Q&A for How to Create a Sharpie Tattoo

If you don't have baby powder, Gold Bond or cornstarch also work.

Yes, of course! Keep in mind that metallic Sharpies are made using a slightly different formula than standard Sharpies. Some types of hair spray may cause the pigments to separate. Before doing your final tattoo, consider doing a spot test first.

After adding the baby powder, let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes, then spray the hairspray so it doesn't smear.

Typically if you use just soap and water you can use your nail to "scratch" away the ink. Despite it being said that Sharpie is permanent, it is surprisingly easy to remove.

It will work with a regular pen. Just keep in mind that this might not work for all skin types.

Apply a thin layer of hairspray over the tattoo and avoid washing the area.

Wheat flour is not as good as cornflour. Wheat flour tends not to be fine enough.

Try some makeup setting spray. You can find it at most beauty supply shops.

Trace the design with pencil and go over it a few times. Then, run over the area with a damp paper towel, place the design on it and run your hand over it. It's very light but it works as a transfer for you to go over with a pen or a marker.

If you use gel it might, but if you use the permeant hairspray over it, then it should be more water resistant.

The tattoo will last around two to three days without showers or when covered by a plastic bag, and with showers or uncovered, it will last around one to two days. Results may vary, due to different skin types and the manner in which you applied the tattoo.

The tattoo will probably smear if you get it wet. Wrap that area in plastic wrap before you get into the shower.

Tracing paper is the only one that works, as its thinner and made with a different formula.

Makeup setting spray can replace the hairspray. Most drugstore makeup sections have setting spray available. I use the Hard Candy brand, and they have various finishes available, such as luminous and mattifying.

Cornstarch will work as well as baby powder. Do not use flour, though, because it is not fine enough.

No, but even cheap hairspray will work.

Tracing paper is a special paper, not just a piece of regular paper. It will be available at a craft store like Michale's or possibly an office supply store.

Not really, but keep in mind that not every hairspray will work; you'll have to experiment. Do a small patch test somewhere on your body that people don't see, such as your stomach or toe (if you're not wearing sandals). If it doesn't run, you'll be fine.

Yes. Tracing is only needed if you want a specific design that you can't just draw on your skin.

I haven't tried that, but cornstarch works very well, too.

There is no substitute for the gel deodorant.

Yes, as talc is the main ingredient of baby powder. You could also use cornstarch.

It will smear if you rub it when it is not fully dry.

The hairspray coats it and helps it last longer; it should stay for about a month.

That is not a good idea, because you can have an adverse reaction and it is just bad for your skin.

It doesn't matter. I have used both before and got the same results.

Yes, you should be able to use parchment paper.

It will not permanently color the skin, but the ink sinks into your blood stream. This happens every time you write on yourself with a pen marker, dry erase, etc. While the ink is basically poison (n-propanol, n-butanol, diacetone alcohol, and cresol and some have xylene), it won't kill you but it's not recommended that you do it often and the company does recommend that you don't ever do it.

No, it does not have the same chemical components as baby powder or cornstarch.

Yes, Sharpie won't usually smudge in water unless it's rubbed. However, it might cause the tattoo to fade more quickly.