Things to know before you go out and get a Black Panther lip tattoo

Did the glowing ink of Black Panther inspire you to get your very own lip tattoo? Here’s what you should know before you go. Caution: Mild spoilers follow.

Black Panther is a movie that truly lives up to the hype. First weekend in, and box office records are already being smashed to smithereens, the reviews are stellar, and the excitement for the franchise is at fever pitch.

Focusing on the fictional African country of Wakanda, Black Panther deftly explores many themes, but chief among them is the idea of belonging. All Wakandans have a mark – an iridescent lower lip tattoo – that identifies them as a descendant of the nation. It’s a hidden but intimate link to a storied past that ensures inclusion and a heavy dose of respect. Throughout the film, whenever someone needs to prove their Wakandan heritage, they just yank their lower lip down like a boss and toss their genetic cards on the table. It’s a total baller move.

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Filled with detailed homages to the body modification rites of real African tribes, the bustling world of Wakanda has much to offer in the way of piercings, tattoos, and ritual scarring. Historically, I’ve been fascinated with the motivations behind various body modification rituals – I even wrote my senior thesis about the topic in college – and I can tell you with confidence that Black Panther is an embarrassment of riches.

In Wakanda, body modification of any kind is taken very seriously. The tattoos, piercings, and ritual scarrings are completed for deeply personal and historic purposes that transcend vanity. Teen Vogue and Refinery 29 have already covered the symbolism and reasoning behind the inclusion of many of these body modifications in Black Panther such as Okoye’s (Danai Gurira) head tattoos, Eric Killmonger’s (Michael B. Jordan) carefully considered scars, and that Wakandan elder’s sick lip plate, so I won’t go into much detail about those here. However, the glistening lower lip tattoo is something unique to Black Panther, and might just be something that fans consider getting after they see the film.

Marvel fans love their tattoos, and Black Panther is certainly a movie that inspires devotion. But any body modification inside the mouth can be a risky proposition if not done correctly. Here are some things to consider before you head out and get that Black Panther lip tattoo.

UV Ink

Unless you can find a metal with the magical properties of vibranium, glowing ink isn’t really a thing. Sure, you can get some UV ink, but then you’ll need a blacklight and it’ll be a whole thing. It’s definitely an option if you want to go that route, but if you do, be sure to find a professional skilled in its application. Don’t let a friend do it. I repeat: do not let a friend do it. Well, unless that friend is the vibrant Shuri (Letitia Wright). She’s a bonafide genius. Good luck finding her though.

Ink, Part Two

Traditional tattoo inks aren’t as hearty as vibranium, so any inner lip tattoo you get is very likely going to fade and disappear over time. The mucosal lining of your mouth regenerates much more quickly than your outer skin, so inner mouth tattoos generally fade in 1 – 5 years. (Generally. Everyone’s body is different. Did we mention that you should talk to a professional?) So for those wishing for a non-permanent commitment to the Black Panther fandom, an inner lip tattoo might be just the ticket.

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Safety First

We can’t say this enough. Please, please, pleaseeeeee vet your tattoo artist before embarking on any sort of ink journey. Given the thin and pliant skin of the inner lip, even experienced artists can struggle with working on that area of the body. Find someone that’s highly recommended, who you trust, and who has experience working with non traditional tattoos. Here’s one piece from Slate detailing the best way to find someone reputable, but there are many ways to find an artist that meets your needs. Follow through on this important step, and you’ll be confidently yanking down your lower lip and shouting “Wakanda Forever” in no time.

‘Black Panther’ is currently playing in theaters.