Tattoo artists say that some people are enhancing their regular tattoos with the UV ink. Many artists around the country are hesitant to use UV ink because they fear the chemical could cause skin cancers and be carcinogenic. Chameleon, the ink distributor, maintains, "According to our manufacturer's records, this ink received USFDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] approval in 1995 for use in animals, plants and fish for the purpose of tracking migration, growth patterns and breeding." Humans, however, aren't mentioned in that FDA approval.
UV inking typically takes longer because the tattoo must be checked frequently under a black light during its application process. Also, the inks tend to be thinner and harder to work with.
If you think you may regret getting a tattoo years later or your occupation prevents you from getting one, perhaps the black light tattoo is the answer for you. After it heals in 12 months to 18 months, the tattoo will be virtually invisible to the naked eye. Under black light, it's a unique artistic expression.
Richie has been using black light tattoos for almost four years. "I was asked by a client/friend about the new ink," he said. "So I did a little research and got a sample of the ink and all the paperwork explaining how it was made, and how safe it is. After trying it out myself, I began to use the ink," he said. For this tattoo, the bottom half of his arm was done three months ago. The top -- which is more invisible -- is 10 months old.
The ink for black light tattoos has been around for about 11 years, Richie says. It hasn't been until recently, though, that the tattoos have gotten popular. Black light tattoos are most popular among 18- to 30-year-olds. "They go off to clubs and bars, and have a great time showing them off," he said.
No, it's not an X-ray. It's actually the hottest trend in tattoo art. Richie, an artist in Canon City, Colo., has achieved fame for these black light tattoos that are almost invisible in daylight but show in great detail with a black light. Richie says that black light tattoos are more expensive and take longer, but that his clients love them.