Is there anyway for someone who is allergic to nickel which is used in a lot of tattoo ink to get a tattoo?

Answer 1

OK you need to learn some things before you get carried away. First tattoo pigments do not contain nickel. Second nickel contact dermatitis occurs from contact** with the skin ( **on the surface of the tissue ). This is due to the natural skin oils and acids present on the surface of the skin allowing for the liberation of nickel salts from metals that are electroplated ( chrome and gold plating ). Your bodies Ph level allows this to occur and the nickel salts sit on the surface of the tissue and become an irritant, thus the redness and itchy reaction that occurs when in contact with cheap metals for extended periods of time. Tattoo pigments used by professional tattooist are now vegetable based pigments and do not contain the toxic substances that were in the early pigments (era 1950's ~ 1970's) these new pigments are body friendly and hold the vivid colors and detail much better than the earlier pigments. You will not react to the tattoo needles, they are formulated from surgical stainless steel and will not cause an allergic reaction. This is why you should always see a professional tattooist or professional body piercer for these personal services, we study and learn to provide the end user with the best possible service and product.

The above statement "these new pigments are body friendly" is not exactly true...

Just for your own information, today's pigments include the original mineral pigments, modern industrial organic pigments, a few vegetable-based pigments, and some plastic-based pigments. Allergic reactions, scarring, phototoxic reactions (i.e., reaction from exposure to light, especially sunlight), and other adverse effects are possible with many pigments. The plastic-based pigments are very intensely colored, but many people have reported reactions to them. There are also pigments that glow in the dark or in response to black (ultraviolet) light. These pigments are notoriously risky - some may be safe, but others are radioactive or otherwise toxic.

Don't take my word for it. Google the phrase "what are tattoo inks made of". And yes, some people get a reaction from tattoo inks.