How To Make Temporary Tattoos Last Longer: Tips and Tricks To Check Out
Temporary tattoos are just a great way to get that quick tattoo experience, without the commitment, pain, and spending hundreds or thousands of dollars. You simply place the tattoo wherever you want on your body, wait a few seconds for it to transfer, and that’s it. For the next week or two, you’ll be rocking a brand new tattoo that will up your style game and make you feel unique.
But, yes, the only problem with temporary tattoos is that, well, they’re temporary. Such tattoos generally last between 5 and 7 days, while some brands provide temporary tattoos that can last up to 10 or 14 days. So, for a week or two, you can wear the tattoo, providing you’re taking good care of it, without scratching, rubbing, or washing it under hot water.
If only there is a way to make a temporary tattoo last longer…
Well, if this is your wish as well, you’re at the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share with you our best tips and tricks that can make your temporary tattoo truly last longer. So, without further ado, let’s get right into this!
Make Your Temporary Tattoo Last Longer With These Tips and Tricks
Minimum Friction Placement
One of the reasons temporary tattoos tend to fall off in just a few days lies in the friction. The clothes create friction against the tattoo, for example. Also, when we take a shower and rub our skin, we’re not just rubbing the tattoo as well but also exposing it to water. Temporary tattoos hate friction.
So, what we recommend is the minimum friction placement. When you’re deciding where to place your new tattoo, make sure to consider whether the potential area is exposed to friction. If yes, then change the placement idea, and if no, then go for it. High friction areas are hands, for example, feet, inner thighs, inner bicep area, stomach, and so on.
So make sure to avoid these areas and instead place your tattoo somewhere on the forearm (which can also be exposed to friction sometimes), upper back, chest area, outer bicep area, etc. You get the gist.
Proper Application
Sometimes, it can be tricky to place a temporary tattoo onto the skin without it moving due to moisture or some other issues. Without proper placement, the tattoo won’t transfer properly and it won’t really stick to the skin. So, to make it last longer, make sure to do the following;
- Shave the skin before placing a temporary tattoo. This way, instead of getting distracted by the hair, the tattoo will stick directly onto the skin. It will cover and stick to more skin areas which will make it harder for the tattoo to start fading and falling off.
- Exfoliate the designated tattoo area before placing the tattoo. This will ensure you remove all kinds of dirt, dead skin cells, and oil from the skin. Exfoliation will make your skin smooth and ready for the tattoo.
- Let the tattoo dry once done with placement. Do not rub it, touch it, or cover it with clothes immediately after transferring the tattoo. Let it dry completely and try to wear loose clothes at least for the first few hours. This way you’ll minimize friction and ensure the tattoo sticks to the skin properly.
- As we mentioned, choose carefully where you’ll place the tattoo. Avoid high-friction areas, areas that move or bend frequently, areas that are naturally sweaty and oily, and of course, areas that will rub against your clothes.
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Sealing the Tattoo
One of the most important things you can do to make your temporary tattoo last longer is to seal it after application. This will ensure the tattoo sticks to the skin and stays on for more than just a few days. Here’s how you can seal your temporary tattoo;
- Baby powder – you can use baby powder to seal the tattoo. The powder will absorb all the excess oils, moisture, and ink, ensuring everything dries properly and stays stuck to the skin.
- Hair spray – once the tattoo has been applied and dried completely, you can use hair spray to set and seal it in. From a distance of 12 to 16 inches spray the tattoo with a thin coat of hairspray. Before the hairspray, you should apply baby powder or an even better dealing effect. Hair spray is excellent for temporary tattoos, homemade, or even sharpie tattoos.
- Liquid band-aid – use the liquid bandage to seal in your tattoo and make it more waterproof and scratch-proof. The liquid bandage will prolong the longevity of the tattoo. You can use it for any kind of temporary tattoos, but it works best with transfer temporary tattoos as well as sharpie tattoos.
Post-Tattoo Precaution and Other Tips
Now that you’ve done the best you could do to properly place and seal your tattoo, it is time to talk about some post-tattoo precaution measures. Here are some tips on how to keep your temporary tattoo on for longer;
- To keep the tattoo well protected, you can use petroleum jelly which acts as a sealant and protection during showers or baths. Petroleum jelly creates a shield that protects the tattoo from water, moisture, and friction. It isn’t, however, a moisturizer, so make sure to use lotion to moisturize the ‘tattooed’ skin in case it gets dry.
- In case you don’t have baby powder, feel free to use corn starch or talcum powder to absorb excess moisture and oil from the tattoo.
- In case your tattoo starts coming off or fading, try using a permanent marker to touch it up. Make sure to use a high-quality, sharp-tipped marker for better control while drawing, and for better payoff and durability.
- Try not to work out immediately after getting the temporary tattoo. This way you will prevent sweat and oil buildup around and under the tattoo, as well as cracking and premature coming off of the tattoo. As you work out, the clothes will rub against the tattoo, causing it to fade and come off faster.
- Avoid swimming in pools while you have the tattoo on. The chlorine in the pools could promote the breaking down of the tattoo and faster fading. However, you can freely swim in the sea, lakes, or ponds; basically natural waters.
Things To Avoid If You Want The Tattoo To Last
In the previous paragraphs, we’ve talked about all the things you should do to prolong the life of your temporary tattoo. However, we also need to talk about the don’ts;
- Rubbing, scratching, touching, and washing of the tattoo should be avoided in case you want your temporary ink to last more than 2 or 3 days.
- During showers, avoid using hot water. It will make the tattoo come off immediately. Instead, use lukewarm water and make sure to cover the tattoo with petroleum jelly for even better protection.
- Avoid applying lotion or sunscreen around or onto the tattoo. You need to remember that this isn’t a real tattoo; it is the ink of paper transferred onto the skin. So, anything slippery you put on the tattoo will simply make it come off faster. Plus, in order to spread any product, you need to rub it onto the skin, which will also promote fading and coming off of the tattoo.
Final Thoughts
Making the temporary tattoo last longer than a few days can be rather tricky. Many of the temporary tattoo brands advertise their products as lasting between one and two weeks. In some cases, the claims are true, but most of the time you really need to be extra careful and caring of the tattoo to keep it one more than a few days.
After all, these are temporary tattoos and no such product can last more than 2 weeks. However, if you do like the way your temporary tattoo looks on the skin, maybe you should consider getting a real tattoo. That one won’t surely come off.
- Safe, non-toxic plant-based temporary tattoos made with 100% high-definition printing for a realistic look without the pain
- Easy to apply and remove - just stick for 20 seconds then take off
- Set includes 5 sheets with 17 fun, delicate designs like hearts, cats, smiles, suns, moons, and more
- Waterproof and long-lasting - stays on up to 2 weeks of wear
- Fashionable for women, men, girls and boys
- Place on arm, wrist, neck, leg, finger, waist, foot and more
- Great for parties, birthdays, and showing your unique style
