Phil Pagdin, who operates a laser tattoo removal business in Adelaide, has noticed a troubling trend: a surge in tattoos done using home tattoo kits purchased online.
Pagdin has seen many unusual tattoos, but the rise of these kits has brought in more concerning cases. “I’ve had to laser off tattoos done with biro ink, printer ink, household paint, and even ash from bonfires,” he said.
Phil and his brother Stu, a professional tattoo artist, share the same shop. They both worry about the health risks posed by equipment sold by unregistered sellers.
Stu highlighted the lack of “quality control or sterilisation” in many online tattoo kits. “You can just order everything you need and start tattooing at home,” he said.
A brief search online shows numerous home tattoo kits available for less than $100.
Chris Rand, national treasurer of the Professional Tattooing Association of Australia (PTAA), warned that many pigments sold online are “not suitable for tattooing.” He emphasized that professional pigments come with medical safety data sheets, ingredient lists, batch numbers, and expiry dates—details often missing from unregistered sellers.
Rand explained that without proper training, it’s hard to tell the difference between high-quality and poor-quality supplies.
Pagdin has witnessed various issues with “backyard” tattoos, including severe scarring and inadequate tattoo care. “Lack of knowledge about sterilisation and proper skin preparation can lead to serious problems,” he said. He also noted that untrained individuals often struggle to control the tattoo machine and the depth of needle penetration.
Removing these tattoos is challenging, especially for younger clients. “I’ve seen kids as young as 13 or 14 needing removals,” Pagdin said. “If the laser can’t target the ink, the tattoo might not be removable until they are older.”
Despite the higher cost of professional tattoos, Pagdin pointed out the benefits, such as guaranteed use of reputable equipment, business insurance, and proper medical waste disposal.
Pagdin strongly advises tattoo enthusiasts to seek professional artists for their tattoos. “For a nice-looking tattoo, you should go to the professionals,” he said.