hAnD PoKeD

TatToOs By OlYviA

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wHaT Is HaNdPoKe?

Hand poke is a method of tattooing in which you use a tattoo needle to deposit ink into the skin. It's commonly called “stick and poke” and everything about the process is the same as getting a machine tattoo (minus the machine).

DoEs It HuRt mOrE?

All tattoos hurt and pain level varies from person to person. However, depending on the design, shading, placement, etc, most people experience less pain. This is due to hand poke being less traumatic to your skin, allowing more control of how much ink is being deposited and how deep the needle is going. The absence of vibration from a machine can ease the discomfort as well.

dOes It TaKe LonGeR?

Personally yes. I like to take my time when tattooing and use smaller needles! Although it generally takes longer than a machine, it varies from artist to artist. Sizing, detail, technique, placement, and skin itself are what mostly contribute to the duration of any tattoo. Being well hydrated and exfoliating the area you’d like tattooed helps speed up the tattoo application by allowing the needle to easily pass through the skin.

dO tHeY FadE fAstEr Or nOt lAst aS LonG?

They shouldn’t, however both methods of tattooing can result in a tattoo fading. Fading or ink fallout is a result of several things including aftercare, sun exposure, and the tattoo application itself. Picking at a healing tattoo and pulling scabs off is a large contributor to ink fallout. Fading is a natural result of aging but more importantly, exposing your tattoo to sunlight without protection.

Do tHey hEaL diFferEnTlY?

Nope! The way your skin heals itself won’t be any different. If anything your tattoo might heal slightly faster (2 - 3 weeks) and easier thanks to how gentle natured hand poke usually is. There is typically little to no scabbing, less inflammation, less pain after being tattooed, and while healing. Hand poke usually offers less opportunity for scarring and ink blow outs as well (although it is still possible).