By Claire Leibowitz, Media Relations Manager
Regret nothing – Ephemeral Tattoo promotes limitless self-expression in the form of temporary, but real tattoos. The unconventional shop offers their clientele body ink that lasts for 9 to15 months.
The it-factor that sets Ephemeral apart from other parlors is the ink, which is biodegradable and able to break down in the body within a year. All ingredients in Ephemeral are individually FDA approved, medical-grade, and biocompatible. Ink aside, the stencils, needles, and techniques are identical to your average shop.
To start your process, fill out a design survey, put down a $20 deposit, and wait for an appointment opening. The design survey asks for inspiration pictures, placement ideas, size, style, etc.. Every Thursday at 10am, new appointments are added, and those interested fight for their slot. The process (unfortunately) feels like GW course registration.
Once an appointment is secured, Ephemeral will send emails reminding you of your appointment and other procedures. They advise you to eat prior to your appointment, but they also offer snacks and water in-studio.
Upon arrival at 111 North 5th Street in Brooklyn, you will check in with a friendly staff member, fill out a waiver, and further discuss the process. The waiting area is immaculately decorated with colorful books and comfortable couches with energizing rap music in the background. Your tattoo artist will come out, greet you, and bring you over to a private and clean room.
In the room, you’ll have the chance to get the final sizing and look of your design. If you’re indecisive, you can talk through the process more and make the finishing touches. The stencil is applied, and the real process begins.
The pain of Ephemeral tattoos is identical to that of a regular tattoo because the tools are the same. More sensitive areas, like places closer to bone, will feel more pain. If it becomes too much, your artist will gladly take a break.
Once your tattoo is complete, another Ephemeral staff member will come in to explain the after care process. The healing is identical to a typical tattoo as well wearing a protective patch for a few days, keeping it clean and moisturized and watching out for infection. Other things like flaking, itchiness, hyperpigmentation and raised lines are normal. The complete process takes 2-4 weeks.
After your first month with your tattoo, you will have almost a full year to enjoy. Express yourself, get something crazy and regret nothing.
Ephemeral has locations in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, with plans to also open in San Francisco. It seems D.C. could be close to next on the Ephemeral list.
Nothing like this exists in The District, but if you’re ever looking to plan something fun in New York, Ephemeral could be the perfect way to spice things up. For now, we’re stuck with potential regret without a D.C. Ephemeral, and no other shops utilize the innovative biodegradable ink.
Tattoos to show creativity and personality are fun until the commitment gets scary. Ephemeral’s solution of made to fade ink makes the decision easy, process enjoyable, and outcome incredible.
