Just because you got a tattoo doesn’t mean your parents have to see it when you go home.

UV tattoos, also known as black light tattoos, have catapulted in popularity over the past few years.

Under normal lighting, they are nearly invisible, but phosphoresce visibly under the ultraviolet light given off by black lights.

This development – being able to sport a tattoo that is invisible most of the time – has sparked the imaginations of quite a few people.

“I’ve been [tattooing with UV ink] for four years, and the last year has been real big,” said Bob Parr, manager and tattoo artist at Jaded Angel 2, 2406 Lincoln Way #3.

The Asylum, 111 Welch Ave., also offers UV tattoos.

To achieve the UV-reactive effect, a special type of ink is used.

UV ink is generally one-and-a-half to two times as expensive as normal ink and is harder to work with.

The ink is also thinner and the tattoo must be done under a black light, so UV tattoos usually cost

more than a normal tattoo.

There has been some controversy over the ink used in UV tattoos. Some people have reported skin rashes and infections in the area where they received their tattoo, and some scientists have questioned whether the ink may be carcinogenic.

However, a lot of people also believe it to be just as safe as any other tattoo. Rachel McColley, tattoo artist at Lasting Impressions, 114 Welch Ave., is one of them.

“I don’t find it to be too dangerous – there are just certain inks you should use,” she said.

With the perk of being able to hide UV tattoos in broad daylight, people are more daring and creative with their tattoos. Some want to be completely discreet with their tattoo, while others may add UV ink to accent a normal tattoo.

“Most people are going with straight-up UV tattoos,” said Brent Hannapel, tattoo artist at The Asylum.

Placement of the tattoo is another perk of UV ink.

It’s not unusual to see sights such as a person with a tribal tattoo over his or her entire face or head.

UV tattoos are not restricted to just electronic music fans and tattoo enthusiasts. They’re sprouting up everywhere, and among everyone – be it surgeons, professors or that nice lady that served you at The Olive Garden.

People will go from wearing a suit during the day to hitting the clubs at night and showing off a full-face UV tattoo that was invisible hours before.

“When people walk into a club it’s like, bam! [Their tattoo] is right there!” Parr said.