The Many Benefits of a Temporary Tattoo

There is something about a temporary tattoo that takes people back to their childhood. Those days from the past when twenty-five cents and a small machine could provide endless hours of amusement. You could be a tough biker for the day or have a cartoon stuck to your arm before your parents discovered it and washed it away. It does not have to be just a childhood memory. You can indulge in the look of a tattoo without having to pay the price or pain.

A temporary tattoo is just that... it is temporary. It can be from a pen to a sticker that is placed on the skin. Many people like the temporary tattoo because it can give them an idea of where they would want a more lasting piece of art. Others use the temporary tattoo of deciding on designs.

The temporary tattoo is a big favorite among school age students. Many manufacturers have recognized this phenomena and have begun to market exclusively to children. Barbie tattoos, Spongebob tattoos and a variety of cartoon characters are finding themselves turning up in Valentine Day card sets, snack packs and of course in the nostalgic Cracker Jack box.

The more common temporary tattoo designs are still the butterfly tattoo, the dragon tattoo and the rose tattoo. This is reflected in the amount of permanent ink found etched upon the skin. The tribal tattoo has surged in popularity with more rock stars and actors sporting the once sacred bands. As more popular icons become inked, there also rise a number of fans and such who wish to be tattooed in a similar fashion.

If you are looking for a way to add a bit of fun to a bachelorette or bachelor party, consider everyone wearing a temporary tattoo. It is all the fun of a traditional tattoo but without the worry about it showing up at the alter. You can also use temporary tattoos to spice up a costume for Halloween or a party. Just slap the sticker on and a new world of fun is opened.

Temporary tattoos are also associated with henna. In India, a new bride is marked with an intricate design of henna to signify her transition from single girl into married woman. The entire time the henna is on her body, she is excused from the household chores. This period of rest could be considered by some to be a honeymoon.

Many companies and online websites such as Tattoofun.com offer henna body kits as well as a huge variety of temporary tattoos. The prices are very reasonable and even custom tattoos can be designed, printed out and shipped within a very short time.

Before you decide to go get a real tattoo, give a temporary one a chance. Find the art tattoo you like in a temporary style and then apply to your body. If you wear it for a few days and like it, then you can make the temporary tattoo real by taking in the sticker and showing the artist. If it does not work for you simply wash it off with soap and water.

In recent years there has been a great influx of inspiration from Asian and Indian cultures. Take for example the henna tattoo that was used throughout time. Many people are finding themselves wanting a tattoo, but do not want the permanency associated with the ink.

Some find themselves unwilling to subject themselves to the needles of tattoo machines. Henna tattooing is the perfect substitution and is nothing like the "lick and stick" tattoo art found in vending machines.

Most associations with henna tattoo's are from those found on Indian brides. The soon to be married girl would be brought into a room where her family and friends would begin designing her temporary tattoo. The body would be decorated with a series of lines and symbols telling a story.

Anyone not aware of the subtle meaning would simple find the designs beautiful. The significance of tattooing the bride is such that as long as she is still wearing the dye, she is still honeymooning and is not expected to perform chores.

One of the benefits of Henna is that it is a natural product. As such there is a great leeway for experimentation in design. Traditional designs do not have to be used and there are many kits available that include design patterns.

The henna tattoo removal is simply the skin replenishing the cells and forcing the dye out of the body. There are tattoo studios that do offer permanent designs that resemble the henna tattoo. These tattoos are put into place with the typical tattoo machines but use a red dye that will remain permanent.

A note of caution concerning henna is the use of a product labeled as "black henna" or an indigo. Natural henna does not come in dark shades. The dark colors are actually made by combining henna with a chemical. There can be very harsh side effects such as skin blistering. As with any product, even a natural one such as henna, there can be allergic reactions. This is particularly true if the individual has a rare genetic condition called a G6PD deficiency. In large doses the dye molecule in henna can be fatal. If it is unknown whether or not henna will cause an allergic reaction it is best to do a small skin test.

The henna tattoo has a long and rich history. It tells stories about past struggles in history as well as marking important events in a person's life. The influence of the tattoo has permeated culture and with henna the designs can be continuously changed and redesigned. There is no worry of a permanent picture that later may have to be laser removed.

There is an alternative to permanent tattooing. It does not have to be the wipe and stick decals found in machines. There is a quick method available to those who do not wish to be left with a lasting mark and who also do not want the pain and risk associated with permanent inking.

The airbrush tattoo has risen in popularity due to its ease of application. It is very similar, and could indeed be called the same thing, as the sunless tanning applications found at tanning salons.

In the process of creating an airbrush tattoo a design template is placed on clean, dry skin. The colors are selected and loaded into a specialized air gun which will blow pressurized air out in short burst when the trigger is compressed. The airbrush tattoo artist places the colors where the customer indicated upon the design and then will apply a top coat to help ensure longevity of the tattoo designs.

The process is actually identical to that of painting a car. It is best to layer the color than to apply too heavy of a coat. The heavier the paint is then the more chance for runs to occur. Clean up for the artist is very simple. An alcohol solution on a cotton ball can remove any of the excess paint or smudges.

As with the temporary tattoo, the airbrush tattoo is limited in the amount of time it will last. Repeated showers or baths and articles of clothing rubbing against it will cause the tattoo to erode. But unlike its permanent counterpart, the artwork does not have to be removed with a costly tattoo removal procedure.

The airbrush tattoo can be a great party attraction. It is low cost, easy to set up and can offer hours of fun for the guests. Many parents consider this option when searching for entertainment for children's parties. The kids get all of the fun without a parent or guardian worrying about permanent marks.

The drawback to the airbrush tattoo, besides its lack of permanency, is that they are often hard to find. Tattoo parlors usually do not offer these less expensive features. Many times it becomes a matter of finding someone familiar with airbrush design. A good source could be a local nail salon. Many nail designs feature airbrush art and the operator could easily do one on the skin. The difference would be in the paint.

Before you go out and get a bit of ink that is going to be with you until you depart from this world, consider trying out an airbrush tattoo first. You can get an idea of what you like as well as where you want to place it. Do not look at it as being a knock-off version of the real thing but more as a bit of research into a lasting investment. The idea behind tattooing your body is to be happy with the result, not regretting it ten years later.