Black and grey tattoos are often called Jailhouse tattoos because they are said to have originated in prisons in the 1970s, though actually their appearance is much older, with evidence of tattoos found on female mummies tracing back to ancient Egypt (2000 BC), and even presumed therapeutic tattoo patterns found on the joints of an Iceman called Otzi (3350 BC), whose mummified body was discovered dating back to the Copper Age. Some of the earliest written evidence is noted as far back as Leviticus circa 1444 BC (in the Bible), where Moses writes “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves (Leviticus 19:28).” In the latter case, scholars believe the earliest tattoos were given as a marking of enslavement and subservience to “the god” of the slave master. Thus, many cultures, even through the Greek and Roman eras, viewed tattoos as sacrilegious symbols of unholiness and slavery. Interestingly, though Moses forbids tattoos in order to condemn slavery and mastery by false gods, it is rarely mentioned by Bible scholars that the prophet Isaiah circa 700 BC, commends the art of tattooing as a symbol of devotion to the God of the Bible, writing, “One shall say, ‘I am the LORD’s… Another shall mark his arm ‘of the LORD' (Isaiah 44:5).” Undoubtedly, the practice of tattooing has been passed down through the ages, and in the former case, black and grey tattoos are thought to have been re-popularized by prison tattoos, jailhouse tattoos, or joint style tattoos in the 1970s, because inmates used the limited resources available in jail yards to pass the hours giving each other permanent reminders of their loved ones, deceased family and friends, affiliations and creeds. The jailhouse tattoo artists often used guitar strings for needles and cigarette ashes or pen ink to produce tattoos.

Fast forward to 2023 and the basic building blocks of tattooing, needles and black ink—with intricate shading—remain at the heart of all successful black and gray tattoos. Black and grey or black and white tattooing has naturally evolved over time while in many cases remaining symbolically faithful to its origins (meaningful artwork). As a result, the art and techniques that are being created today are truly breathtaking.

The primary aspect separating the best black and grey tattoo artists is their shading technique. The best tattoo artists understand the different variations for shading based on how they tune a tattoo machine, and mix the shading inks. Shading gives dimension to your tattoo, making it come alive in the eye of the observer, and is often achieved by tattoo artists working from darker to lighter areas of the tattoo. Utilizing multiple cups of ink, tattoo artists create many shades of black by diluting ink cups some with only black ink, and others with more or less water or white ink mixed in, which effectively gives them different shades of black and grey ink to work with on your tattoo (hence the name black and gray/white tattoos). 

Excellent shading can also bring life to an old tattoo error that was not done right the first time. In fact, poor shading is the reason many people seek tattoo coverups. A tattoo artist with excellent technique can often correct an original tattoo that never had definitive shading or has faded because of improper methods, as well as creatively shading the old tattoo to create a new tattoo that is superior. Tuning the tattoo machine with the right speed is also vital in the process of shading, as slower speeds create lighter shades, while faster speeds return darker shades with more ink penetrating the skin at one time. When great technique is combined between the speed of the tattoo machine, the mix of the tattoo ink, and the shading of the tattoo on the skin, a vibrant black and grey tattoo will remain that stands the test of time.

The reason you always want to do your research before choosing a tattoo shop or tattoo artist, is to observe the longevity of the tattoo work being completed over time. While many tattoo artists are excellent tattoo designers, you may discover their design ink fails to hold up over time. Unfortunately, the effects of bad tattoo technique are the fading of your tattoo, and an undefined tattoo appearance as time goes on. Simply put, don't solely admire tattoo ideas, but as you research your next tattoo, talk to those who've been tattooed by the artist you're considering about how their tattoos look years later. The best tattoo artists use excellent shading technique because it sustains the contrast of your black and grey tattoo for the future. The basics of a great black and grey tattoo remain the same: does it pop off the skin with strong contrast, is it visible from a distance, does it hold up over time, and is it a cool looking tattoo?!

Traditional black and grey tattoos are known also as Old School Tattoos, and they are defined by heavy outlines and more minimal shading--a blend of boldness and intricacy--that often carry nautical themes (ships, anchors, lighthouses, compasses with flowers, knives, sea creatures, message in a bottle etc). Black and grey traditional tattoo flash is common in many tattoo parlors, to help clients visualize an already existing tattoo design on the walls of the tattoo studio or in binders at the front desk. Sometimes these old school tattoo themes overlap with their close cousin borrowing imagery from American Black and Grey Tattoos (including Eagles, fighting barechested sailers, sirens, traditional pin up girls, etc).

• Western Tattoos or American Black and Grey Tattoos

A very similar and often synonymous style to Traditional black and grey tattoos is Western and American black and grey tattoos. What defines these black and grey tattoo styles differently is mostly thematic, as Western black and grey tattoos cover the western genre (cowboys, saloons, trains, the gold rush, pistols, Clint Eastwood, horseback riders, etc), and American black and grey tattoos cover the symbolism of traditional American culture (Native Americans, Eagles, United States Flag), as well as capturing American Zoomorphic black and grey tattoo themes (bears, wolves, owls, snakes, butterflies, panthers, tigers, cats, lions, etc).