Black Light Tattoos

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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.

[paul]

Absolutely incredible. I love the artistry that goes into these tattoos. Does anyone have a black light tattoo? I would love to see "live" examples of a finished black light tattoo.

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Heres some videos showing the UV Black Light Tattoos in action.

YouTube - Hot UV Blacklight TATTOO

YouTube - Sexy Hot UV Blacklight Dragon Tattoo

YouTube - black light tattoo

YouTube - UV Tattoo

YouTube - UV TATTOO - DYLANS THUMB RING

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More Information

UV tattoos or blacklight tattoos are tattoos made with a special ink that is only visible under a blacklight. They are particularly popular in the raver subculture.

The tattoos can be completely invisible in normal light, although scarring from the tattoo machine in the application process may remain, and therefore still show. A UV tattoo becomes visible under blacklight, when it glows in colors ranging from white to purple, depending on the ink chosen. Colored ink is also available, where the ink is visible in normal light (as with a regular tattoo) but the ink will glow vividly under UV light. However, some UV inks are not as bright under normal light as normal tattoo ink and are considered not as vibrant.

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Arguments against UV tattoos

UV tattoo ink is not commonly known or used, as very few varieties of UV inks are approved for use in the US. It is also many times more expensive than regular tattoo inks. Some people have had reactions to ingredients in the ink, ranging from minor itching to dermatitis. Several UV inks are suspected carcinogens and allergens and at this time, no research has been conducted into the possible side effects of long term exposure. Some UV inks are known to yellow or turn slightly brown with sun exposure.

Many tattoo artists simply refuse to work with UV ink, because of the potential medical complications and the difficulty involved in the application process. In the past, many experts have advised against UV tattoos.

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Arguments for UV tattoos

Over recent years, as the formulas for UV inks have been improved upon, it has become more common to hear reports of success, with little or no reaction.

Tattoos can be mostly invisible, suitable for those who may be restricted in their choice of tattoo placement (because of their profession, for example) who can then choose to show off the tattoo under UV lighting.

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Application Tips

UV inks are not as bright under normal light as normal tattoo inks, and do not blend during application, as normal inks do. Their effect will be dulled if regular ink is used on top of them. Therefore, for vibrant, high impact tattoos, normal ink should be used, allowed to heal, and then highlighted with UV inks. Only highly experienced tattooists should apply UV tattoos, and should have a blacklight within arm's length of the tattoo chair. When applying white or clear UV ink, this blacklight should be turned on throughout the procedure.

UV inking takes a little longer than using normal, due to UV inks being a little thinner and harder to work with, and because the tattoo must be wiped and checked under a blacklight frequently during application.

Also note that for non-colour based UV work, it is possible that outlines can become an issue. If the artist isn't careful, any ink or other materials they use to outline their design can become part of the work. This is not normally an issue with standard tattoos as normal coloured ink covers this. However for fully hidden UV art, this can be a problem, as it will most likely not be even, or well distributed within the work, and reveal some of the art instead of being mostly hidden (scarring can always give away the art).

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Are the inks FDA Approved?

Yes it is.

According to the manufacturer's records, this ink received USFDA approval in 1995 for use in animals, plants and fish for the purpose of tracking migration, growth patterns; breeding habits etc. No other tattoo inks have received approval in this way. Many fisheries use this ink to "mark" the fish in oceans and the ones raised to stock rivers and ponds [the same ones we hunt and fish]. The Crazy Chameleon has on file a letter dated April 3, 1995 from the Division of Programs and Enforcement Policy, USFDA, and addressed the manufacturer of the ink that shows this approval.

Furthermore, the manufacturer is in the process of updating their FDA record status relating to this product to get it listed under FDA approved Tattoo Ink. They are also seeking from said agency an additional notification that is void of any confidential or proprietary information or data [trade secrets, amounts of materials and manufacturing processes] and thus making the papers appropriate for release to the general public.

Remember NO other tattoo ink that we are aware of has any sort of FDA approval. Chameleon Blacklight Tattoo Ink is a HUGE advance in tattoo ink manufacturing and freely lists its ingredients and provides a MSDS sheet.

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Do these inks contain EverGlow?

No.

EverGlow® is what many other companies use to make their ink pigments "glow" - EverGlow® is NOT an additive for tattoo ink - it is not considered safe and has had many adverse reactions when people have used it as such. DO NOT USE ANY PRODUCT THAT CONTAINS EverGlow® for tattooing - that is NOT what the EverGlow® product was intended for!

This is not the only additive that is some companies add to tattoo inks to make the react to blacklight - don't take risks. Blacklight Tattoo Inks are gaining in popularity, and the BIOMETRIX System-1000 ("BMX 1000™") Photonic Marking Formulation Safe Spectral Marking Pigment ("SMP")™ being sold as "Chameleon Tattoo Ink™" is proven safer than many (if not all) of the normal tattoo inks on the market today - with a track record of over 10 years of absolutely NO adverse reactions.

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What is in Crazy Chameleon Blacklight Tattoo Ink?

The ingredients of Chameleon UV Tattoo Inks: (PMMA) Polymethylmethacrylate 97.5% and microspheres of fluorescent dye 2.5% suspended in UV sterilized, distilled water with no preservatives or other additives.

The fluorescent dyes are totally NON-carcinogenic, it does NOT contain phosphors, it is NOT radio active, it does NOT glow in the dark.

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Really how safe is Chameleon Blacklight Tattoo Ink?

Given its extensive testing of FDA approval, with absolutely no adverse reactions to it in over ten years, it is all in the proof, this ink is most likely the safest ink on the market.

Here is the bottom line:

- It contains NO phosphors
- It is NOT radio active
- It DOES NOT contain EverGlow
- It does NOT cause cancer
- It has FDA approval as a Spectral Marking [tattoo] Pigment that was developed for use in tracking [tattooing] animals and fish - and yes the same ones we eat, and has been tested and used with NO adverse reaction in humans for over 10 years.
- the florescent dye is completely safe and has NO carcinogen and is human safe and does not spread or “blow out” because the dye is contained and it never even touches the skin because of the PMMA shell.
- the white (clear) does not discolor.
- It is being sold all over the world - and is used almost everyday.
- the inks are taken one step farther than most, as they are UV sterilized (this was being done for shipments to Europe, but we are starting to do it for all shipments.

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Tattoos are just one of a number of ways to express yourself. With thousands of ready-made designs available, plus the ability to design your own, there is no end to how unique your tattoo can be. And because there is no end to how unique YOU are, here is another option coming at you from the world of ink; just one more way to create your own "you."

For the past ten years or so, a new type of tattoo has been growing in popularity. The blacklight tattoo (aka the UV tattoo) is a tattoo created with special ink that glows when under a blacklight. The ink comes in different colors and is hard to see under regular light. In fact, when white UV ink is used on fair skin, it is virtually invisible. That' s right--an invisible tattoo! Think of all the possibilities!

It would be great for people who don' t want their tattoo to be visible all the time, such as people who have a job where tattoos are forbidden. It is also a perfect way to get a tattoo without having to worry about regret. When you become older and your skin starts to sag, you don' t have to be embarassed about a distorted tattoo--no one will notice it unless you' re under a blacklight. UV ink can also be used to accent visible tattoos, making them pop in the proper lighting.

In the past, there were inks circulating that contained EverGlow. EverGlow is not safe to use in tattoos and should be avoided. For someone considering getting a blacklight tattoo, Chameleon UV Tattoo Ink is the way to go. It is the only ink that is FDA approved, plus it contains no phosphors, is not radio active, does not cause cancer, does not "blow out," and the dye never touches the skin because it is encased in a PMMA shell. It has been used for nearly a decade and there have been no reports of adverse effects.

If you are interested in a blacklight tattoo, check out: UV Black Light Inks Tattoo and Body Piercing Supplies.

I' ve always wanted a tattoo but never got one because my parents were against it. Now that I' m in charge of me, the only thing holding me back is the fact that I change my mind a lot. This is why I' m obsessed with temporary tattoos, which I wear often. One day it' s a butterfly on my shoulder blade; the next day it' s a black rose on my chest. But now with the possiblity of getting something that lights up under blacklight, I' m once again considering getting some permanent wings on my back. First of all, I love wings. Secondly, I love things that glow. What could be more "me"?

Obviously getting a tattoo isn' t something to take lightly, even if it' s going to be an invisible one. Make sure to find an experienced, professional tattoo parlor and ask them about blacklight tattoos. Make sure the facility meets all requirements, and don' t be afraid to ask questions!

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