💀 Tattoo Myths That Need to Die Already

Because it’s 2025 and we’re still hearing that “white ink turns yellow.”

There are two kinds of tattoo conversations:
the ones that make you fall in love with the craft — and the ones where someone’s uncle starts talking about “tattoo ink poisoning from metallic colors.”
Let’s set the record straight on a few myths that should’ve been buried years ago.

MYTH #1: White Ink Always Turns Yellow

This one just refuses to die.
The truth? White ink doesn’t turn yellow — it’s just under your skin, and your skin naturally has a warm tone that can shift how it looks over time.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun (or skip sunscreen), any tattoo pigment will fade or shift.

👉 Pro tip: Protect your tattoos with SPF, and use high-quality pigments (like Electrum Ink FATALITY) that stay crisp and bright longer than generic blends.

MYTH #2: Numbing Creams “Ruin” Tattoos

Old-school artists used to say this all the time — but most of that came from bad products, not the concept of numbing itself.
Modern numbing creams and sprays are formulated to keep skin stable and hydrated.
If your artist knows what they’re doing, your tattoo won’t suffer — but your pain might. 😉

ALWAYS talk to your artist before you use any product - some artists do not want to. use numbing cream or some will care that you use a specific brand they trust - never show up with numbing on before speaking to your artist. 

Also, we recommend waiting till the tattoo really starts to suck before applying the numbing cream as this will help extend a session - in our experience, clients who show up with numbing sit for less time than clients that use numbing as needed.

MYTH #3: Waterproof Bandages “Suffocate” Tattoos

Nope. That shiny wrap your artist applies before you leave the shop? It’s not plastic wrap.
Professional tattoo bandages like Dermor Tattoo Barrier are breathable, waterproof, and protect your healing tattoo from bacteria and friction.
It’s a micro-thin layer that lets oxygen in and keeps infection out.

If someone says “you’re supposed to let it breathe,” you can tell them — it already is.

MYTH #4: Black Ink Is All the Same

If you’ve ever compared a crisp black outline to a faded gray one, you know this isn’t true.
Different black inks are made for different purposes — outlining, shading, packing, or blending.
Cheap ink can break down over time or shift to blue-green.

Artists who care about quality reach for Electrum Ink Notorious Black, built for rich, lasting saturation that doesn’t quit.

MYTH #5: Tattoos Stop Hurting After the First Hour

We wish.
Pain tolerance fluctuates, adrenaline dips, and body placement matters — so your third hour on a rib piece is never going to feel like your first.

MYTH #6: Tattoos Are “Forever” (Sorry, Not Sorry)

Yes, your tattoo will last — but forever is complicated.
Your body regenerates, your skin stretches, and pigments fade.
That’s why touch-ups exist, and why laser removal is an option when life changes.

If you ever outgrow a tattoo, it doesn’t make you flaky — it makes you human.

Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms in the world, but misinformation still spreads faster than ink in a blowout.
If you love tattoos, do your research, support professional artists, and trust the tools that keep them (and your skin) safe.

Because the only thing that should live forever… is your art. 💚