Types of Temporary Tattoos You Should Know
When it comes to temporary tattoos, the possibilities go far beyond what you may remember from childhood. Let’s break down the most popular types—what they’re made of, how they’re applied, and how long they last.
Decal Temporary Tattoos (What We Do at Gumtoo)
These are the most widely used temporary tattoos—you’ve probably seen them applied with water. They’re safe, easy, and ideal for both kids and adults. For more in depth understanding, read about the different types of decal temporary tattoos we offer at Gumtoo.
If you're ordering custom tattoos, you can get creative with premium finishes like:
CYMK for full-color
Metallic for shiny, luxury touch.
UV that glows under UV backlight
Glow-In-the-Dark for night events
Glitter for events with children.
Lasts: 2–6 days depending on your skin type and placement.
2. Henna Tattoos
Henna is a plant-based dye used for centuries in cultural celebrations. It’s applied as a paste and stains the skin in beautiful patterns.
Lasts: About 1–2 weeks before fading naturally.
Henna tattoos are organic and usually have more cultural associated in Asia, they tend to have shades of red. ImageSource: Henna Tattoos
3. Jagua Ink (Modern alternative to henna)
Made from a South American fruit, Jagua ink stains your skin with a bluish-black tint—so it looks more like a real tattoo than henna.
Leading the pack is a company based out of Canada, Inkbox who created technology of converting the ink as a temporary tattoo decal transfer. . As its ink and it can be used just like Henna. Many designers have started using this ink for creativity.
Lasts: About 1–2 weeks before fading naturally.
Jagua ink is made from a fruit and compared to hennas, they have bluish tint to them. ImageSource: Inkbox
4. Direct-to-skin Tattoo Printing (Like printer)
Want tattoos at the push of a button? With tattoo printers like Prinker, you can print designs directly on your skin in seconds. No mess, no water needed. Perfect for events, pop-up booths, and personalized experiences
Lasts: 1–3 days and can be easily washed off
It transfers the ink directly on the skin just like a printer. ImageSource: Prinker Temporary Tattoo
FAQ
Q1: Can I apply sunscreen or moisturiser over the temporary tattoos?
A: Yes, but for best results, wait at least 1 hour after application before applying anything on top. Sunscreen can help protect the tattoo if you're outdoors, especially for longer-lasting types like Jagua or henna.
Q2: Are temporary tattoos safe for sensitive skin?
A: Most temporary tattoos (especially decal transfers like Gumtoo’s) use skin-safe, non-toxic inks. However, if you have very sensitive or allergy-prone skin, it’s best to do a patch test before full application.
