About Temporary Tattoos

Temporary tattoos are used for a variety of purposes, ranging from skin decoration to advertisement. Whereas permanent tattoos require significant thought and decision making, the temporary tattoo allows people to be more playful in experimenting with different designs, knowing that the tattoo will fade within a few days.      

Types

Temporary tattoos may be painted, drawn or transferred onto the skin. Airbrush tattoos require stencils and ink. If the temporary tattoo is airbrushed, the ink generally has an alcohol base. In addition to using paint and/or glue, henna tattoos are another type of temporary tattoo, requiring the henna to stay on the skin for several hours before making an imprint on the skin. 

Duration

A temporary tattoo is designed to fade or wash off of the skin within a few days to a week. Henna tattoos can remain on the skin for as long as a month. How long a temporary tattoo will remain on the skin depends on the aftercare and contact with lotions and oils.

Purpose

The temporary tattoo is used widely, ranging from children to the elderly. A child might get a temporary tattoo of her favorite princess while attending a birthday party. An adult who is unsure about what type of permanent tattoo to get might experiment with a few different designs before making a final decision. Advertising campaigns may use temporary tattoos to promote a brand or message. Entire families in some cultures get temporary tattoos as part of celebratory events. For example, henna tattoos are applied in the Indian culture as a part of weddings and festivals. 

Removal

Removing a temporary tattoo generally involves washing and/or scrubbing the skin. It may take several tries before the tattoo comes off completely. To expedite the process, various substances may be used, such as baby oil or alcohol.