Tattoo Pain Chart- Understanding the Science Behind Tattoo Pain
Tattoo Pain Chart- Understanding the Science Behind Tattoo Pain
It’s no secret that tattoos hurt. The key is to understand the science behind inking. Here’s a tattoo pain chart explaining the science of tattoo pain.
Americans spend over $1.6 billion each year on tattoos. That’s a pretty astounding figure considering most people, in general, don’t like pain yet are perfectly willing to put up with the pain of the tattoo needle.
Yes, tattoos hurt, no matter what location of the body you get one on. However, some areas are more sensitive than others.
If you’ve been thinking about getting inked but are apprehensive about the pain involved, have no fear. Our handy tattoo pain chart will show you exactly how much discomfort you can expect depending upon the body part. We’ll also discuss why tattoos are painful and what you can do to prepare yourself for one.
Why Do Tattoos Hurt?
To understand what makes tattoos painful, you have to understand a bit about your skin’s anatomy.
Your skin is made up of several layers. The top visible layer is the epidermis. This is the layer that gives us our skin tone and contains skin cells that naturally slough off.
Just below the epidermis is the dermis. This deeper layer contains sweat glands, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
In order to create a tattoo, a tattoo artist must use a needle that gets inserted far enough into the deeper dermis layer of skin. The needle will rapidly be inserted into an area anywhere from 80 to 150 times per second to deposit ink there.
If ink were inserted into the epidermis layer it simply wouldn’t hold and wouldn’t create a permanent design. The ink gets deposited into the dermis so that it will stay and create a tattoo that will last you a lifetime (unless you decide to have it removed.)
Unfortunately, the dermis contains nerves and pain-sensitive receptor cells. Having a needle injected there will send signals to the brain that the area is basically being injured and you’re going to feel pain.
If the sound of all this is already making you cringe, just know that some ancient civilizations would basically create tiny wounds in people’s skin and place unhygienic dyes into the area to create a tattoo. Today’s modern tattoo parlor has come a long way, offering sanitized equipment and safe dyes.
The Good News Is Some Body Areas Are Less Sensitive Than Others
Where you decide to have a tattoo placed can definitely have an impact on the level of pain you may experience. Of course, every person is different and has their own personal threshold for pain. But our tattoo pain chart will provide you some perspective.
Least Painful Areas
Your buttocks are actually one of the least sensitive body parts to get a tattoo, but a tat in this area is not for everyone. The inside of your forearm and your shoulder are also the least painful areas for tattoos. In fact, the discomfort felt while having a tattoo done in these areas has often been compared to an itch or pinpricks.
Fleshy and muscular areas are often great tattoo locations to minimize your pain. This can include the upper arms, forearms, calves, and thighs (but NOT the ultra sensitive inner thighs.)
Moderately Painful Areas
If you’re feeling braver, you can attempt a tattoo on the back (the lower back is less sensitive than the upper portion), inside of your wrist, and just below the knees. This pain is comparable to cutting yourself with a razor while shaving.Â
Most Painful Areas
That leaves the rest of the body including the head, neck, ribs, armpits, knees, ankles, and feet. These areas are notoriously painful and can be unbearable for some tattoo customers. Your tattoo artist may have to take breaks to let you catch your breath if you receive a design on any of these body parts.
Also, any bony areas tend to bring on more pain because it can feel like the needle is repeatedly striking the bone. It isn’t uncommon for tattoo clients to actually pass out in the chair while receiving a tattoo in any of these ultra-sensitive areas.
If you’re unsure about where to receive a tattoo, a tattoo artist can offer some advice and guidelines. Now that you know more about what causes tattoo pain and what body parts you may want to shy away from, here’s some tips on how to minimize discomfort during your tattoo session.
How to Make Your Tattoo Appointment Less Painful
There’s actually quite a bit you should and shouldn’t do to help prepare your body for a more comfortable tattoo appointment. Here’s some general dos and donts to follow.
Do Drink Plenty of Water: Keeping your body hydrated (with water, not alcohol or caffeinated beverages) can actually help the ink absorption.
Don’t Drink Alcohol: It’s tempting to want to knock back a drink or two to help deal with the pain, but alcohol will act as a blood thinner, increasing the amount of bleeding.
Do Eat a Healthy Meal and Get Plenty of Sleep: Getting enough rest the night before and eating a healthy meal the day of your appointment will keep your mind clear and help maintain your blood sugar levels (which can help prevent you from passing out.)
Don’t Take OTC Medications: Taking Tylenol, Aleve, or another over-the-counter pain reliever can thin the blood just like alcohol can. Instead, ask your tattoo artist if they offer any numbing spray that can help take away some of the sting as they do their work.
Do Chat With the Artist to Help Distract You: Making friendly conversation with the tattoo artist can help keep your mind off of the pain. It also helps to approach the appointment with a positive mindset and psyche yourself up for it.
Refer to Our Tattoo Pain Chart the Next Time You Want a Tattoo
Thanks to our tattoo pain chart and tips, you should now have a better idea of where to get a tattoo and what kind of pain you can expect. Are you feeling ready to get inked or receive a body piercing?
Contact us to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about tattoos and discuss design ideas with you.
Is It Just a Fad? 5 Current Tattoo Trends That Are Here to Stay
Tattoo Trends – 5 Current Tattoo Trends That Are Here to Stay
There have been some defining tattoo trends of 2018, but which ones are here to stay for the long haul? Find out here!
45 million people in the United States have tattoos.
Though most people have tattoos that are hidden by clothing, almost everyone gets a tattoo that is important to them.
But while many people go for tattoos that hold meaning to them, other people tend to follow tattoo trends. And like everything else, some fads seem to come and go.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the trends of yore, and which trends have passed the test of time.
1. Watercolor Tattoos
These unique and bold tattoos burst onto the scene in 2016. They combine traditional artwork with the appearance of a watercolor painting.
At first, not every tattoo artist was necessarily comfortable with this type of design. It was new and some found it a little bit difficult to master. Therefore, they weren’t always willing to permanently put it on customer’s bodies.
But, now that the trend isn’t going anywhere, more and more artists have become comfortable with it. As such, more salons are offering it, and more people are getting it.
If you want something that’s a bit trendy, but still edgy enough to not be completely mainstream, this tattoo is perfect for you.
2. Minimalist Tattoos
The idea of minimalism has gained traction in the western world. And not surprisingly, it has spread to tattoos.
Minimalist tattoos are very small and are often hidden by clothing or shoes. They often represent something very important to the individual. Instead of, for example, a portrait of their child or an ornate drawing of the child’s name, they may get the child’s initials in tiny writing. Or, they may even just get one letter of the child’s name.
These designs are often not to serve as ornate decorations but to remind the wearer of a time, place or person.
3. Finger Tattoos
Alongside minimalist tattoos, finger tattoos have become a trend that hasn’t left. Many people will even get finger tattoos on the inside of their fingers so that they can’t be seen in their normal day-to-day life.
Like the minimalist tattoos, these tattoos are often very small and represent something important in the individual’s life. They may have a tiny design or a small set of letters or initials to remember a person or an event by.
Some people even have tattoos of a wedding band to represent their eternal commitment to someone. Some people see these as more permanent than a ring because it has literally been etched into their skin.
There may be people who wear their ring over their tattoo to hide it. Others will have the tattoo in lieu of the ring.
4. Full Sleeve Tattoos
So, we know minimalist tattoos are having their day, but the full sleeve still hasn’t gone anywhere. And there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it stopping.
A full sleeve tattoo is typically one that covers part of or all of the arm. It can cover just the forearm or just the upper part of the arm. Sometimes, it is a series of tattoos that represent something to the wearer. Other times, it evolves over time. It may start out as one tiny tattoo and become an entire sleeve.
Some tattoo wearers will plan their full sleeve like a mural. They may even work with a tattoo artist to do so.
If you’re planning to get a full sleeve, you should be aware that most people don’t get a full sleeve all at once. Instead, it is often done in stages.
Sometimes part of the arm is done first. Other times, they’ll do some of the outlining and add color and detail later. This is due to the amount of time it takes, as well as the amount of pain that you might be in getting a full sleeve.
5. Pocket Watches or Compasses
Antique looking pocket watches or compasses have become huge in the tattoo community lately. The pocket watches typically evoke a bygone era, and they’re especially popular with individuals who are obsessed with steampunk.
Compasses often have a similar look to them, with people choosing to have more antiquated looking ones than the more modern types you might find now.
These designs are typically customized in a way that is special to the wearer. The compass might point toward where they grew up, especially if they live far away from that area. Or, it could point to where their family lives. Other people may opt for religious significance, with it pointing to a specific country or region that is special or sacred to their people.
With pocket watches, individuals may choose a special time for them. This could be the time their child was born, the time of their own birth, or a set of numbers that means something to them.
Often times, compasses and pocket watches are paired with other designs to make them completely unique.
What Tattoo Trends Are Out?
Tattoos have been popular for long enough that there are already tattoo trends people have eschewed. While people will likely still get these designs, there are a few that are most definitely on the “out.”
These include zodiac signs, roses, portraits of children or celebrities and tribal designs or designs in other languages that have zero significance to the wearer.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, make an appointment with us. We can talk about the design you’re thinking about and help you create a memorable piece of permanent art.
10 Types of 2019 Tattoo Styles You Should Consider Before Getting Inked
10 Types of 2019 Tattoo Styles You Should Consider Before Getting Inked
Whether you’re getting ready for your first tattoo, or you’re already completely covered, you should know about these 10 awesome types of tattoo styles.
Around 70% of Americans who already have tattoos have more than one. First-time tattoo-getters be warned: once you have one, you just can’t stop!
Maybe you already have a tattoo idea in mind, but you’re not sure how it should be executed. Or perhaps your craving for new ink has been halted by having no idea what you should get.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tattoo styles to choose from, and we’re here to present them to you. Just like clothing, different tattoo styles give off a different vibe. Here are some of the most common types of tattoos that should inspire your new tat:
1. New School
New school tattoos aren’t necessarily new, but their uncanny designs make them timeless. There’s no way to tell exactly when this tattoo style started, but most experts speculate that it was popular during the 70’s all the way to the early 90’s.
When you look at these tattoos you can tell that they were inspired by the bright colors and psychedelic styles that were prominent during 70’s and 80’s. New school tattoos are eye-catching with characters that are cartoon-like and exaggerated. So, if you’re into kooky-looking art, you’ll definitely be intrigued by this tattoo style.
2. American Traditional
You’ll know when you spot American traditional, or old school tattoos. They’re characterized by having a restricted amount of colors, along with heavy outlines that surround a flat image. These tattoos are far from boring–their vibrant colors and classic designs make them suitable for anyone.
The American traditional style started hundreds of years ago with sailors. When Captain Cook and his crew landed in the Pacific Islands, they were inspired by the tattoos that were on Samoan, Maori, and Polynesian people.
Sailors decided to make their own tattoos which consisted of anchors, women, knives, and more. The tattoo style has since evolved, and it’s now designed with recognizable crisp and bold images.
3. Tribal
Tribal tattoos are some of the first body ink in tattoo history, originating thousands of years ago in Polynesia. This style varies, as each aboriginal tribe had different designs. These tattoos are symbolic of a person’s life–unique tattoo patterns and motifs are used to communicate certain messages.
Traditionally, black lines are drawn into intricate patterns on a large area of a person’s body as a part of a spiritual ceremony. Nowadays, the western world has put their own spin on these designs drawn with similarly beautiful artwork.
4. Neo-Traditional
This style takes old school traditional tattoos and gives them a contemporary update. Artists in the 1950’s took the outdated style and vamped them up with newly-learned tattooing methods.
The designs are similar to their old school origin with prominent outlines and the same bold colors. Unlike old-school designs, neo-traditional takes on 3D artwork and doesn’t always stick with using the typical traditional tattoo symbols such as anchors and roses.
5. Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos are one of the newest and hottest types of tattoos, as many young tattoo-lovers have opted to get tatted with this unique style.
Your Watercolor tattoos are pretty self-explanatory–tattoo artists take the type of watercolor you see in art museums and replicate it on someone’s body. With this style only being around for about 5-10 years, it can present a fun, new challenge to a number of tattoo artists.
6. Japanese
Irezumi, or the traditional Japanese tattooing style has been around for hundreds of years. It began during Japan’s Edo period from 1603-1868 when several ukiyo-e artists rose to popularity for their fascinating woodblock prints, along with their tattooing skills.
Using traditional Japanese folklore, artists created designs with creatures like dragons, phoenixes, tigers and koi fish. The tattoos usually span across a large portion of a person’s body and feature a complex, rich design. Today, many westerners are wearing these traditional Japanese tattoos.
7. Realistic
Some tattoos look so real that it looks like a photo of a face has been printed on a person’s arm. These talented tattoo artists work to make a replica of a photo on your skin.
This style usually doesn’t entail dramatic colors and absurd caricatures–the style is intended to make the design look real. That doesn’t mean that these tattoos can’t be inked in color, as both grayscale and color can be used.
8. Blackwork
Blackwork consists of tattoos that are done completely with the color black. You might think that tattoos all-black tattoos are unexciting and bland, but this is completely false.
These types of designs are far from limited. Tattoo artists conquer unimaginable challenges with just one color–from detailed portraits to abstract designs, blackwork tattoos can be almost anything.
9. Biomechanical
Have you ever dreamed about being a cyborg? If you have, consider fulfilling your dreams with a biomechanical tattoo. These tattoos are designed to make mechanical parts look integrated with the human body.
An example of one biomechanical tattoo could be an arm ripping open to reveal a mechanical skeleton underneath. These remarkable tattoos can make anyone feel invincible.
10. Sketch
Maybe you were a fan of doodling in your notebook back in school. The sketches you created probably weren’t that great, but they had that distinct, rough feel to them. Sketch tattoos are just like doodles, but a lot better.
Don’t worry, it won’t look like a first-grader just scribbled on your arm. These designs consist of unique artwork that has an authentic look. Think of it like Monet doing a quick doodle on your hand–it comes out looking fantastic but has the appearance of being sketched.
Choosing Between 2019 Tattoo Styles
2019 Tattoo Styles. It can be incredibly difficult to pick your favorite tattoo styles. Each style has its own character, from a classic vibe to a culturally significant story, or an artful science-fiction fantasy. You can decide whether your next tattoo will be a shoutout to your tatted ancestors or if you want to take the modern route.
Whether it’s your first time getting a tattoo, or if you’re a self-proclaimed tattoo connoisseur, it’s always important to choose the right place for your next tat. Contact us today to schedule your next work of art.
9 Tips for How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist That Fits Your Desired Style
9 Tips for How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist That Fits Your Needs
Once you have the idea for your dream tattoo, you need to know how to find the right tattoo artist to fit your style. Check out these tips to avoid any regret.
Nothing says “regret” quite like a bad tattoo. Whether we’re talking blurred colors, messy lines, or misspelled words, you have to live with these mistakes for the rest of your life. But when you know how to find the right tattoo artist you avoid these problems altogether.
Choosing a reputable tattoo parlor with talented and professional artists marks the first step in ensuring you’ll be proud of the ink you get. But finding that special artist proves easier said than done. Read on for nine tips to find a tattoo artist.
1) Shop Around
Don’t settle with the first tattoo parlor and artist that you come across. Instead, shop around and do your research. After all, there’s so much diversity when it comes to styles, techniques, and talents.
Make a list of potential studios and local tattooists. Check out as many of them as possible.
While visiting each location, talk to potential artists. In fact, come prepared with a list of questions. Soon you’ll recognize good tattoo shops when you see them.
2) Clean
Why do we recommend visiting each place in person? Because you’ll see which studios feel clean and professional and which ones don’t. A tattoo parlor should appear as clean as a medical facility. If not, then it’s time to leave.
What should you look for in terms of specifics?
Artists should use all sterilized equipment and as many disposable items as possible. For example, they should use small disposable ink containers where they pour just enough ink for each individual client.
Make sure tattoo artists wear gloves when they’re doing their jobs. This goes for applying ointments and Vaseline after getting a tattoo, too.
3) Professional
You also want to look for a studio that takes client’s needs seriously. So, if you show up at a spot, and they leave you waiting for twenty minutes without so much as a greeting, it’s time to move on.
Customer service represents a crucial aspect of the tattoo artist-client relationship. That means maintaining an organized shop with clearly scheduled appointments. Look for shops where customer needs get put first.
4) Ask Around
References represent an excellent way to find a good artist using word-of-mouth. If you have friends and family members whose ink you admire, start by asking them for recommendations.
If you don’t know anybody personally who’s had work done, then ask for recommendations from people with body art that you like. It’s as simple as paying attention while out in public.
Once you’ve found work you like and broken the ice for a recommendation, don’t stop there! Make sure you ask the recommender a few basic questions about the cost, the personality of the artist, and the cleanliness of the facility.
5) Watch Live Artists
Whenever possible, watch artists at work in their parlors. You’ll come away with an immediate impression about their work, their lines, their use of colors, and more. You’ll also know whether or not an artist has a steady hand.
While watching an artist live, pay attention to their skills when it comes to shading, blending colors, and creating a sense of perspective and/or depth.
While checking out their portfolios also proves important, watching an artist work in real time will tell you volumes about their abilities. After all, it’s one thing to produce a flawless sketch on a sheet of paper and another to put it permanently on the skin.
6) Scope Out Portfolios
Checking out tattoo artist’s portfolios will tell you much about their skills, talents, and passion. After all, most artists draw in a style that they admire, whether that’s Sailor Jerry, New Skool, or Neo-Traditional tattoos.
When checking out portfolios, look for ones with a watermark or that have been signed. They should contain photos from recent tattoos completed by the artist.
Again, spend some time checking out their work live to make sure they can deliver beyond the page. This also proves that the portfolio pieces you’re eyeing are, indeed, theirs.
7) Understand What You’re Getting
As you check out an artist’s live work and portfolio, you need to keep in mind their abilities and limitations. For example, don’t assume that an artist who specializes in Sailor Jerry-style ink is going to be great at black and gray portraits of celebrities.
Since some artists gain recognition by specializing in certain designs, don’t expect them to have the flexibility to create anything your heart desires. Instead, your best bet is finding an artist that specializes in the kind of work you’d like to have done.
8) Licensing
Most states require tattoo parlors and individual artists to have some type of licensing. Find out what the laws in your state say so that you can make sure you opt for a facility and artist that both abide by state regulations.
Ability to properly follow the law represents one of the most basic requirements of running a business. It exudes professionalism, and it lets you know they’re not cutting corners in other areas like basic hygiene and public safety.
9) Don’t Skimp
Good tattoos cost money. Make no doubt about it. So, stop looking for half-off specials and cheap studios.
Instead, pursue and pay for quality. While selecting a parlor, you’ve got to consider a variety of factors including the artist’s expertise and talent. You also need to come prepared to pay extra for big pieces and complicated ones.
The best artists charge more. Period. They also offer the results you want.
The old adage you get what you pay for matters when it comes to tattoos. You’ll be stuck with this artwork for the rest of your life. So, think about a tattoo as an investment in your future happiness.
How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist
How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist
Interested in learning more about tattoo artists in your area? The tips above will show you how to find the right tattoo artist for your unique needs.
Check out our blog to stay on top of the latest news coming out of the tattoo world. Or contact us with your questions and comments. We have tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Henderson and Maui Good luck!
15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting
15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting
Tattoos are a way of showing your creative self-expression, except when you decide to get a lame cliche tattoo. Here are 15 of the worst cliche tattoos to avoid.
Tattoos can be a beautiful and creative way to express yourself or commemorate something special. Tattoos can also be a permanent bad decision.
Don’t fall victim to an embarrassing tattoo. Here are 15 cliche tattoos you should avoid when you’re planning to get a tattoo.
How to Know if You’re Getting One of the Many Cliche Tattoos
Cliche Tattoos
Below are the most cliche tattoos right now. Like fashion trends, every day more tattoos become a cliche. The best way to predict if that tattoo you’re planning to get will become a cliche one day is, to be honest with yourself.
Ask yourself if the design you’re getting means something significant to you that you will like for years to come, or if you’re just following a trend. Tattoo trends are harder to get rid of than fashion trends.
Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
1. The Infinity Sign
The infinity sign tattoo symbolizes rebirth, reincarnation and forever. Similarly, your infinity tattoo will also last forever. This tattoo is everywhere, so go for a sign that’s more unique.
2. The Chest Wings
Chest wings is a very detailed design that covers your entire chest. Sometimes people even get this on their back.
You might be tempted to get this piece because of it’s symbolic and inspiring symbolism. Or how you hope that like in nature, you tattooed wings will help you fly. In myths, wings are earned, but you only have to pay for your tattooed chest wings.
If you’re in great shape, you might feel you need this design. Sure, your chest wings look nice now. But will you still like this design when your pecks sag to man boobs or when your back is hunched over?
Probably not.
If you must get wings, perhaps go for a more subtle design in an area that less likely to hunch or sag with age.
3. The Lower Back Butterfly
Lower back tattoos or “tramp stamps” are never a good idea. Luckily you can hide them with clothes, but they will make an appearance during swimsuit season.
If a lower back tattoo still sounds appealing to you, at least go for a design that isn’t as cliche as a basic butterfly.
4. A Heart on the Wrist
This tattoo is usually gotten after a break-up. Quick, relatively painless, and seemingly subtle, an outline of a heart seems like the perfect ink.
Turns out this tattoo is incredibly cliche. We’re pretty positive it’s a prerequisite to being a contestant on The Bachelor.
5. Tribal Tat
Tribal tattoos are also incredibly common, and we’re guessing most people who have these tattoos have never been in a tribe. Often this design will take up the entire arm, making it difficult to ever look classy in a short-sleeved shirt.
6. The Dandelion Birds
This tattoo of a dandelion blowing in the wind and transforming into flying birds seems to be everywhere these days. It’s meant to symbolize your fate and the fulfillment of your wishes.
The dandelion stalk symbolizes to let go of the past, so this design can also represent rebirth and resilience. Or also “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” a motto as cliche as this design.
7. “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”
Speaking of cliche lines, having the phrase “not all those who wander are lost” tattooed on your arm is incredibly cliche. So don’t get lost with this tattoo after wandering into your local tattoo parlor.
Try to think of a phrase that actually means something to you, and perhaps get that tattooed somewhere.
8. “Carpe Diem”
“Carpe Diem” or “seize the day,” is another cliche tattoo text to get. Instead, try seizing the day with a more original phrase.
9. Om Sign
We get it, you do yoga. You talk about it all the time, you don’t need to get the om sign on the back of your neck too. Also, don’t you want to be able to admire your tattoo without using a hand mirror?
10. Anchor
Either you have a boat, have been on a boat, or need a reminder to stay grounded. Maybe look into another way to stay grounded or show of your love for boats because an anchor tattoo is incredibly cliche.
11. “This Too Shall Pass”
Getting the phrase “this too shall pass” tattooed on your body is a great way to remind yourself that things get better. Unfortunately, your tattoo will not pass and it’s also cliche.
12. Dreamcatcher
You might be tempted to get a dreamcatcher piece on your back or neck to symbolize that nice dreams will travel through and bad dreams will be caught, and the feather at the bottom is the breath of air which is key for life.
You also can just get a dreamcatcher and hang it up in your room. Dreamcatcher tattoos tend to be big pieces, that unlike an actual dream catcher are cliche and will last forever.
13. Barred Wire
Barred wire tattoos symbolize that you are not an open book, you’re unapproachable and difficult to understand. They also likely show you got this tattoo sometime around the 90s.
These tattoos are also really cliche, so perhaps find another way to symbolize that people should leave you alone. Like not a tattoo that will for sure spark conversation.
14. Geometric animals
We’ve been seeing a lot of geometric animals lately, mainly foxes. While these designs look cool and unique now, they’re becoming a cliche and soon they will feel incredibly dated.
15. Area Code
If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body. You might think that this tattoo is key, to remind you where you came from.
You know you grew up, it’s in your cell number. Unless you keep forgetting your area code when you call your parents, avoid this cliche tattoo.
Get a Unique Tattoo
Don’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Your tattoo should express yourself in a unique way. Don’t be one of the many people with cliche tattoos.
Talk to a tattoo artist at the Skin Factory Tattoo shop before making your final decision. We have tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Henderson and Maui Good luck!
For more resources and insight on tattoos, check out our blog.
Everything You Need to Know About Glow in the Dark Tattoos
Glow in the Dark Tattoos – Everything You Need to Know
Have you been considering whether or not to buy into the trend of glow in the dark tattoos? We break down everything you need to know, including the good, the bad, and the questionable.
Every year, there are new fads and trends which become popular for a few months throughout the year. These inevitably die off before the strike of midnight. The trends of 2018 got a little weird. Anyone remember the male rompers?
While some trends such as the one named above are more for entertainment, other fads take off among Pinterest users and health-obsessors alike, such as the keto diet.
The popularity and acceptance of tattoos have raised drastically over the years. In fact, four out of ten U.S. adults aged 18 to 69 have at least one tattoo. This leads to the 2018 trend of glow in the dark tattoos.
If you’re considering getting a glow in the dark tattoo, continue reading. We have the facts and answer popular questions we know we’re wondering about. Read on!
What are Glow in the Dark Tattoos?
There are two types of glow in the dark tats – which make new or old pieces almost-invisible to the naked eye. The ink jobs typically contain bright, fluorescent colors which are invisible in daylight.
The tattoo ink used is an ultraviolet (UV) ink. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t contain the chemical compound phosphorus – the stuff used in glow sticks. This new UV ink doesn’t glow in the dark but instead becomes visible under black lights.
Two Types
There are two different types of UV ink used to create these neon tats. As mentioned earlier, they don’t have the capabilities to glow on their own unless put under a UV light or a blacklight.
Invisible UV Ink
Invisible UV ink isn’t visible to the naked eye. By itself, the skin may appear red or slightly raised until you put a black light over it. For a different look, you can get invisible UV ink under or over regular tattoos to give it a glowing effect.
This ink is made from fluorescent ink, but if made properly it doesn’t contain any phosphors or other toxic chemicals.
Colored UV Ink
The other type of UV ink is colored. These look like regular tattoos until you get under a UV light. The tattoo will start to glow, the colors turning to a more fluorescent palette.
To make these tattoos more striking and noticeable, people will often use them in combination with invisible UV ink.
Pros
We know some trends aren’t for everyone, but tattoo trends seem to have caught many people’s attention. Know the good and the bad about glow in the dark tattoos to make an informed decision about your newest ink addition.
Invisible UV inks are a good choice for those who have strict workplace guidelines on visible body art and piercings. Not only will these make you more professional in the workplace, but it makes a tattoo more impressive once it becomes visible with the pop of fluorescents and colors.
There are more than 45 million people who have tattoos in the United States. Due to this high statistic, it makes having a one-of-a-kind tattoo almost impossible. UV ink tattoos are rare and unique, helping you stand out or blend in.
Cons
Despite how beautiful and mesmerizing these inks are, they do have some drawbacks to consider before making your next appointment.
Another problem some tattoo enthusiasts have come across is a reputable tattoo shop which will do this kind of ink, or carries the right kind. The UV ink is harder to work with, and some artists are inexperienced with using this kind that they’ll overwork the area.
Though fading can happen in regular tattoos, especially after extreme sun exposure, fading is more likely to happen in UV tattoos. They have a short lifespan with regular touch-ups required at least every few years.
FAQ’s
Due to how young glow in the dark tattoos are there are still many questions about them. While we’ll have to wait and see about the long-term effects, we do have some answers to the most asked questions below.
Are Glow in the Dark Tattoos safe?
We mentioned earlier the above tattoo inks don’t use phosphorus, but there are many side effects to consider. While some tattoos are rejected by the wearer’s skin, these glow in the dark tats are rejected more frequently than typical ink.
In some cases, the skin becomes so irritated and uncomfortable the tattoo has to be removed altogether.
As of now, UV ink seems to be safe minus the side effects and allergic reactions recorded in some cases.
How Long Do They Last?
Glow in the dark tattoos should have the same lifespan as a regular tattoo, but, they do fade over time. As mentioned earlier, because this is a new trend the full effects of the UV ink are still unknown.
Are They FDA Approved?
The FDA continually researches the effects of regular tattoos and it is important to note that they have not officially approved UV ink or any tattoo ink.
Glow in the Dark Tattoos
It’s hard to tell whether the glow in the dark tattoo trend will continue to grow in popularity or if it will fade as others have in the past.
Until then, it’s important to learn as much information as possible about them before deciding on a permanent addition, whether you use UV ink or not.
Make sure to consider all the pros and cons before making your decision, and if you notice a skin reaction like the ones stated above, contact your tattoo artist immediately. For more information on tattoos or to make a consultation at one of our locations, contact us!
