From Novice to Inked: Insider Secrets for First-Time Tattoo Enthusiasts

There are a bunch of new colors and tattoo techniques on offer – neons, bright shades, memorial tats where you can blend in a piece of a loved one's ashes (don't judge; everyone grieves differently). But how far is it? Take a look:

What are the safest colors?
Neon skin inks are loaded with chemicals and mercury. Red is probably the worst, as it also contains highly toxic iron oxide and cadmium.
But, if you really want to get a permanent tattoo—stick with the basics. Black remains the safest. Blue and green inks with copper phthalocyanine pigments are also safe. Laser and Cosmetic Physician Dr. Amit Karkhanis says that some pearls mix their own inks, but it's generally safe to use branded inks that list their ingredients.

Are there any natural alternatives?
Some tattoo studios have yellows and blues that are turmeric- and indigo-based. There are other dyes that are naturally derived, but there are also many that make false claims, so always check the ingredients.

Be careful and plan well!
Skin tone is important when planning a tattoo. Because melanin acts as a filter, bright colors like reds, sky blues and yellows won't show up as you'd expect – says Ritoprio Saha, founder of Trippink Tattoo Studio in Bengaluru. For dark skin tones, most shades of black and green work well.

What are the best and worst places to get a tattoo?
Muscular parts of the body—upper arms, calves, back—are good places to get a tattoo, says Dr. The manufacturer says. Avoid areas where the skin stretches such as the wrists, elbows or crease lines near the knees. "It will take longer to heal because the skin here is constantly stretched," he adds. Also, avoid hands and feet. Constant and direct exposure to sun, soap and water will make healing difficult and may cause the tattoo to fade.