Pigment
The colouring agent in tattoo ink. Different pigments have different properties — some are more stable in skin, some are brighter, some fade faster. Black is the most stable.
In detail
Red pigments can cause allergic reactions in some people. Yellow and white pigments fade faster than darker colours. Inorganic pigments (iron oxides for blacks and reds) tend to be more stable than organic pigments. High-quality ink manufacturers use well-tested pigment formulations.
See also
Ink (tattoo)
Pigmented fluid injected into the dermis during tattooing. Modern tattoo inks use synthetic pigments suspended in a carrier solution. Single-use ink caps are standard practice.
Saturation
The density and vibrancy of ink in a tattooed area. Fully saturated areas are rich and opaque; under-saturated areas appear thin or patchy.
Laser Removal
A medical procedure that uses laser energy to break down tattoo pigment into particles small enough for the body's immune system to eliminate.