So You Want a Colour Lined Tattoo
General Colour Lining
As tattoo trends come and go we in the industry have to be mindful of informing people of the risks, right now colour lining and especially red lining is getting very popular. As an aside, remember to do your research before getting any tattoo but I think especially trends like this. Any colour lining is more risky than a black outline in terms of permanence. All colour inks actually have different chemical make ups, even from each other, to make the colour what it is. Black is often made with a pigment called carbon black (among other ingredients) and this chemical makeup happens to hold really well in our skin.
Colour lining often blurs faster than black lining and in some cases can even fall out because of this. That’s not to say you can’t get colour lined tattoos or that we won’t do them, Loren has done one recently that turned out great. Just be aware that there are more risks of fading or losing the line sooner than if you lined in the traditional black.
One option that looks really striking if you’re hard set on a colour outline would be to put a black outline against the colour. I really like the look of these because the black makes the colour pop off the skin so well. The black also gives a barrier for the colour ink when it’s starting to spread and it can help to keep the colour in place. As another added advantage, if all the colour fades out and you’d like to get it put back in, the artist already has the black line to follow and that can keep the tattoo looking most like the original as possible while the black holds the shape.
Red Ink
Some people are even allergic to certain ink colours but if you’re going to have a reaction to ink, there’s a good chance it’ll be red ink so let’s talk about it. More people have reported having issues with red ink than any other colour. An allergic reaction can manifest itself as a rash, hives or bumps, excessive swelling, or extra sensitivity. Keep in mind that sensitivity and swelling are normal parts of getting a tattoo but if you’re experiencing this in excess it may be an indication of an allergy or infection. I’ve also gotten some small bumps from the adhesive on the 3 day bandage (saniderm or second skin) but it cleared up a few days after removing it and was not cause for concern. You can always message your artist or come in for a consultation if you think there may be a problem. I couldn’t find online if it has been proven what in the red ink causes this reaction but people tend to react to red more often than other colours. Tattoo ink is made up of the chemical that causes the pigmentation and a carrier ( or carriest) that helps deposit it into the skin. People can be allergic to either of these and they differ slightly based on colour or brand.
Don’t be worried
It’s important to know the risks but also that most people don’t react to any kind of tattoo ink and that ink is safe. I can totally understand this trend, the red tattoos look really striking while it’s there and if you want one go for it! So in conclusion, know the risks, do whatever the hell you want, be happy.
Sources:
- https://www.thoughtco.com/red-tattoo-ink-and-reactions-3976032
- https://authoritytattoo.com/what-is-tattoo-ink-made-of/
- https://www.luckyfish.com/tattoo-faq
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/tattoo-ink-allergies.aspx
