You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo. Here, we’re all about keeping up with the latest trends while assisting our readers in making informed decisions about tattoos, skincare, and overall health. So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo or have questions about it, we’ll answer them.
In the following sections, we will compare temporary and permanent tattoos and provide you with the benefits and drawbacks of each. Hopefully, this will help you decide and determine which types of tattoos are best for you.
Temporary Vs. Permanent – Quick Insight
So, before we begin comparing, we must define both temporary and permanent tattoos and their components.
Temporary tattoos are, well, temporary. They are intended to be applied to the skin rather than beneath its surface. These tattoos can be purchased online on sheet paper, applied to the skin with a small amount of moisture, and allowed to transfer for a few seconds. They’re like skin-colored stickers.
These tattoos sit on top of the skin, whereas some temporary tattoos do sink into the skin slightly. Either case, they usually last between one and two weeks and are easily removed with rubbing alcohol or an oil-based product.
Permanent tattoos, on the other hand, necessitate a trip to a tattoo artist. These tattoos are performed by a professional tattoo artist and involve the insertion of a needle into the skin, where the ink or pigment will remain for the rest of your life.
When compared to temporary tattoos, permanent ink is far more expensive, labor- and time-consuming, and painful. As a result, when it comes to permanent tattoos, one should think about them and do some research.
- Temporary Tattoos –These tattoos are extremely simple to apply; you only need the design sheet and some water. Place the sheet on the skin, moisten it, and wait for the design to transfer and develop for a few seconds. That’s the end of it.
- Permanent Tattoos – These tattoos now necessitate a more complex application. First and foremost, a needle will penetrate your skin, so expect some blood. The pain level is also very high, and you will be highly uncomfortable for most of the tattooing process. Permanent tattoos can be a bloody mess, especially in the first few days, when blood and plasma will ooze from the tattoo as part of the healing process.
Pain Levels
- Temporary Tattoos – These tattoos do not cause pain because they are applied to the skin and easily transferred. Some itching and discomfort may occur if one has susceptible skin, but otherwise, temporary tattoos are entirely painless.
- Permanent tattoos – These tattoos now necessitate a high level of pain tolerance. The pain level can range from severe to fainting, depending on where the tattoos are placed. Of course, pain levels vary from person to person, but permanent tattoos are notorious for being painful in general.
So, if you possess a low pain tolerance and are afraid of needles in general, you should begin your tattoo journey with temporary tattoos. Avoid high-pain areas for permanent tattoos, and keep in mind that the first tattoo may be the most painful. People have been known to increase their pain tolerance with each new tattoo, but they still feel the pain.
Cost
- Temporary Tattoos – A temporary tattoo with a unique design should cost between $10 and $20 if purchased from a high-quality brand. However, for even less money, you can find bundles of several temporary tattoo designs. Temporary tattoos are generally less expensive, especially when compared to permanent tattoos.
- Permanent Tattoos – Expect to pay between $100 and $10,000 for permanent tattoos. The cost of a tattoo is largely determined by its size, design, placement, and, of course, the tattoo artist. Permanent tattoos can cost thousands of dollars because they are much more labor-intensive. However, the cost includes the quality of the tattoo as well as its longevity.
Longevity
- Temporary Tattoos – These tattoos are intended to be temporary in nature. As a result, most temporary tattoos only last one to two weeks. The tattoo’s longevity is determined by water exposure as well as clothing friction. If you take care of the tattoo and apply it correctly, it should last you at least two weeks.
- Permanent Tattoos – These tattoos will last a lifetime. That is, unless you opt for laser tattoo removal, in which case they will last as long as you want them to. Permanent tattoos are unquestionably not for everyone. It is also important to note that permanent tattoos fade and change shape and size as the skin ages.
Removal
- Temporary Tattoos – These tattoos are extremely simple to remove. If you don’t want to wait for them to peel off naturally, you can remove them with rubbing alcohol or an oil-based product. Rub the tattoo away with one of these products on a cotton ball. A temporary tattoo can be removed in 10 to 30 seconds.
- Permanent Tattoos – Now comes the tricky part: the best way to remove a permanent tattoo is through laser tattoo removal. To be honest, laser removal is expensive and can be more painful than the tattoo itself. It is not enough to have one laser removal session and then call it a day. A medium-sized grey tattoo may require up to 15 laser removal sessions. These sessions can also be more expensive than the tattoo itself.
Side Effects and Health Risks
- Temporary Tattoos – Colorants, varnishes, polymers, and resins are among the ingredients used in these tattoos. They are, however, generally regarded as safe for use, even by children. Temporary tattoos, on the other hand, are not recommended for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
- Permanent Tattoos – Because regular tattooing involves actual skin penetration, the health risks are indeed significant. In the case of dirty tools, there is a risk of bacteria and virus transfer, as well as a risk of tattoo infection in the case of improper aftercare. Tattoo infection is the most common concern, so every tattoo artist must educate their clients on proper tattoo aftercare. Tattoo infection symptoms include swelling, redness, rashes, nausea, fever, increased body temperature, and so on.
Temporary Vs. Permanent Tattoos – Pros of Temporary Tattoos
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to purchase
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Short-term commitment
- Painless
- Waterproof (in many cases)
- Safe for children
So, Which One Should You Get?
Considering all the information, pros, and cons, one can conclude that getting a temporary tattoo is a better option. And we would sort of agree.
A temporary tattoo is preferable if you have low pain tolerance, an ink allergy, or do not want to commit to a permanent tattoo for the rest of your life. Sure, temporary tattoos can be a fun experience and an introduction to the sensation of having a ‘tattoo.’ They can be a great way to determine whether you want a real tattoo or not.
The Bottom Line
It is entirely up to you to consider the information presented above and determine which types of tattoos are best for you and your lifestyle. We hope we’ve given you enough information to make an informed decision. However, before making a life-altering decision like getting a permanent tattoo, always consult with a professional.