The art of inking consists of many different styles, techniques and types of tattoos. Read all about the different tattoo terms in our fashion words glossary below.
Biomechanical (N.) [bahy-oh-mi-ka-ni-kuhl] Tattoos made to look like a chunk of skin has been taken out with mechanical elements such as gears and circuit boards in place of veins are called biomechanical tattoos. Also steampunk tattoos.
Egyptian (A.) [ih-jip-shuhn] Tattoos that symbolize ancient Egyptian culture by using pyramid, pharaoh and sphinx motifs are known as Egyptian tattoos.
Fine line (N.) [fahyn lahyn] A delicate tattoo style achieved by using simple line drawings is known as fine line tattoo.
Flash (N.) [flash] Popular in the music festival scene, temporary tattoos in flashy, metallic colors like gold and silver are called as flash tattoos.
Gray wash (N.) [grey wosh] Tattoos done with diluted black ink at different ratios to give a washed out and shaded effect are called as gray wash tattoos.
Helix (N.) [hee-liks] Tattoos drawn on the helix or rim of the ear are known as helix tattoos.
Mandala (N.) [muhn-dl-uh] Symmetric and intricate, Buddhism-inspired tattoos are called as mandala tattoos.
Steampunk (N.) [steem-puhngk] See biomechanical tattoo.
Stippling (N.) [stip-ling] See dot work tattoo.
Temporary tattoo (N.) [tem-puh-ray-ree ta-too] A tattoo that is either a stick-on or drawn directly on skin, which doesn’t stay on permanently is called a temporary tattoo. Generally, temporary tattoos stay on for 2-14 days. Read about temporary tattoo trends.
Trash polka (N.) [trash pohl-kuh] Trash polka tattoo is a combination of symbols, words, graphics and paint splatters using just red and black. Read more about trash polka tattoos here.
