Tattoos For Your Kids: A Guide to Child-Friendly Body Art

Kids getting tattoos might seem unusual, but it's becoming increasingly common. For example, back in 2022, People Magazine reported that a child as young as ten years old received a tattoo, which later resulted in the arrests of both the mother and the tattoo artist.

So, what's driving parents to allow tattoos at a younger age? According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jody A. Levine, MD, it's mainly about parents wanting to support their children's self-expression, especially in today's social media-driven world where people can share their identities with a broad audience. "Parents are recognizing the importance and value of self-expression and are eager to support it," Dr. Levine explains.

While most places require individuals to be at least 18 to get a tattoo, some allow minors with parental consent. Nevertheless, safety should always be the top priority when considering permanent body art at a young age.

"Safety is paramount," Levine emphasizes. "Concerns include infection, allergic reactions and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, certain tattoo inks can interfere with medical imaging like MRIs, potentially causing burning or irritation."

Beyond health concerns, Levine urges parents to also consider how long their child will actually like the tattoo. "Kids might change their minds as they grow up, possibly wanting to remove it later for personal reasons or job prospects," she says. That's why it's crucial to have an open chat with your children about all these potential issues before giving them the green light for a tattoo."

If you are looking for alternatives to permanent tattoos for kids, you're in luck. You've got plenty of choices, from fun temporary tattoo stickers to beautiful henna designs. Keep reading, and we'll walk you through each option, making sure you know how to apply them easily.

Temporary Tattoos

You might recall receiving these in a goodie bag at birthday parties when you were a kid. However, temporary tattoo stickers remain one of the best tattoo ideas for children. Not only are they easy to apply, but, as Levine adds, they also let kids experiment with fun and creative looks.

"These tattoos are a good way to get the image without committing to it permanently (and allowing your child to solidify and commit to their preference, if they do want a tattoo)," Levine explains.

While temporary tattoo stickers are available in countless designs, Levine says it's important to use them with non-toxic and hypoallergenic ingredients to avoid irritating your child's skin.

You'll also want to apply these tattoos to the skin carefully. Levin advises these tips for the best application:

• Wipe the area clean and then allow it to dry before application;
• Press the tattoo firmly on the application area and apply water as directed.
• Avoid stretching the skin during application to prevent distortion of the design.

Henna Tattoos

Levine adds that henna tattoos are also a generally safe alternative to permanent tattoos for children due to their use of natural dyes extracted from henna plant leaves. However, because every skin type is different, she advises parents to conduct a patch test to rule out any allergies before proceeding.

Henna can be an excellent option for kids without sensitivities. However, keep in mind that the application process requires patience. To apply henna correctly, Levine recommends using brown henna, which is natural and free from harmful ingredients. The application involves leaving the henna on the skin for several hours, potentially overnight, before peeling off the dried paste. The stain then continues to darken as it sets into the skin.

Other DIY tattoo ideas for kids

From printed designs to marker art and airbrush paint, there are many other DIY tattoo ideas for kids to explore. The key, according to Levine, is to stick to kid-friendly, hypoallergenic products that are safe for use on the skin.

Printing

Temporary printed tattoos provide a modern twist on the classic temporary tattoos you might recall from your childhood. This innovative approach utilizes digital technology, allowing you to create custom designs using smartphone apps or computer software. Once your artwork is complete, it's printed onto specially formulated temporary tattoo paper, transferring the design onto your skin when moistened. However, it's crucial to select non-toxic paper, particularly for children, as some varieties may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin.

Markers

Temporary tattoo markers offer kids a fun, artistic way to create colourful skin designs. Look for skin-safe, non-toxic sets with various colours and stencils for added enjoyment. As always, be certain that the markers you select are safe for the skin and are non-toxic.

Airbrushing/Painting

Great for parties or at-home tattoo fun, the airbrush tattoo method involves purchasing an airbrush kit (which includes a compressor, hose, paint, etc.) to create designs on the skin. These tattoos tend to last longer than regular stickers, but you'll want to ensure that the paints are non-toxic and pose no risk of allergens.

Safety considerations and takeaways

Although tattoos can appeal to kids, Levine believes it is important to be transparent about the potential risks involved.

"Before your kids get too excited about tattoos, have a heart-to-heart with them," Levine recommends. "Cover the health aspects, discuss how our preferences can change over time and stress the importance of thorough research. Also, tell them that reputable tattoo artists always check IDs to ensure customers are at least 18."

It's also important to discuss temporary tattoo alternatives with them, which offer the same aesthetic appeal without the associated risks.

"It's important to remember that children's interests and tastes can change quickly (even faster than many of these trends)," Levine adds. "So, a good compromise that allows them to express themselves while not committing to something that they may regret later) could be temporary tattoos."

Experts: 

Dr. Jody A. Levine, MD. Dermatologist. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC