Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1028360
Page 40 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com Pain is always a factor. Depending on the part of the body you're tattooing, the experience can feel like a pin scratch or like being carved by nails. And because the skin is punctured, bleeding is involved, which can put you at risk for blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis B. The ingredients in the ink also can pose a problem, in the form of allergic reaction, Tanzi warns. "An allergy to the ink is uncommon, but can lead to inflammation and scarring," she says. Ask if the inks contain nickel or mercury -- the most likely allergens -- so you can avoid these. The ingredients in tattoo ink can vary depending on the color, but they often contain metals and other organic compounds in a liquid base like purified water. Vegan Tattoos (by Peter Kaye Karydis Managing Editor) Truth be told I have several Tattoos most of them Medium to Large in size. Fifteen years later I tend to think that I would not have gotten as many or even any. What you are not told is that Ink can be addictive and here is the truth on how it feels when you get a tattoo: Minutes 0-20 minutes: Oh My! What was I thinking? This is killing me! Minutes 20-40 or 60: by now the area is numb and you are thinking: "hmmm, not so bad…" Minutes 40 to 60 and after: "Maybe I can think of something to get next". Fortunately, ink has come a long way since the dawn of tattooing. Nowadays, most inks are held to a high standard of production, with clearly marked labels that include an expiration date and lot number, which means less guesswork and more peace of mind for both the artist and client. Using exclusively Eternal Ink is one of your best bets, as they say vegan-safe right on their website. They also offer an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) that states clearly what goes into their ink (and their inks look amazing in the skin!). Other companies that are considered vegan- safe are Intenze, Fusion, Silverback, Waverly, Classic, and Starbrite, just to name a few. To avoid reactions in the skin I like to stick with one brand of ink, but this practice varies from artist to artist so be sure to ask your artist what types of ink they use. Some other tips to be the safest possible when getting inked: • RAZORS: Lubrication strips on razors are not vegan, so make sure your artist is using razors without lubrication strips. • OINTMENTS: A&D Ointment, Bacitracin, and other petroleum-based products are not vegan. Make sure your artist is not using any of these during the procedure (even to secure ink caps and rinse cups). My number one recommendation is Second Skin tattoo balm and wash for procedural use and for aftercare (used very sparingly as aftercare of course). • SOAPS: Green Soap, which is often used to wipe and wash the tattoo during the procedure, is believed to contain animal glycerin. My recommend is Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby Liquid Castile Soap, mixed in a 1:10 ratio of Bronner's and distilled water, or Second Skin procedural wash. Ask your artist about either of these options. • STENCIL PAPER: Per the only company that makes tattoo stencil paper (reprofx), all tattoo stencil paper that they make is now vegan, whether it says vegan on the package or not. The only difference is that one package is certified so it costs more, but it is literally the same paper. I worked alongside other artists and individuals for years, asking them to supply a vegan stencil paper option, even buying their limited stock of vegan hand trace paper to distribute independently, but the work has paid off, and now all stencil paper is vegan - that's a victory for animals as well as vegans! • NALGENE WASH BOTTLES: Nalgene, unfortunately, manufactures other devices used in animal testing. Their wash bottles are not used for testing, but I personally do not like supporting a company that participates in this when other options are available.