A mustache tattoo is a trend in body art in which a small mustache is tattooed on the inside of the index finger. When the wearer holds the tattooed finger up to his lip, it can give him the appearance of having a cartoonish mustache. The tattoo is said to have originated in Federal Hill, Rhode Island, in 2006. The first person to get a mustache tattoo is said to have done so to commemorate his upcoming nuptials. The tattoo is said to have become instantly popular, with several more people requesting them the very same day.
Most people get this tattoo as a kind of joke. It allows the wearer to don an obviously false mustache at any time. The mustaches can be tattooed in any style, though curly handlebar mustaches appear to be most popular. A common joke about the tattoo is that it allows its wearers to disguise themselves at a moment's notice. Many have found that such a tattoo can serve as a conversational ice-breaker, or lighten the mood in awkward social situations.
Permanent finger mustache tattoos generally take only a few minutes to perform. The procedure is said to be only minimally uncomfortable. The permanent tattoo remains in place for life. These tattoos are popular among both women and men. They have little to do with the ability to grow an actual mustache, but are instead widely seen as an expression of the wearer's quirky sense of humor.
People who wear these tattoos usually tend to think of them as frivolous, lighthearted, and generally goofy in nature. Others have expressed disapproval of the mustache tattoo, pointing out that it would be much more practical to draw the mustache on one's finger with washable ink. Debate rages in some circles as to whether the permanent tattoo is, in fact, a good idea.
Temporary finger mustaches are also available. They're typically ideal for those who don't wish to make permanent body modifications. A temporary mustache tattoo can allow the wearer to change the style of his finger mustache daily. False finger mustaches are often considered a fun gift for children. Like permanent finger mustaches, these removable tattoos can be purchased in almost any style.