From full sleeves totiny piecesand everything in between, the options are truly endless.

However, finding the right design that fits your personality can take some time, and rightfully so.

This careful approach should be applied when selecting ink, tooespecially for anyone with darker skin.

Close up of Rihanna’s hand with “Life” tattooed in white ink

Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

Meet the Experts

What Are White Ink Tattoos?

“For lighter skin tones, white tattoos can be much more subtle.

How Do You Find the Right Artist?

Most importantly, be sure to keep your tattoo away from sunlight.”

Keeping your tattoo (and your skin in general) protected from the sun is essential.

At that point, most experts recommend applyingAquaphorfor a couple of weeks until the tattoo no longer feels dry.

How Can You Tell If Your Tattoo Is or Isn’t Healing Properly?

How Long Does a White Ink Tattoo Last?

No matter the skin tone, white ink tends to have more of a 3D effect on the skin.

And as time goes on, it loses its luster.

The Final Takeaway

White ink tattoos do have their creative place in the world of tattoos.

No one wants to end up with a permanent work of art they don’t love.

No, you should only apply SPF to tattoos that are completely healed.

A white ink tattoo is a permanent mark on your skin, whereas a white henna tattoo is temporary.