How To Hand Poke Tattoo?
Hand poked tattoos (aka Stick & Poke, aka Handpoke) is a form of tattooing without a tattoo machine. It’s called that way because it’s made by hand: it involves using a sharp point (or a stick) and some ink and then repeatedly puncturing the skin and dragging the ink into the dermis to create the desired patterns.
- The technique is not new, much on the contrary, it’s the oldest form of tattooing and continues to be practiced today both in and out of ancient/ ritual / tribal traditions;
- It should be done by experienced artists, but due to it’s easy-to-start nature, several people do it on themselves and in others with little to no experience (and for this reason some people call these DIY tattoos);
The stick and poke tattooing technique causes less trauma to the skin and also heals quicker than machine tattooing. The reason for this is that the amount of needles used is much inferior: only one when done by hand compared to generally groups of 5 to 9 when done by machine, which can be over 20 depending on the need. Still, this does not mean the tattoo will look worse or better if made by hand – that depends on the artist’s skill – it’s just goes to show why you’ll have less scarring to do after a handpoke tattoo, Hand Poke work made by Deborah Joyce The basis is very similar: You have to know how to tattoo, use safe and clean tools and be skilled at putting the ink on the skin. And then, if you want to specialize on hand poke you have to accept that some things will be harder to do (colouring, wide areas, straight lines, long pieces, etc. ), but that the technique also gives you other strengths. There are colored hand-poked tattoos.
- Oftentimes the handpoke leaves less scabs and requires somewhat less aftercare compared to machine tattoos;
- There is also a difference in the frequency of times the ink is inserted into the skin;
- A modern machine can pierce the skin up to 3000 times a minute – there’s no way a human hand can even compare to that;
You can choose a color besides black and proceed to color the tattoo, or you can also apply different techniques. Handpoke does not mean you have to use only one needle. Yes, you can learn online. Below are the courses with the best cost-benefit we could find online:.
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Is hand poke tattoo easy?
As You Tattoo – The area and stencil line will inevitably become obscured with ink and plasma. Ensure that you wipe this away using a sanitary or sterile cloth. Please note that professional artists use blue mechanic shop towels, however we can strongly recommend a sterile multi-fibre cloth, for maximum absorption and hygeine.
You can also use witch hazel as an astringent and skin cooler to wipe and keep the area clean as you go. A further option that many people use, is tattoo Green Soap and alcohol alongside wipes. If the stencil is a quality one that has been applied correctly, then it should remain with no issue.
TIP: After each time that you wipe, apply a thin layer of aftercare balm onto the tattoo in order to keep the area clear for longer, it does a good job of containing the mess for a few more pokes. It is crucial to check that the depth of your poking is correct.
It is unavoidable that the skin will weep, however it should not bleed any more than a few drops of blood in total. The stick and poke, (or hand poke) method is much easier on the skin than a regular tattoo machine (something that stabs into your skin several times per second and can be known to tear up the skin), however it is possible that you may overdo it when using the stick and poke method as well.
In order to avoid this, try to avoid going over the same small area too many times with a several pointed needle (like a 5MS or 5RL and up).
- Finish of your desired tattoo, to the extent that pain and skin inflammation allows. Remember, you can always allow it time to heal and then revisit the tattoo to fill in any gaps and make any adjustments. It is fairly common for ink to “fall out” of the skin unexpectedly and a later touch-up session on the tattoo is often necessary.
WARNING : If the skin of the person receiving the tattoo becomes very puffy or changes colour, it may be possible that you are having a bad reaction. Stop immediately and consult your doctor.
- Cleaning up the equipment carefully and hygienically is crucial. Human blood that has been left on a needle can be extremely dangerous. Please ensure that you put your needle in a sharps box, or a plastic bottle with a screwed-on top for safe travel to a needle disposal site. Make doubly sure to place all of your materials, wipes, ink jar, gloves, etc.
Are hand-poked tattoos more painful?
What are Hand-Poked, Stick ‘N Poke, or Machine-Free Tattoos? Hand-poked tattoos are tattoos made without the use of tattoo machines. While they are created with the same supplies as machine tattoos, stick ‘n poke artists push needle and ink into the skin manually, without the aid of a machine.
- In doing so, artists create multiple dots that make up the lines and shading of the tattoo;
- This process causes the hand-poked method of tattooing to be slower than the machine method;
- Are Hand-Poked Tattoos Permanent? Yes;
Like machine tattoos, they will remain in the skin so long as they are properly taken care of. Do Hand-Poked Tattoos Hurt More Than Machine Tattoos? Hand-poked tattoos are less abrasive on the skin than machine tattoos, and often hurt less in comparison.
- However, not everyone has this experience;
- Some places on the body hurt more than others and everyone experiences pain in different ways;
- Why Hand-Poked Tattoos? There are many reasons someone might choose to get a hand-poked tattoo;
Many prefer receiving a hand-poked tattoos as they feel that they hurt less than machine-tattoos, while others prefer the organic look of hand-poked tattoos. The distinct character of hand-poked tattoos and the unique experience of receiving them makes them the favoured method of getting tattoos for many people.
How Long Do Hand-Poked Tattoos Take To Heal? Hand-poked tattoos often heal faster than machine tattoos because they tend to cause less trauma to skin. You can generally expect your hand-poked tattoo to be fully healed within 2-weeks time.
That being said, everyone heals at a different rate, so don’t worry if your tattoo takes a bit longer. Are all designs suitable for hand-poked tattooing? As hand-poked tattoos take more time to complete than machine tattoos it would be best to select smaller and medium sized pieces, a good size would be anywhere from 2×2″ to 5×5″.
Larger pieces can be completed by hand-poking but expect the process to be lengthy. Some designs may be too detailed to tattoo, along the same guidelines as machine tattoos, enough space between lines will be essential to allow the tattoo to properly heal.
Do we offer hand-poked tattoos? At this time, we do not have any artists who do hand-poked tattoos..
How well do hand poke tattoos last?
How Long Do Hand-Poked Tattoos Last? – It is safe to say right from the start that a stick-and-poke tattoo won’t last you a lifetime. As we mentioned, the hand-poking technique isn’t as sophisticated as the regular tattooing process. As a result, the hand-poking can make the ink misplaced in the skin and overall make it last a shorter period compared to a regular tattoo.
On average, a hand-poked tattoo can last anywhere between 5 and 10 years , if you’re lucky. If a tattoo is done by a professional tattoo artist and properly taken care of after , it can last up to 10 years, for sure.
However, if a tattoo is done by an inexperienced tattooist or an amateur, you’re looking at 5 years max. Saved Tattoo.
How long does it take to hand poke a tattoo?
It took about 2. 5 hours in total, but the actual tattooing took probably 2 hours. Stick and pokes take longer than machine tattoos because the lines have to be gone over a few times to make sure they’re dark and crisp.
How deep do you stick and poke?
Posted on September 07 2020 Here’s a quick fire guide for those looking to become part of the stick and poke world! Enjoy. What is a Stick and Poke? A stick and poke is a DIY way to create tattoos. it’s a modern version of what people have been doing for years, having a go at creating their very own designs! What do you need for a Stick and Poke? You will need a needle, thread, skin, ink, and all the precautions to make it safe and sterile.
(things like boiling the needle, wearing protective gloves, using alcohol on the skin etc. ) What needle should I use? You can use a normal sewing needle but a tattoo needle works the best. We recommend not using a hollow piercing needle or a safety pin.
Try to be sensible! What ink should I use? Tattoo ink is the best, but non toxic india ink (such as Higgins, Speedball or Winsor and Newton) works well also. These are all easily available on the internet. Stay away from pen ink and inks that may be toxic.
Other inks may work, but if you want to get the most from your design and it be safe, tattoo ink is definitely the way to go. How long will these tattoos last? Depending on how deep you poked and the type of skin it was applied on, they should for a really long.
Although this is contradicts popular opinion, you should not think of these as temporary tattoos. How deep should I poke? Our opinion is that you should never exceed 1/8 of an inch. You should feel a pop of the skin while you’re doing it, when you do, don’t go much past that point.
You’ll quickly see the results if you’ve gone deep enough so don’t rush it. Don’t overdo it! You don’t want to damage the skin or bleed too much during the process. What should I do for after care? Keep it clean with anti bacterial soap.
If possible, also try to stay out of direct sunlight too. Generally, the aftercare is very similar to a professional tattoo..
Which needles for stick and poke?
The Different Sizes Available – The leading number on a tattoo needle’s packaging always refers to the diameter of the needle, or its size. There are only 5 sizes to choose from. These include #6, #8, #10, #12, and #13. The most popular one used for stick and poke tattoos is #12 with a diameter of 0.
Is hand poke tattoo safe?
– Stick poke tattoos are safe when done by professional artists with sterile equipment and quality ink in a clean space. Getting a stick poke tattoo done by someone who lacks professional training and experience with sterilization practices can mean you run a higher risk for infection , injury, and other complications.
What does a hand poked tattoo feel like?
…and the least painful place to get a stick and poke tattoo – By this same logic, getting a hand poke tattoo on such parts of the body as the thighs, biceps, and triceps will likely be less painful, Missaghi says, since these areas tend to be less bony and have more muscle mass.
- Scordino adds that the forearms can be another great spot;
- If your main goal when getting a hand poke tattoo really is to reduce your risk of pain as much as you can, placement isn’t the only thing that matters;
Namely, make sure you arrive to your appointment adequately prepared. “I recommend that clients take a Tylenol, are hydrated, and eat a full meal before each tattoo appointment to make the process go smoothly for them and the artist,” Scordino says. Missaghi says you can even ask your artist about using numbing cream if you’re really worried.
Is Handpoke better than machine?
Not sure if you want handpoke or machine? Here’s some more info to help you choose. – The main differences between machine tattooing and handpoke are the time, the pain level, and the aesthetic. With machine tattooing the machine is driving the needle super fast, making tiny dots very close together which gives clean & smooth lines.
With handpoke, there is no machine and the tattooer is pushing (‘poking’) the needle by hand, making a series of dots to create the line. Machine works best for: ♡ bigger and more complex pieces ♡ large areas of black or colour ♡ clean lines and bold colour ♡ very small pieces if they have super fine detail Handpoke works best for : ♡ small and simple pieces ♡ a soft and gentle imperfect aesthetic ♡ black & grey, or small patches of colour ♡ small and fiddly placements like the fingers or ears Handpoke generally hurts less, but also takes longer: it’s a less intense pain, but more enduring.
Machine generally hurts more, but it’s also a much quicker process: a bit more intense but the experience doesn’t last as long. The same needles and ink are used in both styles of tattooing, and neither should fade particularly faster than the other if the tattoo is taken care of while healing, and protected from the sun for the lifetime of the tattoo.
Every person’s body will heal differently, and I offer free touch ups once the tattoo is fully healed, usually after around 3 weeks. Here’s a few examples of my machine tattoos, and a few examples of my handpoked tattoos.
If you send a tattoo enquiry, feel free to ask about anything I’ve forgotten to cover!.
Do professional hand poked tattoos fade faster?
Stick & Poke Tattoos Also Fade Faster – Chances are your stick and poke won’t grow old with you. They fade faster than professional tattoos, especially on areas that you clean often like your fingers. Even when they’re still totally coherent and visible, you can often notice the fading when comparing them to traditional professional tattoos.
The fact that these tattoos don’t last forever could also be seen as a plus, especially if you rethink your decision later. You can test it out before you commit to a long-term purchase. If you’re totally in love with them, you can let them keep fading away.
If you grow attached to them, you can either have my friends stick and poke over the lines again, or you could have a professional artist go over it to give it a more permanent home on your body.
Can I put Vaseline on my stick and poke?
Prevent dirt and irritation – The best option here is to use a sheet of protective tattoo film, and change it every 24 hours. If you don’t have a protective tattoo film sheet you can also protect your hand poked tattoo with a bandage. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or a vegan alternative, to a non-stick bandage.
- Apply the bandage with the petroleum jelly on it to the tattoo site;
- The petroleum jelly will prevent the irritated skin from sticking to the bandage;
- Putting the petroleum jelly on the bandage first will be less painful;
Apply a clean bandage once a day. If the bandage sticks, soak the tattoo area in warm water for a few minutes or take the bandage off under running water in the shower. Leave the bandage off with the skin open to air whenever you can. 
Fine line flower bouquet by Juan Serrano. source.
Are hand poked tattoos more expensive?
Cost – Cost is a differentiating factor of any tattoo but, generally, hand poked tattoos are less expensive than machine tattoos. First, there’s the obvious consideration that more equipment equals more money. A hand poked tattoo, like a machine tattoo, requires a fresh needle, gloves, and ink but the sterilization process is different.
How deep do tattoo needles go?
Just How Far Does The Needle Go? – Now that you know a little more about the machine and the needle, it’s time to discuss the third essential piece of the puzzle—your skin. The tattoo needle goes through 1/16th of an inch of skin. That might not sound like a lot of skin, but it is really going through five sublayers of the epidermis, the dermal layer, and also the top layer of the dermis.
Among these layers is a collection of sweat glands, hair follicles, connective tissue, fat, and blood vessels. During a tattoo session, the needle passes through the epidermis and epidermal-dermal junction, opening a passage in the 2mm-thick dermis.
The dermis is ideal for a couple of reasons. It is far enough not to bleed out and isn’t exposed. Knowing this, the tip of the tattoo needle is minutely adjusted to ensure that it enters the skin to the correct depth. If you were to look at a tattoo needle in the machine, you will see that it sticks out no further than 2mm.
Are hand poked tattoos better?
Not sure if you want handpoke or machine? Here’s some more info to help you choose. – The main differences between machine tattooing and handpoke are the time, the pain level, and the aesthetic. With machine tattooing the machine is driving the needle super fast, making tiny dots very close together which gives clean & smooth lines.
- With handpoke, there is no machine and the tattooer is pushing (‘poking’) the needle by hand, making a series of dots to create the line;
- Machine works best for: ♡ bigger and more complex pieces ♡ large areas of black or colour ♡ clean lines and bold colour ♡ very small pieces if they have super fine detail Handpoke works best for : ♡ small and simple pieces ♡ a soft and gentle imperfect aesthetic ♡ black & grey, or small patches of colour ♡ small and fiddly placements like the fingers or ears Handpoke generally hurts less, but also takes longer: it’s a less intense pain, but more enduring;
Machine generally hurts more, but it’s also a much quicker process: a bit more intense but the experience doesn’t last as long. The same needles and ink are used in both styles of tattooing, and neither should fade particularly faster than the other if the tattoo is taken care of while healing, and protected from the sun for the lifetime of the tattoo.
- Every person’s body will heal differently, and I offer free touch ups once the tattoo is fully healed, usually after around 3 weeks;
- Here’s a few examples of my machine tattoos, and a few examples of my handpoked tattoos;
If you send a tattoo enquiry, feel free to ask about anything I’ve forgotten to cover!.
Are hand poke tattoos good?
Understand The Process Of Getting A Hand-Poked Tattoo – According to Thorn, there are differences between getting a regular tattoo and a hand-poked tattoo. As for the overall inking process, hand-poked tattoos tend to hurt less and heal faster. “Although pain is completely subjective, they tend to hurt less because the process is slow and quiet,” she tells NYLON.
“They tend to heal faster because it is less traumatic to the skin, as we form the line-up of a dot next to a dot next to a dot, and because of this, they generally take longer to apply than an electric tattoo.
” In fact, the difference in pain and process can make hand-poked tattoos a great option for your first choice of ink, Sullivan suggests. While hand-poked tattoos can take longer to complete, the less intense application method can be somewhat gentler than an average tattoo process.
- “Hand-poke is great for if you’re a bit nervous about getting tattooed;
- As it’s just the needle being used without any electric machines, there’s no noise, so it can be quite relaxing sometimes,” Sullivan says;
“I usually recommend going for an arm or leg placement if it’s your first tattoo, as the body tends to be a more painful spot for most people.
What does a hand poke tattoo feel like?
Home / Advice & Info / The stick and poke tattoo – A less painful experience? Posted on July 03 2020 There’s no way around it, tattoos hurt. That’s the bottom line. Even so, some can hurt more than others. Stick and poke tattoos are no different. Let’s face it, almost all body modifications are likely to be painful, this is the case with piercings, surgery etc.
The question is, how much will it hurt? The main thing to consider with tattoos is that the pain will depend on a number of factors. These include personal physiology, pain tolerance, the technique of the tattoo artist, etc.
Despite the pain associated with tattoos overall, many people have said that both the pain, and the healing process, are much easier with a stick and poke tattoo. However, we must remember that this is a matter of opinion. For example, some people think that lining a tattoo hurts way more than shading a tattoo, but others think the exact opposite.
The general consensus is hand-poked tattoos hurt quite a bit less. After speaking with numerous users of the technique, they appeared to feel a weak stinging sensation compared to that of a burn you are likely to get from a traditional machine.
This is rather obvious as a machine will be making considerably more small holes than a hand-poked tattoo will. As is the case with all tattoos, stick and poke can still leave you feeling a little sore and swollen, but machines can leave you raw. It has actually been said that the healing process is more painful than the tattooing itself when using this technique.
- Of course this is all relatively subjective, as the overall pain will depend on the person;
- Location will also play a hugely significant role in the pain as more sensitive areas of the body will yield more painful responses;
Despite this, we feel a stick and poke tattoo will be generally less painless throughout the entire process. This includes both the application and the healing process that follows..
Are hand poked tattoos more expensive?
Cost – Cost is a differentiating factor of any tattoo but, generally, hand poked tattoos are less expensive than machine tattoos. First, there’s the obvious consideration that more equipment equals more money. A hand poked tattoo, like a machine tattoo, requires a fresh needle, gloves, and ink but the sterilization process is different.
