In the tattoo industry, everyone likes to keep their “tricks to the trade” as closely guarded secrets, and their opinions on the best tattoo inks are no different, but not us! We took the time to put together an in-depth guide on the best tattoo inks money can buy, and how they will help you take your game to the next level.
If we’re trying to put out the best tattoos we can, we have to start tattooing with the best tattoo ink brands! Usually, that means you’re going to spend a few extra dollars for the good stuff, but when you think about it, in the long run, high-quality ink pays for itself—better-looking tattoos means more referrals, which means more money in your pocket!
Best Tattoo Inks to Use
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink | • Affordable Price • Runs smooth • Color stays true and last long | CHECK PRICE |
 | Intenze Tattoo Ink | • Best tattoo ink for tribals • One of the blackest inks on the market • A really safe high-quality ink | CHECK PRICE |
 | Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink | • Vegan Ink • Made in the U.S.A. • Easy to work with | CHECK PRICE |
 | Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink | • Authentic and hygienic • Long lasting color • Premium quality | CHECK PRICE |
So what are the best ink brands available? We looked at tons, but ultimately it came down to three. When we were grading the inks we took into account: how much tattoo artists loved them, their reputation, and their quality, and found that the best inks you can buy are Intenze Tattoo ink, Kuro Sumi, and Bloodline by Skin Candy Tattoo Ink.
You can’t go wrong with any of these inks, heck, we suggest you keep all of these inks on hand. They all are great at different things, and, like any good tattoo ink, they all have their own unique qualities that they bring to the table.
1. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink
Kuro Sumi Ink is some of the very best outlining ink money can buy! The ink goes in black as the night and refuses to fade to grey! It’s an easy to use great long-lasting ink, that will leave your clients very happy!
Kuro Sumi is different from all of the other inks here, it’s the only ink that isn’t really thick, meaning if you want it to pack in color, you’re going to need to thicken it up with some glycol. The reason why Kuro Sumi won editors choice is simple; you are are going to get a lot more really high-quality ink for your money! You can read the full review here.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Runs smooth
- Color stays true and last long
Cons
- The bottle is not ideal
- A little on the thin side
Read More: 13 Best Tattoo Cartridges to Buy in 2023
2. Intenze Tattoo Ink
Intenze Ink is probably the best tattoo ink you can find, and their Zuper Black is some of their best stuff. It’s a high-quality black tattoo ink that, not only is extremely black, but also, extremely sterile! Intenze Ink has made its goal is to make the safest tattoo ink in the world. Also, the ink was tested and developed with some of the top tattoo artists in the world, with safety and the tattoo artist in mind.
Intenze Ink is the favorite brand of many tattoo artists and is probably the best tattoo ink out there. Their Zuper Black ink is hands down the best ink out there for tribals, and it’s all thanks to it being as black as it gets and being crazy thick. You can read the full review here.
Pros
- Best tattoo ink for tribals
- One of the blackest inks on the market
- A really safe high-quality ink
Cons
- Not ideal for outlining
3. Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink
Skin Candy Tattoo Ink, also known as Bloodline, is a thick tattoo ink that’s a really great ink for packing in ink. Made in the U.S.A. Skin candy Tattoo Ink is a high-quality vegan ink. That means it’s great for people who may have allergies!
Skin Candy Tattoo Ink makes the best vegan tattoo ink there is. It’s great to work with, and starts off thick so you can really manipulate its shade to your will with ease. Read the full review here.
Pros
- Vegan Ink
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Easy to work with
Cons
- High price point
4. Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink
Dynamic is not a name that needs any introduction in the tattoo community. And their black tattoo ink offering is along the same line as well. It is a premium quality product that offers a guaranteed solution with the most impressive pigment content in the market. Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink ensures that the user gets a smooth flow rate and precise, detailed work in their outline and shading. In addition, Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink is an affordable offering and the default choice for tattoo artists around the globe.
Pros
- A cost-effective solution
- Offer a smooth flow rate
- Time tested solutions with reliable healing
- Bold, bright, and long-lasting colors
Cons
- Difficult for one to get their hands on
Things to Consider Before Buying Tattoo Ink
When purchasing tattoo ink, it is vital to consider a few key factors to ensure that you get high-quality ink that will result in a beautiful and long-lasting tattoo.
1. Quality
Look for inks that are made by reputable manufacturers and are free of contaminants. Avoid inks that are made with unknown ingredients or have a questionable manufacturing process.
2. Pigments
Different pigments can affect the color and longevity of a tattoo, so it is essential to research the types of pigments used in ink before purchasing.
3. Sterilization
Ensure the ink has been adequately sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
4. Brand Reputation
Look into the brand’s reputation in the tattoo industry, check the reviews and ask other tattoo artists about the brand.
5. Affordability
Tattoo ink can be expensive, so balancing cost and quality is crucial. Do not compromise on quality just to save a few dollars.
6. Compatibility With Your Machine
It is important to check if the ink is compatible with your device. Some inks may require a different needle size or machine type to work effectively.
By considering these factors, you can purchase high-quality tattoo ink that will lead to beautiful and long-lasting tattoos.
Also Read: 7 Best UV Tattoo Ink to Buy in 2023 {Expert’s Choice}
Frequently Asked Questions For Tattoo Ink
Yes, it is safe to use tattoo ink as long as it is from a reputable source and the tattoo artist is adequately trained and licensed. It’s essential to use high-quality ink that is free of contaminants and has been appropriately sterilized.
Pigments are the actual colored substances that make up tattoo ink. In contrast, ink is the liquid carrier that suspends the pigments. The type of ink and pigments used can affect the color and longevity of the tattoo.
The longevity of tattoo ink can vary depending on factors such as the type of ink used, the placement of the tattoo, and the individual’s skin type. On average, tattoos can last anywhere from 10-30 years, with some fading or color loss over time.
It’s essential to properly care for your tattoo weeks after getting inked to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. It includes keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and avoiding picking or scratching the tattooed area.
Never Stop Searching For Good Tattoo Ink!
The one thing that all the top brands have in common is they all have a reputation of not fading. This is a big one.
Both being high quality and not fading will not only help you turn out better work, but it will help you retain loyal clients. Loyal clients not only come back for more work but send you referrals through word of mouth.
There are a ton of great tattoo inks out there. In fact, there are so many choices it can become a little overwhelming at times. The key to finding the best inks is to always keep searching for that next great ink. There are new inks being introduced every day, you don’t want to get left in the dust by other tattoo artists!
The inks you prefer are always going to change, and they are going to be different for every kind of tattoo you do. So it’s important to know what a particular ink excels at. If you understand the qualities of an ink then you will be able to use it to its full potential, allowing you to put out the best tattoos you possibly can.
All of the top makes are going to have a handful of things in common. They’re not going to be the cheapest inks out there first of all, but with tattoo inks, you get what you pay for. And when you are dealing with putting a permanent piece of artwork on another person’s body, you should never even mess around with ink that isn’t high quality!
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