*Results are averages based on study of 60 participants. Your experience may vary slightly.
How long does it Last?
It depends where you place the tattoo, your unique skin chemistry, and how much you exfoliate. Exfoliation can accelerate tattoo stain removal.
On average the tattoo can last up to 2 weeks, however if you take really good care of it – you can stretch it to 4 weeks!
How to Apply
1. Prepare Skin by Exfoliating
Prepare skin by either rubbing primer wipe for 30 seconds, or washing the area thoroughly.
2. Apply Tattoo
Gently peel of clear adhesive sheet, and place your tattoo face down onto skin and press firmly.
3. Dampen the Tattoo
Soak primer wipe in water and hold against back of tattoo for 15 seconds. Press down and wet it entirely.
4. Peel off Backing Paper
Gently peel off paper backing. The design will look invisible and shiny - It can take up to 24 hours for the stain to fully develop into dark blue or black colour
Aftercare
As the tattoo stain continues to develop for the next 24 hours it can transfer to other body parts. Keep the tattoo covered for the first night - this can be done with clothing. Actions such as scrubbing in the shower, swimming in saltwater, and massaging with oil will exfoliate the tattoo stain - avoid such actions until you're ready to remove. Avoid showering or moisturizing at least 8 hours after applying the tattoo sticker.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Our semi-permanent tattoos are similar to natural henna, in the sense that both are plant based formulas that stain the top layer of the skin (epidermis) – However our tattoos produce a blue/black shade whereas henna is more of a red/brown. We are not ‘black henna’ either – which contains harmful chemicals such as PPD. Rest assured our ink is skin safe and non toxic!
Our ink is neither ‘jagua’. Jagua gel contains numerous natural compounds and requires refrigeration. Our formula isolates the active ingredients from the Genipa Americana fruit and non of the pulp, which gives our product a much longer shelf-life.
Not a Tattoo should not be used on children under 18 months (We recommend applying our tattoos on children ages 10 and up!)
Not only are our tattoos waterproof, they’re water permeable!
Our semi-permanent tattoos ‘stain’ rather than ‘coat’ the skin with ink. This allows your skin to breath, and you don’t have to worry about the tattoo coming off in the shower.
That said, water exposure may gradually decrease the lifespan of the tattoo. To prevent this from happening apply petroleum jelly or any other balm to the tattoo before getting into water
We are vegan and cruelty free!
Not a Tattoo does not contain any animal products and we are cruelty-free.
Our tattoos are breathable and water permeable, which means ablution can be performed with the them on.
We recommend using Not a Tattoo at your own discretion, in accordance with your personal beliefs and practices.
We do not recommend applying our tattoos to the face, genitals, and other sensitive skin areas. Applying semi-permanent tattoos to sensitive body parts can increases the chances of developing a reaction.
Yes! J
Our ink contains ingredients you may not have put on your skin before. As a result, there’s a small risk of allergic reaction upon application (or of sensitization through repeated use).
If a reaction takes place, it’s usually a mild case of contact dermatitis (red or inflamed skin as a result of irritation). The itchiness/irritation should subside in a few days. You can speed up the healing process by ensuring that the area is properly moisturized and using a steroidal/anti-scarring cream.
If your symptoms persist, we suggest contacting a doctor
Our ink doesn’t enter the bloodstream, so there shouldn’t be any issues for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
However, if you have any concerns, we always recommend consulting your doctor.
You can locate the ‘best before’ date of your tattoo, by looking at the bottom right corner of the clear packaging!
Our ink has a shelf life of 6 months and must be stored in a cool dry location. But don’t worry if you use the tattoos after that – they’re not harmful or toxic for your skin! Only the potency of the ink reduces over time! So use them sooner rather than later!
Tattoo INK: Polyethylacrylate, Genipa Americana Extract, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
We’re glad you asked! Body temperature is a HUGE factor in releasing Jagua dye. People with good blood circulation and higher body temperature normally get better stains. Certain body parts are warmer than others and you’ll find the stain always develops quicker and darker there. These can be different for every person but generally the hands, inside of arms, feet, ankles, abs and neck are the best areas!
This happens because when you’re warm, your skin cells expand as they try to release heat.
Our tattoos work on all skin tones!
It depends where you place the tattoo, and how much you exfoliate. Exfoliation can accelerate tattoo stain removal.
On average the tattoo can last up to 2 weeks, however if you take really good care of it – you can stretch it to 4 weeks!
Not a Tattoo does not contain any animal products and we are cruelty-free.
Our tattoos are breathable and water permeable, which means ablution can be performed with the them on.
We recommend using Not a Tattoo at your own discretion, in accordance with your personal beliefs and practices.
Science behind Semi-Permanent Tattoos
Explained
Exfoliation of Semi-Permanent Tattoos
Skin cells stack in interlaced columns. Each night, a new skin layer grows beneath while the oldest layer at the surface is shed.
The human skin consists of several layers of skin cells stacked on top of each other. Every day a new layer of skin cells is generated while the oldest layer right at the top dries up and sheds.
Tattoos last forever when ink is ejected deep into the dermis (live skin cells) using needles – this is why getting permanent tattoos can be so painful and even bleed.
Semi-permanent tattoos work differently! Ink is applied topically, staining dead skin cells – this process is painless and does not require the use of needles.
The semi permanent tattoos stay with you until your dead skin cells regenerate (1-2 weeks). How long you want the tattoo to last can to some extent be controlled, depending on how much you moisturize and exfoliate your skin.