In a world where moral choices matter more than ever, even the art of getting the body inked has evolved to align with human values. Vegan tattoos, a growing trend, prioritize cruelty-free, animal-friendly product usage throughout the process.
In this guide, we will explore the world of vegan tattooing with the best tattoo artists in Chicago, from the ink to the aftercare, and provide you with all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision about your next inking.
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Are Tattoos Vegan?
Not all ingredients and tools used in the tattooing process are vegan. For example, to create black pigments, traditional tattoo ink often contains animal ingredients such as glycerin from animal fat or bone char. Besides, the transfer paper, razors, and soaps used in preparation and aftercare also can contain animal products or are created with the use of animal testing.
This information raises ethical problems for individuals who choose to follow a vegan lifestyle or those who wish to make environmentally aware choices. So, vegan tattoos (known as ethical tattoos as well) stand out in the inking world by emphasizing animal-friendly products and practices.
How to Know if the Products Are Vegan?
The most common question people who are interested in this theme are considering is to ensure that the products used are vegan.
Tattoo parlors that specialize in cruelty-free tattoos place a high value on using vegan merchandise. However, it’s crucial to prove this by asking about the inks, transfer paper, razors, and soaps used in the process. It’s always a good practice to confirm the specifics, particularly if you have precise concerns or preferences.
Also, if a tattoo parlor has a label ‘vegan-friendly’ or ‘cruelty-free’, it’s a sign that they use vegan products.
Vegan Tattoo Ink
At the heart of every tattoo lies the ink, making it an essential element in determining whether it’s vegan. Traditional ones can contain animal by-products, but vegan tattoo ink has no animal ingredients or testing. They use pigments made from synthetic or plant-based sources. It offers the same deep and long-lasting colors as traditional ink, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on the aesthetics of your tattoo.
Moreover, vegan ink creators often prioritize environmentally friendly practices and biodegradable packaging, reducing their ecological imprint.
List of Brands That Create Vegan Tattoo Ink
To help you choose your vegan tattoo, here’s a list of some respectable vegan ink brands:
- Eternal Ink: Favorite among many vegan tattoo artists for its extensive range of vibrant colors.
- Fusion Ink: It is celebrated for its smooth consistency and high-quality colors, making it a top choice for tattoo artists worldwide.
- Starbrite Colors: Offers a variety of coloring and is appreciated for its comfort of application and trustworthy performance.
- Intenze Ink: Famous for its consistent color quality and striking shades, artists trust it.
- World Famous Tattoo Ink: This brand is known for its versatility and high-quality pigments, making it appropriate for various tattoo styles.
Vegan Tattoo Transfer Paper
Transfer paper is one of the basic tools to trace the design onto your skin before tattooing.
Traditional materials may contain animal-derived waxes or other non-vegan ingredients. Vegan tattoo transfer paper is specially designed without animal products, ensuring a vegan experience.
Vegan Razors
Tattoo preparation is a vital part of the process. Razors are used to shave the area where the drawing will be placed. Non-vegan razors contain animal-derived glycerin or are tested on animals. Vegan razors are designed with ethical approaches, omitting animal ingredients and cruelty-free testing procedures.
Vegan Tattoo Soaps
Proper preparation and aftercare often involve soaps to maintain hygiene and protect the freshly tattooed skin. They may contain animal-based ingredients or have been tested on animals.
Plant-based materials formulate vegan tattoo soaps and are not associated with animal cruelty. Using vegan soaps during the process and aftercare ensures that every step of the process aligns with your ethical values.
Vegan Tattoo Aftercare Products
Care is essential to guarantee that the tattoo heals well and maintains its vibrancy. Vegan aftercare products have gained popularity for their commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. They provide the necessary care without compromising your ethical standards.
Some popular vegan tattoo aftercare products include:
- Vegan Tattoo Creams and Lotions: Moisturize the tattooed area and promote healing without animal-derived ingredients.
- Vegan Sunscreen: Protect your tattoo from the sun’s harmful UV rays to maintain its colors and prevent fading.
- Vegan Tattoo Soothing Balms: Reduce itching and irritation, providing relief during the healing process. They contain plant-based ingredients that are gentle to your skin.
- Vegan Tattoo Wash: Clean the tattooed area without causing irritation or harming animals.
- Vegan Tattoo Ointments: Protect your tattoo during the initial healing stage, creating a barrier against external contaminants.
In Summary
Choosing a vegan tattoo ensures that your ink is not only a beautiful expression of your identity, but also a compassionate choice that aligns with your ethical beliefs. Vegan tattoo artists and parlors are committed to using products free from animal by-products and cruelty, from the ink to the aftercare. By deciding to do it vegan, you can wear your art with pride, knowing it respects your values and the well-being of animals and the planet.
So, the next time you’re considering a new tattoo, why not take the natural, ethical route and explore the world of vegan tattoos?
