Black and Gray Tattoos

Not your average jailhouse ink.

Black and Gray tattoos, formerly known as jailhouse or joint-style tattoos, were born in a California prison cell sometime back in the 70s.

Inmates would use makeshift needles from guitar strings, cigarette ash, pen ink, and cassette tape players to make their mark while doing time.

But they’ve come a long way since then. A really long way. (All the way to Orlando, in fact).

Black and Gray tattoos are now considered an artform, a style in which the very best tattoo artists can prove their chops. Using simple black ink mixed with water to create various shades of gray, Black and Gray tattoos are some of the most resilient and long-lasting you can get.

The Black and Gray tattoo style allows for a high level of detail, lots of shading and plenty of dimension, making it a great choice for ink that looks hyper-realistic. Portraits, scenes, symbols...whatever. Black and Gray can bring any subject to life in the most awe-inspiring way—and without the use of any color.

You’ve really got to know your stuff to pull off a Black and Gray tattoo. They require an insanely high level of skill, patience and professionalism to come out just right. This medium ain’t for scratchers.

Hart & Huntington Orlando has several tattoo artists on staff who aren’t just good at Black and Gray: they’re renowned. Set up a consultation for a Black and Gray tattoo to see some of our best work and make your next tattoo our best one yet.