Glow-In-The-Dark Tattoos Are Here—Everything You Need to Know

Regular tattoos have been around for way too long—with the oldest evidence of a human tattoo dating back to a period between 3370 BC and 3100 BC. And while we do believe in the phrase 'old is gold', we reckon it's time to give the traditional ink a whimsical spin, don't you? Make way for glow-in-the-dark tattoos! These glow under a blacklight and are perfect for those people who don't wish to flaunt their ink. 

Cosmo got in touch with Celebrity Tattoo Artists Lokesh Verma and Angel Zimik, from Devil'z Tattooz, to shed light on the latest—and coolest—ink trend that has taken the tattoo industry by storm. 

 

A minimalist glow-in-the-dark tattoo done by Devil'z Tattooz

 

Cosmo: How are UV tattoos different from regular tattoos?

 

Lokesh Verma: "UV tattoos, also known as glow-in-the-dark or blacklight tattoos, are made using UV ink, which is nothing but normal ink mixed with fluorescent ink. This ink ensures that the tattoo is visible under ultraviolet light. Depending on the ink used, these tattoos can be almost entirely invisible under regular light exposure, which is convenient for those who prefer to hide their tattoos for personal or professional reasons."

 

Cosmo: How are these tattoos made on the skin?

 

LV: "The process of making UV tattoos is almost similar to the normal tattooing process. However, since the ink for a UV tattoo is invisible, the artist is unable to see the ink properly while creating the design. Hence, a tattoo artist must be extremely careful during this process and should do so under UV light. While it might take a bit longer for the artist to complete the design, the result will be worth it. Make sure that you pick an artist that has enough knowledge about the trend and follows proper hygienic procedures as well."

 

Cosmo: What is the one thing a client should bear in mind when getting a UV tattoo? 

 

LV: "Ensure that you do not expose your tattoo to sunlight because sunlight exposure can quickly fade away your tattoo. The ink will begin fading away if exposed to direct sunlight for over a week. Alternatively, if you take care, your tattoo can last indefinitely. Besides that, post-tattoo care is quite the same as it is for a regular tattoo." Professional tattoo artist, Angel Zimik, adds, "We suggest that you do not over soak your tattoo in water for the first two weeks. Hence, avoid taking a dip in the swimming pool or bathtub."

 

Cosmo: When did UV tattoos begin trending?

 

LV: "UV tattoos are really cool, although, they have been around for ages! That said, it was not so common in India and is now gaining popularity. In the end, it's practically the same as an ordinary tattoo, just that it glows when exposed to UV light. Such lighting is commonly found at nightclubs and lounges, making them the ideal place to flaunt your trendy ink."