The permanence and process of a traditional tattoo can be scary

I don’t like needles, but I love the idea of ​​doing body art or skin decoration. I’m also not very excited about the permanence of a ‘needle’ tattoo that I might hate in the future. Have you been trading tattoo removal processes lately? The cost of tattoo removal is at least 3 times that of getting the tattoo! After doing some research, I discovered some fantastic alternatives to body art and will give them a shot (no pun intended) before hopping into the nearest tattoo parlor.

Tattoo alternative n. # 1: the natural beauty of henna tattoos

Henna tattoos are back and I can certainly understand why. The dried and powdered Lawsonia Inermis henna plant is made into a paste and applied to the skin first treated with mehlabiya oil. The paste is then applied to the skin using a stencil design.

Henna tattoo stencils come in an incredible variety of designs and can be reused. In fact, once the paste dries after an hour or two, the paste can be reapplied 2-3 more times to intensify the color to a dark brown or almost black. If the paste is used once, dried and removed, the color continues to deepen to a rusty orange or reddish hue. It reminds me of self tanning lotion in that sense.

Henna tattoo application does not require a license and is considered safe for all skin types (except those that have an allergic reaction to henna). Henna tattoos can last up to 4 weeks, being careful not to rub the area and protect the tattoo with Vaseline in chlorinated water.

Kits vary in price, but the average cost of a henna kit, which includes the paste, stencils, and other necessary supplies, is under $ 20. In fact, a bottle of henna dye can create around 25 tattoos. medium in size.

Tattoo alternative n. # 2: body piercings

Yes, we are quite aware of the myriad holes in the earlobes and cartilage of the ears, nose, tongue, lips, eyebrows and navel rings. However, the days of face piercing have long since passed as more employers have increased bans on using this ‘distracting and unprofessional’ body art at work. However, the best thing about piercings is that the jewelry can be removed (or changed) upon request. My only problem with body piercings is the healing time, which varies considerably, depending on the area that is pierced:

• Ear lobe 6 to 8 weeks
• Ear cartilage from 4 months to 1 year
• Eyebrow 6 to 8 weeks
• Nostril 2 to 4 months
• Nasal septum from 6 to 8 months
• Nose bridge from 8 to 10 weeks
• Language 4 weeks
• Lip 2 to 3 months
• Nipple from 3 to 6 months
• Navel 4 months to 1 year
• Female genitalia 4 to 10 weeks
• Male genitalia 4 weeks to 6 months

I do worry about infection with body piercings, but not as much as with a traditional tattoo that can be difficult to reach (like on the back of a shoulder) to keep clean and bandaged.

Tattoo alternative n. 3: temporary tattoos

Now, temporary tattoos could be the ticket and the best option of all as a traditional tattoo alternative. Temporary tattoos are made on special paper and covered with special silicone. Once wetted and placed on an area of ​​the body for approximately one minute, the colored “tattoo” design “glides on” and transfers to the skin.

Like henna tattoos, temporary tattoos can last up to about 4 weeks if they are cared for: do not rub, scrape on clothing, or rub against them. Also, like henna tattoos, temporary tattoos are safe (kids use them in gum machines all the time) and have become just as sophisticated as traditional tattoos, without needles or permanence.

What gets really fun about temporary tattoos is that you can design your own, online, for little more than a ready-made temporary tattoo design.

Summary of tattoo alternatives

So celebrate an occasion, speak your mind, dare to be different! Try some of these alternative tattoo ideas and have fun adorning your body in a new way. Invite your friends over for a “Happy Henna Day” or design and order some custom tattoos for the bridesmaids at a wedding. Think out of the box.

“Alternative tattoos” are hot, different, and can be removed or removed if you don’t want to live with them for the rest of your life.