How does ink really get into the skin?
You may have learned that we implant pigment by pushing ink into the skin. As such your technique may be primarily driven by better ways to push ink into the skin, however this is not the mechanism by which ink gets into the skin! Read more to see exactly how and what you can do as an artist to influence saturation.
Tattooing involves injecting ink into the skin's dermis layer, which is below the epidermis. Capillary action plays a significant role in this process. Here's how it works:
Needle Penetration: Tattoo needles are designed to penetrate the skin's surface, creating tiny punctures (holes). These needles typically penetrate to a depth of about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch (1.5 to 3 mm) into the dermis layer.
Ink Dispersion: When the needle penetrates the skin, it creates a pathway (hole) for the ink to enter. The ink is typically held in a reservoir or cartridge connected to the tattoo machine and as the needle moves up and down, it dispenses ink along the surface of the skin! NOT directly into the hole!
Capillary Action: Capillary action is the tendency of liquids to move through narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, such as gravity. In tattooing, capillary action is responsible for drawing the ink into the tiny punctures created by the needle. Can you believe that? We do not inject ink into the skin! Rather we create the holes, and an external force is truly responsible for getting the ink into the hole we create once our needle retracts.
Okay…and what’s next?
Skin Absorption: Once the ink is dispensed into the dermis, it spreads out and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue. Capillary action helps distribute the ink evenly throughout the punctured area, ensuring that the tattoo design is clear and well-defined.
Healing Process: After the tattooing process is complete, the body's natural healing mechanisms come into play. The skin works to close the punctures created by the needle, trapping the ink within the dermis. Over time, the ink becomes embedded in the skin, resulting in a visible tattoo.
Note: While capillary action plays a significant role in distributing the ink within the skin, other factors such as the depth of needle penetration, the viscosity of the ink, and the skill of the tattoo artist also influence the final outcome of the tattoo.
Now that we know this…..how can I increase the likeliness of the maximium about of ink getting into the hole we create?
Decrease friction and surface tension as pigment glides off of the skin: Advise clients to use silicon based moisturizers prior to service. Petroleum based products are advised against as they increase friction and surface tension.
Holding needs at an angle less than 90 degrees: I know this one is contrary to everything you have ever learned, but in doing so you create a “hole” that is more elliptical in shape. This allows 1.) Ink to “run into” the hole at a faster pace and 2.) Ensures the needle hits less tissue underneath the skin. In this way, the you achieve greater suction yielding….you guessed...greater saturation in to the hole.
Our services are all about providing the lest invasive services in the best way possible. By changing your technique to be more focused on the impression (hole) you leave in the skin you can achieve greater saturation and an overall better outcome for your clients.