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Colour tattoos are having a quiet revolution.
For years, many people believed tattoos had to be black ink. Fine line tattoos especially were often assumed to only work in black.
But that idea is updating.
At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio in Oakleigh, we recently posted a TikTok with a simple message that black ink isn’t always your only option. The response surprised even us. The video quickly climbed to 3.1 million views, with hundreds of comments asking questions about colour tattoos, healing, pricing, and whether they work on deeper skin tones.
So we decided to answer those questions properly.
If you have ever wondered whether colour tattoos are right for you, this guide will walk you through the facts.
Tattoo by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Colour Tattoos Open a Whole New World of Possibilities
When most people picture colour tattoos they imagine bold traditional designs or large Japanese sleeves.
While those styles are beautiful, colour is not limited to just larger pieces.
Today colour can be used in many ways including:
• Fine line tattoos
• Delicate ornamental designs
• Minimalist tattoos
• Micro tattoos
• Soft pastel pieces
• Realism tattoos
• Watercolour style tattoos
This means something as simple as a fine line heart, flower, or script tattoo can be done in colours like soft pink, lavender, red, or blue rather than black.
Once you start thinking beyond black ink, it opens a whole new creative direction.
Tattoo by Toni at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Can Colour Tattoos Work on Deeper Skin Tones?
One of the most common questions we received from the viral TikTok was:
“Can people with deeper skin tones get colour tattoos?”
The short answer is yes!!
Colour tattoos can absolutely be done on deeper skin tones.
However, the way colour appears can vary depending on skin tone, undertones, and the pigment chosen.
What actually happens with colour and skin tone
Tattoo pigment sits under the skin, meaning the skin tone acts like a natural filter over the colour.
Because of this:
• darker pigments like red, blue, green, and purple often show very well
• highly saturated colours tend to hold better
• extremely light tones such as pale yellow or pastel pink may appear softer
This does not mean colour cannot be used. It simply means the artist needs to choose colours strategically and manage your expectations during the consultation process of your expected tattoo results. Experienced tattoo artists understand colour theory and how different pigments interact with different skin tones - they will be able to advise if something will heal well for you or not.
At our tattoo studio in Oakleigh, our artists will often recommend colour palettes that complement your skin tone so the tattoo heals beautifully and stays visible over time. They also offer honest and expert advice
If this topic speaks to you we would recommend the below article to explore further and gain inspiration. For in person advice please send us an inquiry to book a consultation.
https://www.allure.com/gallery/color-tattoos-on-dark-skin-ideas
Image CC:@humblebeetattoo
Will Colour Tattoos Heal Properly?
Another question that came up repeatedly was whether colour tattoos heal differently to black ink.
The truth is they heal in a very similar way.
Just like black ink tattoos, colour tattoos will:
• look darker immediately after tattooing
• lighten slightly during healing
• settle into the skin over several weeks
For lighter pigments such as pale pink, soft peach, or pastel tones, this lightening may be more noticeable.
This is completely normal.
In some cases artists may recommend a touch up session once the tattoo is healed. This helps reinforce the pigment and keep the colour looking crisp.
Touch ups are common with many tattoos and are simply part of maintaining high quality work.
Healed colour by Toni at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Do Colour Tattoos Age Worse Than Black Ink?
This is one of the biggest myths about colour tattoos.
Colour tattoos do not age worse than black ink tattoos.
All tattoos change over time. This includes black, grey, and colour tattoos.
Ageing is influenced by factors such as:
• sun exposure
• skin care
• placement on the body
• tattoo size and detail
• artist technique
Well applied colour tattoos can age beautifully.
Many traditional tattoos that are 40 to 80 years old still retain their colour because the pigment was applied correctly.
The key difference is that lighter colours may soften faster than darker tones.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fine line tattoos especially, that softer look can actually complement the style.
Tattoo by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Something Most People Don’t Talk About: Laser Removal
Here is something that rarely gets mentioned.
Colour tattoos can sometimes be harder to remove with laser treatments than black ink tattoos.
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment with specific wavelengths of light.
Black ink absorbs laser energy very effectively, which makes it easier to break down.
Some colours however respond differently.
For example:
• greens and blues can be more stubborn
• yellows can be difficult to fully remove
• multi coloured tattoos may require more sessions
This does not mean colour tattoos cannot be removed. They absolutely can.
It simply means removal may take longer depending on the pigment used.
Tattoo by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Are Colour Tattoos More Expensive?
Another question we saw repeatedly in the TikTok comments was about pricing.
The answer is sometimes, but not always.
It depends on the design.
Large scale colour tattoos
If you are getting something like:
• a Japanese sleeve
• a large traditional piece
• a full colour back piece
These can cost more because the artist must pack solid colour into large areas of skin.
This takes more time than some black and grey shading techniques.
More time usually means higher cost.
Small colour tattoos or fine line tattoos
However, if you are getting something like:
• a fine line heart
• a small flower
• a delicate ornamental tattoo
Switching from black ink to a colour such as pink, red, or blue does not typically change the price.
The artist is simply using a different pigment.
Most professional studios carry a wide range of colours or mix pigments using colour theory to create the perfect shade.
So in this instance choosing colour instead of black should not automatically mean paying more.
Tattoo by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Colour Tattoos Are More Accessible Than You Think
For many people colour tattoos feel intimidating simply because they have not seen them used outside of bold traditional styles.
But once you explore the possibilities, colour becomes a powerful creative tool.
It can be:
• soft and delicate
• bold and vibrant
• subtle and minimal
• expressive and artistic
At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio in Oakleigh, our experienced tattoo artists regularly work with both black ink and colour tattoos across many styles.
Whether you are considering a fine line tattoo, realism tattoo, or neo-traditional tattoo, colour might be an option worth exploring.
And if a 3.1 million view TikTok taught us anything, it is that many people simply had never been told colour was possible.
Now you know.
Tattoo by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Thinking About a Colour Tattoo?
If you are searching for:
• a tattoo studio in South East Melbourne (Oakleigh)
• a fine line tattoo artist in Melbourne
• a safe and hygienic tattoo studio near Chadstone Shopping Centre
Our team at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio would love to help bring your idea to life.
You can view artist portfolios here or enquire about a design here.
