Black-and-gray

Black-and-gray is sometimes referred to as "jailhouse"[1] or "joint style"[2] and is thought to have originated in prisons where inmates had limited access to materials; they resorted to using guitar strings for needles[3] and cigarette ashes or pen ink to produce tattoos.

[4] During the late 1970s and early 1980s, jailhouse style became popularized in tattoo parlors outside of prison and was renamed "black and gray".

[3] Typically, black-and-gray tattoo work is produced by diluting the black ink with distilled water in varying proportions to create a "wash" that results in lighter shades.

[10][11] Subtle kinds of shading in black-and-gray are considered to require a high level of skill and illustrates professionalism in the industry.

[13] Classic Chicano tattoos—which include a broad range of imagery such as icons in Catholicism or the Mexican flag and partially originated from prison life—are also normally done in black-and-gray.

Black-and-gray tattoo illustrating the Crusades that encompasses the entire backside. The shading technique on the shield and other elements is pronounced and creates a sense of depth.
Irezumi tattoo depicting rising koi