Hi everyone, I have a couple of brief questions regarding tattoo inks. Does anyone have more information health-wise on this? What's in the inks? Additionally, how do we know what kind of inks are best in terms of colour and staying power? Is it only by word of mouth about artists?
I dont know much about it. i do know that inia ink(coligraphy ink )is alittle blacker than tribal black ive had both and had some tribal black tuched up with coligrahy ink. Allso,,some munufactures inks are more vivid and stay longer than other brands. Some have more UV resistant than others.Some artists mix their own.Some reserch on this would be interesting. peace
Tattoo inks are kind of a mystery cocktail of different pigments. Basically, a reputable artist will you a well known, quality ink that has a good history of staying vivid and not causing allergic reactions. I think the ink I have is called starbright or staybright and I've been happy with it. Since there is no current regulation on tattoo ink, the best bet is to go to an artist you trust. Interestingly, tattoo inks are not vegetarian unless they specifically say so because they have animal glycerin in them.
It is Starbrite. I have done what research I can, and because it's so vague, it scares me. Indian ink is supposedly the most "stable". I know it is a cocktail of different pigments but WHAT? This is what I have found so far. From this (http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa121602a.htm ) site. Please see full article and chart of ingredients (by no means definitive). [/b] "What Are Tattoo Inks? The short answer to the question is: You can't be 100% certain! Manufacturers of inks and pigments are not required to reveal the contents. A professional who mixes his or her own inks from dry pigments will be most likely to know the composition of the inks. However, the information is proprietary (trade secrets), so you may or may not get answers to questions. Most tattoo inks technically aren't inks. They are composed of pigments that are suspended in a carrier solution. Contrary to popular belief, pigments usually are not vegetable dyes. Today's pigments primarily are metal salts. However, some pigments are plastics and there are probably some vegetable dyes too. The pigment provides the color of the tattoo. The purpose of the carrier is to disinfect the pigment suspension, keep it evenly mixed, and provide for ease of application. Tattoos and Toxicity This article is concerned primarily with the composition of the pigment and carrier molecules. However, there are important health risks associated with tattooing, both from the inherent toxicity of some of the substances involved and unhygienic practices. Some of the risks are described in this article. To learn more about these risks, care of a new tattoo, and get other information, check out some of the sites listed to the right of each page of this article. Also, check out the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any pigment or carrier. The MSDS won't be able to identify all chemical reactions or risks associated with chemical interactions within the ink or the skin, but it will give some basic information about each component of the ink. Pigments and tattoo inks are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Pigment Chemistry The oldest pigments came from using ground up minerals and carbon black. Today's pigments include the original mineral pigments, modern industrial organic pigments, a few vegetable-based pigments, and some plastic-based pigments. Allergic reactions, scarring, phototoxic reactions (i.e., reaction from exposure to light, especially sunlight), and other adverse effects are possible with many pigments. The plastic-based pigments are very intensely colored, but many people have reported reactions to them. There are also pigments that glow in the dark or in response to black (ultraviolet) light. These pigments are notoriously risky - some may be safe, but others are radioactive or otherwise toxic. Here's a table listing the colors of common pigments use in tattoo inks. It isn't exhaustive - pretty much anything that can be used as a pigment has been at some time. Also, many inks mix one or more pigment: SEE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE CHART http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa121602a.htm I think many of you will be surprised. There are simply not enough people questioning the toxic levels of tattoo inks and just "going with the flow", thinking that if their work looks pretty and if thousands of others are getting it, then it must be fine. Look at the chart and really tell me you don't have any concerns?
I trust my tattoo artist completely - he's totally professional. The only color I've had trouble with is orange. It faded rather quickly and I had to have it redone.
Thanks, Tarabelle. I was referring to the substances in inks and the ingredients in them that are alarming. - Ie. toxic metals. Why is there no interest in how ink may migrate under the skin to organs? (there are cases of this if you look closely). We haven't looked at how inks affect sweat glands and other functions of the body. There are also reports of MRIs and tattoos (although rare). You may trust your artist, but do you trust the foreign matter being injected in your skin? I'm not trying to be an upstart for no reason. I have tattoos on my back, left arm and chest so I really am wondering and concerned about this. People are a little complacent, and this means no research, no knowledge. Do you know what is under your skin right now?
Tooo late! hahaha! Remember when the news was all about getting hepititas from tattooing? I asked my Doctor to test me, because, duh! I have a ton. After asking me about my tattooist's methods, she wouldn't do the test. She felt that it wasn't needed.
Taraaaaaaaaaaaa.... did you read my post two posts ago? The long-ass one? It's not about sterility of needles or non-contamination of ink. Am I not making sense? I 'm referring to the INKS not the methods, know what I mean?
Your best bet is to find a trusted tattoo artist who can tell you all about the ink he or she is using. I once asked my artist what the ink is made from & I know some of the ink has a plastic based minerials in it. I've been getting work over 10 years now from the same guy. My two oldest tattoos hasn't even faded yet!!! Even after doing roofing for 2 years & being in direct sunlight.
I think tara understands what you are getting at. She is just likening the panic caused by the hep scare to your concern over inks. Yes, there is a possibility of having problems from both, but it must be put into perspective. IMHO, I am concerned with what is in my ink, but I am also realistic. I feel that the risk of having a problem from my tattoos is fairly small if I go to an artist using commercial quality inks. These inks have been out for a long time, and with the negative press tattoos get, don't you think the media would have picked up on any problems by now? I would be more concerned by an artist whipping up a special blend in the back personally. I guess, the point I'm getting at is that tattoos have risks:disease, infection, regret, inks. It is a personal matter about how concerned you are about each risk. I'm not saying youu're a worry wort, but people have had commercial inks(and much sketchier things) tattooed for a long time with very few problems. Personally, I'm more concerned by hep., disease and regrettable tattoos. Peace
Yes, I'm getting tested for Hep at the end of Dec or in Jan. I AM a worrywort by many people's standards actually however I just like to know what I'm in for. That's all. I guess I thought more people would be interested in what on earth is in their inks. Perhaps the questions are too disturbing so it's easier to ignore it?
Yes, this is how I feel about it. I know my guy is reputable, would NEVER concoct his own inks and is very concerned about his reputation and products. It's his livelihood after all.
