How often is someone allergic to tattoo ink?

fried_tc: How often is someone allergic to tattoo ink?
I’m just wondering, as I’ve been considering getting my first tattoo sometime soon. Is it common or not really common?

My skin is somewhat sensitive to plant dyes, but I don’t know about any other kinds of dyes or inks. Does this have any relation to how sensitive your skin will be with tattoo inks?

Also, what’s a good way to judge how good a tattoo shop is? I have asked around, but I ended up with a bunch of names of artists and places. I just don’t know how to narrow it down at all.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Stasha-Pistachio
It happens, but its kinda rare considering ow many people get tattoos. Its mostly red and then yellow. And most are pretty weak reactions, dissappearing entirely when healed, or just playing up when its hot. And antihistimine cream normally clears up the symptoms.
There are more serious reactions though.

Its hard to gauge what you will/won’t be allergic to. Different companies use different ingredients, and they aren’t required to publish them. Talk to your tattoo artist, and consider what colours you more often react to.

As for the good shops. Use your common sense, check its clean, the people have a good attitude, ready to answer questions. Ask about the autoclave and sterile environment. Check they conform to whatever local laws you have. And check portfolios, look for work in a style you want. Tattooists often have a speciality, use it. And don’t let the price sway your decision (unless its obviously very very overpriced) Recommendations are a good way of finding a good shop, but some people seem to have very low standards!

Answer by Ann S
It’s very rare, but make sure you talk about it with your tattoo artist.

Answer by Inkslinger
It really is uncommon. We don’t see an allergic reaction but maybe once a year, and we’re a high volume studio. Our shop owner says that it’s approximately 0.5% of the population. Look at portfolios, you’ll find the artist you want.