Q&A for How to Make a Temporary Tattoo

Yes, you certainly can make your own temporary tattoos. You can make them from pen or marker ink, from eyeliner or other types of makeup, from paper and stamps, from paint, from henna, from glitter, etc. And you can use stencils or shapes to help define the design you’d like. For instructions on using a few of these items to make temporary tattoos, follow the methods in the article above.

The length of time a temporary tattoo will last depends on what you’ve used to make the tattoo. Some marker tattoos can last up to a week, while some paper tattoos will wash off in the next shower. Henna tattoos can last up to 3 weeks. A rough estimate would be about anywhere between 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on what it was made from and how careful you’ve been not to wash or scrub it off.

Yes, you can print temporary tattoos with a design of your own choice by using water slide paper. The instructions for doing this are found here: How to Make a Temporary Paper Tattoo .

There are "semi-permanent" inks that can be used to make a tattoo that lasts about a month, and it is possible to have this reapplied monthly for up to 6 months (it’s not recommended any more than that). It is more like a fruit stain than an ink and its longevity and suitability will vary from person to person. There are also inks that fade over time. Given the interest in temporary tattoos using inks, this area continues to grow and change, so it’s recommended you talk to your local tattoo artist to see what new options exist.

Yes. The warm water will get rid of the layer of hairspray. So if you want it to last, reapply hairspray after showering.

Yes. Hairspray is the only thing needed to make the tattoo last longer. Baby powder just makes it shiny.

It might if it is printed or if it is drawn with a permanent marker. If it is drawn with a whiteboard marker or an ink pen, then no, it won't last. Rubbed-on tattoos tend to come off easily under warm water and rubbing too.

It won't damage your skin in the long run, but you may make your skin red from rubbing while trying to get it off later.

Sprinkle the baby powder onto wherever you have drawn the tattoo, and dust off the excess. Then spray the lightly powdered skin with hairspray.

You should only have to use it once, but if it begins to fade, you can add another coat.

No. Baking soda and baby powder are not chemically the same.

You may use a light layer of clear nail polish following with a dusting of baby powder to make your temporary tattoo.

If you don't use hairspray, the tattoo won't last as long. As said above, the hairspray is just like putting it in your hair, it is meant to keep it in place and together.

You can try using liquid bandage because it will protect the tattoo, but swatch it on your skin and wait a day to make sure you are not allergic to anything in it. You can also try using a makeup setting spray instead.

Yes, all you have to do is sketch out a design then color it in with dry erase. Then quickly apply it to your skin. Hold it on for about a minute, then slowly take it off and spray with hair spray. Finish off with clear nail polish.

The hairspray keeps it intact and in place, while the baby powder makes it shiny.

No, ink poisoning can't occur from simply drawing on you skin. You would have to inject ink into your veins or ingest it to get ink poisoning. Also, genuine Sharpies are non-toxic.

Water slide paper is the paper backing on temporary tattoos that you buy at the store or in a quarter machines.

Translucent powder (for doing makeup) or as previously stated, a thin layer of clear nail polish.

No, they are not chemically the same. Deodorant would just make it smell better.

Yes, it should work the same. Be sure to use something non-toxic though.

Yes, but it would require a lot of scrubbing. Your best bet is to use rubbing alcohol.

Yes, it is probably fine. But ask your parents first, and don't apply it anywhere on or near your face or any cuts or scrapes you might have.

It stays for about a week. It will start to fade after about three days, and will last longer if you don't bother it too much.

Use warm water and hand soap to get the powder and hairspray off. Then take a cotton swab or cotton ball, dab it in some rubbing alcohol and rub over the sharpie. It may take one to two tries with the alcohol to get it off completely.

A Sharpie is a permanent marker. If you cannot find a Sharpie in a store close to you, get a different brand.

The Sharpie should come off with a good sponge, soap and almost-hot water (not lukewarm) - but take it off as soon as you're done so it doesn't stain your skin.

If you used a Sharpie, you're probably having an allergic reaction. Go and see your doctor or a dermatologist.

If you would like the tattoo to look more realistic and longer, yes. But, hairspray can help that, too.

No, that wouldn't have the same sealant effect on the tattoo.