Tattoos are an artful form of self-expression. They’re reminders of important moments, narratives of life and expressions of what makes us unique. Unfortunately, many of us will spend our whole lives agonizing over the commitment to permanence.
With a slogan of ‘regret nothing,’ DC’s first made-to-fade tattoo studio promises a fun, fluid and temporary approach to the art form.
Ephemeral Tattoo, the studio that pioneered made-to-fade ink, opened its first DC location earlier this month.
Ephemeral offers the same artistry and self-expression as traditional tattoos, without the lifelong commitment and chance of regret.
Growing up in traditional immigrant households, Ephemeral founders believed they could never get tattoos due to religious or cultural reasons. Like many, they feared the taboo social implications that tattoos hold in society.
While practicing for their doctorates in chemical engineering, Ephemeral founders discovered a new way to make tattoos disappear, without the help of painful, invasive laser removal surgery. Using a revolutionary, biodegradable fading ink, Ephemeral discovered a new kind of tattoo, according to the brand’s website.
Made from FDA-approved ingredients, Ephemeral ink is designed to be removed by our bodies. Selecting plant-based ingredients when possible and steering away from metallic and animal-based components, Ephemeral raises the bar for ink safety.
Ephemeral opened its first location in Brooklyn, New York in 2021 and has quickly expanded to now seven studios across the country. With 50 talented tattoo artists, Ephemeral tattoos have taken the country by storm with 10,000 tattoos and counting done so far.
Ephemeral tattoos are applied the same way as traditional tattoos, by an artist with a needle. Enjoy Ephemeral art in full vibrancy after an appointment and watch as it slowly fades in months to come.
Ephemeral ink breaks down and is naturally removed from the body at a non-linear rate. 70% of customers can expect their fade to complete in under two years, according to the brand’s website.
All bodies are unique and no two fades are the same. A variety of factors like tattoo placement, design, body response, skin tone and aftercare may affect the rate of fade. But rest assured, Ephemeral promises a full fade within three years.
Tattoos may fade at different rates on different parts of the body due to variations in skin. Ephemeral has found that the inner bicep and upper torso placements (sternum, ribs, breasts) fade faster than wrists and forearms.
How much ink is transferred in a design will also lengthen a potential fade timeline. Tattoos with thick lines or shading typically take longer to fade than subtle designs with thin lines.
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Ephemerals applied to skin with more melanin may appear to fade faster than on skin with less melanin. No matter your skin tone, your tattoo will look great and completely fade.
Skin physiology, the immune system and aftercare also affect how our bodies respond to the ink and heal. Ephemeral uses hydrocolloid patches for faster healing. At the end of your appointment, you will get an aftercare goodie bag with an extra patch, anti-itch cream, gentle soap and instructions for care to ensure a quick recovery and swift fade.
Stay in the moment with a tattoo that lasts at least a year or two, not a lifetime.
Ephemeral Tattoo is located at 1300 H Street NE, Suite B, Washington, DC
Photography by: No. 29 Communications
