'Made-to-fade' tattoo shop opens in DC, advertises temporary ink that lasts at least a year

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

A new tattoo shop in D.C. advertises tattoos that last at least a year, not for life.

Ephemeral Tattoo opened this week on H Street in Northeast D.C. and offers temporary tattoo art to clients. Their website says 70% of Ephemeral tattoos fade in under two years.

READ MORE: Cherry Blossoms 2023: Restaurants and bars celebrating the season of bloom in DC

The art is applied just like a traditional tattoo with a needle that transfers ink under the top layer of your skin. Ephemeral ink, however, contains ingredients that shrink over time until they're small enough for your body to remove.

Ephemeral says their ink is made of ingredients that are FDA approved for medical use and tested for biocompatibility. They also say they choose plant-based ingredients where possible.

There are two tattoo services offered based on shading, complexity and size – The Subtle and The Statement. Subtle tattoos start at $195 and Statement tattoos start at $350. 

Ephemeral's Regret Nothing Guarantee says they will give clients a complimentary replacement tattoo if their Ephemeral lasts less than a year. It also says clients will get their money back if their Ephemeral tattoo lasts longer than three years.

READ MORE: Broccoli City Festival reveals 2023 lineup

Clients must be 18 years or older to get an Ephemeral tattoo.