Hair tattoos are like temporary tattoos that you place on your skin, except that they go on your hair. Beautiful, intricate, and fabulous, they are just the thing to take your hair to the next level. They are perfect for any occasion, for a special night out to a stroll about town to your first day of class. Best of all, they are easy to apply!


EditGetting Started

  1. Purchase hair tattoos. You can buy them in well-stocked beauty shops and online. Some clothing stores may also sell them. They come in packages of 2 to 3 sheets, and look like the temporary tattoos you put on your skin.
    Apply Hair Tattoos Step 1.jpg
  2. Cut out the tattoo that you want. Go through the sheets, and choose an image that appeals to you. Cut the image out with a pair of scissors. You can cut out more than one tattoo, but you will need to apply them one at a time.

  3. Peel off the clear, plastic sheet. Make sure that you are only peeling the sheet off of the tattoo you just cut out. Leave the sheet over the rest of the tattoos. This will keep them clean, dust-free, and prevent them from sticking.

  4. Make sure that your hair is smooth. The easiest way to do this would be to straighten your hair, but you can also add some loose curls or waves towards the bottom. Make sure that the area that you'll be putting the tattoo in is relatively straight, however. This will make it easier to apply the tattoo and help it look nicer in the end.[1]

  5. Style your hair, if needed. If you plan on just tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, you can skip this step. If you plan on pulling your hair into an up-do, a ponytail, bun, braid, or anything else, you should do that now.[2] Hair tattoos are stiff, sort of like stickers. If you try to style your hair after you apply the tattoo you risk ripping the tattoo and distorting the image.

EditApplying the Tattoo

  1. Spray the area you want the tattoo in with hair spray. This will make your hair sticky and help the tattoo adhere better to your hair.[3]

  2. Place the tattoo against your hair. Make sure that the image side is against your hair, and that the paper backing is facing out. Hold it firmly in place.

  3. Hold a damp towel against the tattoo for 20 to 30 seconds. Dampen a towel with water first, then squeeze the excess water out. Press the towel against the back of the tattoo. Hold the towel steady for 20 to 30 seconds. Be careful not to move it around too much.[4]

    • If you don't have a damp towel, you can spritz the tattoo with water instead. Gently hold your fingers over the tattoo for 20 to 30 seconds.[5]
    • Do not drench the tattoo. You want it to be wet, but not soaking.
  4. Pull the towel away. Gently rub your finger over the backing a few times to make sure that the tattoo sticks.

  5. Peel the paper backing away. The paper backing should come away, and the tattoo should be stuck to your hair. The tattoo will be stiff, like a sticker. Do not pull it apart.

  6. Spray the tattoo once more with hairspray. This will help seal the tattoo in, and help it last longer.[6]

  7. Wear the tattoo. Your tattoo is now ready to go! If you kept your hair loose, you could tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, or clip it off to the side with a bobby pin.

EditRemoving the Tattoo

  1. Remove the tattoo when you are done wearing it. The tattoo should last several days. Over time, it may rip or crack, and spread apart. When you are tired of it, remove it in one of the following ways listed below.
    Apply Hair Tattoos Step 13.jpg
  2. Comb the tattoo out with a fine-toothed comb. Start at the bottom of the tattoo and work your way to the top. Use short, quick, gentle strokes. As you comb, the tattoo will get stuck to the bristles.[7]

  3. Wash it out.[8] Simply wash your hair like you normally would, with shampoo and conditioner. The tattoo will flake off or dissolve in the water.
    Apply Hair Tattoos Step 15.jpg
  4. Peel the tattoo off. Since the tattoo is like a sticker, it is possible to peel it away. Loosen an edge near the top of the tattoo. Get a good grip on it, then gently peel it away, pulling it downward. If you have any residue, come it out with a fine-toothed comb.



  • Apply the tattoo to a spot that won't be getting moved around or messed with too much. The more you touch the tattoo, the more it will break up and fade.[9]
  • These tattoos work just like the temporary tattoos kids get.
  • Combine different tattoos for a unique look.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Hair tattoos
  • Damp cloth
  • Scissors

EditSources and Citations
