UV tattoo
UV tattoos or blacklight tattoos are tattoos made with a special ink that is visible under an ultraviolet light (blacklight). Depending upon the ink, they can be nearly invisible in non-UV environments. Therefore they are a popular consideration for people seeking a subtler tattoo, and are particularly popular in the raver subculture.[citation needed]
Although the tattoos are sometimes considered invisible in normal light, scarring from the tattoo machine in the application process will remain, and therefore still show. Smaller tattoos will be easier to recognize as tattoos, while larger tattoos are more likely to be recognized as a scar at first glance.[1] 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
No tattoo inks have ever been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration because the FDA "has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them".[2] Claims made that UV tattoo ink is "FDA Approved" when used for tattooing appear to be fraudulent; some UV-reactive tattoo inks may have been approved by the FDA for food-related purposes (such as marking food animals, like fish), but UV tattoo ink is also many times more expensive than regular tattoo inks. Some people have had reactions to ingredients in the ink (especially to phosphor based tattoo ink),[3] 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 side effects of long term exposure. Although many people who have received UV or blacklight tattoos have had physical effects on the skin, any ink could cause a reaction. This can be a result of not protecting the tattoo from UV rays within 3 months of receiving the tattoo process or by using scented cremes or lotions on the tattoo area. This can damage the ink, causing it to become a normal ink color in all light. In time, it may also not glow in black lighting. Blue UV inks are known to yellow or turn slightly brown with sun exposure.[citation needed] Black UV inks are known to become colored in all lighting. Therefore, it might permanently appear as a regular tattoo.
Arguments for UV tattoos
Over recent years, the formulas for UV inks have been improved. It has become more common to hear reports of success with little or no reaction.[citation needed]
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 the tattoo under UV or blacklight lighting.
Application issues
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 is normally used, allowed to heal, and then highlighted with UV inks. Only highly experienced tattooists should apply UV tattoos, and should have a blacklight available to help check their work.
UV inking takes longer than normal, due to UV inks being thinner and harder to work with, and because the tattoo must be wiped and checked under a blacklight frequently during application.
Photochromic tattoos
Photochromic tattoos that react to UV light to change the colour of the pigment itself instead of simply exhibiting fluorescence have been patented[4]
