Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoo Inks: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos, with their distinctive vibrant spin on traditional tattoo inks, have become an intriguing prospect for many tattoo enthusiasts.

However, contrary to popular belief, these tattoos do not emit a constant, luminescent glow. Instead, they typically illuminate under a blacklight, making them a captivating spectacle in dimly lit environments.

Whether for those wanting a less visible tattoo or for the life of the party, glow-in-the-dark tattoos offer a unique touch to the body art scene.

Key Takeaways

- Glow-in-the-dark tattoos use UV-reactive inks to create designs that illuminate under blacklight, providing a unique twist to traditional tattoo art.

- These tattoos are generally as safe as regular tattoos, provided the ink does not contain phosphorus, a potentially harmful chemical. Always inquire about the ink's ingredients before getting a tattoo.

- The longevity of glow-in-the-dark tattoos aligns with that of regular tattoos, although they may require more frequent touch-ups due to their bright pigments.

- Caring for a glow-in-the-dark tattoo mirrors the aftercare process for a regular tattoo, including cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting from sun damage.

- The cost of getting a glow-in-the-dark tattoo is generally similar to that of a regular tattoo, although this can vary based on the artist's pricing policies.

What Are Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos?

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos are created using fluorescent colors that are barely perceptible in daylight. They do not naturally emit light in the darkness; rather, they require a blacklight to stimulate a glow-like reaction. This effect is triggered by the UVA light emitted by blacklights.

These types of tattoos are actually only visible under black lights. For your typical blacklight tattoo, the artist has to be careful not to mix standard, darker pigments too close to the zinc sulfide as it may reduce its 'glow.'"

This tattooing style is relatively new compared to other techniques and gained popularity in the 1990s, thanks to the rise of the neon trend.

Initially, artists used an ink solution containing phosphorus along with traditional pigments.

However, due to the carcinogenic properties of phosphorus and its associated skin conditions, this practice was deemed unsafe.

Today, tattoo artists tend to avoid inks containing phosphorus due to its hazardous nature.

The Drawbacks and Dangers of Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos

Though visually impressive, glow-in-the-dark tattoos do come with their own set of potential hazards. The long-term safety of these tattoos is still undetermined. Some inks have been shown to be toxic or carcinogenic and cause significant skin reactions.

Glow-in-the-dark inks can lead to a higher incidence of allergic reactions, potentially resulting in itching, redness, swelling, and even blisters.

Hence, if you are considering a glow-in-the-dark tattoo, it's crucial to do your research and understand the potential risks involved.

Furthermore, ensure that you go to a reputable artist who uses safe and approved inks and who can guide you through the process safely.

Are Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoo Inks Safe?

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos, while intriguing and vibrant, naturally raise questions about their safety. Since tattoo artists have moved away from using phosphorus-infused ink for these luminescent designs, they are generally considered as safe as traditional tattoos. This transition in ink types has been confirmed by doctors.

Like regular tattoos, glow-in-the-dark tattoos are permanent. While some colors may change and fade over time, the core pigment largely remains akin to that of regular tattoo pigment.

While tattoo ink is not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration, glow-in-the-dark pigments used inside of any cosmetic product (like tattoo ink) are regulated. The FDA approves the use of luminescent zinc sulfide for glow-in-the-dark cosmetic use.

Despite these reassurances, it remains vital to conduct thorough research before getting a glow-in-the-dark tattoo.

Although most tattoo parlors have transitioned to the safer, light-reactive ink, the potential presence of phosphorus is not entirely eliminated.

Given that the FDA does not regulate tattoo inks, there remains the risk that certain artists or shops might still use unsafe pigments. Even all-natural inks could potentially contain phosphorus, a natural chemical. Phosphorus-based inks can cause intense swelling, rashes, and even a burning sensation.

In light of the uncertainties surrounding the composition of tattoo inks, it is advisable to choose an artist with substantial experience in glow-in-the-dark tattoos.

Engage in an in-depth conversation about the type of ink they use. A good artist will be able to understand your concerns and provide reassurances.

As an alternative, consider using highly pigmented, high-quality colors of tattoo ink for your tattoo. This type of ink is generally 100% vegan, and contains no additional chemicals.

The Longevity of Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos

How Long Do Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos Last?

Just like their traditional counterparts, glow-in-the-dark tattoos will gradually fade over time but will not completely vanish, provided you carefully select an artist who uses UV-reactive pigments. One point to bear in mind is that if you later decide to cover your glow-in-the-dark tattoo with colored ink, the overlay may appear somewhat duller, and the original tattoo's glow-in-the-dark property will cease to function.

These types of tattoos are indeed permanent, but they fade over time and need touch-ups, just like regular tattoos. The more the tattooed area is exposed to the sun, the quicker it will fade and the more dull it will be under blacklight.

Given their heightened brightness, glow-in-the-dark tattoos may need touch-ups more frequently than standard black or deeper-colored designs. Overexposure to the sun might cause UV-reactive inks to fade into different colors; for instance, blues may transform into yellows or browns. Besides this potential issue with color changes, glow-in-the-dark tattoos are permanent and heal similarly to conventional tattoos.

Caring for Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos

The aftercare process for a glow-in-the-dark tattoo closely mirrors that of a standard tattoo. It's crucial to clean it thoroughly using fragrance-free soap and water, followed by applying a thin layer of specialty tattoo after-care treatment.

Always heed your artist's advice and follow the aftercare guidelines they provide.

If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional. Once the tattoo has fully healed, apply sunscreen daily to protect it from sun damage.

The Cost of Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos

The pricing for glow-in-the-dark tattoos should align closely with that of regular tattoos. However, the actual cost will always depend on the artist and their specific pricing policies. Tattoo artists typically charge by the hour, regardless of the design. If the blacklight tattoo material costs more than standard inks, they may pass that cost on to the customer. 

Conclusion

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos offer an innovative and dazzling twist to the art of tattooing. With their unique characteristic of glowing under blacklight, these tattoos can bring an element of surprise and novelty to your body art. But it's also important to remember that, despite their allure, these tattoos carry potential risks due to the types of inks used. If you decide to light up your skin with this style of tattoo, remember to take all necessary precautions and always prioritize your health and safety.

Paul Park, The Xtreme Team - We Make Ink Do More