Addressing Discrimination in Cosmetic Tattooing: Promoting Choice and Inclusivity for All Skin Tones
In my previous blog “Understanding Low Contrast Skin Tones in Cosmetic Tattooing: A Focus on Black Skin." we discussed the boundaries and techniques for working with low contrast black skin tones in cosmetic tattooing.
However, it’s important to also address the broader issue of how racial bias can impact black women navigating the cosmetic tattoo industry. In this article we’ll delve deeper into how assumptions about skin color can limit style options for clients of color and why promoting inclusivity is key to empowering all individuals to choose the brow style they feel most drawn to, without being pressured into a style based on their skin colour alone. For many black clients, the misconception that bolder, heavily shaded brows are the only option is far too widespread. Too many clients have been told that they need an ombre or heavily shaded brow because “hairstrokes won’t show up.”
In the world of cosmetic tattooing the obsession with making brows "stand out" on darker skin often leads to oversaturated, heavy-handed results that completely disregard the desire for soft, fluffy and natural brows. This not only overlooks the beauty of negative space leaving skin between the strokes for a lighter, airier feel but, also assumes that women of color can’t enjoy the same subtle, wispy styles that are celebrated for those with lighter skin tones. Women of color frequently report being told that their only option is ombre brows or heavy shading because hairstrokes “won’t show up.”
Assuming that women of color should have their brows tattooed on strongly in order to "show up better" on their skin is not only unfair but inherently discriminatory. It perpetuates a harmful bias that darker skin tones require harsher, more aggressive techniques to achieve the same results as lighter skin tones, reinforcing outdated stereotypes about tattooing. This mindset fails to respect the desire of many women of color to have soft, natural-looking brows and instead pressures them into accepting bolder, more pronounced results that may not align with their personal style. Such practices deny women of color the full range of choices available to others, limiting their ability to express their beauty in ways that feel authentic and tailored to them.
This discriminatory approach not only erases the full range of preferences and styles women of color may want, such as softer, looser, or more natural-looking brows but, also fails to recognize that oversaturating brows on darker skin can lead to undesirable, unnatural outcomes. This is particularly important considering skin types fitzpatrick 5-6 are limited in which type of removal they can use on heavily oversaturated brows as laser on these 2 skin types does come with greater risks.
Cosmetic tattooing on darker skin tones, when done with care and understanding, can achieve beautifully soft, wispy brows that embrace texture and negative space without the need for harsh outlines or dense shading. The belief that brows must be more saturated to be visible also ignores how ink behaves once healed on black skin, where the pigment often settles in beautifully under the skin’s melanin, creating a natural, crisp yet textured effect rather than the sharpness seen in freshly applied ink.
By assuming that women of color must opt for bolder, heavier brows, artists and practitioners are denying them the same freedom of choice afforded to lighter-skinned clients. It perpetuates a standard that demands women of color compromise their own preferences. Instead of offering a range of options that cater to different tastes and skin tones, this mindset corners women of color into a look that may not reflect their true aesthetic or complement their natural features.
This mindset also affects Black women entering the cosmetic tattoo industry as an artist, where they are often steered towards training in ombre brows rather than hairstroke techniques. The reasoning behind this advice is typically based on the assumption that their primary clientele will be other Black women (which, to some extent, holds true as representation is incredibly important). However, they are frequently told that hairstrokes aren't a viable option for their client base, reinforcing the belief that these techniques won’t work on darker skin tones. This not only limits their training and expertise but also perpetuates the lack of Black hairstroke artists within the industry, further narrowing the options available to Black clients and perpetuating the cycle of limiting choices based on skin color.
It fails to acknowledge the full spectrum of beauty that exists in every skin tone, suggesting that women of color should conform to harsher, more defined looks simply because of their skin tone. The true artistry of cosmetic tattooing lies in celebrating individuality, and that includes women of color being able to access the full range of styles and techniques, without the pressure to accept a bolder aesthetic simply because it’s seen as "necessary" to make their brows more visible in comparison to their skin tone. Respecting their preferences, embracing softer techniques, and rejecting outdated assumptions is not only more inclusive but a celebration of their beauty in all its nuance.
I often find myself reflecting when I see Black women with shaded-style brows—was that choice driven by genuine preference and personal expression, or is it the result of being conditioned to believe this is the only suitable option, simply because it’s what is most commonly seen on Black skin? It leads me to question whether these cosmetic tattoo choices truly reflect individual taste, or if they are shaped by societal pressures and the imagery we’ve been taught to associate with beauty in women of color.
**Disclaimer:** While the term "women" is used throughout this article, the content is inclusive of all genders. The information, techniques, and perspectives discussed apply to anyone with low contrast skin tones or darker skin who may be considering cosmetic tattooing, regardless of gender identity. We recognize that beauty and self-expression are for everyone, and this article aims to address the needs and experiences of all individuals within that context.
**Disclaimer:** This article is not intended to portray artists who use shading techniques in a negative light. Shading can be a beautiful and effective method in cosmetic tattooing when done appropriately and with the client's preferences in mind. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure that black women and individuals with darker skin tones are not pressured or shoehorned into specific styles, such as ombre or heavy shading, solely because of their skin color or due to artist ignorance. All clients deserve the freedom to choose the style that best suits their personal aesthetic, without feeling limited by their skin tone or the misconceptions of others.