How to Create a Sharpie Tattoo

Co-authored by Michelle Myles

Last Updated: October 30, 2024 Approved

Have you ever wanted a tattoo but you were either too young, too broke, or didn't want to commit to something for life? Luckily, you can create a fake tattoo unique to your style without breaking the bank or your moral code. Try making a tattoo using a sharpie with either baby powder and hairspray, or with gel deodorant. All the following methods should help you accomplish creating your Sharpie tattoo!

Sample Tattoo Designs

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Baby Powder and Hairspray

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Take your sharpie, and draw your tattoo directly onto your skin.^{[1]
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Research source} You can use multiple colors of sharpie if you like, but keep in mind that whatever you draw will be the 'permanent' version. It may be easier to have a friend help with this part, to make sure that your drawing is just right. Wait for the sharpie to dry completely.
Pour a generous amount of baby powder into your hand, and thoroughly coat the sharpie drawing with the powder. Rub it into the drawing; it shouldn't bleed or smear. Wipe off any excess powder that doesn't stick to your skin.^{[2]
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Hold a can of hairspray 12–16 inches (30.5–40.6 cm) away from your tattoo, and spray over the entire thing. Make sure to thoroughly coat the tattoo and baby powder, although be careful not to get it all over the place. Wait for the hairspray to dry.^{[3]
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Use a tissue to carefully wipe away any extra baby powder or hairspray around the tattoo. When the hairspray is dry, the tattoo should be 'permanent' and won't smear when rubbed with a tissue. This method should make the tattoo last for up to a month.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Gel Deodorant and Tracing Paper

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If you're copying an image, place your tracing paper over the top of the image and carefully draw the outline. Attempt to place it on as flat of a surface on your arm as possible. Otherwise, draw the tattoo you would like onto tracing paper (even if you don't have to trace). You can use multiple shades of sharpie if you would like, but make sure it is a 'sharpie' and not another type of pen or ink.
On the place you would like your tattoo, spread a layer of the gel deodorant. Make sure that there is enough that it doesn't dry right away, but avoid putting so much of the gel that it prevents the paper from coming into contact with your skin.^{[5]
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Place the tattoo drawing face-down onto the gel layer on your skin. Hold it there for a minute with firm pressure, so that the image will transfer. When you're finished, remove the paper and check the results. Fix any mistakes in the drawing by repeating the aforementioned process.
Sprinkle baby powder on top of the tattoo, to absorb any leftover moisture and to help it to set. Doing this will make the tattoo last much longer than without; no baby powder means that your temporary tattoo will only last 2-3 days.
Use a clean tissue to carefully wipe off any gel or powder that might still be on your skin. Be careful not to rub the tattoo too much, until you're sure that it has set and is completely dry. When you're done, you can help protect the tattoo for longer by covering it up with a wrap when you're sleeping.^{[6]
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What can I use besides baby powder?

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If you don't have baby powder, Gold Bond or cornstarch also work.

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Can I use metallic Sharpies?

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Yes, of course! Keep in mind that metallic Sharpies are made using a slightly different formula than standard Sharpies. Some types of hair spray may cause the pigments to separate. Before doing your final tattoo, consider doing a spot test first.

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This did not work. I drew a complex feather but when I sprayed it melted. What can I do?

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After adding the baby powder, let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes, then spray the hairspray so it doesn't smear.

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Tips

Try to avoid washing/scrubbing your tattoo when you shower, to help it last longer.

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If you don't have baby powder, Gold Bond or cornstarch also works.

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If you spray the hairspray too close to your tattoo and the ink starts to run, dab it off quickly and grab a Q-tip. Dip the Q-tip in some running alcohol, be sure to squeeze out any excess, and carefully rub around the edges of your tattoo to get rid of any unwanted ink.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you ever want to give a dripping effect or want to make your tattoo fade (or go away, of course), spray your tattoo with body spray. It not only makes the tattoo runny, but it can also make it fade, if that's what you want.
Every time you fix the tattoo be sure to add another small coat of hairspray. The fresh ink you applied is yet to be coated, so without the hairspray, it will come off even faster.
Before applying baby powder and hairspray, let the sharpie dry and add multiple layers for added realism.
If you aren't comfortable using a sharpie, you can also use a Crayola marker or an ex-op marker.
Change tissues frequently to avoid smearing powder and making a mess of your tattoo.

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