Why are Coloured tattoos being banned?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on May 15, 2026
The European Union (EU) has effectively outlawed the use of colored inks in tattoos from Tuesday citing health concerns. Officials say that around 4,000 chemicals used in the inks can cause “cancer or genetic mutations.” However, the decision is being opposed by tattoo artists and their customers.
Is color tattoo ink being banned?
Coloured tattoo inks are set to be banned in the European Union from 4 January, 2022. Around 4,000 chemical substances used in the production of permanent make-up and coloured inks, will be outlawed from 4 January, according to The Independent.Why are red ink tattoos getting banned?
'Genetic mutations and cancer'The European Chemical Agency, which helped draft the new legislation, says the inks can be hazardous, causing "skin allergies and other more serious health impacts, such as genetic mutations and cancer".
What's wrong with colored tattoos?
Colored inks can contain lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and titanium. These metals can trigger allergic reactions and potentially lead to disease.Why is the UK banning colored tattoos?
Why are coloured tattoos being banned? The reason for the ban comes down to the chemicals found in the coloured ink used for tattoos. The EU's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) had 4,000 chemicals typically used in colourful tattoo ink prohibited in January 2020.The Tattoo Ink Ban & Why Its So Dangerous
Is it a good idea to get a colored tattoo?
If you want a tattoo as bright as your personality, then color is the way to go. Several tattoo schools naturally gravitate to colorwork: Old School Traditional, New School, Watercolor, Japanese, and Illustrative are all styles that lend themselves well to color.What is the safest tattoo color?
Black remains safest. Blue and green inks with copper phthalocyanine pigments are safe too.What is the most painful tattoo color?
White highlights are more painful than other parts of the tattoo process because white ink requires several passes to be saturated. Unlike black, white has a difficult time showing up and an artist may need to be more heavy handed when applying the highlights.Is tattoo illegal in Ireland?
There has been a large increase in the number of tattoo and piercing parlours across the country. However, Ireland has no specific legislation on the regulation of tattooing and body piercing businesses.Are Colour tattoos more painful?
So, Do Color Tattoos Hurt More? Generally speaking, ink color doesn't determine the amount of pain you'll feel. The color simply doesn't have to do anything with the pain of the tattoo.Is red tattoo ink cancerous?
Abstract. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces skin cancer. The combination of UVR and red tattoos may be associated with increased risk of skin cancer due to potential carcinogens in tattoo inks.Can tattoos be white?
White ink tattoos are totally done in white ink. They are delicate and subtle and challenging to be identified. The tattoos are not very much identifiable because the white ink under your skin is not prominent. Though, it is important to note that it is difficult to make a white ink tattoo design for the tattoo artist.Are tattoos illegal in UK?
The UK prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to have a tattoo, and any artist found to do so will be prosecuted and fined, so, it's imperative you always ask for proof of age and to include a copy in a consent form.Are face tattoos illegal UK?
New rules now permit personnel to have tattoos on their eyebrows, neck and hands. But single tattoos on hands are allowed only if they can be covered by a ring.What countries do not allow tattoos?
Countries Where Tattoos Are Still Taboo
- Japan. Japan has long been an inspiration for tattoos. ...
- Iran. In 2015, tattoos were outright banned in Iran along with artificial tans and spiked hair. ...
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) In the UAE, tattoos are considered a form of harming one's body or temple. ...
- Turkey. ...
- China. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Sri Lanka.