Tattoos, and Their Use Across the World
There are many people in the world that absolutely love tattoos. Whether it be a full-body, partial-body, or simple arm tattoo, it is fairly common to see many people with body art. Typically, we understand tattoos to be permanent, and they last the rest of your life. Therefore, being wise in the tattoo that is chosen is absolutely crucial, as taking it off is most likely not possible. Although, if people do not want a permanent tattoo, there are several other options that they can take into account when wanting to get some body art.
Best Option For Those Doubting Body Art
One of the best options is to get what is called an “ephemeral” body art. An ephemeral tattoo is a tattoo that comes off after a certain amount of time. Those times can vary. “Developed in 2021, Ephemeral’s ink is biodegradable and is broken down by the body over time. The fade time varies depending on where the tattoo is on the body,” stated Block Club Chicago. It can also be called a “semi-permanent” body art.
There are not many locations that offer this service. For those that live in Chicago, traveling to get a tattoo is most likely not going to be something that Chicagoans are going to want to do. Thankfully, a long-awaited solution has finally come to the City of Chicago.
History and Background of the Inventors of Ephemeral
Ephemeral has not been around for such a long time. It took six long years of research to fully release this ink to the public to be used. The company “was founded by five New York University friends who were always intrigued by tattoos, but grew up in households where they were taboo,” stated Forbes. They presented what they had found out to many organizations like the FDA, and many scientists as well to make sure this product was of good quality.
“The Brooklyn-based tattoo studio officially opened its doors after six years of research and testing to create a safe ink with FDA-approved, medical-grade, bioabsorbable, and biocompatible polymer materials that are proven to fade over the course of one year,” added Forbes. Clearly, this has been tested and been proven safe over the course of 6 years.

What is it Like to Get an Ephemeral Design?
Many may have the question, is it easier to receive an Ephemeral Tattoo compared to a lifelong one? The simple answer is that it is quite literally the same as getting lifelong body art.
However, the made-to-fade ink doesn’t lessen the pain of a real one. The same amount of pain will be felt no matter what route is taken. There is a reason for the fact the same amount of pain will be felt.
The company uses the same technique as a permanent one. So it makes sense it would cause the same amount of pain. Since the same needle and the same machine are being used, it is as if a lifelong tatt was to be received, instead, it is the semi-permanent one.
However, there are sub-optimal locations to receive an Ephemeral tattoo. “the hands or feet aren’t recommended as locations for the tattoos because both areas tend to fade more quickly, even with traditional ink.” mentions Allure. Therefore, staying away from these locations may result in the best outcome.
The Future of Body Art
Clearly, there has been some branching out being done when it comes to body art. They are not restricted anymore to just one type of tattoo, being that it is a lifelong commitment. Thanks to Ephemeral, body art can be received and it does not have to be a lifelong commitment. This has certainly changed the world of tattoos by a long shot.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
Block Club Chicago: Chicago’s First Semi-Permanent Tattoo Studio Opens In West Loop
Forbes: Ephemeral Tattoo, The First-Ever Made-To-Fade Tattoo Company, Rethinks The Traditional Tattoo Parlor
Allure: What It’s Like to Get a “Made to Fade” Ephemeral Tattoo
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Kana Yeh’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Focal Foto’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License


















