How to Pick the Best Tattoo Ink

Do your research before getting a tattoo.

Tattoos are a way to express yourself on your skin. Tattoos are sometimes a means of artistic expression or even to commemorate a special person or time. Getting the right tattoo takes time and research. The research is needed to find a high-quality tattoo shop and artist. Not only does it take time to find the perfect tattoo, but also to pick the best tattoo ink. Certain types of ink involve risk of an allergic reaction. Also, certain colors look best on certain types of tattoos. Tattoo inks come in either a water or alcohol base.

Instructions

1. Interview the tattoo artist who you will be working with about the types of ink that he uses. Ask whether or not the tattoo ink contains metals such as cobalt, nickel, selenium or lead compounds. These items can be harmful to the body. If the tattoo ink contains any of those chemicals, pick a different tattoo ink. If that is not possible, choose a new tattoo artist. Different artists use the ink that they prefer so that varies.

2. Pick Starbrite tattoo ink if you are especially concerned with animal rights. This ink doesn't contain animal products.

3. Avoid picking red ink if you have sensitive skin. Stick with black or other colors instead. Other colors come in hypo-allergenic inks, but red does not. Red can cause irritation, especially if you already have sensitive skin. All types of red ink carry risks of allergic reactions.

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with several tattoo artists before selecting one to tattoo your body.

References

• Ultimate Tattoo Finder
• Museum of Tattoos: Tattoo Inks

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish