Los Angeles, California
Glow in the dark tattoo ink? Hardly. According to an About.com definition, “a UV reflective, glow in the dark tattoo is one that is made from UV (ultra-violet) reactive ink or glow-in-the-dark ink inserted under the skin. It is still unknown just how safe these inks are, especially in the long-term, and is strongly advised against. Reputable artists will not do glow tattoos, and for good reason.”
After calling a few tattoo shops in the Los Angeles area and chatting with some highly regarded tattoo artists, I got the notion that the makers of the ink are not of good standing within the tattoo industry just yet. In actuality, there isn’t any corroboration that glow in the dark ink is even safe.
One shop owner who wished to remain nameless said, “It was first around for a couple years in the early 90’s, then people stopped because they didn’t know what effects it had” He continued by saying, “I personally will not do it, I think it’s radioactive and contains carcinogens, and I would be apprehensive to put that in my skin”
Then I gave a buzz to Tattoo Mania on the world famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. After needling Rocco, one of the artists with some questions, he was kind of enough to go into more detail since he had a “glow in the dark” tattoo himself.
He expressively exclaimed, “First of all, they are not glow in the dark tattoos, they are and should be called black light tattoos.”
“Do people still ask for these types of tattoos and do you think they’re safe?”, I asked.
“Ya, sometimes. Look, I got mine 10 years ago and I ain’t dead yet. I’m fine.” Uninterrupted, Rocco continued, “The glow in the dark tattoo is a myth and it should be referred to as a black light tattoo.”
