Soft colour gradients, splashes that seem to bleed out and shades that flow into each other as if someone took a brush to your skin. Watercolor tattoos look like little works of art, and that's why people love them. But precisely because the style is so soft, there are a few things you should know beforehand. In this post you'll learn what watercolor is, which designs work well and how this kind of tattoo looks over the years.
What is a watercolor tattoo?
A watercolor tattoo is inspired by watercolour paint. Typical for the style:
- soft transitions between colours, without hard edges;
- splashes, drips and smudges that look like paint on paper;
- little or no black outline, or a combination with fine black lines;
- light, fresh tones next to deeper accents.
The effect is airy and playful. Not a style that shouts, but definitely one that stands out.
Popular watercolor designs
- Flowers: a peony, rose or tulip with colour that seems to run outside the lines.
- Animals: a bird, fox or whale with a colourful splash behind it.
- Abstract: colour blots, brushstrokes or a galaxy-like gradient.
- Combinations: a fine line drawing with a watercolor background, the best of both worlds.
How do watercolor tattoos age?
Let's be honest: this is the most important part of this post. Every tattoo changes a little along with your skin. Over the years, ink softens and lines can spread slightly. With watercolor you often notice that sooner, because the style already relies on soft edges and light tones. Light colours can fade over time, and without a solid structure a design may look less crisp after some years.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't go for it. It does mean a good design takes the future into account:
- Structure helps. Many people combine watercolor with black or dark lines or accents. They keep the design recognisable, even as the colours soften.
- Contrast is your friend. A mix of light and dark tones stays readable for longer than pastels alone.
- Size matters. Gradients need space. Very small and very soft is a tricky combination.
- Protect it from the sun. Sunlight makes colours fade faster. While it heals, keep it out of the sun and tanning beds altogether (even with sunscreen); once healed, always use a high SPF, as in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF).
- Your skin moves with you. Big changes in weight can stretch the skin and soften colours and lines. Read how weight loss and weight gain influence your tattoos.
- A refresh is possible. A tattoo can be touched up after some years. Discuss the options with your artist.
Which placement works well?
Gradients look best on areas with some space and relatively little friction, like the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, calf or thigh. Spots that rub a lot or get a lot of sun, like hands and fingers, are harder on soft colours (more in Finger tattoos). How colour looks on your skin also differs per skin tone. Your artist can advise you on which shades will show up best.
Watercolor at Piercings Works
Dreaming of a watercolor tattoo? Come by and discuss your idea with the artist. Together you'll look at the design, colours, size and placement, and whether watercolor is the best style for what you have in mind. You can walk in or book a tattoo appointment. You always get a personal quote. Read what it depends on in how the price of a tattoo is determined.
Aftercare for a colourful tattoo
Good aftercare helps your colours heal beautifully. You'll get aftercare advice from us, and everything is in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF). In short:
- healing usually takes about 2 weeks;
- touch your tattoo as little as possible, wash it twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap and pat it dry;
- if you like, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Wound Cream or another suitable tattoo aftercare cream; regular Bepanthen only once your tattoo is fully healed;
- while it heals, no sun or tanning beds, even with sunscreen, and no swimming pools, hot tubs, natural water or saunas; once healed, always use a high SPF.
Frequently asked questions
Does a watercolor tattoo fade faster?
Soft, light colours can fade sooner over time than bold black lines. Structure, contrast and sun protection help.
Does it need a black outline?
Not necessarily, but dark lines or accents help keep the design recognisable in the long run.
Can a watercolor tattoo be touched up?
Often, yes. Talk to your artist about what's possible for your tattoo.
Ready for a splash of colour?
Piercings Works has been around since 1998 and at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam since 2004. We hold a GGD licence, have more than 2,000 reviews and our team speaks six languages. We tattoo from age 18. Come and talk through your idea, and we'll create something beautiful together.