Starbright Ink > Info Center > Ink controversy & risks

Ink controversy

There has been an outburst of controversy in the past few months. Where in the state of California, two major manufacturers of Tattoo ink have been accused of exposing people to dangerous levels of lead and other metals.

Major concerns of high levels of lead in tattoo pigment include.

• Increase in blood pressure
• Fertility problems
• Nerve disorders
• Muscle and joint pain
• Irritability
• Memory or concentration problems

Both Huck Spaulding Enterprises, and Superior Tattoo Equipment, must comply in the state of California, labeling their inks with hazard warnings (Prizm, and VooDoo Brand color series).

I have had personal experience with Prizm tattoo ink, and I have found that the pigment doesn’t stay vibrant in the skin. The lighter colors such as white, golden yellow, and sky blue seem to stain gloves faster than penetrating the skin.

If you are looking for a well rounded, and trustworthy tattoo ink, I would highly suggest the following.

• Mom’s Milennium inks.
• Starbright Ink.
• Intenz pigment tattoo ink.

I have found, that all of the above pigments tend to go in vibrant, and stay lush and colorful throughout the life of the tattoo. It reduces the need for touch-ups, and the frustration of clients. If you use inks that you can be proud of, your clients will be happier, and more likely to return.
One thing to remember however, is that conventional tattoo pigment should NOT in any circumstances be used for cosmetic tattoos. Cosmetic pigments are formulated for just that, cosmetic tattooing. They tend to be more diluted, and safer for things such as eyeliner, and lip-liner. However, some things can be considered cosmetic, many people in the past would shave their eyebrows, and have their selected artist tattoo stars, dots, and any number of designs to replace the hair in an expression of individualities. Things such as eyebrows, cheeks, and standard facial tattoos are fine. But, in most cases, leave cosmetic tattoos to cosmetic trained artists, and if you want a vibrant portrait, or the standard rose, cherry, or nautical star go to your tattoo artist.

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