15 Best Black Tattoo Inks Of 2024
Get creative and have a long-lasting tattoo with high-pigmented and amazing black ink.
Bianca Lorena Saldes is a Registered Cosmetic Nurse and Esthetic Educator with over five years of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in anti-aging treatments, and she aims to help individuals feel confident and look their best. Bianca specializes in dermal fillers and thread procedures and is considered one of the top injectors in the industry.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Have you been looking for the best black tattoo ink? Well, your wait ends here. Tattoos are one of the most elegant and expressive of all art forms, and if you are someone with a knack for body art, you should know that it needs prime quality ink. Inserting ink into your skin can be tricky, and using just any ink can lead to many health and skin problems. While you would choose the best for your skin, it can sometimes be overwhelming as the market is full of brands promising to be the best. Black ink is the most in-demand color for tattoos, and no matter what your skin tone is, a statement-making black tattoo will play contrast on your skin and make it look absolutely gorgeous.
Bianca Lorena Saldes, a registered cosmetic nurse, explains, “Black inks can last up to 10 years, due to their chemical composition, is a more stable choice than coloured ink – being fade resistant and more longevity. It takes less time, and generally is less costly than color – not needing layers and shading work that colors do.”
Here are the 15 best tattoo inks available in the market that will make your tattoo last longer and give a deep pigment to your body art.
In This Article
Why Do You Need A Good Black Tattoo Ink?
Black tattoo ink is an essential product in every tattoo artist’s kit. It is richly pigmented and can also darken other colors effectively and quickly for exceptional results. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a novice, a black tattoo ink is as important to a tattoo artist as a cooking tool is for a chef. That is why it is important that you invest in a good black tattoo ink.
Let’s now take a look at the best black tattoo inks available online.
15 Best Black Tattoo Inks Of 2024
1. Best For Safety:Stigma True Black Tattoo Ink
The Stigma True Black Tattoo Ink contains a high concentration of pigment. It is a durable, safe color that easily absorbs into your skin. This easy-to-use, professional black tattoo ink enables easy layering and efficient delivery. It also has professional testing reports and CE certificates. Reviewers love its no-smudge formula and great texture, giving the color a vibrant glow. Additionally, the color does not fade easily.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Layers easily
- Fade-resistant
- Durable
- Highly pigmented
- Value for money
- Big size
Cons
- Might cause allergies in some
2. Best Skin-Friendly:Bloodline All Purpose Black Ink
If you are looking for a tattoo inkthat does not turn greenish over time, this product by Bloodline is the perfect choice! It has a very thick texture, which makes it suitable for different purposes like outlining and tribal tattoos. This dynamic black color is visible on black skin and other such dark skin tones. It is also skin-friendly and does not cause any allergic reactions like regular tattoo inks. Reviewers hail this as the perfect dark shade that shows up on any skin tone and wipes away easily without stains.
Pros
- Adjustable shade
- Highly pigmented
- Good fragrance
- Does not change color
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- None
"This tattoo ink offers deep pigmentation. It lasts a long time on my skin, and I don't need to do frequent touch-ups. The color is resistant to fading. It is also easy to apply and gives a consistent black tone for even outlining."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,644 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Pre-Dispersed Ink:Dynamic Color Co. BLK(BLACK) Tattoo Ink
This high-quality pre-dispersed ink by Dynamic Color Co offers the most impressive pigmentation you can find on the market. It is well known for its smooth flow rate, which aids in precise detailing, outlining, and shading your tattoo. The ink is packed in a clear PET bottle, which is sterilized for extra safety. It gives you vivid results that heal fast and stay vibrant for the longest time. The ink is also ideal for ethically conscious consumers as it is not tested on animals. Watch this video showcasing a reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Richly pigmented
- Hypoallergenic
- Budget-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"I've been using Dynamic Ink for a while and love how it's respected among tattoo artists. It's super bright and works well for both shading and outlining, no matter what tattoo style I'm working on. It's a bit on the lighter side, so it flows easily, but that can take some getting used to. It hasn't let me down whether I'm doing my tattoos or helping friends get started."
| Stigma True Black Tattoo Ink | Bloodline All Purpose Black Ink | Dynamic Color Co. BLK(BLACK) Tattoo Ink | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Color | Black | Black | Black, 8oz |
| Number of Items | 1Color | - | - |
| Dimensions | - | 4 x 1 x 1 inches | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Weight | - | 1 Ounces | 8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 4,644 | 8,341 |
| Price | $13.99 | $11.99 | $21.5 |
4. Best Quickly Absorbs:World Famous Triple Blackout Tattoo Ink
The World Famous Triple Blackout Tattoo Ink is a super opaque color. It is formulated without glycerin and toxins. Reviewers on online forums recommend this easy-to-work and long-lasting black tattoo ink for its super thin consistency that quickly absorbs in your skin and makes your art pop. The color is skin-friendly and long-lasting, with an excellent flow rate. The black pigment of the quality tattoo ink is perfect for a professional tattoo artist to use. The product is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Easy to work
- Quick saturation
- Glycerin-free
- Sterilized
- Does not clog the cartridges
- Skin-friendly
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
Remember5. Best Perfect Consistency:Kuro Sumi Outline Black Tattoo Ink
This super black tattoo ink by Kuro Sumi has a unique molecular structure that provides bright and long-lasting color. It is best suited for creating outlines. The long-lasting formula is curated using Japanese tattoo tradition that is handed down through generations. Ideal for shading and balancing, this intense black tattoo ink has outstanding saturation and perfect consistency to create a detailed portrait and tribal or Samoan tattoo. It does not contain any harsh chemical ingredients. The organic pigment formula is carefully curated using traditional methods. Reviews on online forums recommend this product for not causing irritation to sensitive skin.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Non-irritating
- Pure, natural ingredients
- Long-lasting
- Chemical-free ink
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"As someone who loves bright and clearly defined tattoos, this tattoo ink is a blessing for me. I have finished the first bottle, and I am starting a second one. I easily penetrate the skin and stay super dark even after the skin is healed. One more reason why I love this product so much is because it is organic and cruelty-free."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,893 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
6. Best Darker Skin Tones:Dynamic Color Co. TBK (Triple Black) Tattoo Ink
The Dynamic tattoo inks are well known for their smooth flow, which aids in precise detailing, outlining, and shading of your tattoo work. This deep black tattoo ink is ideal for darker skin tones. It comes in a crystal clear PET bottle that is sterilized in heat for extra safety. It allows for excellent distribution and smooth shade, and one does not have to fear allergy from tattoo ink. Its vibrant pigment on darker skin complexion make it a favorite among American tattoo artists. Ethically conscious consumers favor this product as it does not condone animal testing.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Budget-friendly
- Precise application
- Speeds up healing
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"The Dynamic ink is a bright color. It applies seamlessly to my skin. The color heals nicely, and it lasts. I use it for lining and shading mostly. At times, I also use it to create a greywash effect on my skin. I like that it never itches my skin or causes redness."
7. Best Lightweight:Element Tattoo Inks Nighthawk Black
This super dark tattoo ink by Element Tattoo Supply is perfect for freehand stick and poke tattoos. It can also be used for perfectly shading and outlining your tattoos. The lightweight ink mixes well with any major brand of tattooing pigments (if needed). The top twist cap of this bottle has a seal lock to ensure safety. Several reviewers rave about its unique formula that quickens the healing time when tattooed correctly.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick healing
- Richly pigmented
- Mixes well with other pigments
Cons
- None
Did You Know?8. Best For Tattoo Artists:Millennium Mom’s Black Pearl Tattoo Outlining Ink
Get your hands on this recommended black tattoo ink by Millennium Moms that is tested for flow rate, consistency, and pigment life. The bold and deep color gives your tattoos a dark and clear black lining and can also be used for shading. The bottle comes with a tipped nozzle, which makes it convenient and easy to use. It contains pure colors, goes on super easily and has the perfect consistency. It enables a seamless application and gives you a bright color that is long-lasting and stays solid. Renowned tattoo artists such as Marcus Khun and Murphy use tattoo ink from this same brand. The dark black shade can also be used for tattooing rabbits and other livestock. It is one of the leading formulas on the market, is smooth and dark, and has impeccable fluidity. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- A little goes a long way
- Comes with a safety lock
Cons
- None
"This ink is great for doing outlines. It applies smoothly to my skin and heals into a dark tone. It is easy to work with as it never clumps or smudges. The best part is that it never irritates my skin."
9. Best Last Long One:Hawink Tattoo Ink – True Black
Although a new brand to the tattoo ink industry, Hawink’s water-based black tattoo ink has occupied a special place with its professional quality pigmented colors. The pigments are formulated for easy absorption and last long without fading. The water solubility allows for low consumption and easy coloring. It also blends well with other inks perfect for shading and lining, making it one of the best fade-resistant black tattoo inks. It is the perfect option if you are a beginner.
Pros
- Easy absorption
- Durable
- Highly water-soluble
- Highly pigmented
- Fade-proof formula
- Blends well
- Sterilized
Cons
- None
"I like this ink as it stays in place for months without fading. The color is vibrant and is blendable with other hues. It dries seamlessly on my skin and looks stunning. It never irritates my skin, and it is devoid of strong odors."
10. Best Vibrant Finish:Solong True Black Tattoo Ink
The trusted black tattoo ink brand Solong gives you a long-lasting and vibrant finish. It is smooth, skin-friendly, and does not cause allergies or irritations. The ink gives pure, homogenized pigment dispersion and can be used in manual tattoo pens as well as tattoo machines. The pigments are non-toxic and match a wide range of skin tones to create natural-looking tattoos The ink gets absorbed in the skin quickly and does not fade easily. It creates professional-quality tattoos.
Pros
- Skin-friendly
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Long-lasting impact
- Quick absorbing
- Matches many skin tones
- High pigment dispersion
- Budget-friendly
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"I'm really happy with this ink. It's nice and dark, which I love, and you get your money's worth. It works better for creating clean lines rather than shading. The applicator disperses the product evenly without clumping on my skin. The formula never irritates my skin as well."
11. Best Smoothly And Seamlessly:Allegory Premium Lining And Shading Black Ink
The versatility of being able to work on both shading and lining is what makes the Allegory Premium ink a solid choice for any artist. It contains liquid dispersed pigments created after consultation with scientists and tattoo artists. Depending on the type of tattoo, this solid black ink can be used and diluted directly from the bottle or mixed with water to obtain the desired shade. The formula goes on smoothly and seamlessly onto your skin without causing any irritation or allergic reactions.
Pros
- Vegan
- Skin-friendly
- Highly pigmented
- Hypoallergenic
- Smooth application
Cons
- None
"I've been pretty impressed with this ink—it heals up dark and stays bright. The ink looks great under sunlight and keeps its color well, so it is a solid pick for both my shop work and personal tattoos. I use it for lining and shading."
12. Best For Artistic Designs:Intenze Tattoo Ink Zuper Black
The Zuper Black Tattoo Ink by Intenze has a unique texture and is perfect for creating artistic designs. It comes in a tamper-proof bottle to keep accidents at bay. It is also hypoallergenic and does not cause any irritation to your skin. This ink is the ideal choice for ethically conscious artists as it is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for dark skin
- Sterile
- Tamper-proof design
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This ink is a dark black color, which I want in my tattoos. It has a thick consistency, so I need to thin it out slightly to create fine lines. The color remains vibrant for days. It also does not have a strong scent."
13. Best Purified Formula:World Famous Blackout Tattoo Ink
The World Famous Blackout Tattoo Ink is a glycerin-free, super opaque color. This safe black tattoo ink is easy to work with due to its thin consistency. It has a high pigment content and a good flow rate, allowing the ink to saturate quickly in your skin. Additionally, this fast-flowing, vibrant color lasts long and gives a solid blackwork. This formula is purified, then sealed in a crystal-flex, waterproof bottle.
Pros
- Glycerin-free
- Skin-safe
- Opaque
- Long-lasting
- Good flow rate
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof bottle
Cons
- Watery consistency
"This tattoo ink has a smooth consistency, which is ideal for my shading work. It adds depth and dimension to my tattoos. The color lasts a long time on my skin. It does not smudge even when I sweat. I recommend it to any beginner looking for some budget-friendly ink."
14. Best Concentrated Formula:STIGMA Tattoo Ink Black Shading 2 Stage Grey Wash Black
The STIGMA Tattoo Ink Black Shading 2 Stage Grey Wash Black delivers a high-quality pigment that is intense and can be used to achieve a smooth color graduation from gray to black. This jet-black tattoo ink has a concentrated formula which gives the tattoo professional-looking layers and a high color density to add depth and texture. The durable tattoo pigment is skin-safe, CE-certified, and has been tested by artists.
Pros
- Tested by professional
- Can be used for color graduation
- High-quality formula
- Intense pigment
- Easy to use
- Non-fading
Cons
- Thick consistency
15. Best For Smooth Textured:Starbrite Tribal Black Tattoo Ink
If you are looking for a smooth textured, consistent flowing ink for your tribal tattoos, this black ink by Starbrite is your go-to. The black ink tattoo is richly pigmented and offers vivid color saturation that lasts really long. It helps maintain the healing process without causing any irritation to the skin.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Good consistency
- Vegan
- Nickel-free
- Iron-free
Cons
- None
"This black tattoo ink helps me create delicate and detailed designs. When I use it for the stick-n-poke method, it helps me create dark outlines that enhance the fun of tattooing. I have observed that its color stays dark even after the skin has fully healed. It delivers these exceptional results without burning a hole in my pocket. I really recommend this high-performance tattoo ink if you are a beginner."
The next sections cover everything you need to know about tattoo inks – the ingredients, characteristics, and buying guide. Keep scrolling for more information.
What Ingredients Make Up The Best Tattoo Inks?
Black is the most commonly used tattoo ink. It contains natural pigments made from powdered jet, magnetite crystals, amorphous carbon, bone char, and wustite. The ingredients include carbon, iron oxide, sterilized water, ethyl alcohol, and logwood.
What Are The Characteristics Of The Best Tattoo Inks?
- The tattoo ink follows the safety, quality, and purity regulations of the US or EU standard.
- The ingredients are organic, vegan, and safe for the skin.
- The pigments are long-lasting and give you a solid design.
What To Look For In The Best Black Tattoo Ink?
- Purpose
Before you purchase a black tattoo ink, you must be aware of what it would be used for, the type of tattoo you want, and the category it falls under. From poke and stick to gray washing, lining, shading, and filling or tribal – the choices are many. Knowing what your ink will be used for gives you an idea of the category of ink you need to consider. Whether you are a famous tattoo artist or just a beginner, the purpose of using the ink is a must-know.
- Formula
The type of ink also plays a major part in the selection process. Vegan and quality organic tattoo inks are made from natural resources and plant-based ingredients like glycerin, while non-vegan inks might contain heavy metals that can be toxic. Also, sometimes, inks are tattoo specific. For example, an ink that is specifically designed for shading and lining cannot be used for tribal tattoos.
- Quality
Before choosing any ink, make sure that the formula is well pigmented and of high quality. Ultra-fine pigments can give you realistic-looking tattoos, as the ink does not blowout, clog, or splatter when the machine is in use. The level of tattoo care that you need to put in also depends on the quality aspect of the tattoo ink. As tattoos stay as a symbolic mark throughout your life, it is really important that you choose the best and safest tattoo ink brand.
- Consistency
There are no rules for this, but it is better to choose a black tattoo ink that is not too dry or too thick. The perfect consistency is choosing one between these two. If your ink seems watery, you can try shaking the bottle for the perfect consistency.
Infographic: How To Choose A Black Tattoo Ink For Your Next Tattoo
One of the most elegant tattoo colors that complements all skin tones is black. Due to the fact that it is fade-resistant, it is also a safe color. But how do you pick the best black tattoo ink when there are so many options? Check out this infographic to know which factors to consider. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Black tattoo inks are essential for every tattoo artist! Highly-pigmented black tattoo inks can offer seamless application and provide you with a long-lasting tattoo. Black tattoo inks also help in outlining, detailing, and shading the tattoos. The Stigma True Black Tattoo Ink offers easy layering and perfect texture, while the Bloodline All Purpose Black Ink can help you with intricate outlining and also tribal tattoos, and for black tattoo ink for the ultimate precision and shading, the Dynamic Color Co. BLK(BLACK) Tattoo Ink can be an apt pick. Choose tattoo inks that are expert-recommended, skin-friendly, and don’t cause added acne, itches, or allergic reactions to your skin. Moreover, it is better to use tattoo inks that are completely vegan and cruelty-free. Avoid the ones that come with chemically induced ingredients. Remember to perform a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy different black tattoo inks for different uses?
Yes, you need to have different tattoo inks for different purposes or styles. For instance, you may have to go for a lightweight and easy-to-work-with tattoo ink for cover-up tattoos. Therefore, there are different kinds of inks for different styles and purposes.
What if I develop a rash or allergy to tattoo ink?
If your skin develops a reaction after tattooing, it is most probably due to contaminated and unsterilized tattoo equipment. Sometimes, it may also be due to bad quality ink. Make sure to consult with your dermatologist in case of any allergy or rash.
Is vegan tattoo ink safer and better?
If your tattoo ink is vegan, it does not mean it is better or safer for you. But it is safer and better for the animal kingdom, and we suggest you make a guilt-free choice.
Will black tattoo ink cause a blowout effect?
The blowout effect depends on the artist’s grasp and not on the ink. Proper positioning and light pressure help you avoid it. If you press too hard on the client skin, it will cause a blowout effect even with the best ink in the market.
What’s the darkest tattoo ink?
The Nocturnal Premium Tattoo Ink is the darkest. The highly pigmented color has incredible fluidity and is formulated with completely organic ingredients.
How do you make black tattoo ink darker?
Use a medium cone needle to darken your black tattoo. Position the needle facing towards the horizontal of your skin. This will help you to get the most ink on the upper layer of your skin and achieve a darker tattoo.
How can I make my tattoo stay black?
• Always draw the tattoos in areas that will experience the least friction, for example, the back of your neck.
• Moisturize the areas thoroughly using a toxin-free moisturizer.
• Drink a lot of water to enrich your body with natural moisture.
• Cover your tattoo when out in the sun.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking reduces collagen production and affects skin elasticity. Once your skin becomes less elastic, the tattoo color starts fading.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author, is certified in makeup artistry and image consulting. She agrees that tattoos look best with intense color pigmentation, which is why she recommends using the above black tattoo inks. Each of these inks was checked and vetted out from other mediocre products. She poured over each of their product reviews on different forums to make this list. These inks were chosen based on shade variety, intense pigmentation, long-lasting effects, and more.
Read full bio of Bianca Lorena Saldes
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