Tattoo Ink Reviews Directory

Understanding Tattoo Ink

Before we dive into our tattoo ink reviews, it’s important to understand the basics of tattoo ink. Tattoo ink differs from the regular ink in pens or printers. It's specifically formulated to be safe for use on the skin and to create lasting, vibrant colors. Tattoo ink is typically made from a combination of pigments and carrier fluids.

Types of Tattoo Ink

Black ink and gray wash is used for creating various shades and gradients in tattoos, from solid black to subtle grays. When choosing black ink, look for a brand with a consistent, dark pigment that will age well. You can either mix your own gray wash using black ink and witch hazel, or you can buy pre-made gray wash.

Color tattoo ink is used to create vibrant and eye-catching tattoos. Each color is made using different ingredients in the pigment. Which colors work best for your will depend on your style of tattooing. Some inks have thicker or thinner consistencies.

White tattoo ink is used to add highlights and accents to tattoos. It is often used with other colors to create depth and contrast. Look for white ink that maintains its opacity and doesn't yellow over time.

Important Tattoo Ink Terms

In addition to the ink type, there are a few other essential things you need to know about tattoo ink before using it:

Tattoo ink is separated into two parts: pigment and carrier fluid. Pigment is a powder that gives ink its color. The pigment is suspended in carrier fluid, which makes it possible to deposit pigment into the skin. High-quality pigments are essential for achieving vivid and long-lasting tattoo colors.

The carrier fluid is the liquid in which pigments are suspended. It carries the pigments into the skin during the tattooing process. Common carrier fluids include sterile water, alcohol, and glycerin. The choice of carrier fluid can affect the ink's consistency and application.

Tattoo ink consistency refers to how smoothly the ink flows.

Some tattoo inks are formulated with ingredients that promote faster and smoother healing. These inks can reduce scabbing and minimize the risk of infection during the healing process.

UV resistance refers to the ink's ability to withstand ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Inks with good UV resistance are less likely to fade when exposed to sunlight, which is essential for tattoos that will be exposed to the sun.

The process of homogenization involves mixing the pigments and carrier fluid thoroughly to ensure a consistent and even color distribution in the ink. Well-homogenized inks result in a more reliable and predictable tattooing experience.

Some tattoo inks can cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.

Tattoo inks have a limited shelf life, and it's crucial to check the expiration date on the product before use. Using expired ink can lead to potential health risks.

Blending is the technique of mixing different ink colors to create new shades or gradients. You can mix ink colors in the ink cap or in the cartridge on the fly. We recommend only blending ink colors from the same brand.

Over time, all tattoos will experience some degree of fading. However, the rate of fading can vary depending on the quality of the ink, the tattoo's exposure to UV light, and how well it was cared for during the healing process.

How to Choose the Best Tattoo Ink

Picking the best tattoo ink is crucial for doing your best work. Here are some factors to consider:

Your choice of tattoo ink should align with the type of tattoos you’ll be completing. You'll want to focus on finding high-quality black ink for traditional black and gray tattoos. For color tattoos, look for ink with vibrant and long-lasting color pigments.

The quality of tattoo ink directly impacts your tattoo's longevity, appearance, and safety. Many reputable tattoo ink brands provide information about their ink's purity and quality on their websites or packaging.

The reputation of the tattoo ink brand matters as well. Established brands with a history of producing high-quality ink are often a safer choice. Our artists’ favorite brands are Solid, Intenze, and Eternal, and Dynamic Black.

Our Tattoo Ink Reviews

Click below to explore our tattoo ink reviews:

Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program

Having a career in tattooing is not only fulfilling, but it’s also the most stable way to make a living as an artist. However, for decades, the process to become a tattoo artist has been notoriously difficult. 

The apprenticeship process requires aspiring tattoo artists to work 50-60 hours a week without pay for 2-4 years. That, combined with the toxic culture of abusing apprentices, makes getting into the industry almost impossible for newcomers. 

That’s why we created the Artist Accelerator Program. Our online course provides a simple, structured way of learning to tattoo that has been proven to work by over 2500 successful students, with many of them having gone on to open their own shops all around the world. 

Inside the program, we’ll take you through every step of the tattooing process in 9 clear, easy-to-follow modules and support you along the way within the Tattooing 101 Mastermind online community.

In the Mastermind group, you’ll collaborate with other students, get answers to your questions, and receive personalized video feedback on your artwork and tattoos from professional tattoo artists. With this friendly community of both new and experienced tattoo artists, you’ll never be stuck again. 

When you join the Artist Accelerator Program, you’ll have instant access to the full course and the Mastermind community, as well as our 30-Day Flash Challenge and recorded interviews with tattoo artists from all over the world.