Getting a stick and poke tattoo is a great way to express yourself, but it comes with the responsibility of taking care of it. If you want to keep your stick and poke tattoo looking fresh, here are 5 tips on how to take care of a stick and poke tattoo. From how to clean it and what to avoid, to how to keep it moisturized and more, these tips will help keep your stick and poke tattoo looking amazing for years to come.
Contents
What is a Stick and Poke Tattoo?
A Stick and Poke Tattoo is a type of tattoo that is created by manually poking the skin with a needle and ink. This method of tattooing is sometimes referred to as “DIY” or “Do-It-Yourself” tattooing. The process of Stick and Poke tattooing is a much simpler and less technical process than machine tattooing.
Stick and Poke Tattoos are typically created with sterilized needles or a piercing needle and a specific type of ink, such as India ink, which is permanent and non-toxic. The ink is slowly and carefully applied to the skin, one dot at a time. The process is much more time consuming than machine tattooing, but the end result can be a unique and beautiful piece of body art.
How to Care for a Stick and Poke Tattoo
Taking proper care of a Stick and Poke Tattoo is essential for a successful tattoo experience. Here are 5 tips to keep your Stick and Poke Tattoo looking fresh.
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Keep it Clean | Clean the tattooed area with antibacterial soap and water regularly to prevent infection. |
| 2. Avoid Sun Exposure | Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds to reduce the risk of fading. |
| 3. Moisturize | Apply a fragrance-free lotion regularly to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. |
| 4. Avoid Touching | Avoid touching the tattoo as much as possible to reduce the risk of infection. |
| 5. Seek Professional Help | If you experience any pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. |
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Stick and Poke Tattoo will remain looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Before Care:
Clean the Skin
Before you begin your stick and poke tattoo, it is important to make sure the skin is clean. Start by washing the area with soap and warm water. If you are using a lubricant, make sure to apply it before you start the tattoo. This will help the needle to glide smoothly and evenly. Be sure to use a gentle soap such as a mild baby wash.
Disinfect the Needle
Disinfect the needle before you begin the tattoo. This will help reduce the risk of infection and spread of germs. Use an alcohol-based cleaner to sterilize the needle. Make sure to rinse the needle thoroughly with soap and water before using it on your skin. Make sure to use a new needle for each session.
During Care:
Use Glide
It is important to use the right kind of glide when taking care of a stick and poke tattoo. Using a non-fragrance, lanolin-based glide is the best option as it will provide the best protection and healing process. Applying the glide before and after showering, and when the tattoo is exposed to water, will help keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Avoid Sun and Water
A stick and poke tattoo should be kept away from direct sunlight and water. Exposure to these elements can cause the ink to fade or blur, so it is important to keep the area covered up and dry when you are out in the sun or engaging in activities that involve water.
Aftercare:
Clean the Tattoo
It is important to clean your stick and poke tattoo regularly to avoid any infection. Gently clean the area with warm water and an unscented and anti-bacterial soap. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and do not rub.
Apply Ointment
Apply ointment to the tattoo to keep the area moisturized and to help the healing process. Use a non-scented ointment and only apply a thin layer. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the ointment to avoid any bacteria entering the wound.
Protect the Tattoo
It is important to protect your tattoo from sun damage, water and other irritants. Wear sunscreen when in direct sunlight and avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs for at least two weeks. Additionally, it is important to avoid any friction on the area and keep it from getting dirty.
Conclusion
Stick and poke tattoos are becoming increasingly popular and offer an alternative to traditional tattoo methods. To ensure the longevity and quality of your tattoo, it is important to follow the 5 tips outlined in this article:
- Keep the area clean and moisturized.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid excessive friction.
- Ensure that your artist’s needles are clean.
- Visit a professional tattoo artist for touch-ups.
Following these steps will help keep your stick and poke tattoo looking fresh for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Stick and Poke Tattoo Take to Heal?
1. Keep it Clean: A stick and poke tattoo should be kept clean, as any other tattoo. Wash the area with warm water and mild soap twice a day to prevent any infection.
2. Keep it Moist: Keeping the area moist will help the healing process. Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or a tattoo aftercare ointment to the area once or twice a day.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can cause your tattoo to fade and lose its color. It is best to avoid direct sunlight for the first few weeks after getting a stick and poke tattoo.
4. Avoid Picking: Picking or scratching at the tattoo can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
5. Monitor Healing Progress: Stick and poke tattoos typically take 2-3 weeks to heal. The healing process can be monitored by checking for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pain. Any signs of infection should be reported to a doctor or healthcare provider.
Does a Stick and Poke Tattoo Require Any Special Aftercare?
Yes, a stick and poke tattoo requires special aftercare. Stick and poke tattoos can be more prone to infection and require more attention to ensure they heal properly. The key to proper aftercare is to keep the tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun. In addition, it’s important to keep the area around the tattoo clean and dry. Avoid activities such as swimming or soaking in a hot tub while the tattoo is healing. Lastly, don’t scratch or pick at the tattoo.
How Often Should I Clean My Stick and Poke Tattoo?
Tattoos should be cleaned daily with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and then apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or balm. This should be done for at least two weeks after getting a stick and poke tattoo. Additionally, after swimming, showering, or sweating, the area should be washed and moisturized. This helps to prevent infection and maintain the freshness of the tattoo.
Can I Swim With a Stick and Poke Tattoo?
- Wait at Least 2 Weeks: Do not swim for at least 2 weeks after getting a stick and poke tattoo. The healing process is still ongoing and the ink is not fully settled into the skin yet. Swimming can cause bacteria and other contaminants to enter the open wound and cause infection.
- Keep It Clean: Before going in the water, make sure your tattoo is completely clean. Use an antibacterial soap to wash the area and gently pat it dry.
- Apply a Protective Layer: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a waterproof tattoo ointment to create a barrier between the water and your tattoo. This helps protect the ink from fading or washing away in the water.
- Rinse After Swimming: Once you are done swimming, rinse the area with fresh water to get rid of any bacteria or contaminants that may have entered the wound while swimming. Then, pat dry with a soft cloth and apply a layer of ointment to keep the area moisturized.
- Take Care of It: After swimming, be sure to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized. Keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. This will help keep your tattoo looking vibrant and fresh.
Is it Safe to Use a Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit?
Stick and poke tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, but they can present safety risks if not done correctly. It is important to ensure that the instruments used to create the tattoo are properly sanitized and that the proper hygiene practices are observed. Additionally, the pigment used for the tattoo must be of a medical grade and non-toxic. If these measures are taken, stick and poke tattoos can be safely done at home.
Conclusion
Stick and poke tattoos require special care and attention. To keep your tattoo looking fresh, follow these five tips: clean the area with mild soap and lukewarm water; apply a thin layer of moisturizer; avoid direct sunlight; protect the tattoo from clothing and jewelry; and, lastly, be mindful of your tattoo when participating in activities that create excessive sweat or friction. With these tips, you can be sure your stick and poke tattoo will remain looking beautiful for years to come.
