If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, it’s important to know which colours and inks to avoid.
Some colours and inks can cause serious health problems, so it’s best to be aware of the risks before you get inked.
In this post, we’ll take a look at seven tattoo colours and inks to avoid.
Stay safe and enjoy your body art!
1. Red Tattoo Ink
For many people, tattoos are a way to express their individuality and show their personality.
However, there are some serious risks associated with tattooing, particularly when it comes to the use of red ink.
Some red ink is made from a substance called cinnabar, which is highly toxic.
In fact, cinnabar is so dangerous that it was once used as a rat poison.
When cinnabar is injected into the skin, it can cause a range of health problems, including liver damage, kidney damage, and even cancer.
So if you’re considering a tattoo, be sure to ask your artist about the type of ink they use.
And if they do use red ink, be sure to clarify whether or not the product contains cinnabar.
Some red ink alternatives contain naphthol, which is considered safe for humans.
2. Brown Tattoo Ink
Brown tattoo ink is one of the most popular colours used in tattooing, but it can also be one of the most dangerous.
Brown ink contains a high level of iron oxide, which can cause serious allergic reactions and skin infections.
In addition, brown ink is often made from recycled materials, which can contain harmful impurities.
And, because brown ink absorbs more light than other colours, it can also lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
So, if you’re considering a brown tattoo, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable artist who uses safe inks.
Or, you may want to consider another color altogether.
3. Neon Tattoo Ink
Neon tattoo inks are all the rage these days, but there are some dangers associated with them.
For one thing, they don’t always show up well on skin tones that are not very light.
In addition, neon inks can be more difficult to remove than other inks, and they may cause allergic reactions in some people.
That said, the real problem associated with neon tattoo ink is it’s potential health risks.
Some individuals with UV ink tattoos have reported a range of troubling skin issues.
Some have reported blistering skin, infections, and rashes after receiving UV ink tattoos.
Furthermore, there are rumours that UV ink may be carcinogenic and even lead to cancer.
If this is true, it is likely linked to the high phosphorus levels found in UV ink.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo with neon ink, be sure to do your research first and make sure you’re prepared for the possible risks.
4. Any Tattoo Ink Made With Phthalates & Benzo(a)pyrene
One of the most significant dangers associated with many tattoo inks is the presence of dangerous chemicals.
Two of the most common dangerous chemicals found in many mainstream tattoo inks are Phthalates and Benzo(a)pyrene.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to soften plastics. They have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and reproductive damage.
Benzo(a)pyrene is a carcinogen that is found in coal tar and cigarette smoke. It is also present in some tattoo inks, and it can cause skin cancer.
5. Black Tattoo Ink (If You’re Vegan)
Most black inks are widely considered to be safe.
That is in part thanks to their naturally derived ingredients.
Unfortunately, some of those natural ingredients are made from animal products.
That’s right!
According to PETA, many black tattoo inks can contain things like bone char (which is used to increase pigment), glycerin (made from animal fat), gelatin (made from horse hooves), and even insect parts!
Basically, unless it is stated explicitly, one can assume that black tattoo ink is not vegan.
So, if you are a vegan, or just prefer to avoid animal products in your tattoo, make sure to your request that your tattoo artist uses a vegan tattoo ink.
6. “Natural” Tattoo Ink With False Claims
With so many dangerous chemicals associated with tattoo inks, it is unsurprising that some companies are advertising safer ink alternatives.
This trend towards safer tattoo products is awesome!
However, beware of false claims made by tattoo ink manufacturers.
For example, some tattoo ink companies advertise yellows and blues made from natural products like turmeric and indigo.
However, if these claims are false, or simply misleading, the chemical compound used to colour the inks could be very harmful.
Always research the trustworthiness of a tattoo ink brand before moving forwards!
7. Tattoo Inks Mixed With Cremation Ashes (Memorial Tattoos)
Tattoo inks mixed with cremation ashes, also known as “memorial tattoos,” have become an increasingly popular way to honour loved ones after they have passed.
While there is nothing inherently wrong or dangerous about this practice (so long as proper consent is given by the loved one), there are simply no long-term studies on the practice.
Because safe pigments like black are made from animal products, it may be safe to assume that this practice is not dangerous.
However, before getting a memorial tattoo, one should consider the possibility that there are dangers associated with the practice we simply aren’t aware of yet.
How To Find Safe Tattoo Inks
There are a number of tattoo ink manufacturers that offer natural products.
Some of these include Eternal Ink, Quantum Tattoo Ink, and Intenze.
Each of these companies uses different ingredients to create their inks, but all of them are designed to be safe for the skin and vibrant in colour.
Natural tattoo inks have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people look for ways to avoid chemicals and other synthetic materials.
In addition to being safer for the skin, natural inks often have a more intense colour than traditional tattoo inks.
This makes them ideal for those who want their tattoos to really stand out.
If you’re looking for natural tattoo ink, be sure to check out one of these manufacturers.
Final Thoughts
The unfortunate reality of the tattoo industry today is that most tattoo ink companies do not publish ingredient lists or any actual information about their ink products.
While some do (as we noted above), most tattoo clients do not put much thought or consideration into the product that their chosen artist is using.
The good news is that the tattoo world is slowly waking up to the dangers of using certain chemical products.
Our advice is to address any health concerns you have with your chosen tattoo artist.
If your artist is a professional, they should have no problem discussing the products they use with you.
Stay safe!