much of a difference. Even if you have a bright and colorful design, black tattoos often make the design look bolder and sharper.

Because of its versatility, black ink is a good choice for your first tattoo. It also works well with color, so if you decide to get another one, it won’t make your first tattoo look out of place. Black shows up well against light skin and is a good choice when you don’t want your tattoo to compete with your complexion.

Play Around with Gray 

Gray is also a popular color, and it’s why you’ll see a lot of tattoos that have gray ink. After all, gray is a neutral color, so the hues can easily match with the skin color, and your tattoo will not look too dark or too bright. When choosing the color shades, you can even choose from a whole rainbow of grays, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to get creative-from pearl gray, light gray, medium gray, charcoal gray, dark gray, and more. 

Breaking Down the Advantages of Black and Gray Tattoos

• Good for Shading - Black and gray tattoos make shading easier, as they tend to be bolder and darker than other colored tattoos.

• Easy to Use - Black and gray tattoos can easily be combined with different colors and designs.

• Good for Beginners - Because black and gray tattoos are easy to create and use, they are perfect for beginners.

• Won’t Change Color - Tattoos in black and gray are safe to use, as they are not likely to change color and fade quickly.

• Good for All Skin Types - Black and gray tattoos are suitable for all skin types, including light skin, dark skin, and medium skin.

The Bottom Line: Seeing Body Art Through Black and Gray Lens

Although there are many more colors to choose from than black and gray, these two colors have earned a special place in the hearts of people looking for a distinctive twist to their tattoo game. 

At the end of the day, your choice of color really does matter. If you are the kind of person who wants to keep it simple and elegant, then black is the color for you. In fact, many people decide to stick to black as their only color because it’s easier to work with and it’s easy on the eyes. 

On the other hand, if you want to make your skin color look more radiant and your tattoo pop, gray is a good choice.

How Can We Help You?

If you're looking for the best tattoo artists in Denver, be it lettering, geometric, portrait, fine line, or full-colored work, check out our award-winning tattoo artists at Certified Tattoo! Our team of experts is familiar with different tattoo styles, allowing you to choose one that will fit your style and personality. Get inked with us today!