Best Inks to Use for Tattoos

Choosing the best tattoo ink involves several factors, including safety, vibrancy, longevity, and the specific need of the tattoo and the client. Some ink brands are highly regarded in the tattoo industry for their consistent quality and wide color range. Here are some of the top ink brands known for their excellence in tattooing:

1. Eternal Ink
Known for its extensive range of vibrant colors and consistent quality. Eternal Ink is highly popular among professional tattoo artists for its safety and ease of application.

2. Intenze Ink
Offers a wide selection of colors and is known for its rich pigmentation. Intenze is designed to be vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, appealing to artists and clients with ethical concerns.

3. Dynamic Ink
Renowned for its deep black ink, often used for outlines and shading. Dynamic is a favorite for its smooth application and long-lasting results.

4. Solid Ink
With signature lines from renowned artists like Chris Garver and Horitomo, you can be sure the colors and quality of Solid Ink will make your tattoos heal solid and bold. 

5. Nocturnal
Manufactured by Eternal Ink, Nocturnal Ink offers a unique blend of pigments for professional artists who want a consistent range of organic blends perfect for lining and shading. Nocturnal Tattoo Ink is the brainchild of renowned artists Franco Vescovi and Jack Rudy, who set out to formulate an ink that outperforms in richness and smoothness of shades. Nocturnal Tattoo Inks contain no harmful ingredients and undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest safety standards in the industry.

When choosing tattoo ink, it's important to ensure that the brand meets safety standards, is sterilized, and does not contain harmful substances. Look for inks that are FDA-compliant, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free, especially if these aspects are important to your clients.

Ultimately, the best ink for tattooing depends on your style, the types of tattoos you create, and personal preference. It's also crucial to stay informed about new ink developments and regulations to ensure you're using the safest and most effective products.

How Much Should Professional Tattoo Ink Cost?

Safe, high-quality, tattoo ink is a regularly needed supply for tattooing; so the question of “how much does tattoo ink cost?” is important to consider. The cost of professional tattoo ink varies based on the brand, ink quality, bottle size, and whether the ink is bought individually or in sets. Here's a general overview of typical costs for professional tattoo ink:

• Single Bottles: Individual bottles of tattoo ink, usually between 0.5 and 4 ounces, can range from about $5 to $30. The price depends on the brand, the size of the bottle, and the specific color (some specialty colors may cost more).
• Ink Sets: Tattoo ink sets containing multiple colors are typically more cost-effective. A basic set with a range of colors might cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the number of bottles and their sizes. Larger sets with 10 to 20 colors are usually in the $100 to $300 range.
• Premium Inks: Some tattoo inks are priced higher due to their unique qualities, such as organic ingredients, vegan-friendly formulations, or extra pigmentation. Premium inks can be more expensive, with individual bottles ranging from $15 to $40.

It's important to balance cost with quality and safety. Cheaper inks may not meet professional standards, whereas reputable brands tend to offer higher-quality inks with safe, sterilized formulations. Always consider safety, reliability, and consistency when choosing tattoo ink, and prioritize inks from reputable manufacturers.

What Tattoo Ink is Best for Beginners?

There isn't a single "best" tattoo ink brand for beginners, but there are trusted brands that offer high-quality inks suitable for various artistic needs. Here's what to consider when choosing tattoo ink:

Reputable Brand: Look for established brands known for their safety, quality ingredients, and consistent ink production.

Artist's Expertise: Consult with your tattoo artist, as they will have experience with different inks and can recommend what works best for their technique and the desired tattoo style. Whether you work deep in color theory or carve out light and shadow with black and gray, there is an ink for it. 

Skin Type: Some inks may be better suited for certain skin types. Consult with your client and note ingredients used to avoid potential complications.

Kingpin carries reputable ink brands including Dynamic, Allegory, Fusion, Eternal, Solid, Nocturnal, Empire Inks, Starburst, Intenze, Ever After Pigments, and more!. These brands are known for qualities like:

Bold Color: Vibrant and long-lasting pigments.

Smooth Application: Consistent flow for clean lines and shading.

Vegan Formulas: Some inks cater to those with ethical preferences.

Tattoo Ink Quality & Ingredients

Safety is a top priority when it comes to tattoo ink. Artists and clients should ensure that the ink used is free from harmful substances like lead, arsenic, or mercury. Trusted manufacturers test their inks to ensure they meet safety regulations and are free from contaminants. It's also crucial to store and handle ink properly to avoid contamination, as this can lead to infections or other complications. All Kingpin inks are stored in a climate controlled environment. 

Choosing High-Quality Tattoo Ink

When selecting tattoo ink, artists should consider the reputation of the brand and whether the ink meets safety standards. Look for inks that have been tested for purity and manufactured in sterile environments. Quality tattoo ink might be more expensive, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure vibrant, long-lasting tattoos and reduce the risk of health issues.

Ingredients in Tattoo Ink

Tattoo ink generally comprises pigments and a carrier solution. The pigments provide the color, while the carrier solution helps the ink flow and disperse evenly during the tattooing process. The carrier often consists of distilled water, alcohol, glycerin, or witch hazel.

Pigments used in tattoo ink can be organic (derived from natural sources like plants and minerals) or inorganic (produced from synthetic chemicals or metals). While both types of pigments are common, inorganic pigments can be more vibrant and durable. However, some may contain heavy metals or other potentially hazardous compounds, so it's crucial to choose inks from reputable manufacturers that meet safety standards.