Temporary tattoos are an excellent way of seeing what a tattoo will look like on your skin without the lifelong commitment of a permanent tattoo. These will generally last around a few days but can last up to ten to fourteen days if looked after properly.

They’re great for special occasions, and you can get the experience and beauty of a tattoo without the pain or permanency that a traditional tattoo gives you. 

Many people use temporary tattoos to get a feel of the real thing before committing to permanent body art.

How To Make a Temporary Tattoo Last Longer

There are ways to make your temporary tattoo last a little longer than average and prevent the fading, peeling, or cracking you usually get with this style of tattoo.

This process starts with the preparation of your skin before applying the temporary tattoo. By doing this correctly, you will get the perfect base for your tattoo to stick. 

The application process of the temporary tattoo is essential and will determine how long the tattoo will last. Once applied, you need to look after the temporary tattoo to get longer-lasting results. Aftercare is also a key element in the lifespan of your temporary tattoo. If you look after it correctly, it will last longer than other temporary tattoos.

Preparation

Preparation is vital when looking to have a temporary tattoo, and your skin should be cleaned thoroughly before applying the design. The oils in your skin, along with lotions and moisturizers, will create a barrier that will prevent the temporary tattoo from sticking to the skin.

Exfoliation will help to cleanse the skin and get rid of any oils or creams. The exfoliation will also make your skin soft and give you the perfect base for your temporary tattoo. 

Shaving may also give you a smoother surface if you have a lot of hair in the area where the temporary tattoo will be.

Temporary Tattoo Application

When choosing a temporary tattoo, you should look at the positioning of the tattoo on your body. Areas that have lots of movement need to be avoided as the temporary tattoo may flake and peel. 

Avoid having a temporary tattoo on your hands as they are washed regularly, so the temporary tattoo will fade quickly.

Aftercare

Once you have applied the temporary tattoo, you need to make sure that it dries completely on the skin. Clothes, creams, and lotions must be kept away from it as these will damage the temporary tattoo.

You can apply talcum powder to the temporary tattoo to protect the tattoo and absorb any excess oils on your skin. Apply this using a soft brush once a day for the life of the temporary tattoo, and it will last longer than expected. 

By spraying hairspray or liquid band-aid onto the temporary tattoo, you will also increase the lifespan of the tattoo.

Things To Avoid

By looking after your temporary tattoo, you will increase its lifespan, and it will continue to look perfect for many days. 

Any creams or lotions need to be avoided on the area of the temporary as these will shorten its lifespan. Any alcohol or sanitizer also needs to be avoided as these will cause damage to the temporary tattoo.

Your temporary tattoo will be waterproof, so you can continue to have a bath or shower as usual during this time. However, you will need to avoid rubbing or scrubbing the temporary tattoo, as this will shorten the lifespan of the tattoo. Hot water must also be avoided as this will have a negative effect on the tattoo.

Conclusion

Temporary tattoos are an ideal way to see how a tattoo will look without the pain and permanency of a real tattoo. They’re also great for special occasions where you want a little extra decoration on your body but also require something that’s not too difficult to remove.

However, they don’t last very long, but by looking after them, you can extend the lifespan of the temporary tattoo.

We hope you now understand how to look after your temporary tattoo and increase its lifespan, keeping it looking perfect for many days.