Magician David Blaine has revealed a surprising detail about one of his lesser-known tricks. In a recent interview with People Magazine, the 52-year-old performer shared that he once got a tattoo made with disappearing ink — and completely forgot about it.
The tattoo, which was created by well-known New York tattoo artist Bang Bang, is invisible to the naked eye. Blaine explained that it can only be seen under a special kind of light.
Blaine Forgot About the Hidden Tattoo
Speaking with People, Blaine said, “I did one with disappearing ink with this incredible tattoo artist in New York City, Bang Bang.”
He went on to describe how the tattoo was part of a magic trick. “I made a playing card prediction. And I haven’t used it yet. As a matter of fact, I even forgot that I did it because it’s invisible.”
The magician added, “You just reminded me that I have this tattoo on my left wrist. So I have an invisible tattoo that I didn’t even remember until you just told me.”
Tattoo Only Visible Under Special Light
According to Blaine, the ink used in the tattoo is not visible under regular lighting. Instead, it can be revealed with a certain kind of light, possibly ultraviolet (UV) or blacklight, often used in nightclubs or forensic investigations.
Invisible tattoos like these are rare and typically created using special UV-reactive ink. While they are sometimes used for aesthetic purposes, Blaine turned his into a hidden part of a larger trick.
Magic in Everyday Moments
David Blaine also talked about how magic is a constant part of his life — not just something he performs on stage or in front of cameras.
During rehearsals for a past appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he ended up performing magic for the entire staff. “I was at rehearsal for Jimmy Kimmel,” he said, “and I ended up doing magic for the entire staff.”
He also recalled a recent flight where he entertained airline workers and fellow passengers while waiting for the restroom.
“On the airplane here, same thing,” Blaine said. “I was doing magic for everybody working on the plane and all the people in line for the bathroom.”
Blaine Lives and Breathes Magic
Blaine’s commitment to his craft is intense. He even sleeps with playing cards.
“I fall asleep with a deck of cards in my hands and wake up with cards stuck to my face and body almost every day,” he shared with People.
New Series: David Blaine: Do Not Attempt
The magician is currently starring in David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, a new series airing on National Geographic. The show highlights some of Blaine’s most daring performances and never-before-seen illusions.
Known for his endurance stunts and close-up street magic, Blaine has built a reputation for pushing the limits of what seems possible. His past feats include being buried alive, frozen in a block of ice, and standing atop a 100-foot-tall pillar for 35 hours without a safety harness.
Magic with a Twist of Mystery
Blaine’s use of an invisible tattoo adds a new layer of mystery to his already impressive list of tricks. It also shows how much he’s willing to plan ahead and go to great lengths for even a single magic moment.
Invisible ink tattoos are difficult to detect and easy to forget—something Blaine knows firsthand. The fact that even he forgot about it adds to the charm of the trick.
David Blaine’s invisible tattoo is more than just a gimmick — it’s a perfect example of how magic can hide in plain sight. Even the magician himself was fooled by his own idea.
As fans look forward to new episodes of David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, they can expect more surprises, more dedication, and more moments that blur the line between reality and illusion.
