Tattoo ink

[LillianBella]

Not really sure which forum to direct this question, so I'll just start here...

Looking to get another tattoo, but I've read that the ink contains heavy metals, and I'm wondering, is there a less toxic option out there that is pretty widely available to request. If so, does anyone have experience with its quality? Thanks.

[MsVyky]

Black ink will almost ALWAYS have sketchy ingredients. Most tattooers (as gross as it sounds, but it's industry standard) use Talons drawing ink as their go-to black ink.

As far as I know, Dermaglo, Classic Colors and Intenze are all free of heavy metals, so you could call your artists and see what brands they use.

hth.

[liliaceae]

Originally Posted by MsVyky

Black ink will almost ALWAYS have sketchy ingredients.

Really? I thought black ink had some of the least harmful ingredients. I could definitely be wrong though. I'd be interested in learning more about this if you have any more info.

[MsVyky]

Originally Posted by liliaceae

Really? I thought black ink had some of the least harmful ingredients. I could definitely be wrong though. I'd be interested in learning more about this if you have any more info.

If it's legitimate tattoo ink, you're right. Reds tend to be the worst and black the least inocuous. But most tattooers (all of the tattooers I've ever worked with) use drawing ink instead of tattoo ink for black. It cuts nice lines and blends well for initial shading

[LillianBella]

Hmm. I have an all black tattoo on my wrist that I had done 2 years ago, and occasionally it still itches. Is it possible to have a permanent sensitivity to the ink, even when it's been etched into you for years?

[justmama]

i knkow someone who got a tattoo with lots of reds and yellows and it turns out he's allergic to something in the red. it's been years and it still itches and drives him crazy.