A bit of a tattoo and body mod lover! Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and stopped dead from a stunning blacked out tattoo? As you know, is there an incredibly impressive piece with a large section of your skin completely covered in black ink? They definitely make waves in the world of body art, and it’s easy to see why. They are bold, dramatic and totally unique.
But before jumping on the power outage trend, hold it up! This is not just a tattoo. This is a big step and there is a lot to consider. Think of it like getting a major home renovation. If you don’t do your homework, you don’t just jump in, right?
1. Be prepared for serious time (and pain!) commitments
Let it be real: Blackout tattoos are intense. We talk for hours in a tattoo chair, and often spread across many sessions. Why is it so long? Because your artist needs to fill your skin with a lot of ink to get a completely smooth, hard black look. This means going over the same location multiple times.
Imagine getting the full sleeves or finishing all your backs with solid black. It’s a massive job! It’s not a quick decision, and it’s not for the faint heart when it comes to pain. You need to be very patient and ready for a more uncomfortable healing process that is longer than a regular tattoo.
Oh, and if you have an old tattoo, do you want to cover it? Blackout is the ultimate concealment. But remember that once the black ink goes down, those old designs are gone forever. I won’t look back!
#2. Your artist’s skills are all
Seriously, this is not the time to go to the cheapest options or inexperienced artists. It is extremely difficult to achieve a perfect, rich black that is uniform and solid. A less skilled artist may damage them by leaving patchy spots and, worse, over-skinned skin.
You need an artist who really specializes in blackout jobs. Look at their portfolio – specifically, ask them to see a healed blackout tattoo. Fresh things can look perfect, but I want to see how they soothe your skin.
Great artists will also be very clear with you. They talk about the process, what to expect, and all the safety. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions! After all, this is your body.
*Pro Tip: Don’t be frugal! If you’re committed to blackout tattoos with experienced artists, keep in mind that tattoos can be expensive. Everything that comes after the session is healing, touch-ups, protection, and removal (if you want something in the future). Like platinum blonde hair and cosmetic surgery, Blakouts is a real investment.
#3. Sunscreen is your new best friend (forever!)
We all know that the sun is bad for tattoos, right? It fades them. But in the case of blackout tattoos, that’s even more important. The black ink absorbs sunlight like a sponge, making it easier to get sunburned on the skin of your tattoo. And trust us, fresh (or soothed) blackout tattoo tans are not fun at all. It can be very painful and can really ruin your ink.
Photo: @melita.tattoo
#4. The healing process is a big deal
Blackout tattoos contain so much ink that your skin passes through a lot. The healing process can be more intense than what you might be used to. At first, expect more swelling, redness and kindness. You may also notice thick scabs and itching.
It is important to follow aftercare instructions in your artist’s letter. This usually means gently washing with a mild soap and applying a thin layer of recommended lotion. The scabs do not have long soaks in the tub or pool, and there is definitely no direct sun during healing! If something looks strange (if you feel excessive redness, pus, or enthusiastic), check with your doctor immediately. During this time, proper treatment of your tattoo is key to beautiful and lasting results.
#5. There’s rarely going back
This is huge, so listen. Blackout tattoos are pretty permanent. When that solid black is on your skin, there are very limited options for replacing it or covering it later.
Certainly, some artists can try “whiteout” designs on top of black, but these often look subtle and fade. Laser removal? It is very difficult and expensive and takes many painful sessions. Black ink is often very difficult for the laser to break down, resulting in less perfect results.
So, before committing, be sure to 100%, absolutely, that this is the look you want for that part of your body. Think about it in the long term. How does this bold statement fit into the year of your life? Please embrace permanence. Because once you’re there, it’s a part of you!
Conclusion…
Don’t forget to do your homework, find great artists and get ready for your journey. It’s a big decision, but for the right person it leads to an incredible piece of art that really stands out!
