Live data from Hacker News

Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

techcrunch.com

51–60 of 145 posts

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#52
post #2

If they really have a solution that is safe and they prove it, they will really disrupt the tattoo market. Losing the fear with a solution like this one will make people want more tattoos for sure !

If you are scared about getting your tattoo, it isn't the right tattoo.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#53

I'm torn. On one hand, this invention will keep a lot of people from making the very common mistake of getting ink they don't like and can't remove. On the other hand, a beautiful part of this art form is that it is basically permanent. To my mind, a tattoo loses a lot of its value of it's only temporary.

I agree, all of my tattoo's were carefully planned, expensive, and constant reminders of some very good memories.

If it is temporary how is it any different than a hair cut?

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#54
post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't see the problem with other people's taste. Not sure why you have such a problem with it either. I mean, your handle is solipsism instead of hnreader7381648 because you like the word even though someone else may think it's an uninteresting word from a first year philosophy syllabus.

That's my handle for a reason having nothing to do with the philosophical concept, actually. Each person has his or her own reason for picking a handle, often publicly unknown and personal -- this is one of the cool things about handles. If handles looked like this though: solipsism1, solipsism34, solipsism85, solipsism87, solipsism21, solipsism3485, solipsism_is_cool, solipsism_4thewin, solipsism111.... well, I can…

>That's my tattoo for a reason having nothing to do with the philosophical concept, actually. Each person has his or her own reason for picking a tattoo, often publicly unknown and personal -- this is one of the cool things about tattoos.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#55
post #18

The only thing stopping me from getting an arm sleeve is knowing it will be there forever, and during future times when I can't have one. Though if it lasts 12 months, by month 8 will I have a half-faded looking thing that I either have to retouch, or deal with until it fades completely?

If you are worried that you won't like your tattoo in 20 years, then you are correct in not getting one.

If you are getting a tattoo because it looks cool right now, save your money and just get a better wardrobe.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#56

I'm torn. On one hand, this invention will keep a lot of people from making the very common mistake of getting ink they don't like and can't remove. On the other hand, a beautiful part of this art form is that it is basically permanent. To my mind, a tattoo loses a lot of its value of it's only temporary.

How are ephemeral tattoos any different than today's temporary stick-on tattoos or (as a sibling comment points out below) henna designs? I'm not seeing how the art form or value will be impacted as tattoos would, for the most part, still be permanent for those that are serious about their ink.

It would be strange if the value of tattoos is in large part due to many people walking around with tats they don't want.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#57

It has been fun to watch this previously considered so dangerous become so mainstream. Something like this and you'll have tween girls having tattoo parties.

If it didn't leave scar tissue I could see people getting tattoos that evolve over time, where an artist re-works a patch of skin every year.

Imagine fashion week 2050 where models are rocking temp tattoos designed to last the season. Could be rad, could also be really obnoxious.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#58

I'm torn. On one hand, this invention will keep a lot of people from making the very common mistake of getting ink they don't like and can't remove. On the other hand, a beautiful part of this art form is that it is basically permanent. To my mind, a tattoo loses a lot of its value of it's only temporary.

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I've got quite a bit of ink and the permanence is a huge part of what makes it meaningful to me. They aren't just pretty pictures; they tell a story.

So? Get permanent tattoos. I don't want anything permanent on me, but I'd consider a non-permanent solution, so this is perfect for me.

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#59
post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's my handle for a reason having nothing to do with the philosophical concept, actually. Each person has his or her own reason for picking a handle, often publicly unknown and personal -- this is one of the cool things about handles. If handles looked like this though: solipsism1, solipsism34, solipsism85, solipsism87, solipsism21, solipsism3485, solipsism_is_cool, solipsism_4thewin, solipsism111.... well, I can…

>That's my tattoo for a reason having nothing to do with the philosophical concept, actually. Each person has his or her own reason for picking a tattoo, often publicly unknown and personal -- this is one of the cool things about tattoos.

Erm.... you forgot to read the rest of the comment?

I think I touched a nerve. It's okay! My comment doesn't threaten the coolness of your tattoos!

Re: Ephemeral is developing tattoo ink designed to disappear after a year

#60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I've got quite a bit of ink and the permanence is a huge part of what makes it meaningful to me. They aren't just pretty pictures; they tell a story.

So? Get permanent tattoos. I don't want anything permanent on me, but I'd consider a non-permanent solution, so this is perfect for me.

"So" it's a fundamental change to a thousands-of-years-old art form.
Post reply on HN