A tattoo machine.
When an inkless tattoo machine is used, the resulting mark on the client is known as an inkless tattoo. Depending on how the tattoo is cared for, it will turn into a subtle scar that will completely fade in about a year. There are numerous reasons to opt for inkless tattoos, and several tattoo shops offer them, although they may not advertise the service.
Many tattoo shops offer inkless tattoos, although they may not advertise the service.
A tattoo machine uses a vibrating motor to drive needles into the skin thousands of times per minute. When the needles are dipped in ink, the result is a tattoo. When the needles are “dry,” they create a wound that is essentially a series of puncture marks. For an inkless tattoo, the artist goes over the design several times to ensure even coverage, and the client is given specific aftercare instructions based on how they want the tattoo to look.
People getting tattoos in states that don’t regulate tattoo facilities must wait 12 months before donating blood.
The process of getting a tattoo without ink is similar to getting a tattoo with ink. The client will still feel the pain and subsequent release of endorphins involved in the tattoo and will be left with a mark that has personal meaning. Sterile tools are used all the time in professional shops to ensure the tattoo doesn’t get infected. Getting this type of tattoo can be more painful since without ink the tattoo needle is not lubricated.
Applying an anesthetic cream to the area to be tattooed can help reduce the pain associated with the tattoo.
When people get inked tattoos, they are given aftercare instructions that encourage quick and gentle healing, and these instructions are meant to prevent scarring, as a scar can disfigure a tattoo. In the case of an inkless tattoo, clients are instructed to abuse the tattoo by taking the scab that will form and allowing it to dry to encourage scar formation. Within a few weeks, the tattoo will have created a distinct scar that fades in less than a year, most of the time.
For people who want to experience a tattoo without permanence, an inkless tattoo is a great option. These designs are also easy to hide as they are less bold than ink tattoos, which concerns people in some industries. Some people also enjoy the fading and healing process; for example, the tattoo may commemorate a death or a major life event, and the fading of the tattoo signals a transition for the client.
Not all tattoo artists will get tattoos without ink, and not all tattoo artists are the same. If you’re interested in buying one, ask a friendly tattoo shop who can recommend a shop if they don’t. You may also hear an inkless tattoo called a “body print,” so you may want to ask about both names.