Temporary jagua tattoos that look real trending among young people in Singapore
The TL;DR: Jagua is making waves among Singaporean youth as customisable body art. For some, it is a way to test-drive the design for an actual tattoo. For others, it provides a temporary but realistic-looking alternative to an actual tattoo.
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Nikita Ria Jei Siregar (left), 21, drawing a jagua tattoo on a customer’s arm at Hammock Market on April 4.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NIKITA RIA JEI SIREGAR
Camillia Anum
- Jagua tattoos are a popular, realistic-looking temporary body art among Singaporean youth, lasting two to four weeks and allowing for customisable, pain-free designs.
- Many use jagua tattoos to test actual tattoo ideas or enjoy changing styles without commitment, with some eventually getting permanent tattoos based on jagua designs.
- The trend has grown post-pandemic, supported by artists and businesses offering jagua services, with parents generally accepting its temporary nature and safety precautions advised.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Joshua Tan, 22, has had four tattoos done since October 2025. They look like the real thing, except that they last for just two to four weeks and are made from jagua ink, which is derived from the Genipa americana fruit.
The first was a skeletal line art along his upper arm, followed by two song-themed tattoos: stars wrapping around his right arm, referencing Cosmic Realignment by Subsonic Eye; and a burning house on his left wrist as an ode to Burning Down the House by Talking Heads. The latest is a set of song lyrics in a cybersigilism style across the length of his forearm.