Do colour tattoos hurt more than black and grey?

Marcu
Jun 27
3 min read

Where the myth comes from

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Colour tattoos hurt more.”

It’s one of the most common tattoo rumours out there. But is it true?

Like most myths, it’s got a grain of truth — but not in the way most people think.

Let’s break it down.

The real factors that influence tattoo pain

Tattoo pain isn’t just about colour — it’s influenced by:

• Placement (ribs, feet, and elbows hurt more than arms or thighs)

• Needle type and depth

• Duration of the session

• Your physical and emotional state on the day

• Your artist’s technique and machine setup

Pain perception is personal. Two clients can sit for the same tattoo and have wildly different experiences.

Colour vs Black and Grey — What’s actually different?

The key difference is in the technique and layering:

• Black and grey tattoos are often completed faster, with more focus on shading and less dense layering.

• Colour tattoos may require more passes in the same area to build up vibrant tones — especially when blending colours or adding highlights.

So it’s not that colour hurts more by default, it’s that the process can involve more passes, which some people interpret as more painful.

Is there more trauma with colour tattoos?

In expert hands — not really.

Poor technique can lead to overworking the skin, but professional artists know how to layer colour without unnecessary trauma. It’s more about experience and method than the pigment itself.

Also, modern inks and machines are designed to be gentler.

What mattered 15 years ago isn’t always relevant today.

What clients say — Experience vs Reality

We’ve heard it all:

🗣️ “My colour tattoo stung more than my black and grey one.”

🗣️ “I didn’t feel any difference.”

🗣️ “The shading hurt way more than the colour packing.”

It’s all subjective. But what makes the biggest difference is whether the client is:

• Tired

• Hungry

• Anxious

• Sitting too long without breaks

Not the colour.

How to minimise tattoo pain (Regardless of style)

Here’s what actually works:

✅ Eat a proper meal before your session

✅ Stay hydrated and well-rested

✅ Use a numbing cream only if advised by your artist

✅ Take breaks when needed — don’t “tough it out” to the point of shock

✅ Breathe, chat, or listen to music to stay calm and distracted

Bonus: A skilled artist with a light hand makes all the difference.

When to choose colour — and when it’s worth it

If you love vibrant pieces, bold compositions, or realistic effects — colour is worth it.

Don’t let a fear of pain stop you from getting what you really want.

Pain is temporary. A beautifully healed colour piece can be a lifelong source of pride and joy.

If black and grey feels more “you,” go with that — but make the decision for artistic reasons, not fear.

FAQs

Q: Is red ink more painful than other colours?

A: Red can sometimes cause irritation for sensitive skin, but it’s not inherently more painful. Allergies are rare, but possible — always discuss this with your artist.

Q: Can I get a mix of black and grey with pops of colour?

A: Absolutely. Many styles combine both for contrast and depth — your artist can guide you on how to balance it.

Q: Will a colour tattoo take longer to heal?

A: Not necessarily. Healing depends more on your aftercare than the ink colour — though larger colour pieces may need a touch more patience.

The myth that colour tattoos hurt more is exactly that — a myth.

What matters is your mindset, your prep, and most importantly, your artist.