Introduction to Tattooing Labubu’s face
If you hang out in toy collector groups or scroll tattoo TikTok, you’ve probably seen a certain sharp-toothed grin showing up in surprising places. Labubu, the big-eared mischief-maker from Pop Mart’s The Monsters series, has gone viral again. But this time it’s not about rare drops or plushie releases. Tattoo artists are tattooing Labubu’s face. Yes, real tattoo machines on vinyl toys. And the results are blowing up online.
This trend started as a playful way to customize collectibles, but it has already turned into something bigger. Tattooed Labubus are now mini art pieces. Fans are hunting them down, artists are sharing them everywhere, and the toy that was already a cult favorite has entered an entirely new chapter.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong-Belgian artist Kasing Lung and released by Pop Mart as part of The Monsters. Inspired by folklore and fairy tale creatures, Labubu has the look of a forest spirit that got into trouble. Oversized bunny ears, nine jagged teeth, messy fur, and a face that’s equal parts creepy and cute. That combination is what gave Labubu its cult following.
Even though Labubu is one character, collectors talk about “Labubus” to describe the many variations. Pop Mart has released limited editions, seasonal sets, and themed collabs that turn Labubu into pirates, skeletons, glow-in-the-dark figures, and everything in between. The personality always stays the same, but the outfits and colors change, which keeps collectors chasing the next release.
There are other characters in The Monsters universe, like Zimomo, but Labubu is the star. With thousands of fans across Asia, Europe, and the US, Labubu has become one of Pop Mart’s most recognizable faces. And now, it’s also a face getting tattooed.
Why Are People Tattooing Labubus?
Tattooing Labubu figures has taken off because it looks incredible. Collectors were already styling them with tiny outfits, manicures, wigs, and even lashes. Tattoos fit perfectly into that scene. They transform a toy into something custom, and custom is everything in collectible culture.
People treat Labubus like dolls with big personalities. Adding a tattoo takes them to another level. It gives the figure an edge, a story, and a style no one else has. Tattooing a Labubu is not something just anyone is doing. It is a bold flex that turns a mass-produced collectible into a one-of-a-kind piece, the same way a tattoo on your body makes you stand out.
And it takes skill. Tattooing on vinyl is harder than it looks. The surface is curved, slick, and small. Artists have to control their machines carefully to make the ink stick cleanly. That challenge makes the results even more impressive. A crisp tattoo on a Labubu’s face is both a display of technical talent and a fun piece of art that collectors can show off online.
No surprise, tattooed Labubus are going viral. Every time one hits TikTok or Instagram, fans flood the comments. Some want to buy them, others want to commission their own. The hype keeps building, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Labubu Tattoos on Skin
Labubu love doesn’t stop at the toys. People are getting Labubu tattoos on their own skin too. The character’s design is bold, graphic, and instantly recognizable, which makes it a great subject for body art.
Some tattoos are fine line portraits that capture the character’s quirky expression. Others are bright, full-color designs based on specific toy editions. Labubu fits into different tattoo styles easily, whether it’s flash, illustrative, or playful minimalism.
A few tattoo artists have even added Labubu flash sheets to their portfolios. That way fans can walk in and pick a design that shows off their love for the toy while also supporting the culture it came from. The crossover feels natural. Collectors want to display their connection to the character not just on a shelf, but on their body.
How Tattoo Artists Are Approaching It
Tattooing a vinyl toy might sound like a joke, but it is serious work. Artists usually use their regular rotary machines, but the process requires patience and extra prep. The figure has to be cleaned properly to take ink. The artist has to control their machine at lower speeds and softer pressure than they would on skin. One slip and the ink can smear or scratch the surface permanently.
That difficulty is part of the appeal. For artists, pulling off a clean Labubu tattoo is a flex. It shows they can handle precision under tough conditions. For collectors, owning one is like holding a signed canvas. It is both a piece of toy history and tattoo culture in one.
The Collector’s Angle
Collectors thrive on rarity. That is why blind boxes sell out, limited drops resell for triple, and people line up for collabs. Tattooed Labubus fit right into that mindset. Each one is unique, created by hand, and impossible to duplicate. Owning one is the ultimate flex for a fan who already has shelves full of regular editions.
The toy world already has customs, repaints, and resin mods. Tattooing takes customization into new territory. It blurs the line between art toy and tattoo art in a way that feels fresh. That crossover is exactly why the trend resonates with both communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone tattoo a Labubu?
No. Tattooing vinyl requires skill and the right tools. Not every tattoo artist offers it, and not every figure will turn out perfectly. It is better to find someone who has done it before or who knows how to handle unusual surfaces.
Does tattooing ruin the toy?
If done incorrectly, yes. But when an artist preps it right and works with precision, the tattoo holds well. The figure becomes more of a display piece than a toy to play with, but that’s what collectors want.
How much does it cost to get a Labubu tattooed?
It depends on the artist and the design. Some charge like a small tattoo session, others treat it as an art commission. Prices vary, but the rarity and hype can make them worth a lot more than retail.
Can I buy tattooed Labubus online?
Yes, but they sell fast. Many artists share their work on Instagram or toy groups, and resales sometimes happen, but these pieces disappear quickly.
What This Means for Tattoo Shops
Tattooing Labubu shows how flexible tattoo culture is. Artists are pulling inspiration from new places and pushing their creativity into fresh territory. It is not just about flash on paper or designs on skin anymore. Anything can become a canvas, even a collectible toy.
For shops, this is an opportunity to reach new audiences. Sharing toy tattoos online builds buzz, attracts collectors, and positions artists as innovators. It is also content gold for social media. A tattooed Labubu will grab attention from tattoo fans and toy collectors alike.
Tattooing Labubu: Final Thoughts
Labubu has always been chaotic, playful, and impossible to ignore. Now that tattoo artists are customizing the figures, the character has a whole new layer of life. Tattooed Labubus are going viral because they look good, they are unique, and they tap into two communities that thrive on creativity and originality.
And the love for Labubu tattoos is not limited to the toys. Fans are getting the character inked on their own skin too, showing that the crossover is more than a passing trend. It is part of a larger movement that proves tattoos are more than body art. They are part of culture, fashion, and even toy collecting.
Tattooing Labubu is fun, weird, and wildly creative. In other words, it is exactly what tattoo culture should be.
