Tribal tattoos, composed solely of black-pigmented inks, are a popular recent trend. Because tattoo artists create permanent body art by injecting ink under the skin, prudence is advised when choosing the type of ink for your tattoo. The FDA has noted the occurrence of negative side effects related to tattoo inks, such as itchy and inflamed skin immediately after tattooing or even years later.
Traditional Black Tattoo Ink
Black tattoo ink is composed of carbon, or India ink, iron oxide and logwood. The FDA has not exercised regulation of tattoo inks and none of these pigments has been approved by the FDA for the purpose of injecting into the skin. The New Zealand Dermatological Society reports that hypersensitivity reactions are most commonly caused by red pigments containing mercury sulfide and that reactions to black tattoos occur far less often.
Manufacturers of tattoo ink are sometimes secretive of their formulas, and can include "just about anything, including carcinogens", according to Robert Frederick of National Public Radio.
Removable Black Tattoo Ink
The difficulty in removing older forms of tattoo ink has led Harvard researchers to develop a safer alternative. They recently developed an ink that is marketed under the name "Infinitink".
This ink is permanent, but is far easier to remove via laser treatments than traditional black tattoo ink. While older inks may require you to endure four to 12 costly and painful laser treatments in order for complete removal, Infinitink only requires one or two treatments.
Henna or Mehndi Black Tattoo Ink
The body art form known as Mehndi is a traditional East Indian practice that has become increasingly popular in Western culture. It involves the application of a plant-based pigment called henna, to create elaborate designs, often adorning the hands and arms. These designs are temporary, lasting for up to 3 weeks, and do not wash off in water.
Henna pigment is typically brown with a red or orange tint. In order to darken the pigment and create black henna tattoos, additives are combined with henna. Coal tar, or para-phenylenediamine is one of the substances used to produce this effect.
You should not use coal tar based hennas. The FDA has only approved coal tar for use in hair dyes; and in Canada, cosmetics that contain coal tar are illegal, with the exception of hair dyes.
Health Canada warns that "red skin rashes, contact dermatitis, itching, blisters, open sores, scarring and other potentially harmful effects" can result from the use of coal tar in temporary tattoos.
Member Comments