Temporary hand tattoos offer a simple yet stylish way to add some flair to any ensemble without committing to permanent ink.
Stick-and-Poke
Stick-and-poke tattoos (commonly referred to as hand-poked or machine-free tattoos) offer a modern take on non-electric tattooing techniques, often associated with punk culture and providing more of an intimate feel than standard machine tattoos.
Stick-and-poke tattoos often create misperceptions of unsafety; however, they’re just as safe when done by artists themselves, who must adhere to all health and safety procedures of a professional shop with clean environments using sterile equipment in a hygienic atmosphere.
Stick-and-poke tattoos may be slightly more costly than standard machine tattoos, but they can still be affordable to have done at home with just some basic supplies such as sewing needles and ink cartridges.
Henna
Henna is an all-natural plant dye that temporarily stains skin and hair. Henna contains lawsone, an organic compound that bonds with proteins found within your body’s proteins resulting in this stain.
Henna can be dangerous to the skin if not administered pure. It may lead to allergic reactions and scarring on contact.
If you are interested in getting a henna tattoo, Ward recommends making sure the product used is pure henna without paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which may cause adverse skin reactions. Furthermore, ask the shop owner or operator about their practices before getting tattooed.
Henna designs can last anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on where and how often the techniques are applied to your skin and your hygiene practices. Designs may fade faster on areas exposed more frequently to water and soap, such as hands and feet.
Hairspray
Hair spray can quickly and cost-effectively add an eye-catching accent to temporary hand tattoos. Easy to use, hair spray lasts from several hours up to several days, depending on your skin and its care routines.
Before applying hairspray to your design, ensure it is scorched. This will help it last longer while protecting the integrity of your tattoo design.
To extend the lifespan of your tattoo and keep it looking its best, add baby powder or talc as an effective means of absorption of any excess oil on the skin and prolonging its existence.
Liquid band-aids can also extend your temporary tattoo’s lifespan – adding a month or more of life.
To remove a temporary tattoo of this nature, it’s recommended that you use a mild and kid-safe chemical remover. You can purchase one at the local drugstore or grocery store made explicitly for this task.
