# Tattoo Alternative (read why) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 3, 2004, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450 "2004-06-03T14:34:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![633squadron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/ee59a6/32.png) [@633squadron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/633squadron)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/1 "2004-06-03T14:34:55Z")
I like tattoos, but I notice that the bright colors fade over time. That’s why I’ve never had one. So, is there a less permanent alternative that doesn’t fade as much while it’s on? I’d be willing to reapply it on a regular basis. I realize immediately that this sounds like a wimpy/silly question. Honestly, I’d get some really large visible tattoos if I wasn’t worried that I’d eventually look like a washcloth that had been left out in the sun for years… :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Logitech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19b73/32.png) [@Logitech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Logitech)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/2 "2004-06-03T14:37:00Z")
At most fairs that I have been to, there have been stands that sell temp tatoos that look nice. Wait till your next fair, and look in the booths, the temp tatoo stands usually have a large selection. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/3 "2004-06-03T14:46:15Z")
If you don’t mind a single color (reddish brown) there are skin artists out there who apply really nice work in henna. It lasts a few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![mrklutz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@mrklutz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrklutz)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/4 "2004-06-03T16:54:36Z")
Why would that be wimpy? I have a couple tattoos myself, but I’m not about to denigrate someone for choosing something that is not so permanent, regardless of the reason. I don’t know of a good alternative right offhand, but I’ll bet if you call a good tattoo parlor, they’ll be able to offer suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/5 "2004-06-03T17:29:41Z")
Have you tried permanent markers? ---
**Author:** ![XJETGIRLX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9fc29f/32.png) [@XJETGIRLX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XJETGIRLX)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2004, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/6 "2004-06-03T18:03:57Z")
Most tattoos done these days are made of inks that do a good job of retaining their brightness and vivacity. Tattoo ink has improved greatly over the years, and fading really isn’t as much an issue as it used to be. > [@](#): > > Honestly, I’d get some really large visible tattoos if I wasn’t worried that I’d eventually look like a washcloth that had been left out in the sun for years… Unless your tattoo artist is deceptive or just plain incompetant, or you plan on being out in the sun a great deal without sunscreen or exposed to a great deal of chlorine this really isn’t incredibly likely. All tattoos will fade, but fading will be minimal with good care. Also, most tattoo artists will do touch ups for free, or at a very minimal cost. ---
**Author:** ![633squadron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/ee59a6/32.png) [@633squadron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/633squadron)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-alternative-read-why/248450/7 "2004-06-04T03:41:41Z")
> [@mrklutz](#): > > Why would that be wimpy? I have a couple tattoos myself, but I’m not about to denigrate someone for choosing something that is not so permanent, regardless of the reason. > > I don’t know of a good alternative right offhand, but I’ll bet if you call a good tattoo parlor, they’ll be able to offer suggestions. Thank you for taking the time to make this response! Just another reason TSDMB is the best!