If you are thinking about getting a tattoo but you aren’t sure if you’re ready for such a big commitment, we may have a solution for you: try a temporary tattoo sleeve! Temporary tattoos allow you to change up your tattoos every few weeks without the commitment. Temporary tattoo sleeves aren’t permanent and will enable you to change your mind, especially for something as big as a sleeve tattoo.
Coming up, we will compare temporary and permanent tattoos, including temporary tattoo sleeves. We will share the pros and cons of each choice. Hopefully, this will help you make the right decision and show you why a temporary tattoo may be the better option.
Temporary Tattoo Sleeves: Why You Should Get Them
Temporary tattoos are, as the word states, temporary. They aren’t permanent and are designed to be transferred onto the skin, not into the skin, which saves money and time, especially with a large area, like a temporary tattoo sleeve. WannaBeInk.com offers a variety of tattoos that are bought online. Temporary tattoo sleeves come on a sheet of paper. They are put on the skin with a bit of moisture. The paper is placed on the skin for a couple of seconds to get the temporary tattoo sleeve to stick.
The tattoo will last about one to two weeks. If you want to remove it before it falls off, it can be removed easily with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol or an oil-based product. The pros of getting a temporary tattoo sleeve are:
- Affordable
- Easy to purchase
- Easy application
- Easy removal
- Short-term commitment
- Pain-free
- Most are waterproof
- Mostly safe for children
The cons of getting a temporary tattoo are:
- They don’t last long
- Can peel or fall off on their own
- Can cause skin irritation
- Aren’t permanent or “real”
Permanent Tattoos: What They Require
Permanent tattoos are, as stated in the name, not temporary. Unlike temporary tattoo sleeves, they require a visit to a professional tattoo artist. They will penetrate the skin with a tattoo needle whereas there’s no pain with temporary tattoo sleeves. Ink or pigment will rest inside the skin for the rest of your life unless you get it removed with a laser.
Permanent tattoos are also more expensive than temporary tattoos and way more painful. They are also more labor and time-consuming. These tattoos should have a lot more thought put into them. The pros of permanent tattoos are:
- They can look great
- Last for a lifetime
- Get to go through the unique experience
The cons of getting a permanent tattoo are:
- Costly
- Painful
- Hard to remove
- Can cause inflammation and infection
- If the tattoo is visible, it could cause employment issues
- Lots of aftercare
How Can I Apply a Temporary or Permanent Tattoo?
Temporary tattoos, even large ones like temporary tattoo sleeves, are extremely easy to apply. All you need is a piece of paper with the tattoo and add some water. Put the temporary tattoo sleeve on your skin and apply the moisture. After a couple of seconds, take it off!
Permanent tattoos are not as easy. They require a needle that will penetrate your skin, so blood may be present during the process. You will feel a lot of pain, and the process is quite uncomfortable.
Avoiding high-pain areas can help you relieve some of the discomforts. Also, the first tattoo might be the most painful. After that, people usually build up pain tolerance, but there is still pain. Even days after that tattoo is done, blood and plasma may still ooze from the area during the healing process.
So, if you have a lot of tolerance for pain or don’t like needles, a temporary tattoo, especially a big one like a temporary tattoo sleeve, may be the way to go!
How Much Does It Cost?
Temporary tattoos, even the big temporary tattoo sleeves, are relatively cheap, from top-quality brands. You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 for a temporary tattoo that has a unique design. Bundles of temporary tattoos maybe even are less money. Overall, they are pretty affordable compared to permanent tattoos.
Permanent tattoos range anywhere from $100 to $10,000. The price is dependent on the size, design, placement, and who the tattoo artist is. Because permanent tattoos are very labor-intensive and last a long time, they cost a lot of money.
How Long Does a Temporary Tattoo Last?
Temporary tattoos are meant not to last very long, so you may only get one that lasts for up to two weeks. The longevity depends on if the tattoo gets wet and if clothes rub against it, so a large one like a temporary tattoo sleeve may not last as long. If you take good care of it and apply it correctly, the temporary tattoo sleeve can last two weeks.
Permanent tattoos will last you as long as you are alive unless you remove them. This commitment is certainly not for everyone. The tattoos will start to fade and change shape and size as you age.
How Can I Remove Different Types of Tattoos?
Temporary tattoos, even huge temporary tattoo sleeves, are very easy to remove. If you don’t want to wait for it to peel off, you can remove it with rubbing alcohol or an oil-based product. These should be applied with a cotton ball. Simply rub the cotton ball on the tattoo. It will be gone in about 10 to 30 seconds.
Permanent tattoos are a bit more tricky to remove. You have to get laser tattoo removal. It is expensive–more money than the tattoo itself–and can be extremely painful. You have to go to several sessions before the tattoo is entirely removed. For example, if you have a medium-sized, grey tattoo, it’ll take up to 15 laser removal sessions.
Side Effects and Health Risks of Tattoos
Temporary tattoos contain colorants, varnishes, polymers, and resins that may affect people with sensitive skin or skin conditions. They are generally safe for children.
Permanent tattoos have an increased chance of health risks. You risk bacteria or a virus transferring if the tools are dirty or improper aftercare. Tattoo infections are the primary concern, so every tattoo artist should educate their clients about proper care. Side effects of infection could include:
- Tattoo swelling
- Redness
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Fever
Conclusion
When picking the perfect tattoo, also consider selecting the best method. Temporary tattoos are cheaper, less painful, and aren’t permanent. Choosing a temporary tattoo for your sleeve will help you save time, money, and pain, and you’ll be able to avoid a regretful tattoo!
Check out our selection of temporary tattoo sleeves to get started today.