Points to Ponder Before Having Your First Tattoo 0

Everybody gets too hyped up when getting their very first tattoo. Most of the people who get inked for the first time have this feeling of a fire burning inside them or a feeling of their blood rushing through their veins. Some might even feel butterflies in their stomach. Having your very first tattoo gives you mixed emotions – a feeling of excitement, nervousness, happiness and liberation.

Tattoos have become part of the modern fashion. What used to be a taboo has now become a craze and for some it even became an obsession. Of course, there will always be some people who regret getting their first tattoos because of different reasons. This is why you need to remember the three main tips I am about to tell you. Read through before booking an appointment with your chosen tattoo artist.

3. Commit. Follow your tattoo care instructions. You can use some Tattoo Go products for this like their Aftercare Lotion and Aftercare Soap to help you with your tattoo's healing process.

Eternal Tattoo Ink 0

Despite the risks of getting a tattoo , there are still a number of people who take pleasure in the beauty and aesthetics of it. Most of us know that using unsterilised needle for piercing or wounding yourself is a big risk for our health. Using unsterilised needle can pass infectious disease such as hepatitis and HIV. Another thing is that using these types of needles can increase the risk of getting allergies and other health complications from colored tattoo ink. Some of the complications include carcinoma, cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, granuloma, lichenoid diseases and many others. Before you get your first tattoo, think as much as you can first. Research articles and read some books about tattoos, inks and the other consequences might face. Getting informed about tattoos, inks, needles, and other tattoo-related stuff will help you understand it better. 

Don't worry! Since the art of tattooing have become too mainstream and a lot of people appreciate the art of getting tattoos, the issues and concerns I have mentioned  above are already being taken care of. Tattoo ink manufacturers and tattoo artists are making their efforts to develop and produce a better tattoo ink quality that lessens the said risks. Because of this, there are different types of ink available in the market. Thanks to these people, ink manufacturers have discovered making tattoo inks using organic and vegan ingredients.

If you're considering on getting a tattoo you might want to look for the following ingredients to make sure your tattoo artist is using a non-toxic ink:

• Aluminum, Copper, Sodium – generates blue dye
• Carbazole and Dioxazine – generates purple ink
• Carbon and Logwood – used for generating blank ink
• Monoazo – generates green ink; it is a carbon-based pigment used in cosmetics as a coloring in cosmetics
• Naphthol – generates red ink
• Titanium Dioxide – used for generating white ink
• Turmeric – an herb that generates yellow ink

Aside from the ingredients mentioned above, non-toxic inks also include purified water, ethanol and vegetable-based glycerine as main ingredients.

One of the leading brands that are proven to be non-toxic is the Eternal Tattoo Ink. Their inks are composed of organic pigments. In addition to that, Eternal Tattoo Ink is also free from any animal by-products. This is a great advantage for our vegan friends out there who are really dying to get themselves a tattoo! Just do some research and find a tattoo artist who use Eternal Ink and not just some normal low-class tattoo ink. Tattoo Artists who use non-toxic inks are artists who not only love their craft but also worry about their client's safety. Read reviews, research and choose the perfect tattoo artist and tattoo parlour for you. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You can even ask them to do a patch test prior to getting inked, this way you will be able to test if you will get any allergic reaction from the tattoo ink they will be using.

Tattoo Products Just For You 0

Nowadays, people express themselves not only through film, writing, and photography. People express themselves through their bodies by getting a tattoo. Tattoos come in different sizes, depending on how big or how small the person wants it. Some are as small as a dot, while others choose to cover a large part of their bodies. Having a tattoo have become very common that some people got their first tattoos even when they were teenagers. It is really important to decide what your tattoo design should be so you don't end up regretting it for the rest of your life (well, there are procedures that can remove tattoos, and you can also ask a tattoo artist for a cover up)

Taking care of your skin after having tattoo is an important, especially when your tattoo is still as fresh as a newly picked tomato. If you don't take care of it properly, you might get infections that may lead to serious complications.

There are so much products that claim to be very effective but always fail to meet expectations. Some even market it for a very cheap price to convince more buyers. Don't get deceived by these marketing strategies. 

I have listed down some of the products I recommend based from my own personal experience.

1. Fade the Itch Tattoo Aftercare. This dermatologically tested product is a breakthrough from the Cambridge Clinic. Don't worry because suits any skin type. It also boasts a patented dry heal technology. You can use this to protect your skin and to make your skin's recovery quicker. The non-greasy formula of this product is easily absorbed by any skin type, which is why it won't clog your pores allowing your skin to breathe. This product also helps reduce itching and irritation, provides antibacterial shield and anaesthetic, and protects you from any infection.
2. Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion. This water-based compound product is specifically made for people with sensitive skin. It is easy to apply and it can even be applied on your face and neck. It contains vitamin A and D to help you maintain healthy and glowing skin. This product also helps heal and protects dry skin.
3. Dynarex Vitamin A & D Ointment. This product contains the necessary ingredients to help protect your skin. It contains vitamin A and D, lanolin and petroleum. This is one of the most recommended products in the tattoo community due to its ability to help prevent dry skin, it can also be used to help relieve pain from burns, scrapes, and even rashes.
4. The Aftercare Company – Tattoo Aftercare. This 100% natural product contains the exact ingredients you need after having a new tattoo. It contains vitamin A, D, and E to maintain a healthy looking skin. It soothes, hydrates, and moisturises skin. This product is approved by Cruelty Free International.

So, when looking for the products after getting a tattoo, don't forget to ask your tattoo artist if they have the products mentioned above.

Top 5 Tattoo Aftercare Products For You 0

Companies of different tattoo aftercare products in the market do everything they can to catch the consumer’s attention. A lot of products claim they offer you the best quality, some other companies say theirs are the bestsellers. While these may be true, it is best to be sure where to splurge you money on. Here are the top five products that will give the inked skins some TLC! 

1. Billy Jealousy Marked IV Life Tattoo Care Kit

This care kit contains Billy Jealousy’s Tattoo Wash, Tattoo Lotion, and Tattoo Salve. This kit serves to get rid of skin’s dirt, excess oil, and dead cells. The cucumber extract helps tattoos retain their color, while hydrolyzed oat protein helps skin hold moisture to develop your tattoo’s vibrancy. Glycolic AHA and papaya extract exfoliate and polish. It’s perfect after a new tattoo, to help ease the healing process. Green tea leaf extracts contain properties that is also a great antioxidant, while the grapeseed oil protects your skin against the harmful free radicals. The kit’s salve is rich with vitamin E, natural olive and lavender oils that makes your tattoo livelier. It won’t clog pores and is non-irritating.

2. Tattoo Goo Tattoo Aftercare Kit

Second on the list is Tattoo Goo Tattoo Aftercare Kit. Established since 1998, the product is a veteran in the tattoo industry. The long period they had garnered a decent amount of experience. This complete kit contains one each of Tattoo Goo salve in a 3/4 ounce tin, a Tattoo Goo deep cleansing soap for a faster healing, a Tattoo Goo strong lotion for soothing and enhancement of your new ink, and the best part of it all is that it contains a Tattoo Goo sunscreen that protects the color, with 30 SPF against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

3. H2Ocean Ultimate Tattoo Kit

H2Ocean Ultimate Tattoo Kit uses water- based and alcohol- free formula that nurtures your skin and backs up your skin’s natural healing powers. It is a brand that is well- known in the tattoo community because it works perfectly. The kit comprises of a cleaning foam, moisturizing cream, and an “ink lock” cream. This kit will keep and maintain your tattoo’s color for many years to come. The ultimate tattoo aftercare kit provides you with a three-step, safe, unscented, and revitalizing skin care regimen that is made for the tattoo industry by the tattoo industry.

4. Hustle Butter – Deluxe Tattoo Butter

Hustle Butter is a vegan product that is the perfect alternative to any petroleum- based product. This product is used as a lubricant that helps your tattoo’s healing process faster and better. Its main ingredients include mango, cocoa, papaya and other Shea butters… so it really isn’t a wonder that it brings a lot of benefits to your skin. It reduces redness, swelling and bleeding. For the professional tattoo artist, skin remains workable – you’ll never have any more over-worked highlights, yellows and whites go in the first time, color goes in so easily.

5. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion

After Inked aftercare products has been creating a name for itself in the tattoo industry. The moisturizer and lotion should be applied daily for new and existing tattoos, so it won’t stick to your clothes.

It’s an all- natural and non- petroleum based tattoo aftercare product. It is free from paraben and gluten, unscented, and vegan! What more could you ask for, right? The product is clinically and dermatologist tested so anyone can safely use it, and won’t have their skins irritated. This product cannot only be used for tattoos, but also on any permanent makeup procedures, such as on the lips, brows, eyeliner, and areola.

Why choose Kuro Sumi Ink? 0

Choosing between different tattoo ink brands can be a real brain teaser. It is one of the dilemmas most tattoo artists face, especially those buying their supplies for the first time. One brand can give you a more vibrant and bright finish, while other brands produce soft colours. The main differences among tattoo ink brands are the ingredients and measurements of these ingredients used. Finding the perfect tattoo ink can take a lot of work and research. 

One brand that's very popular, even in other countries, due to its uniqueness and superior quality is Kuro Sumi Ink. Kuro Sumi Ink is created using a secret formula that has been passed down from different generations. It is world-renowned for its outstanding outlining and shading inks, making Kuro Sumi one of the most popular ink brands used by world-class tattoo artists.

Wide range of colors

Unlike other tattoo ink brands, Kuro Sumi has a smaller colour palette. However, it remains wide enough for artists looking to produce creative and colourful designs. Kuro Sumi inks are popular for their superior outlining and shading qualities and the superb vibrancy of their hues.

Our range of black Kuro Sumi tattoo ink includes options that are designed for shading and outlining. Choose from black outline ink or grey wash shading ink, available in both black and soft options to suit your specific preferences.

Some of their famous inks include Buddha Blue, Green Apple Blossom, Fuji Lavender, Tokyo Rose Red, Pacific Blue, Midori Green, Eggplant, Geisha Grey, Tiger Skin, (and dozens more) all of which have the fluid consistency and intense colours needed for a fantastic outcome.

Materials

Kuro Sumi Ink is water-based. The colours come from traditional Japanese recipes that have a lot of unique pigments. The inks come from natural ingredients, making it safe for the skin. Kuro Sumi Ink uses ink formulas that are vegan-friendly and purely organic. The use of natural pigments and the lack of any animal products in the inks make this brand suitable for vegans.

Product Range

Just like the product’s colour palette, Kuro Sumi inks are also available in a wide variety of sets and the black and grey inks come in a range of sizes. Although the colours are meek, the ink's strength and vibrancy compensate for the lack of modern colours, which are found in the ink ranges of other brands manufactured in the US. 

Before you spend your money on any tattoo ink or equipment, it is best to ask people who have been in the industry for years, and to read online reviews.

Manchester International Tattoo Show 0

The most loved and much awaited tattoo convention in the UK is almost here! It will be held next month October 29 – October 30th at Manchester Central Convention Complex! Tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts are all excited. If you’re thinking of attending the Manchester International Tattoo Show, here are some of the things to expect during this two-day affair. 

Obviously you will meet and see a lot of tattoo artists, tattoo shop owners, vendors selling tattoo supplies, clothing, and other tattoo related items. Aside from that you’ll also see a lot of tattoo enthusiasts, including those who are wanting to have their bodies as canvasses. Hundreds of tattoo artists from around the world will be there, so this event is perfect not only for those wanting to get inked but also for aspiring tattoo artists wanting to get apprenticeship. Some artists will be coming from Thailand, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain, France, Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Germany, South Africa, and of course the well-known tattoo artists in the UK.  

If you’re planning to get a tattoo during this two-day event, here are some tips that might come on handy. First, checkout the conventions Facebook Page and see the list of tattoo artist who will be participating in the event, though these artists will accept “walk-ups” keep in mind that thousands of people are expected to attend the event, and pre-booking is the safest option. Second, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make a conversation to make your experience worthwhile. 

If you don’t feel like getting tattooed, there are quite a lot of other activities you can do during this convention. This is your chance to meet, chat, and take a photo with your favourite tattoo artists, but make sure that you don’t bother them too much when they are doing an actual tattoo on a client. Aside from that, there will be a lot of vendors selling clothes, artworks, and other memorabilia, most of the vendors deal with cash only transactions so bring cash to avoid hassle. 

You shouldn’t worry about getting bored during the event, because aside from tattoo sessions there will be bands playing different types of music, burlesque, and some magic and freak-shows. There’s face painting, henna sessions, and tarot card reading.  

Another most awaited happening during the event is the Skin Deep Contest, where some of the highest standard tattoos will be judged. Different tattoo artists will be competing and will be judged on the mainstage based on the design, creativity, and quality of their work. The awards for this contest includes: (For Saturday) Best Oriental, Best Traditional, Best Blackwork, Best Colour, Best of Saturday, (For Sunday) Best Avante Garde, Best Black and Grey, Best Realism, Best of Sunday and Best of Convention. 

If you feel that even after participating in all the mentioned activities above are still not enough, you may join the after-show party at the REVOLUTION BAR (Deansgate) just a few minutes away from the Manchester Central Convention Complex.