Easy Homemade Tattoo Ink

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

Since tattoo ink mainly consists of a pigment and a binder, there are several easy homemade tattoo ink recipes that will create a basic black dye. Although using homemade ink is not recommended, the following article provides basic information on the process of homemade ink.

About Tattoo Ink

Tattoo ink is the most important element in tattoo design. Without ink, tattoos would be nonexistent. In ancient times, many natural products were used in the creation of tattoo ink. While the FDA currently does not regulate the manufacture of tattoo inks, easy homemade tattoo inks are still an inferior substitute to consumer dyes. Homemade tattoo inks are normally concocted by curious tattoo enthusiasts or by artists with no other access to professionally produced dyes. Homemade dyes can be a very dangerous alternative to a consumer safe product. The chemical process of tattoo ink must be flawless and include an antibacterial agent in order for it to be safely submersed into the skin and body. An unsanitary batch of dye can cause a multitude of skin infections and may even result in death.

Examples of Easy Homemade Tattoo Ink

Jailhouse Ink

One of the easiest homemade tattoo inks consists of collected ash combined with a few droplets of water. This basic black dye is popular amongst prison tattooists and results in a black pigment without much impact.

India Ink

Another inferior substitute to professional tattoo ink is known as India ink. India ink is a black carbon ash that can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores. Once blended with water or vodka, India ink is injected into the skin to create a homemade tattoo. Extensive research on India ink has found that the effects on the colon can be fatal long term. India ink can also cause deadly blood poisoning.

Go to a Professional

Not only are homemade tattoos risky to your health and wellbeing, homemade tattoos lack professional quality results. Homemade inks lack the vibrancy and consistency of professional products, and the final tattoo almost always needs to be touched up by a professional or removed by costly laser surgical procedures.

While the art of homemade tattoo ink spans hundreds of centuries and cultures, the expense of using a reputable ink is worth its weight in gold. If you are seriously considering a tattoo, book an appointment with a professional and licensed tattooist in a parlor or shop that is inspected regularly by the Department of Health. If you are practicing tattoo art at-home with your own tattoo gun, find a reputable seller of tattoo ink and purchase your remaining necessities there.