Getting a tattoo can be painful. Traditional tattoo machines repeatedly push needles into the same areas of the skin to insert ink.
UK-based startup Cipher X has developed a different method that it claims can create permanent tattoos with almost no pain.
The company’s CEO, Ferdinand Cole, came up with the idea because of his fear of blood and needles.
Cole wanted to change the traditional tattooing process. He focused on microneedling technology, which has been used in cosmetic treatments for years.
“What began as a personal question has evolved into a much larger exploration of how tattoos can be reimagined through modern engineering, manufacturing, and human-centered design,” Cole wrote in a recent press release.
Cipher X uses small patches covered with microscopic structures containing pigment.
A specially designed applicator places the patch on the skin. The patch must remain there for about 15 minutes to release the pigment into the upper layers of the skin.
The design appears faint at first. It becomes darker and clearer within 24 to 48 hours as the pigment settles.
The process may look like applying a temporary tattoo sticker, but the result is permanent. A laser would be needed to remove it, just like a traditional tattoo.
However, the technology has some limitations.
The tattoos are very small because each design must fit inside a circular space measuring only 15 millimetres across.
Cipher X currently offers simple designs such as hearts and emojis. The company plans to work with tattoo artists to introduce custom designs.
Customers can only choose black ink at the moment. The company has not confirmed whether other colours will become available.
This means customers cannot use the technology to get large designs such as full-sleeve tattoos.
For now, the service is only available at Cipher X’s location in London. It could appeal to people who want a small permanent tattoo but fear needles or cannot tolerate the pain of traditional tattooing.
