UV Tattoos Will Take the Simplest Design From Basic to Bright

  • UV tattoos are made with dyes that illuminate under an ultraviolet light.
  • Because of the fluorescent ink, they're sometimes referred to as blacklight tattoos.
  • Here's what to know about the tattoo trend, plus photos to inspire your next ink.

Getting a tattoo is an everlasting commitment (unless you're getting an ephemeral design, but that's a story for another day). Your goal might be to get a piece of body art that stands out, but drawing inspiration from common trends like nostalgic tattoos can result in regrettable copycat ink. Alternatively, you can try innovative techniques such as fine-line or watercolor patterns to customize popular designs, but many want something that is truly one of a kind. That's where the UV-tattoo trend comes in.

UV tattoos, also known as blacklight tattoos, are a sneaky way to get a more basic decal while still managing to color outside the lines. This special ink uses dyes that are practically invisible when viewed in daylight unless paired with a black design. The magic happens when your design is lit under an ultraviolet light lamp β€” your tattoo glows in the dark. The transformation can change even the tiniest, simplest tattoo into a mystical masterpiece.

Of course, since this is a specialized dye, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all tattoo parlors carry UV ink, so you'll want to call ahead of time before you book an appointment. (A good way to find a tattoo shop that offers UV tattoos is to check Instagram.) Another factor to consider is the price, since UV tattoos do tend to cost a little more than your standard ink and may vary depending on the size and placement.

Still, UV tattoos can be a fun way to experiment with body art in a completely unexpected form. Keep scrolling to get inspired by the cool styles.