What is Tattoo Ink?
By Jim Johannasen


Ink for tattoos is not like other types of inks. Ink prepared for drawing colorful tattoo designs is actually a suspension of pigment in a carrier solution. Carrier solution's function is to mix the pigment evenly. It also helps in smooth application of the tattoo ink.

Inks for tattoos are inserted inside the skin by puncturing holes. The pigment particles are sufficiently large in size so that they are not broken down by the body's defense mechanism. Since the tattoo ink stays in the second layer of the skin, tattoos stay intact for a lifetime.

Pigments used in tattoo inks can be vegetable dyes, metallic salts or minerals. A mixture of more than one pigment is also used in many cases. Metallic oxides are often used as pigments to add color to the ink. Glycols, vodka and purified water are some of the carrier solutions used to prepare tattoo ink. A good quality carrier solution will help the pigment particles suspend themselves equally throughout. These solutions also act as disinfectants up to some extent. Vodka has been found to be the safest among them all.

Not all inks for tattoos available in the market are safe. Since the tattoo practices and materials are unregulated in most areas, proper care should be taken to buy a particular brand of tattoo ink. Tattoo inks are known to have several unwanted effects such as allergy, sunburns and scarring. While these side effects may appear because of unique biological condition of a customer, quality of ink is also a candidate for suspicion.

Alcohol usage in inks for tattoos should be avoided at all costs. In the presence of alcohol, chances of disease transmission are multiplied manifold. Tattoo artists often mix inks to have a desired color. Such a person should have proper knowledge of sterilization methods and chemical attributes of materials being used in tattooing practice.