What Is The Durability Of Stick And Poke Tattoo?

Do you want to relive the past by getting a stick and poke tattoo from a cultural group, but you’re not sure if your new ink will last?

Stick and poke tattoos have been around for hundreds of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, long before machine tattoos existed. This traditional kind of tattooing is prevalent in many cultures and is frequently connected to a particular group or based on a person’s religious beliefs.

Stick and poke tattoos are becoming more widely used as a result of people sharing their designs and ideas on social media. There are a few things to consider if you’re interested in getting this style of tattoo and believe you might want to do it for your next artwork.

We go through all you need to know about how long your stick-and-poke tattoo is likely to survive, what variables may affect its lifetime, and how you may strive to keep your ink looking cleaner longer.

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What Exactly Is A Stick-And-Poke Tattoo?

A stick & poke tattoo is made by putting a single needle into ink and repeatedly poking it into the skin to generate numerous small dots that eventually form the entire tattoo pattern. Stick and poke tattoos often include a modest or straightforward design, making them accessible to almost anybody to do at home.

This is distinct from a tattoo made using an electric tattoo machine, which uses a similar general operating principle but uses a cluster of very fast-moving needles. Depending on the technique utilized and the caliber of the materials used to create the tattoo, sticks and pokes have the ability to last for many years.

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How Long Do Stick And Poke Tattoos Typically Last?

Stick-and-poke tattoos typically don’t last a lifetime. A stick-and-poke tattoo typically has a lifespan of five to ten years, depending on the location and the manner in which it is taken care of. Generally speaking, a stick and poke tattoo will appear quite faded and washed out after this period of time.

Since we often wash our hands and fingers, the images on them frequently disappear after a few years. Areas such as the upper arms and chest will remain longer if they are not often exposed to sunlight.

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Another deciding aspect is the artist’s background. Stick and poke tattoos sometimes need the tattoo artist to repeat the lines numerous times in order for the ink to show through and remain in place. Inexperienced tattoo artists may go too deep or not deep enough, resulting in an early fading of the tattoo.

It’s difficult to decide whether or not to have a stick-and-poke tattoo. They may not be everlasting, but they may last for many years. Always be mindful of the dangers and adopt the appropriate safety measures. Pick a professional tattoo artist, and confirm that all equipment is hygienic.

What Materials Does One Require To Make A Stick And Poke?

It’s crucial to take all necessary precautions to prevent infections when obtaining a stick and poke tattoo, especially if it’s done at home or by a friend. This entails making everything clean and utilizing high-quality materials.

To start, make sure to thoroughly clean your “workstation” with an alcohol prep pad or an antibiotic solution. This is a crucial step since it aids in getting rid of dangerous germs that might cause illness.

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Picking out a needle is the next step. Stick and poke tattoos may be done using a variety of needles, but none of them are like a regular home sewing needle.

The next step is picking the ink, and it’s crucial that you don’t use any old ink that you can find. Because the ink in ink pens has not been tested on the skin, they are a terrible source of ink for stick-and-poke tattoos. Ink for tattoos is readily available and reasonably priced.

You can be confident you’re using tattoo ink that won’t damage you since it contains components that have been tested on human skin (charcoal, for example). Utilizing India Ink is an exception to this rule. Although it includes components acceptable for stick-and-poke tattoos, it is often used for writing and printing.

How Important Is The Type Of Needle I Use?

The kind of needle you choose will affect how efficiently the ink absorbs into the skin while getting a stick-and-poke tattoo. The regular sewing needle you might already have lying around the home is not the same as a tattoo needle.

In reality, tattoo needles do not have a single point. There are several tiny needles gathered at the needle’s tip. The size of the needle you require will depend on the design you have in mind for the stick-and-poke tattoo, helping you manage the amount of ink that flows.

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While a smaller needle would be utilized for a tattoo design that was thinner or more delicate, a larger needle may be ideal for thicker lines.

You have a choice of a few different needle kinds. The primary varieties are flat, magnum shader, round shader, and round liner. These are also available in a variety of diameters or gauges. Your stick-and-poke tattoo will turn out exactly how you want it to if you use the proper needle.

Flat needles work best for the shading of geometric forms with precise corners. Round shaders can be utilized for almost any form of shading since they are so adaptable. Magnum shaders are tools that are often used for more significant projects.

To draw lines for the design, use round liners. A round liner needle is probably your best option for a tattoo you’re going to adore if you’re searching for one needle that is straightforward and you don’t require shading on your stick-and-poke tattoo.

How Can I Extend The Life Of My Tattoo?

As we previously indicated, getting a tattoo done by a qualified tattoo artist is one of the most excellent methods to guarantee that it will endure for more than a few years. However, you may take other steps to increase the durability of the fresh ink as well

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Please make a careful decision about where to have your tattoo

To ensure it lasts as long as possible avoid getting it inked in regularly cleaned areas, exposed to the sun, or where clothing or flesh may rub against it.

For instance, the conditions mentioned above cause tattoos on the hands, fingers, and feet to fade too soon. Choose a place with thick, insensitive skin, such as the thighs, biceps, or maybe the belly.

Choose a professional tattoo artist

While being inked in a rush by some amateur tattoo-want-always-to-be may sound exciting, spontaneous, and adventurous at first, it is frequently the opposite later on.

By having a tattoo done by a professional, you can assure that it will not only endure longer but also that you won’t suffer any negative consequences from contaminated equipment and surroundings.

Professionals are skilled at what they do, particularly when it comes to poking the skin to check if the ink has reached the dermis layer. To get a tattoo, you need knowledge, skill, and experience, so keep that in mind.

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Follow the recommended aftercare regimen

It’s critical to properly care for the tattoo until it heals after getting one of any sort. A fresh tattoo should first be safeguarded since it is similar to a fresh wound.

In order for a new skin layer to develop, you must afterward allow the tattoo to dry off. The tattoo will be uncomfortable until it heals, with scabs, scratching, and overall soreness. But it’s crucial that you do not touch, peel, or expose the tattoo to the sun or water.

Avoid using Vaseline and other petroleum-based products

A lotion application will be necessary once or twice a day to help the tattoo heal. However, it is imperative to refrain from using petroleum-based creams and lotions, such as Vaseline.

These will inhibit the skin from breathing, block pores, and delay recovery. Ultimately, using petroleum-based chemicals might also result in an infection of the tattoo.

What Is The Ideal Stick-And-Poke Technique?

Because you won’t have a pattern as you would at a tattoo parlor, the best practice for a stick-and-poke tattoo is to prepare the design ahead of time. Choose a spot on the skin free from open wounds or sores. Ensure that you wash your hands once again and tidy up the workspace.

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Clean the region of the skin where you’ll be applying the stick and poke the tattoo once your area is ready to proceed. After that, you can shave the area to provide a clean working surface.

After shaving, be careful to disinfect the skin (with alcohol pads) before starting the stick-and-poke tattoo. When you’re ready to start, put ink in the needle. You’ll probably need extra ink every couple of pokes.

Make sure the skin is breaking before each piercing, but be careful not to puncture too deeply or you can start bleeding. You can modify the pressure if you are bleeding since the needle may have gone a bit too deep. Once you’ve completed the first few lines, use a cotton ball or makeup removal pad to remove any extra ink.

You should wait to finish the tattoo until the swelling has subsided if the skin still appears to be particularly uncomfortable and swollen at this time. After the swelling has gone down, you can go back and add any features you might have missed the first time around or thicken any lines in the design.

Do Stick-And-Poke Tattoos Disappear Entirely?

Stick and poke tattoos usually don’t stay as long as a machine tattoo applied by a qualified tattoo artist at a tattoo parlor. The stick-and-poke tattoo should endure between five and ten years on average.

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If you employ the correct tools and methods mentioned above, you’ll probably be nearer the ten-year milestone. Even then, the tattoo doesn’t totally vanish, but it does become noticeably less noticeable with time.

The longevity of the stick and poke tattoo is also influenced by where it is placed on your body. In comparison to the legs, arms, and chest, tattoos on the fingers, hands, and feet fade more quickly. This is due to regular washing and skin variations in specific locations.

What Is The Proper Depth For A Stick And Poke?

You can undoubtedly poke yourself too deeply with a needle because you are using one under your own pressure for a stick and poke, which increases the risk of injury. One piece of advice is never to go more than 1/8 of an inch deep.

You just need to penetrate the skin barrier slightly further than that; you will feel a tiny snap when you do so. Going too far may result in bleeding, which will make it more difficult for the stick-and-poke tattoo to recover. There may be excessive inflammation or even scabbing with this.

With less pressure, you’ll be able to finish the stick-and-poke tattoo by reaching just beneath the skin barrier, and then you’ll rapidly get the effects you’re seeking without any unneeded discomfort or inflammation.

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How Can A Stick And Poke Tattoo Stay Longer?

The best approach to ensure a stick-and-poke tattoo lasts longer is to locate a professional familiar with the proper stick-and-poke technique. You may prevent and avoid early fading by using the right ink, needles, and depth for the needle.

 Another effective technique to extend the life of the tattoo is proper maintenance. Your new stick and poke tattoo won’t fade if you maintain the region moisturized even after the recovery process is over.

You can move on with getting the stick-and-poke tattoo with confidence if you keep these suggestions and methods in mind.

Stick & Poke Tattoos: Are They Harmful?

Although stick-and-poke tattoos are not naturally risky, an infection might result if they are not performed correctly and using clean needles and other materials. You should be fine if you take steps to ensure that everything is clean and that the needle is sterile.

Is It Possible To Remove A Stick And Poke Tattoo?

Stick-and-poke tattoos can be uncomfortable, especially when compared to rotary tattoo machines. When you regret the decision and wish to erase the tattoo successfully, one effective option is to undergo tattoo removal by laser treatment. Although it would be painful, take up a lot of your valuable time, be expensive, and leave you with scars from the treatment.

An alternative is to use a high-quality tattoo removal lotion like the Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System, which is far less expensive and invasive. Even while these creams may work, one disadvantage is that results take a very long time to emerge.

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Conclusion

It might be a wise choice to have a stick-and-poke tattoo. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a qualified professional has the appropriate equipment. It could result in harmful health problems when carried out by anybody else. 

These tattoos have a maximum lifespan of ten years with proper application. It is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you want one. A stick-and-poke tattoo may look wonderful, distinctive, and artistic if created by the right individual and with the proper design. These are the factors that contribute to their enduring appeal.