ink glow in the dark

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOOS: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW

Glow-in-the-dark body art may seem like something out of a sci-fi story, but it’s actually a popular tattoo trend that’s firmly rooted in reality. Yes, luminous ink exists, and all you need to do is ask your tattoo artist to bring it to life. However, there’s a small catch: these tattoos don’t glow constantly. Often referred to as blacklight tattoos, they only become visible under UV light, adding an element of mystery that makes them even more captivating.

To get the full scoop on this trend, we spoke with several industry experts. Keep reading for everything you need to know, from safety concerns to the longevity of these glowing designs and much more.

WHAT ARE GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOOS?

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos are designs created with fluorescent ink that remains mostly invisible during the day, only revealing their glow under black light. They don’t glow in the dark as their name suggests, but instead require UV light to trigger the glowing effect. Celebrity tattoo artist Dillon Forte explains, “These types of tattoos are actually only visible under black lights.” While the style became popular in the ’90s alongside the neon trend, earlier versions used phosphorus-based inks, which were dangerous due to their carcinogenic properties. Modern versions use safer UV-reactive inks that eliminate this risk.

BENEFITS OF GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOOS

These tattoos offer the same artistic expression as regular tattoos but with a unique twist. They are more uncommon than traditional tattoos, so if you’re looking for something different, this style is perfect. Glow-in-the-dark tattoos work well if you want a subtle design that only shines in certain settings, like a dimly lit party.

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOO SAFETY

Since the use of phosphorus-based inks has been discontinued, these tattoos are generally considered safe. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, confirms, “They aren’t actually phosphorus-containing true glow-in-the-dark pigments, which would not be safe.” However, it’s crucial to ensure your tattoo artist uses high-quality, UV-reactive ink and to inquire about potential allergens or harmful chemicals in the ink. Tattoo ink is not FDA-regulated, so research is essential. Always ask about the ingredients in the ink before proceeding. If you experience severe irritation, swelling, or other reactions, seek medical help immediately.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Like any tattoo, glow-in-the-dark tattoos come with the usual risks, including redness, itching, and inflammation. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it could indicate an infection or allergic reaction. Following proper aftercare and seeking medical advice when needed can help prevent these issues.

HOW LONG DO GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOOS LAST?

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos are permanent, just like regular tattoos, but they may fade more quickly, especially with sun exposure. The UV-reactive inks can lose their vibrancy and may require touch-ups over time. As dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, explains, these tattoos “fade over time and need touch-ups.” Excessive sun exposure can make the colors appear duller and may cause the inks to shift hues.

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOO AFTERCARE

Caring for a glow-in-the-dark tattoo is similar to caring for any other tattoo. Dr. Nazarian recommends using fragrance-free soap and a layer of Aquaphor or another tattoo aftercare product. Following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and using sunscreen after the tattoo heals is essential to prevent premature fading.

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK TATTOO COST

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos generally cost about the same as regular tattoos, though some artists may charge more for the specialized inks. Pricing typically depends on the artist and studio, as well as the design’s complexity.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Glow-in-the-dark tattoos are a fun and unique way to express yourself, but they should be approached with the same care as any other tattoo. While they use UV-reactive ink instead of traditional pigments, they still come with the same potential risks and the need for aftercare. As with all tattoos, it’s essential to choose an experienced artist, use safe inks, and take proper care to ensure the longevity of your glowing design.

20 BEST DARK HAIR WITH BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS  

No hair trend has stood the test of time quite like blonde highlights—they’re the ultimate glow-up! But can they work with dark hair, like rich brown or jet black?

Absolutely! Blonde highlights add instant brightness to dark hair, creating stunning depth and dimension. Even better, there’s a shade of blonde to complement every dark hair color, whether you want a soft, subtle blend or a bold, high-contrast look. Why choose between dark and blonde when you can rock both? Here are 20 ways to embrace the best of both worlds with dark hair and blonde highlights!

Dark Ash Brown Hair with Platinum Blonde Highlights

Want a luxurious look with a touch of grunge? Try dark ash-brown hair paired with platinum blonde highlights! The striking contrast between the cool, dark tones and icy platinum streaks creates incredible depth and dimension, delivering an edgy yet sophisticated vibe.

Midnight Blue Hair with Silver Blonde Highlights

Midnight blue hair with silver blonde highlights is a captivating style that channels the mystery of the night sky. This striking combination adds mesmerizing dimension with a hint of futuristic flair, complementing any hair length or style. It’s especially breathtaking on wavy locks!

Lustrous Black Hair with Rose Gold Blonde Accents

Want to nail a punk-glam vibe? Opt for sleek black hair with rose gold blonde accents. This look combines the boldness of rich black with the softness of rose gold tones, creating striking contrast and adding intense depth. The result? Hair that appears fuller with a whimsical rose gold finish.

Coal Black Hair with Icy Blonde Ombre


Coal black hair with an icy blonde ombre is the ultimate statement of bold contrast and fierce style. This dynamic pairing adds incredible depth and texture, delivering a flawlessly chic, fashion-forward look that shines on both straight and wavy hair.

Raven-Black Hair with Subtle Sandy Blonde Highlights


If you adore subtle yet striking styles, raven-black hair with sandy highlights is a must-try! The soft sandy blonde accents bring a touch of brightness, adding life and dimension to your rich raven-black locks. This look enhances the beauty of thicker hair, no matter the texture or length.

Dark Walnut Hair with Sun Kissed Blonde Highlights


For effortless radiance, dark walnut hair with sun-kissed blonde highlights is the perfect choice! This understated yet luxurious style pairs rich walnut brown with warm, sunlit blonde tones, adding subtle dimension and a natural glow to any hair type. It’s a look full of life and soft, sunny charm.

Dark Burgundy Hair with Copper Blonde Highlights


Dark burgundy hair with copper blonde highlights is the ultimate blend of drama and rustic charm. The warm, earthy copper tones add vibrant, multi-dimensional brightness to the rich burgundy base. This versatile combo breathes life into straight styles and beautifully enhances waves and curls for a look that’s both bold and adaptable.

Glossy Dark Brown Hair with Butterscotch Blonde Accents


If you love understated (but never overlooked) styles, glossy dark brown hair with butterscotch blonde accents is a must-try. The smooth butterscotch blonde adds a subtle contrast to the rich dark brown, creating natural dimension and a lustrous, luxurious vibe. It’s the perfect low-key look for both straight hair and waves.

Dark Olive Brown Hair with Golden Blonde Highlights


Earthy and elegant—that’s the vibe you get with dark olive-brown hair and golden blonde highlights. This unique twist on the sun-kissed look features a rich, organic brown base, with golden blonde highlights adding warmth and vibrancy. It enhances any hair texture, creating a radiant glow that complements all skin tones.

Deep Brown Hair with Mocha Blonde Highlights


Deep brown hair with mocha blonde highlights is a luxurious pairing that adds a sophisticated boost to any hair type. The rich, creamy mocha blonde highlights create a smooth, complementary contrast with deep brown hair, offering a natural yet summery touch of elegance.

Rich Ebony Hair with Amber Blonde Streaks

Soft and sophisticated—that’s the essence of rich ebony hair with amber blonde streaks. The warm, golden amber blonde perfectly complements the deep tones of ebony hair, offering a subtle contrast that adds brightness and a rich, glowing warmth.

Pitch Black Hair with Bronzy Blonde Balayage

A deep, bronzy blonde is the perfect highlight color for black hair—and for good reason. It adds a subtle touch of illumination, bringing life to your dark locks with a hint of sunlight, all while preserving the luscious, dark, and mysterious allure of your black hair.

Dark Cocoa Hair with Sunlit Blonde Streaks

Looking for something natural with a touch of sparkle? Try dark cocoa hair with sunlit blonde streaks! True to their name, these streaks brighten your rich cocoa brown with a sunny glow, while adding warmth and radiance to your skin for an inviting, luminous effect.

Black-Brown Hair with Soft Beige-Blonde Highlights

For a subtle twist on sleek and sophisticated, try black-brown hair with soft beige-blonde highlights. The creamy beige-blonde highlights add a refined touch of radiance, enhancing the depth of your lustrous black-brown hair with a soft, elegant glow.

Dark Caramel Brown Hair with Warm Blonde Highlights

Opt for a timeless highlighted dark hair look with dark caramel brown and warm blonde highlights! This classic pairing not only brightens your hair but also adds movement to any texture, creating a cozy glow that complements every skin tone.

Lush Black Hair with Smoky Blonde Balayage


Nothing exudes “mysterious allure” quite like lush black hair with smoky blonde balayage. This combination pairs rich black hair with soft, barely-there smoky blonde balayage, creating a subtle contrast that adds natural life to your hair while maintaining that deep, dramatic vibe.

Dark Sable Hair with Honey Blonde Ombre


Dark sable hair with honey-blonde ombre is a sweet, sophisticated style that keeps you looking summer-ready all year long. The honey-blonde ombre beautifully complements dark sable hair with a smooth, soft transition, adding a warm, sun-kissed glow that enhances natural curls and waves.

Inky Black Hair with Silver Ash Blonde Highlights


Looking for the perfect mix of classy and contemporary? Try inky black hair with silver ash-blonde highlights. The striking contrast between deep, mysterious black and bold, modern silver ash-blonde adds powerful dimension, instantly enhancing any hair texture—from sleek, straight strands to bouncy curls and everything in between.

Blackberry Tinted Hair with Golden Blonde Highlights


Blackberry-tinted hair is truly captivating. The rich blend of deep berry tones creates a unique, eye-catching look that adds incredible depth and multi-tonal definition to any hair texture—ensuring you steal the spotlight every time!

Rich Espresso Hair with Toffee Blonde Balayage

Rich espresso hair with toffee-blonde balayage is an indulgent and irresistible look, offering a warm, luscious contrast between deep espresso and smooth toffee-blonde balayage. The golden tones of the balayage create natural definition, flattering any hair texture with a sun-kissed, effortless vibe.