Hey tattoo and body mod lovers! Ever scrolled through Instagram and stopped dead at a stunning blackout tattoo? You know, those incredibly striking pieces where large sections of skin are completely covered in solid black ink? They’re definitely making waves in the body art world, and it’s easy to see why – they’re bold, dramatic, and totally unique.
But before you jump on the blackout trend, hold up! This isn’t just any tattoo. This is a huge step, and there’s a lot to consider. Think of it like getting a major home renovation; you wouldn’t just dive in without doing your homework, right?
1. Get Ready for a Serious Time (and Pain!) Commitment
Let’s be real: blackout tattoos are intense. We’re talking hours and hours in the tattoo chair, often spread out over many sessions. Why so long? Because your artist needs to pack a ton of ink into your skin to get that perfectly smooth, solid black look. This means going over the same spot multiple times, which, yep, can be pretty painful.
Imagine getting a full sleeve or even a whole back done in solid black. That’s a massive undertaking! It’s not a quick decision, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to pain. You’ll need to be super patient and ready for a longer, more uncomfortable healing process than a regular tattoo.
Oh, and if you have old tattoos you want to cover? Blackout is the ultimate cover-up. But remember, once that black ink is down, those old designs are gone for good. There’s no turning back!
#2. Your Artist’s Skill Is EVERYTHING
Seriously, this is not the time to go for the cheapest option or an inexperienced artist. Achieving a flawless, rich black that’s even and solid is incredibly tough. A less-skilled artist might leave you with patchy spots or, worse, damage your skin from overworking it.
You need an artist who truly specializes in blackout work. Look at their portfolio – specifically, ask to see healed blackout tattoos. Fresh ones can look perfect, but you want to see how they settle into the skin.
A great artist will also be super clear with you. They’ll talk about the process, what to expect, and all the safety stuff. Don’t be shy about asking questions! This is your body, after all.
*Pro Tip: Don’t be frugal! If you are committed to a blackout tattoo with an experienced artist, keep in mind that your tattoo is going to be expensive. Everything that comes after the session, too: healing, touch-ups, protection, and removal (if you want one in the future). Just like platinum blonde hair or cosmetic surgery, blakouts are a real investment.
#3. Sunscreen Is Your New Best Friend (Forever!)
We all know the sun is bad for tattoos, right? It fades them. But for blackout tattoos, it’s even more critical. Black ink soaks up sunlight like a sponge, making your tattooed skin much more prone to sunburn. And trust us, a sunburn on a fresh (or even healed) blackout tattoo is no fun at all – it’s super painful and can really mess up your ink.
Photo: @melita.tattoo
#4. The Healing Process Is a Big Deal
Because blackout tattoos involve so much ink, your skin goes through a lot. The healing process can be more intense than what you might be used to. Expect more swelling, redness, and tenderness at first. You might also see thicker scabs and more itching.
Following your artist’s aftercare instructions to the letter is crucial. This usually means gentle washing with mild soap and applying a thin layer of recommended lotion. No picking scabs, no long soaks in the tub or pool, and definitely no direct sun during healing! If anything looks weird (like excessive redness, pus, or if you feel feverish), get it checked out by a doctor right away. Taking care of your tattoo properly during this time is the key to a beautiful, long-lasting result.
#5. There’s Almost No Going Back
This is a huge one, so listen up: blackout tattoos are pretty much permanent. Once that solid black is on your skin, your options for changing it or covering it up later are super limited.
Sure, some artists can try to “white-out” designs over black, but these often look subtle and can fade. And laser removal? It’s incredibly difficult, expensive, and takes many painful sessions, often with less-than-perfect results because black ink is so hard for lasers to break down.
So, before you commit, be 100%, absolutely, positively certain this is the look you want for that part of your body. Think long-term. How will this bold statement fit your life years down the road? Embrace the permanence, because once it’s there, it’s a part of you!
Concluding…
Just remember to do your homework, find an amazing artist, and be prepared for the journey. It’s a big decision, but for the right person, it leads to an incredible piece of art that truly stands out!