Kids can be fickle. One moment a temporary tattoo seems like the coolest thing in the world, and then flash forward ten minutes later and they need it off now. Thankfully for parents, it's easy to take fake tattoos off quickly and painlessly! Here are some simple ideas on how to remove kids' tattoos without frustration.
How to Remove Temporary Tattoos: 7 Simple Solutions
While it may seem like scrubbing is the best solution, there are some super simple methods for removing kids' tattoos that are completely painless. These quick fixes will keep you and your kids happy.
1. Baby Wipes
If you have kids, you probably have baby wipes on hand. Wipes work exceptionally well if you've recently applied the tattoo and your kid has already gotten tired of it. To use this method:
- Pull out a few baby wipes (brand isn't an issue).
- Gently rub the tattoo until it breaks apart.
2. Baby Oil or Coconut Oil
Another surefire way to remove older or peeling temporary tattoos is with baby oil or coconut oil. You can even use a moisturizer containing one of these oils and get the same effect. In addition to baby oil or coconut oil, you are going to need a cotton swab or a cloth to apply it.
- Soak the cloth or swab in the oil.
- Using light pressure, place the cotton against the skin and hold it in place to allow the oil to soak into the tattoo.
- After about a minute, use gentle circular motions to break apart the tattoo.
- Make sure that you are gentle. You never want to scrub the skin because this can create irritation.
If you don't have baby oil or coconut oil on hand, head to your kitchen! Olive oil is another great choice.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
A popular go-to for temporary tattoo removal is rubbing alcohol. However, if there are any breaks on the skin, this one might hurt a little, so be wary.
- Drench a cloth or cotton ball in alcohol. You want it to be wet, but not dripping.
- Apply the swab to the tattoo and rub gently. The alcohol should quickly pull the tattoo off.
Since hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, these are also products that can remove temporary tattoos from a child's skin. You can use the same directions shown above for alcohol.
4. Nail Polish Remover
For more stubborn temporary tattoos, nail polish remover is another easy fix! Just like with the rubbing alcohol, you want to saturate the skin first.
- Soak a cotton ball or cloth in the nail polish remover.
- Place the cotton ball over the tattoo and gently rub it away.
5. Oil-Based Makeup Remover
If you want to know how to remove kids' tattoos gently, another effective solution is a makeup remover. You can use either a cream or a liquid product. However, the cream is a little easier to use since it can easily sit on a temporary tattoo.
- Using a cloth or your finger, rub the makeup remover onto the tattoo.
- Much like the oil, allow it to sit on the tattoo for about a minute.
- Using a clean cloth, you should be able to wipe the tattoo away.
- This method works especially well for tattoos on the face.
Oil-based products are very good at breaking apart temporary tattoos. With that being said, parents who are planning to apply temporary safety tattoos on their kids at theme and water parks need to avoid oil-based sunscreens, like waterproof sunscreens. These will quickly cause the kids' tattoo to dissolve, making this safety item ineffective.
6. Scotch Tape
Another quick and easy method that requires little to no effort for freshly applied temporary tats is Scotch tape! For this method, you'll need tape — the stickier the better.
- Grab a couple of inches of clear tape. Try to make the tape strip as big as the tattoo to avoid irritating the skin.
- Press the tape onto the tattoo and slowly pull it up. You should notice the tattoo comes up with the tape.
- Repeat this process with new strips of tape until the tattoo is gone.
7. Hair Spray
Another easy and simple kid-friendly way to remove a kid's temporary tattoo is with hair spray. This technique can work for both newly applied decals or those that have been on for a little while. For this method, you'll need a few supplies:
- Hair spray (the higher the alcohol content, the better)
- Towel
- Soap and water
Directions:
- Apply the hair spray to the tattoo.
- Let the hair spray dry for a few minutes. You can blow on it or have your child wave their arm or leg back and forth to help it dry faster.
- Using the towel, gently rub the tattoo off.
- Use the soap and water to remove any remaining hair spray.
Never use this method for tattoos that are on the face. There is too big a risk of getting the hairspray into a child's eyes. Parents should also know this is not a good technique for those with sensitive skin.
Removing Stubborn Temporary Tattoos
Most of these solutions will do the trick, but for the tattoos that won't just wipe away, you can make a simple exfoliating scrub. Mix brown sugar, olive oil, and vanilla extract together, and then place a thick layer over the tattoo. Next, grab a clean washcloth, get it wet, and gently scrub the area. This should break apart the more stuck-on and stubborn parts of the tattoo.
Keep Your Kids Happy With These Simple Solutions
Kids love temporary tattoos. They also love to change their look at the drop of a hat. More importantly, if it is starting to peel, kids' tattoos need to come off. Thankfully, there are several methods for removing temporary tattoos with products you have right at home!
