So long as you don’t expose the temporary tattoos to heat and moisture, they will continue to last. Keep them in a dry, dark space (like the back of a cupboard) to keep them for as long as possible. You can also contact the maker of the temporary tattoos to find out how long they think the temp tatts will last in storage.

Also Read:

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• Are Temporary Tattoos Safe: Everything You Need to Know!
• Temporary Vs. Permanent Tattoos: Which One Should You Get?

Tattoo Ink FAQs

Is pre-dispersed ink safer than powdered?

Yes, pre-dispersed ink is generally safer and less likely to be contaminated. The inorganic ink components were mixed with the liquid in a sterile environment to create the pre-dispersed ink. However, the powdered ink needs to be mixed by the tattoo artist, who may not have a clean room and means to sterilize the ink afterwards.

How long is the shelf-life of tattoo ink?

The average is around 2 years, but each manufacturer should print an expiration date on individual ink bottles. If an ink seller doesn’t provide expiration dates, avoid buying their ink.

Does expired tattoo ink hurt?

The pain of getting a tattoo will be the same, whether they use expired or fresh ink. However, the bacterial infection caused by expired ink will be incredibly painful and may even cause permanent scarring in severe cases.

Can you use expired tattoo needles?

Just like expired tattoo ink, you shouldn’t use expired tattoo needles. Once the needles have expired, they may no longer provide protection from infections, or they may become contaminated. The needle will look the same, so you must judge on the expiration date instead of appearances.

How can you tell if tattoo ink has expired?

These are the visual signs you will see in the ink:

• The ink has split with solids and liquids separated,
• It has a really thick texture,
• It has a bad odor,
• The bottle is overflowing.

However, often there are no visual signs when an ink has expired. That’s why you should always throw the ink away once it hits the expiration date or you believe it may have been contaminated.