Think of tattoos and these 2 words will probably come to mind: pain and permanence. Regardless, artsy folks may still fancy having a simple or quirky piece on your skin as self-expression. Cue jagua tattoo – the solution for those who lack the pain threshold or commitment level for the real deal. If you’re itching to get inked, consider checking out the jagua tattoo artists in Singapore below.
Table of Contents
For the uninitiated, the jagua dye is derived from a South American fruit of the tree called Genipa americana, making it a natural alternative. Similar to henna tattoos, the jagua gel will temporarily stain the skin a blueish black, which will give you a glimpse of what a permanent tattoo could potentially look like on your skin.
Jagua tattoos can typically last for 10-14 days. However, aftercare, tattoo placement, and even the type of your skin can affect longevity of the tattoo. Thin skin and placing your tattoo on areas prone to washing will shorten the longevity of your tattoo.
The thin consistency of jagua ink allows for detailed work as compared to henna. Jagua tattoos tend to last longer than henna – about 2-4 days longer. The blue-black colour is also closer to how a normal tattoo would look, if you’re thinking of making your design permanent.
That said, neither tattoo is really better than the other. Henna tattoos are often done during celebratory events by the Indian and Malay communities, but can be done by anyone. Jagua tattoos are also just another alternative to permanent ink.
Unless you’re allergic to the fruit they’re derived from, jagua ink is safe to use. Of course, you’d want to do a patch test for allergic reactions first, before tattooing on your design.
If you want to go the DIY route, you can always give jagua tattooing a go by purchasing a jagua ink tattoo kit. You’ll get a bottle of jagua ink, fine line tip, as well as stencils, just in case you’re not the artistic type.
Otherwise, there are also jagua ink sticker tattoos, which you apply just as you would any temporary tattoo. After you remove the sticker, the jagua ink will take a while to develop and darken over time.
You’ll find jagua ink tattoo kits and stickers on Amazon Singapore, which is currently holding its Black Friday Sale from 21st November to 2nd December 2024. TSL readers can even enjoy $10 off with a minimum $60 spend during this sale period.
| Artist Name | Best For | Rates | Contact Information |
| @henn.drawn | Renaissance art, flower patterns, Greek portraits | From $50 | Henndrawn website |
| @jynk_ink | Original designs, floral imagery, line art | From $10 (small designs) | Jynk Ink website |
| @heycyann | Flash tattoos, custom designs, house calls | From $30 (flash), $40 (custom) | Heycyann website |
| @thelittlejotter | Multi-coloured ink, freehand designs | From $30 | @thelittlejotter Instagram |
| Memory Lane | Affordable small designs, waterproof stickers | From $3 | Memory Lane website |
| @nopain_coolstain | Anime-inspired tattoos | From $15 | @nopain_coolstain Instagram |
| @inkplusstudio | Home-based in Sembawang, custom designs | From $32 ($10-$12 for 5cm) | @inkplusstudio Instagram |
| @inkrange | Freehand designs, fine-line work, pet portraits | From $5 (simple), $30 (custom) | @inkrange Instagram |
| @tea_and_gasoline.co | 2-toned designs (blue & red) | From $5 | @tea_and_gasoline.co Instagram |
A veteran in Singapore’s jagua ink scene, artist Seemin has since built her business @henn.drawn up to be one for the books. While she covers a wide variety of styles ranging from grunge-inspired floral tattoos and animal portraits to her personal rendition of popular characters, she also does portraits of Greek gods and floral designs for those who prefer a softer look.
Although she no longer accepts regular bookings, you can still inquire about her rates for specific requests such as for commercial shoots or filming. Rates go from $50/piece, but the size of the design and time taken per session will be taken into consideration. Otherwise, you can keep your eyes peeled on her workshops, art jams, or online courses so you can master the art of jagua ink for yourself.
You can also book her for events if you are considering having a jagua tattoo booth for a company cohesion or birthday party.
Rates: From $50
Contact: henn.drawn@gmail.com | Henndrawn website
Jen specialises in floral imagery, including line art.
Image credit: @jynk_ink via Instagram
You don’t necessarily need to be artsy-fartsy to have a cool tattoo. If you’re stumped for ideas on what to ink your body with, @jynk_ink by Jen offers original designs for you to choose from, so you can flex your new body art to your pals.
All materials used are waterproof.
Image credit: Jynk ink
You can opt for a free patch test at the studio prior to getting your tattoo. Those who’d like to DIY their own jagua art can attend her tutorials that go from $50/hour. She also provides the option for permanent tattoos if you decide to transition from a jagua tattoo.
And if you’d like to take your art to the next level, she also offers custom painting on shoes and bags that you can match with your tatt.
Rates: From $10 for small-sized designs
Contact: jynk.ink.tattoos@gmail.com | Jynk Ink website
In the permanent tattoo world, there are flash tattoo sales where the artist will have several designs sketched up for interested parties to get for cheaper. Bringing this element into the jagua realm is Chinatown-based studio @heycyann. Small flash tattoos go from as low as $30 but you can also get customised tatts at $40.
Event planners can hire her for upcoming parties, and house calls are also available for a surcharge of $80 per session. We’d recommend roping in other friends and having a fun slumber party at someone’s place so everyone can share the cost.
Rates for small pieces: From $40
Contact: 92373650 | Heycyann website
Image credit: @thelittlejotter via Instagram
Tattoos don’t always have to be monochromic. @thelittlejotter offers 5 different colours to play with – brown, red, maroon, hengua (dark green), and jagua – that’ll add a lil oomph to your design.
Image credit: @thelittlejotter via Instagram
No stencils are involved in the creation of your tats as the artist freehands her designs – this means that each piece is unique and you won’t awkwardly bump into someone else who has the same tattoo as you. However, if you do have a design in mind, you can also let her know your preferences, estimated size, and placement so she can provide you with a rough quotation.
Rates: From $30
Contact: thelittlejotter@gmail.com | @thelittlejotter Instagram
Image credit: Memory Lane
Located in Ubi is Memory Lane studio, home to established tattoo artists. And while the place offers permanent inks, they also provide jagua art for those who prefer a temporary option. Designs go from an affordable rate of $3, and the studio uses their house-style technique to better customise each design.
If you don’t have the time to travel down and get tatted, the studio also sells temporary, waterproof stickers that include designs such as full arm sleeves or an extra large back tattoo. This fuss-free alternative is available for bulk purchase should you want to gift them at an upcoming event or get-together.
Rates: From $3
Contact: 8720 9852 | Memory Lane website
Image credit: @nopain_coolstains via Instagram
PSA to all Anime enthusiasts – @nopain_coolstain has done some extremely detailed work inspired by the likes of My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Demon Slayer. So if you have a particular character you love or a favourite scene in a show, be sure to save it as a reference for the artist.
You won’t have to empty your wallet to get a tattoo either as basic designs cost from $15, with the price adjusted according to the size and complexity of your chosen artwork.
Rates: From $15
Contact: nopaincoolstain@gmail.com | @nopain_coolstain Instagram
Image credit: @char_gua via Instagram
Set in a home-based studio in Sembawang, @inkplusstudio is run by 2 jagua artists – @char_gua and @moonjagua. Northies can hit them up for an appointment and choose the preferred artist, based on their availability. There are no restrictions on your tattoo too as you can either go for your own selected design or choose from the designs available on their IG page.
Rates: From $32 but 5cm tattoos can range between $10-$12
Contact: @inkplusstudio Instagram
Image credit: @inkrange via Instagram
Located at Mountbatten, @inkrange is another home-based studio to bookmark for fine-line works, cartoon characters, and cute renditions of pets. Don’t let the fact that this artist is self-taught fool you as she’s done plenty of intricate designs on past customers, with all work free-handed.
Rates for simpler designs start from $5 while extensive pieces and pet customs start from $30 and $40 – perfect for those on a budget.
Rates: From $5
Contact: @inkrange Instagram
Image credit: @tea_and_gasoline.co via Instagram
If vibrant, colourful tattoos are your thing, Tristy from @tea_and_gasoline.co brings a fun twist with her dual-toned jagua designs in shades blue and red. Whether it’s minimalist line-work featuring spider lilies and abstract art or a complete sleeve adorned with oriental designs, there’s no restriction to the styles she can create.
Rates: From $5
Contact: @tea_and_gasoline.co Instagram
It’s inevitable that your jagua tattoo will fade – it is temporary after all – but there are a few ways to help your tattoos last longer:
If you’ve been battling the temptation of getting a tattoo but are unable to commit to the lifetime bond between ink and skin, consider getting a jagua tattoo instead. Not only will you save yourself from the steep price tag of a regular tattoo, but you can also dodge the pain that comes with the needlework.
More tattoo things in Singapore
Cover image adapted from: @heycyann, @nopain_coolstain, and @henn.drawn via Instagram
Last updated by Mae-Z Fam, Evangelin Deshika, and Raewyn Koh on 22nd November 2024.
Unique SkillsFuture courses you should take this year.
You spin my head right round, right round.
Countdown to 2025 in Singapore Another year has flown by, and as we bid farewell…
Let's get dem gainz.
No need to head to Japan or Korea, China has pretty blooms too 🌸
It's every Sanrio fan's dream come true.