There are a lot of reasons why temporary tattoos are great. But one top reason you should get one is that you can remove it whenever you like. This gives you the freedom to change your ink with every outfit.
While this is great news, temporary tats don’t come off as easily as makeup or hand stamps that can be removed with soap and water. You probably got the tattoo in the first place because you were looking for something that would last a little while, so you should expect it to hang on for more than a day or so.
Temporary tattoos designed with colored ink typically last 3-5 days, and semi-permanent tattoos created with dark blue or black ink can last 1-2 weeks. But if you’d like to remove it a little sooner, there are some ways to get the job done.
So, whether you need to change your look for an event or a special occasion, or there’s a specific outfit that you’d like to wear a different tattoo with (or maybe none at all), here are some fast, easy ways to remove temporary tattoos.
The Best Ways to Remove Temporary Tattoos
When it comes to removing temporary tattoos, there is no shortage of options.
Baby oil
Baby oil is one of several oil-based temporary tattoo removal techniques you can try. Coconut oil or even olive oil might work for you, too.
Oil-based liquids work so well because temporary tattoos are often waterproof, so they don’t come off in the pool or the shower (at least right away). The oil cuts through the waterproof chemicals.
To remove your tattoo with baby oil, just rub a little bit of it on the area, but make sure you’re covering the edges of your tattoo. Give it a few minutes to soak in and break down the ink and the adhesive. Then wipe your tattoo off with a cotton swab and wash your skin with soap and water.
Scotch Tape
It’s like ripping off a band-aid, except it’s your temporary tattoo that you’re ripping off. Just place a piece of tape over the tattoo, press firmly, and pull. The adhesive on the tape will pull the tattoo away from your skin, taking the tattoo with it.
You may need to make a few passes, depending on the size of your tattoo, but remember—no pain, no gain.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works much the same way as baby oil does. It will break down the ink and the adhesives. Douse your tattoo with it, give it time to break down the chemicals, and then wipe your tattoo away.
Hand Sanitizer
Another quick and painless way to remove your tattoo is to use hand sanitizer. Soak the area in it, wait a few minutes, and wipe. The chemicals in the sanitizer will break the ink down.
Exfoliating Body Scrub
Exfoliating body scrubs work great for removing tattoos. And using a sugar and oil scrub on even the most stubborn tattoo seems to work best. The great thing about it is that you can make your own. Here’s a recipe:
- Start with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, ground oatmeal, or coffee grounds to exfoliate.
- Add 1/2 cup of coconut or olive oil to bind the granules together.
- Pour in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla to add a pleasant scent.
Who knows? This could become your go-to tattoo removal concoction whenever you want to try a new look.
Potential Side-Effects of Removing Temporary Tattoos
Once your tattoo is off, you may experience some minor side effects. These can range from red, inflamed skin to minor irritation.
If you rub your skin too hard, it may become inflamed. If this happens, take a washcloth, run it under cold water, and then apply it to the area. The cold compress should be enough to decrease the redness and take away the pain.
If the pain and redness persist, you can try rubbing skin-cooling products like cucumber gel or aloe vera gel on the affected area. The gels should help within a few hours; if not, contact your doctor or dermatologist.
If you have questions about our custom tattoo process or one of the temporary or semi-permanent tattoos we offer, contact us at any time.
