The Truth About Vegan Tattoos
Hello Everyone! In today’s blog, I will dive into the topic of Vegan Tattoos. This post aims to be informative and to bust some myths. Do you really think that some tattoo inks contain animal products? Is there a need for distinction? By the end of this article, I hope you’ll see the marketing angle behind this trendy label and won’t be easily swayed. Let’s get started!
Vegan Tattoos
In recent years, the terms “Vegan” and “Vegetarian” have gained immense popularity. This shift is driven by increasing awareness of animal rights, the significant environmental harm caused by the meat industry, and many other factors. There’s no need to delve deeper into these issues, as we’re all familiar with them. Consequently, many companies have begun promoting “VEGAN” products. This is a wonderful trend that helps reduce animal suffering, and it’s highly commendable.
What Does Veganism Mean?
In a broader context, veganism encompasses:
- Diet: A plant-based diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Consumer Products: Avoiding products made from animals (like leather, wool, and silk) and those tested on animals.
- Ethical Considerations: Advocacy against animal cruelty and exploitation.
Were There Ever Non-Vegan Tattoos?
When I first noticed tattoo products being labeled “VEGAN” and artists claiming to create “VEGAN” tattoos, my critical thinking kicked in. Were there ever non-vegan tattoos? Let’s examine the components used in the tattooing process:
- Needles: Steel and plastic (cartridges) – Always 100% vegan.
- Gloves: Always 100% vegan.
- Paper Towels: Always 100% vegan.
- Tattoo Soap: For at least 15 years, almost all soaps have been vegan.
- Tattoo Machine: Always 100% vegan.
- Vaseline: Always 100% vegan.
- Tattoo Ink: For at least the last 10 years, most inks have been vegan. In the past, some colorful inks may have contained animal components, but black inks were typically made from soot or carbon black, which are plant-based. In Europe, since 2022, strict “REACH” regulations prohibit ink producers from using animal products and heavy metals. These regulations are checked by the GGD, so if you go to a professional studio, there’s no need to worry.
- Tattoo Artist: Probably the only non-vegan component! 🙂
Only some aftercare creams may not be 100% Vegan, but it is a client’s choice to pick the one that work for them, and there are plenty options to choose from. Both Vegan and non-vegan. However, the choice is made after the session, so it should not be our main concern.
Interesting, isn’t it?
As artists, we should indeed raise awareness about treating animals ethically and avoiding products tested in cruel ways. We can express our values differently. For instance, musician MOBY has two large tattoos with the phrase “ANIMAL RIGHTS” on his arms. That’s a powerful statement, but he doesn’t market his vinyl records or concert tickets as “VEGAN.”
Labeling tattoos as “VEGAN” can sometimes feel like an empty slogan that doesn’t make much difference.
That’s all for today, my friends. Thank you for your time!
Simon
Tattoos that matter – for people who care
Hello Everyone! In today’s blog, I will dive into the topic of Vegan Tattoos. This post aims to be informative and to bust some myths. Do you really think that some tattoo inks contain animal products? Is there a need for distinction? By the end of this article, I hope you’ll see the marketing angle behind this trendy label and won’t be easily swayed. Let’s get started!
Vegan Tattoos
In recent years, the terms “Vegan” and “Vegetarian” have gained immense popularity. This shift is driven by increasing awareness of animal rights, the significant environmental harm caused by the meat industry, and many other factors. There’s no need to delve deeper into these issues, as we’re all familiar with them. Consequently, many companies have begun promoting “VEGAN” products. This is a wonderful trend that helps reduce animal suffering, and it’s highly commendable.
What Does Veganism Mean?
In a broader context, veganism encompasses:
- Diet: A plant-based diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Consumer Products: Avoiding products made from animals (like leather, wool, and silk) and those tested on animals.
- Ethical Considerations: Advocacy against animal cruelty and exploitation.
Were There Ever Non-Vegan Tattoos?
When I first noticed tattoo products being labeled “VEGAN” and artists claiming to create “VEGAN” tattoos, my critical thinking kicked in. Were there ever non-vegan tattoos? Let’s examine the components used in the tattooing process:
- Needles: Steel and plastic (cartridges) – Always 100% vegan.
- Gloves: Always 100% vegan.
- Paper Towels: Always 100% vegan.
- Tattoo Soap: For at least 15 years, almost all soaps have been vegan.
- Tattoo Machine: Always 100% vegan.
- Vaseline: Always 100% vegan.
- Tattoo Ink: For at least the last 10 years, most inks have been vegan. In the past, some colorful inks may have contained animal components, but black inks were typically made from soot or carbon black, which are plant-based. In Europe, since 2022, strict “REACH” regulations prohibit ink producers from using animal products and heavy metals. These regulations are checked by the GGD, so if you go to a professional studio, there’s no need to worry.
- Tattoo Artist: Probably the only non-vegan component! 🙂
Only some aftercare creams may not be 100% Vegan, but it is a client’s choice to pick the one that work for them, and there are plenty options to choose from. Both Vegan and non-vegan. However, the choice is made after the session, so it should not be our main concern.
Interesting, isn’t it?
As artists, we should indeed raise awareness about treating animals ethically and avoiding products tested in cruel ways. We can express our values differently. For instance, musician MOBY has two large tattoos with the phrase “ANIMAL RIGHTS” on his arms. That’s a powerful statement, but he doesn’t market his vinyl records or concert tickets as “VEGAN.”
Labeling tattoos as “VEGAN” can sometimes feel like an empty slogan that doesn’t make much difference.
That’s all for today, my friends. Thank you for your time!
Simon
Tattoos that matter – for people who care
