\nI know I’m stepping into a minefield<\/strong>
\nI know there are a thousand strange and absurd articles on the internet that say all sorts of things
\nAnd this is just one more article
\nAnd I also know that I am nobody, just a tattoo artist with 17 years of experience in the industry and about 84% of my body tattooed, more or less<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But this topic is very important to me<\/strong> <\/p>\n In this article, we will analyze the following questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first fundamental question to ask<\/strong> when we seek answers to our existential doubts about inks currently (in 2021) used for tattoos is: What does tattoo ink contain?<\/p>\n Okay, a very fair question.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>Tattoo ink is made up of:<\/strong> Now, let’s pretend for a moment that you got the wrong article and we are not talking about tattoo inks.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let’s start asking ourselves questions and finding answers by picking up a dictionary<\/strong> and looking up the meanings of the adjectives used to describe inks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let’s analyze them so that we can understand everything quickly.<\/p>\n HYPOALLERGENIC In reality, no substance in the world is completely hypoallergenic because hypersensitivities can occur to anything. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>NICKEL-FREE <\/p>\n <\/a>It is not possible to define a product as completely Nickel-Free<\/strong> (just like there are no completely allergen-free substances) because Nickel is an element present in nature practically everywhere<\/em> (including inside the human body), and where it is not present, it can absorb a small amount from contact with the metal alloys of the machines used to make it or from the plastics in which it is stored.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is possible to test products<\/strong> to know how much Nickel they contain, but it is not mandatory by law, also because it is a very difficult test to perform.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>If you are allergic or intolerant to Nickel (systemic or contact), you probably already know it because Nickel is very common in nature, and you constantly come into contact with it.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The degree of tolerance to Nickel varies from person to person, and not everyone reacts in the same way, even among those who suffer from SNAS (Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Certified CEE tattoo inks<\/strong> (the only ones authorized in Italy) are considered “Nickel-Free” because if they have minimal traces of Nickel<\/strong> (less than 1ppm),<\/strong> it is due to the manufacturing process and not its presence in the ingredients.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To put it simply and give an easy example:<\/em> These foods are naturally very rich in Nickel, and if they don’t bother you, then the ink won’t either. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nickel yes or nickel no, if you are an allergic individual and want to get a tattoo but are afraid of the consequences, you can:<\/strong> <\/p>\n For example, I mostly use inks from “World Famous Tattoo Ink,” and you can find the technical data sheets for all the colors in their range at THIS LINK<\/a> (note: the link may only work on a computer as there are many inks, and the file folder is quite large…).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>ORGANIC In Tattoo Slang, it means that the pigment used is derived from plants or animals.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n INORGANIC In Tattoo Slang, it means that the pigment used is derived from metal salts or minerals.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n NATURAL In Tattoo Slang, it can refer to both Organic and Inorganic pigments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SYNTHETIC It is the opposite of Natural and <\/p>\n <\/a>VEGAN <\/p>\n It can be both Organic and Inorganic, Natural or Synthetic, <\/p>\n In the tattoo ink Slang, it also means that the inks have not been tested on animals<\/strong> <\/p>\n If the inks have vegan certification, they should be willing to sacrifice aesthetic perfection, if necessary, to improve body assimilation. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>BIOLOGICAL <\/p>\n It is clear, therefore, that biological inks do not exist because they do not originate from either farming or agriculture. \ud83d\ude42<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n . END OF DICTIONARY DIGGING .<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well, this is a different story, <\/p>\n Every ink manufacturer tests and chooses the pigments they want to use<\/strong> to constantly improve their products. For example, they might choose an organic natural pigment for yellow, a synthetic pigment for red, an inorganic natural pigment for blue, and so on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In short, it’s not you who gets to choose;<\/strong> <\/p>\n Why?!<\/strong> Are we crazy?! <\/em> <\/p>\n But yes, they do.<\/em> <\/p>\n On the other hand, inorganic inks have<\/strong> larger particles, making them less readily accepted by the body. They have less vibrant or intense colors but<\/strong> are more stable and fade less over time. However, they are more likely to contain harmful heavy metals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Therefore, depending on the color to be created, each manufacturer chooses the best pigment,<\/strong> or rather the best combination of pigments, to achieve the desired result, prioritizing certain characteristics over others based on their company values.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A company that<\/strong> wins its battles with price will look for the cheapest pigments on the market, compromising brilliance or longevity. A company that cares about nature will seek the best vegan or natural pigments, regardless of the price. A traditional and old-school company will look for more long-lasting pigments, sacrificing brilliance. Do you understand?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The fact is that since 2008, the European Union has released a new and more stringent Resolution,<\/strong> ResAP (2008)1, outlining the characteristics that materials for safe tattoos must meet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Regulatory authorities are happy to ensure that tattoo inks comply with this document. So, as of today, tattoo inks do not contain carcinogenic amines or other substances in dangerous quantities for our health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here are some tips and tricks:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here’s the translation:<\/p>\n
\nAnd I decided to start my “HYPOCHONDRIAC-PROOF TATTOO COLUMN” with this giant chapter full of questions. And I have a very simple way to explain everything to you. Then you can decide whether you like what I say or not and whether you can handle it or not<\/p>\nAre you ready? Let’s go!<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/15.jpg\")
<\/p>\n!BUT!<\/h3>\n
\nWhat the heck is tattoo ink?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nColoring pigment \u2013 usually in powder form and of various origins
\nDiluted in a liquid that allows it to be injected under the skin \u2013 also known as a carrier \u2013 usually simple distilled water
\nSometimes with a little alcohol to facilitate its preservation over time
\nSometimes with a thickener, like glycerin, so that the ink is not completely liquid like water and is therefore easier to use for tattooing (it adheres more to the needle)<\/p>\n
\n\/\u02ccha\u026apo\u028a\u0259\u02c8l\u025c\u02d0rd\u0292\u026ak\/
\nThat does not cause allergies.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nTherefore, tattoo inks are not hypoallergenic either. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/16.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nProducts in which Nickel is present in very low amounts (less than 1ppm).<\/em><\/p>\n!BUT!<\/h3>\n
\nIf you can eat cocoa, nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, whole grains, or legumes without any problems, you can definitely get a tattoo. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPerform a tolerance test<\/strong> on your skin before getting the tattoo by applying a small amount of ink inside your wrist or behind your ear and checking for any allergic reactions in the following 24 hours.
\nAsk the chosen tattoo artist<\/strong> which brand of inks they use and search for the corresponding certified product sheets on the internet (you can easily find them on websites that sell inks in Italy, such as www.bodysupply.com<\/a>). You can also consult with your allergist.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n\/or\u02c8\u0261\u00e6n\u026ak\/
\nDerived from living organisms, both animals and plants, which are “organized” or equipped with organs.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\/\u02cc\u026an\u0254r\u02c8\u0261\u00e6n\u026ak\/
\nDerived from natural substances that do not have organs or vital capabilities.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\/\u02c8n\u00e6t\u0283\u0259r\u0259l\/
\nOriginating from nature.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\/s\u026an\u02c8\u03b8\u025bt\u026ak\/
\nCreated by humans through chemical processes in a laboratory.<\/em><\/p>\n
\ndoes not contain Organic or Inorganic pigments but only chemicals.<\/p>\n
\n\/\u02c8vi\u02d0\u0261\u0259n\/
\nExcludes any product of animal origin or derivation from its composition.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nbut if it is of organic and natural origin, it must not be animal-derived.<\/p>\n
\nand follow cruelty-free ethics, prioritizing the principle of not being cruel, even to humans.<\/p>\n
\n\/ba\u026a\u0259\u02c8l\u0252d\u0292\u026ak\u0259l\/
\nRefers to an environment in which living organisms exist, where the use of chemicals for cultivation or breeding is excluded or limited, following nature.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7.jpg\")
\n\u00a0<\/strong>
\nNow the spontaneous question that arises is: How do I make a choice?<\/strong>
\nAnd once I’ve made a choice, how do I know which inks are as I want them?
\nAnd how do I find a tattoo artist who uses the inks I want?<\/p>\n
\nand I’ll tell you right away that you can’t do ALMOST anything about it.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nit’s the manufacturer who selects the best pigment to create the best ink for your best tattoo.<\/p>\n
\nThey choose for us! <\/em>
\nFunny, right?<\/em><\/p>\n
\nOrganic inks have<\/strong> smaller particles, making them more easily assimilated by the body. They have vibrant and intense colors but are more sensitive to light, so they fade more quickly over the years (especially if exposed to the sun<\/a>). They are also more likely to contain toxic aromatic amines.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
So what can you choose then?<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.unaltroblog.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/19.jpg\")
<\/p>\n