Why Do Color Tattoos Cost More?
Making the decision to get a tattoo should not be taken lightly, and care must be
taken in considering all aspects of its design before determining whether or not it
will include color.
People often wonder whether color tattoos are more expensive than black and gray
designs, however this is not necessarily the case; there are certain factors which
could alter its price.
Cost of inks
Ink colors are made of various mineral pigments, some more expensive than others.
Certain pigments also fade more readily than others – depending on your location
and skin tone, this may impact how long a tattoo lasts.
Coloring tattoos require more time and resources from your artist as they must
constantly mix colors together – this additional expense will increase the overall cost
of your tattoo.
Tattoo ink often contains azo pigments which have been known to trigger allergic
reactions in some individuals and these pigments have been banned in many
countries (including the UK). When selecting body art of any size or complexity,
taking this into consideration is especially crucial.
Additionally, certain inks may fade more readily when exposed to sunlight – this is
particularly true of brightly-hued pigments like red and blue hues. Therefore, it’s
essential that you select an area covered by clothing or which won’t expose itself
directly to direct sunlight when placing your artwork outdoors.
Complexity of design
Tattoo designs involving multiple colors require more time for artists to prepare the
inks needed, which should be factored into studio rates for cost estimation purposes.
Furthermore, more complex designs will cost more due to more inks being involved
and preparation involved.
Color tattoos require more maintenance than black and gray designs due to fading
issues, which all tattoos eventually experience. While all tattoos will fade over time,
their vibrancy may be affected more severely depending on factors like your natural
healing process and skin tone. It is therefore advisable to speak to your artist about
touch-up policies so that you are prepared for potential expenses associated with
your artwork.
Placement of design on the body
People express themselves in many different ways. Some find expression in music
and theater performances, others paint canvases and murals; one form that has
recently gained in popularity is body art – especially tattoos. Though body art offers
great self-expression opportunities, its placement should also be carefully
considered before getting one; any more complex designs require longer to finish
and more costly to pay for than simpler designs.
Location plays an integral part in how well and for how long a tattoo will look good,
as some body parts such as ankles and shoulders have tight skin that holds onto its
shape for longer. Meanwhile, tattoos placed on genitals, hands or feet may
experience changes due to weight or age that could alter how it appears over time.
As with anything, exposure to sunlight must also be carefully considered; otherwise
the colors of your tattoo could fade over time and make it look faded and lifeless.
Allergies to inks
Allergies to tattoo ink can cause itchy skin reactions that thicken and swell the skin,
often in red pigments due to chemicals used. According to the American Academy of
Dermatology, red pigments are especially likely to trigger allergic reactions as they
contain cadmium and mercury as well as phenol and iron oxide – it is best to choose
copper phthalocyanine dyes for green ink applications, sodium-based blue hues for
blue tattoos as safe options and avoid black ink that contains carbon logwood
crystals or magnetite crystals as safe options.
Allergies to tattoo inks may appear immediately or weeks later and range in severity
from mild to severe, including itchy or swollen skin, tight chest space tightness,
dizziness or stomachache. If this reaction becomes serious enough for treatment to
be necessary, seek medical advice immediately as treatment options for tattoo ink
allergies are similar to treating skin abrasions and insect bites.
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