Provided are methods for long term drug delivery by tattoo. The bioactive agent, which comprises the drug, is delivered to a layer, or multiple layers, of the skin. Such a method allows for long-term drug activity the bioactive agent has a longer residence time within the skin when compared to routine delivery methods. Moreover, the bioactive agent may also be combined and mixed with a coloring composition, which signals the amount of bioactive agent that has been administered and if a reapplication of the bioactive agent is necessary. Also described are methods of utilizing such a drug delivery mechanism in order to effect cosmetic changes, such as enhancing hair growth by utilizing bioactive agents suited for enabling hair growth.