If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you may have to consider the possibility that at some point it’s allure will wear off. Or it may conflict with your professional life, forcing you to constantly keep it hidden. In order to remove it, you may need to invest in laser tattoo removal. Multiple sessions are often needed.
Temporary tattoos can be a better alternative to permanent ink. They can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. However there are tips and tricks which can help extend their lifespan.
(1) apply petroleum jelly on the design before going swimming, showering or bathing
(2) dust and rub baby powder on the tattoo right after it was applied to absorb any body oils which may cause it to wear off sooner
(3) Shave and exfoliate the skin before applying the decal
What Types of Temporary Tattoos Are There?
Basically, there are three choices for getting tattoos which will come off on their own:
(1) press-on decals
(2) air brush tattoos
(3) henna tattoos
The decals are applied with the ink face down on the skin. And the backing is moistened with water and pressed (with the finger nail) so that it can separate from the ink. This is how the design is transferred. Individuals can choose to allow it to wear off on its own. Or they can wipe it off by applying baby oil to it, which is much easier than what laser tattoo removal entails.
Chanel carries a line of temporary press on tattoos which allow for artistic expression without the need for laser removal (photo:Flickr)*
Air brush tattoos are applied with stencils and an air gun. They often last under a week. But individuals can use rubbing alcohol if they wish to remove them sooner.
Henna is another type of temporary tattoo. The ink which comes from the henna plant is painted on the skin and acts like a stain. Coloration can range from reddish orange to brown. It is important to verify that the henna which is is being applied is pure, without additives.
One variation to be wary of is “black henna.” This is also referred to as pre-mixed henna which may contain carmine, silver nitrate, pyrogallol, disperse orange dye and chromium. The blackness of the ink is due to a toxic additive known as paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
What Are Semi-Permanent Tattoos?
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a 2006 study reveals that 36% of tattoo enthusiasts in America feel that getting a non-permanent design would be less appealing to them.
However, it is not always possible to really know how one would feel about their tattoo(s) years down the line. It is certainly common and natural to have a change of heart and seek the help of lasers for getting rid of the ink.
A company called Infinitink developed tattoo pigment in the form of micro-spheres where the ink is encased in plastic. If the individual chooses to have it removed, laser procedures can easily get rid of the tattoo. This option is more expensive than getting injected with standard permanent ink. But at the same time, the extra cost would be less than tattoo removal series with laser.
If you are curious to learn about an actual patient who had her tattoo removed by Dr. Umar, click here.