Service Steps
Every tattoo at Bhikshu starts with a conversation. We talk through your idea, size and placement, then design a piece made only for you before any needle touches skin.
- A free design consultation with the artist who will do your tattoo
- Fresh single-use needles and a fully sterilised setup, every session
- Aftercare guidance you can call us about any time after your session
What black and grey work is
Black and grey tattoos are made with black ink alone, diluted to different strengths to build grey washes. The style grew out of single-needle prison and Chicano tattooing in Los Angeles in the 1970s and became the standard for realism. Instead of colour, depth comes from contrast: the lightest areas are often bare skin, and the darkest are solid black.
Black and grey vs blackwork
The two names get mixed up. Black and grey is about soft shading and realistic tone, as in portraits, deities, statues and animals. Blackwork uses large areas of solid black for bold graphic designs, patterns and ornamental work. Many of our portrait and sculpture tattoos are done in black and grey.
How it heals and ages
Black pigment is the most stable tattoo ink, so black and grey pieces age well on every skin tone. Fine grey shading can soften over many years, which is why we build strong contrast into the design from the start. Large realism pieces are usually spread across more than one session.
