WHAT ARE HAND-POKED TATTOOS?

Written By Lily

What Are Hand-Poke Tattoos?

Hand-poke tattoos (also known as stick and poke tattoos) are tattoos created by hand instead of with a machine. Each dot of ink is gently placed into the skin using a single needle - no buzzing, no drilling, no intimidating tattoo shop energy.

This method has been used for centuries across cultures and is loved today for its slow, intentional, handcrafted feel. Hand-poke tattoos are especially popular for small, fine-line designs, geometric symbols, and personal pieces that feel intimate and meaningful.

Why choose a hand-poke tattoo?

  • Quieter and calmer than machine tattooing

  • Great for first-timers or nervous clients

  • Often feels more gentle on the skin

  • Less prone to infection and heal more easily and quickly

  • Great for fine line/ text pieces as well as dynamic, bold geometric pieces

  • Cosy, intimate studio vibes

Lily
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