Tattoo Advice

Filbert | 19:36 Mon 19th Oct 2015 | Body & Soul

27 Answers

I am wanting to go for my first ever tattoo...plucking up courage as not to good with pain but I know exactly what I want and where I want it.
The thing is I have a severe allergy to hair dye, if just a few drops touch my skin, it blisters and I swell up.
The tattoo won't be colour just black and grey, but what I wanted to know is if there are links between tattoo ink and hair dye. I looked up ingredients on google and I can't see the things I'm allergic to but I just wanted to check if anyone has experience of this.
I'm thinking of asking them if they can put a few drops on my skin and see what happens (usually any allergy appears within a few hours) but as ink goes under will that make any difference.
TIA

I Want To Know Whats Wrong With This Guy, If There Is Something Wrong.

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tonyav

I should have a word with the tattooist if I were you, Filbert.

Mamyalynne

You really must discuss this with the Tattoo Artist - it won't be the first time they have been asked.

EDDIE51

Allergy to tattoo ink is common
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/itchy-scaly-tattoo-ink-allergies-may-be-triggered-color-n365936
Do not risk it!

melv16

Tattoos are passé and look naff.

Filbert

Question Author

Thanks. I'll have a chat with them and see what they say.

Mamyalynne

Good luck.

EDDIE51

More information here
http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_6674591_tattoo-ink-allergies.html
Note carefully the 3 rd paragraph, though tattoo ink is injected into the body (under the skin) tattoo ink is not regarded as a 'drug' or medical implant, it is classed the same way as other inks or dyestuffs, it doesn't have to be tested as any other substance that is injected under the skin would be!

EDDIE51

^^ Para 2 not 3 sorry .' How it causes allergies'

RATTER15

I know many people with tats, myself included, I don't know anybody that has hat a reaction to them, but of course it could happen. I also think there is a huge difference between dye and ink.

EDDIE51

Dye is a self coloured solution (no solids) ink is coloured by the solid 'pigment/pigments' in it. Ink can be water ,solvent or oil based but the base itself is normally not coloured. Ink ( not dye) is what is used for tattoos.
The pigment in black tattoo ink is normally Carbon Black (aka Soot)

Sir Alec

I have a hair colourant which has in it's safety instructions:

Do not colour your hair if - you have experienced a reaction to a temporary "black henna" tattoo in the past.

This is a reverse of your situation and only mentions henna tattoos, but it's worth considering. As previously stated, ask the tattooist. If they are any good, they'll have experience of your dilemma and be able to advise you.

Cloverjo

As people are warned to be careful about hair dyes, I would think you'd have to be extra vigilant about tattoo ink injected under the skin. Definitely have a test first.

EDDIE51

If you read the links I posted one problem is that tattoo allergy can take months or even years to show up. Just because you have got past the first few hours does not mean you will never get a reaction.

VHG

Sadly a tattoo is for life (unless you have painful and expensive surgery to remove it).

Do you wear the same style of clothes you did 5 years ago, of course not.

Do you have the same hairstyle you did 5 years ago, of course not.

So why do you think you will like the same tattoo in 5 years time (or 10 years time or 20 years time).

Tattoos are already beginning to look stupid on the people that have them, so why not show you individuality and NOT have one.

You wont regret NOT having one, but you may regret HAVING one.