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When you think of a tattoo, you'll almost certainly imagine it made up of either black or colored inks. However, there some tattoo designs that contain nothing but a single white ink, and their delicate and subtle nature is becoming more and more popular.

We here at Bored Panda have put together a list of white ink tattoos that embrace the lighter side of things. Either as standalone, tasteful works that are nearly invisible, or using the contrast of white against darker colors, these truly unique tattoos will have you planning your next ink in no time! Scroll down to see them for yourself, as well as find out more about this subtle tattoo style.

#1

Arm featuring a white tattoo design of entwined snakes, resembling mystical magic runes.

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Cesi Baca
Community Member
6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s a nice design, but surprised people are still getting these. it’s well known now how badly and quickly they fade.

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Getting a white tattoo isn't a decision to be taken 'lightly,' they are harder to do correctly and require an experienced tattoo artist to pull off well. Ideally, the artist will already have worked with white ink before, because it takes a well-trained eye to see the ink as it is added. Much depends on the color of the skin of course.

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    #2

    White tattoo design resembling magic runes on an arm, intricately detailed against a dark background.

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    The Girl on Fire
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty. Reminds me of henna tattoos, just in white.

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    Artists that have worked with white ink tattoos before will know that the tattoos can look much more striking and professional if a small splash of color is mixed together with the white ink. The additional color, no matter what it is, will bring the white out more, making it ‘pop’ and be much more noticeable. Because the amount of color added is so miniscule, it will still appear white to the naked eye.  

    #4

    A woman with a white tattoo on her upper arm, featuring intricate patterns resembling magic runes.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look like you can run your finger down her arm and feel the texture. It is a beautiful design.

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    #5

    White tattoo design resembling magic runes on a woman's chest, paired with a pendant necklace and colorful shoulder ink.

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    BrokenFlame
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    oowww how do people get tattoos on their necks? it just sounds painful. imma wimp lol

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    If you choose to go with a pure white ink, the tattoo may fade and end up being nearly invisible, and look instead like a raised scar. Simple tattoo ideas that are well suited to white ink are always a good idea, which is why choosing to go ahead with white must be thought out properly, and planned carefully.  

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    #7

    White tattoo design on arm resembling intricate magic runes, detailed and elegant.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the best use of white, it complements the design.

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    While white tattoos are subtle and discreet in normal light, it's a completely different story under UV light. The white ink will glow, making your tattoo spring to life in the nightclub. Keep this in mind when planning your white ink tattoo!

    #8

    A delicate white tattoo of angel wings on a wrist, resembling magic runes, beside a bracelet with charms.

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    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it stay raised like that when done with white ink??? Mine is flat as the skin it’s on...😳

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    #9

    White tattoo design of a whale behind an ear; resembles magic runes.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the picture wasn't focused on the whale I would have never noticed it

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    #10

    White tattoo design on neck, resembling intricate magic runes and floral patterns.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate most white ink tattoos, but I don't hate this. The artist packed the color in thick and it actually stand out nicely.

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    #12

    White tattoo design resembling a snowflake on wrist, looking like magic runes.

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    Anne
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like this one. It's very pretty.

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    #15

    White tattoo design of a small dinosaur on skin, resembling magic runes.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    cute, makes me want to color it with markers.

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    #19

    White tattoo design of a geometric bear resembling magic runes on skin.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That will be a fuzzy bear when his hair grows back.

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    #21

    White tattoo design resembling magic runes on the back of a person's neck.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That look ready good and even if he had a shirt on the art work that shows is flattering.

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    #23

    Person with small white tattoo designs on cheek, resembling magic runes.

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    Just a Purpler
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AHHH i don't care if you hate my opinion and downvote me but gosh I hate this one!! Why would you tattoo a scar onto yourself?? Gah this frustrates me...

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    #25

    White tattoo design behind ear resembling magic runes on short-haired individual.

    White ink tattoos are probably most commonly used in small ornaments or in tattoos on otherwise atypical body places.

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    #27

    White tattoo design resembling magic runes on a person's arm.

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    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet that look weird from a distance, because the white isn't that visible

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    #28

    White tattoo of a spider on a hand, resembling mystical runes.

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    varwenea
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The skin is so raised. It's incredible.

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    #29

    White tattoo design on forearm with animal skulls in the background.

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    Danielle Rux
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i like the skulls im a amature skull collecter

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    #30

    White tattoo design of a snake resembling magic runes on a hand.

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    Nikki D
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are so many of the white tattoos snakes?

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