Many people who get rid of unwanted tattoos or piercings are still interested in sporting body art. There are several alternatives to permanent body art that these people, and those who are unsure if they want to get pierced or tattooed, are turning to. These alternatives include temporary tattoos, fake piercings, and mehndi.

Temporary tattoos initially were famous for being a kid’s prize found in a Cracker Jack Box. Today they are no longer just for children. Many adults use temporary tattoos to decorate their body for short time periods. Temporary tattoos come in many different designs, some created by tattoo artists. The best quality temporary tattoos are made on special paper, such as rice paper; are water proof; and last as long as two weeks.

A new type of temporary tattoo gaining popularity is a hair tattoo. A person can have a symbol, such as a star or dolphin, shaped into his or her hair. The process involves choosing a specially molded design block, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and placing the block not a hairstyling hot plate. The hot plate is then placed and kept in the hair for at least fifteen minutes for the desired result. Typically the hair tattoo lasts only until the next time the person washes his or her hair, but special gels can help it last longer.

Like temporary and hair tattoos, fake piercings are a way to try body art without pain or permanency. From stick-on nose studs to magnetic earrings, jewelry that simulates piercings are available at a variety of stores. These items are gaining popularity among celebrities. For example, ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham donned a clip-on lip ring rather than pierce her lip.

Mehndi, an Indian tradition of decorating a woman’s hands and feet with henna dye, is also becoming a popular alternative to permanent tattoos. The patterns are intricate and can take hours to paint. The henna dye lasts from then days to six weeks, depending on the person’s skin. Mehndi shops are opening up across the United States of America.

Mehndi, fake piercings and temporary tattoos are becoming common fashion accessories. Their popularity is likely to increase as more people become interested in decorating their bodies but do not want to suffer the potential consequences of permanent tattoos and piercings.

No matter what form of body art, whether temporary of permanent, becomes most popular, many believe that it will continue to be a part of our culture.