Tuesday, December 11, 2007
If you're considering a tattoo but aren't quite yet committed enough to take the jump and go permanent, there are a few other alternatives available to you. It is important to know, however, that when looking for a true "try-before-you-buy" tattoo option, semi-permanent tattoos simply do not exist.The only real alternatives to
permanent tattoos are henna tattoos which usually fade in about 4 weeks or stick on tattoos which often disappear within 7 days. If you're extremely creative, however, you may do a little experimenting with permanent markers or crayons.
Henna Tattoos
A great way to try out your design is with a Henna tattoo. Henna is a natural dye that is derived from a plant.
The dye will typically begin to fade after about a week. In most cases, it will completely disappear within 4 weeks. Henna stencils can be applied to any part of the body and typically do not cause any skin irritations.The only real downside to using Henna is that it is not available in different colors. Although it is possible to mix various shades of Henna, it naturally appears orange on the skin and darkens to a reddish brown color within about 48 hours.
There are also several companies that are currently marketing a "black henna" product. Warnings about this product are extensive and its use could potentially cause severe side effects.
The product that is currently being marketed as "Black Henna" is actually a substance called para-phenylendiamine or PPD, which is really black hair dye. Although some of these products may contain henna, most do not.
Stick-on Temporary Tattoos
Although most adults associate stick-on tattoos with the postage stamp variety that usually came with the bubble gum wrapper and washed off with water, these temporary alternatives to permanent tattoos have truly evolved and the variety of sizes and designs available may come as a surprise to most consumers. The temporary tattoos available on the market today actually use vegetable dyes and an adhesive that we normally find in Band-Aids.
These tattoos not only look realistic but will actually stay on for up to three weeks. While it's much less expensive to purchase these tattoos in bulk, individual prices vary depending on the size and design. A 5x9 inch armband dragon tattoo in one color for example, can be purchased online for as little as 50 cents.
Most shops will also custom design your temporary tattoo; however, they usually require a minimum purchase for custom work.
Air Brush Tattoos
While we've all seen the airbrushed t-shirts and paintings at the booths at the fair, airbrush tattoos are also becoming extremely popular as an alternative to permanent tattoos. Using the same process as is used with t-shirts, a stencil is placed on the skin and an airbrush sprayer is used to fill in the color.
Although the design normally only lasts about a week, airbrushing is considered to be the technique that produces an end product most closely resembling the look of an actual permanent tattoo. Airbrush tattoos are more expensive than stick-on tattoos but are nowhere near the cost of a permanent design. Prices for airbrush tattoos normally range anywhere from $20 to $100.
Other options
If none of the options above are quite what you're looking for in a temporary tattoo, you can always draw on your own. Permanent markers work great for temporary designs that you can create yourself or apply using a stencil, while Crayola washable markers are a simple way to try out a design or location that can be removed immediately.
When it comes to temporary tattoos and body art, the possibilities are only limited by your own imagination. Adding a little body glitter or a few stick-on crystals can add to the originality of your artwork. One thing is guaranteed - nobody else will be sporting a look-a-like!
Henna Tattoos
A great way to try out your design is with a Henna tattoo. Henna is a natural dye that is derived from a plant.
The dye will typically begin to fade after about a week. In most cases, it will completely disappear within 4 weeks. Henna stencils can be applied to any part of the body and typically do not cause any skin irritations.The only real downside to using Henna is that it is not available in different colors. Although it is possible to mix various shades of Henna, it naturally appears orange on the skin and darkens to a reddish brown color within about 48 hours.
There are also several companies that are currently marketing a "black henna" product. Warnings about this product are extensive and its use could potentially cause severe side effects.
The product that is currently being marketed as "Black Henna" is actually a substance called para-phenylendiamine or PPD, which is really black hair dye. Although some of these products may contain henna, most do not.
Stick-on Temporary Tattoos
Although most adults associate stick-on tattoos with the postage stamp variety that usually came with the bubble gum wrapper and washed off with water, these temporary alternatives to permanent tattoos have truly evolved and the variety of sizes and designs available may come as a surprise to most consumers. The temporary tattoos available on the market today actually use vegetable dyes and an adhesive that we normally find in Band-Aids.
These tattoos not only look realistic but will actually stay on for up to three weeks. While it's much less expensive to purchase these tattoos in bulk, individual prices vary depending on the size and design. A 5x9 inch armband dragon tattoo in one color for example, can be purchased online for as little as 50 cents.
Most shops will also custom design your temporary tattoo; however, they usually require a minimum purchase for custom work.
Air Brush Tattoos
While we've all seen the airbrushed t-shirts and paintings at the booths at the fair, airbrush tattoos are also becoming extremely popular as an alternative to permanent tattoos. Using the same process as is used with t-shirts, a stencil is placed on the skin and an airbrush sprayer is used to fill in the color.
Although the design normally only lasts about a week, airbrushing is considered to be the technique that produces an end product most closely resembling the look of an actual permanent tattoo. Airbrush tattoos are more expensive than stick-on tattoos but are nowhere near the cost of a permanent design. Prices for airbrush tattoos normally range anywhere from $20 to $100.
Other options
If none of the options above are quite what you're looking for in a temporary tattoo, you can always draw on your own. Permanent markers work great for temporary designs that you can create yourself or apply using a stencil, while Crayola washable markers are a simple way to try out a design or location that can be removed immediately.
When it comes to temporary tattoos and body art, the possibilities are only limited by your own imagination. Adding a little body glitter or a few stick-on crystals can add to the originality of your artwork. One thing is guaranteed - nobody else will be sporting a look-a-like!
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