Q&A About Tattoo Ink
A tattoo stays with you throughout your life from the very moment it is etched into your skin. Because of this, we possess an extraordinary commitment not only to the visual beauty of the design but also to the quality of the “ink itself” that remains within your skin.
Questions such as “Why does the pain differ depending on the color?” or “Is it true that I cannot get an MRI if I have a tattoo?”—the answers to these queries from our clients are all hidden within the “ingredients” and “properties” of the ink.
We will answer these questions about “tattoo ink”—which may seem familiar yet remains misunderstood—alongside the core beliefs held dearly by our studio.
The True Nature of Ink
Tattoo ink is a mixture of “color particles” and a “specialized liquid.”
Unlike general paints, it is refined using bio-friendly ingredients that exclude heavy metals. Furthermore, it is characterized by being shaped into smooth forms without sharp edges to avoid damaging the skin, and uniformed into a size that prevents it from being rejected by the body.
These thoroughly polished “particles” are the very source of art that remains beautiful and stable within the skin, staying by your side throughout your life.
Why Does It Fade When Sunburned?
This happens because ultraviolet (UV) rays destroy the ink particles.
Just as your skin undergoes changes when exposed to strong UV rays, the ink particles inside the skin are finely “crushed” by that energy. Although the ink remains fixed because it is originally larger than cells, once it breaks down and becomes smaller, it is carried out of the body by immune cells.
In particular, bright colors like red and yellow easily absorb UV rays, whereas black and dark blue reflect them, making the latter relatively stable and long-lasting.
To continue enjoying your vivid tattoos even after the procedure, please try to make “ink protection” with sunscreen a habit, just like your daily skincare routine.
Does the "Pain" Differ by Color?
To put it simply, the color itself does not change the level of pain. The true nature of the pain lies not in the color, but in the “order” and “frequency” of application.
It is often said that black ink is more painful. This is because lining is usually done at the beginning of the session using fine needles, which concentrate the stimulation on a single point.
On the other hand, colors such as white may feel more painful due to the workflow of the tattoo. In many cases, the process moves from black ink to color, with highlights applied at the end. By this stage, the skin has already become more sensitive, and additional passes can feel more intense.
Regarding red ink, there are individual differences depending on skin type, but it tends to trigger immune reactions more easily. As a result, some people may experience a distinctive stinging or tingling sensation after the procedure.
The truth is that the colors applied last or layered many times feel more painful, and the greatest factors of pain are the area being tattooed and the duration of the session, rather than the color.
How Many Colors Are There? Can the Ideal Color Be Created?
At our studio, artists who have studied various forms of fine art design vivid and delicate “color tattoos.”
There are hundreds of types of color inks in the world. However, we do not simply use ready-made products as they are. Depending on the design, our artists use specialized mixers to blend colors, sometimes creating the specific hues necessary for the ideal design on their own before the procedure.
Furthermore, rather than just placing a single color, we express delicate gradations and transparency by mixing multiple inks either on the skin or within the ink cups.
We create original colors on the spot that resonate with each client, pursuing the palette that reflects most beautifully against their unique skin tone.
Can I Not Get an MRI if I Have a Tattoo?
At our studio, we use vegan inks to minimize the impact on MRI scans.
Generally, the reason tattoos are viewed as an issue for MRIs is that the “metal components” contained in traditional inks react to the magnetic field. This can cause noise or distortion known as “artifacts” in the scan images, which hinders accurate diagnosis, and in rare cases, the metal can heat up, causing discomfort or burns on the skin.
To mitigate these risks, “vegan ink” is currently recommended.
Instead of traditional metal-based pigments, vegan ink is primarily composed of natural pigments such as plant-derived dyes. Since it contains almost no metal particles, interference with the strong magnetic field of an MRI is unlikely to occur, significantly reducing the risk of image distortion or heat generation.
The inks used in our studio are certified vegan inks that have cleared strict European standards. Because this is art that will stay with you for a lifetime, we prioritize safety and quality in our selection so that you can feel at ease during future health checkups and examinations.
A Future for Tattoos Deepened Through Knowledge
We value the responsibility of looking after something that lasts “a lifetime” above all else.
The introduction of the latest vegan inks and our thorough quality control are all for the sake of ensuring that, even decades from now, you can still smile and feel glad that you chose to get this tattoo.
Precisely because it is something that remains for life, we face the issues of peace of mind, safety, and hygiene management with total sincerity, and we strive to create a comfortable studio environment that makes you want to visit us again. If you have any minor concerns or questions, please feel free to consult with us at any time.
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THE GOOD CAT SCRATCH
Lifestyle, Art & Tattoo
安心してお越しいただき、心地よい時間を過ごしていただける空間づくりを目指しております。
全てのお客様に特別な時間をお楽しみいただくために、謙虚でありながらも、感性に響く美しさをお届けできればと思っております。
We strive to create a space where our client can feel at ease and enjoy a truly comfortable experience.
With humility and care, our hope is to offer a sense of beauty that resonates with the senses, so that each and every client may enjoy a truly special moment.
住所：〒153-0051 東京都目黒区上目黒2-47-5 Xspace中目黒 1階
アクセス：東京メトロ日比谷線・東急東横線 中目黒駅南改札 西出口より徒歩約6分
Address : 2-47-5 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan
Access : Approximately a 6-minute walk from the South Gate / West Exit of Nakameguro Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line)
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If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send us a direct message on our Instagram page. We look forward to hearing from you.
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