Skip to content
Back to the knowledge section

Choices

Ink and colour

Many people have thought longer about their design than about the ink. Yet ink is the only thing that stays in your body permanently. What you can know about it, without becoming a chemist.

What’s in it

Ink consists of pigment particles in a liquid. That liquid makes sure the pigment gets into the skin evenly and keeps the ink stable. Water and alcohol evaporate or are carried away; the pigment stays behind in the dermis. Part of it is removed by the body over time, among other ways via the lymph nodes. That’s why a tattoo also fades very slowly even when you protect it well.

The rules

Since 4 January 2022, the European regulation 2020/2081 restricts more than 4000 substances in tattoo ink, with limit values for, for example, certain metals and aromatic amines. The pigments Blue 15:3 and Green 7 had a transition period and have been covered by the rules since 4 January 2023. That’s why colour palettes changed in that period. In Germany the Tätowiermittel-Verordnung also applies. Ink gets no prior approval; the manufacturer is responsible, and the authorities can inspect.

According to the BfR, not everything about the risks has been researched yet. That doesn’t mean a tattoo is dangerous, but it is honest to say that science is still working on this.

Black and grey

Black usually consists of carbon pigment. Grey is made by diluting black, or by using ready-made grey shades. You see that in black & grey: the light in the image comes from the skin itself. That’s why black & grey works differently on every skin tone. On darker skin the lightest areas are closer to the skin colour, and the image needs more contrast.

Dotwork usually uses undiluted black. The grey value comes from placing dots closer together or further apart, just as in an engraving. That’s why this kind of work looks soft from a distance and stays sharp up close.

Colour

Colours sit on top of your own skin tone, because ink isn’t opaque. On light skin colours are brighter. On dark skin deeper shades often work better, and white is never as white as on paper. Colour also fades sooner in the sun than black. Red and yellow are mentioned most often with allergic reactions, as also described in health.

A colour that looks good in the bottle is a different one on the skin. So ask for healed photos. If you want colour with faces or skin areas, discuss beforehand what is achievable. Among others, Romanita works in the studio, and the studio shows her colour work on Facebook.

White

White ink is used for highlights. It works best on the fresh tattoo, and often becomes softer after healing. A tattoo that relies entirely on white is therefore usually disappointing. So with highlights, ask what you can expect after healing.

How a tattoo changes

Every tattoo becomes a bit softer over the years. Lines spread a little and contrast decreases, mainly because of the sun. Good sun protection makes a big difference; see sport, swimming and sun. A good design with enough space and contrast also ages better, and a touch-up after years is completely normal.

What you can ask

Ask which brand and which batch are used, and whether the studio keeps this on record. If you ever get a reaction, a doctor can use that information. A studio that takes its work seriously will have an answer.

Frequently asked

Is tattoo ink safe?

Since 2022 the EU restricts many substances in ink. Not all risks have been fully researched, and allergies remain possible.

Why does a tattoo fade?

Mainly because of sunlight and because the body slowly removes pigment. Lines also get slightly wider.

How does colour work on dark skin?

Ink isn’t opaque and lies under your own skin tone. Deep shades often work better, so ask for healed examples.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Aftercare advice from the studio comes first.