It's hard to resist the appeal of stick 'n' poke tattoos. This method popular with punk-rock circles requires more than just Indian ink and a needle. There are a few things to keep in mind before starting. The stick 'n' poke method is quite dangerous, so make sure you know how to do it before painting your skin. Make sure the skin and equipment are clean, and if during the drawing process you don't feel comfortable, stop right away.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Tattoo
Step 1. Purchase or collect a home tattoo kit
The main components of a home tattoo kit are needles and ink. Any needle can be used as long as it is new and sterile. Tattoo ink is preferred, but not easy to find. Indian or Sumi ink is fine as a substitute.
- A home tattoo kit is the safest choice because it includes tattoo equipment and a user guide.
- Make sure the kit uses only black Indian ink. Colored ink can be toxic.
- All kinds of needles can be used to draw tattoos. Most importantly, the needle must be new and clean.
- Do not use old needles. Don't share needles either. These two things are very dangerous because they can lead to serious infections.
Step 2. Prepare your workplace
Some things still need to be prepared before starting the tattoo. Get some cotton thread, a glass of water, rubbing alcohol, and some clean cloth.
- Provide a non-permanent marker in preparation for drawing a tattoo.
- Also provide a small bowl as a container for pouring ink.
- Make sure all your equipment is clean. Wash the equipment with hot foam water. For extra safety, wear gloves when working.
Step 3. Clean and shave the area to be drawn
Wash the area with soap and warm water. Shave the hair in the desired area., add 2.5 cm on each side of the area to be drawn.
After shaving, sterilize your skin with alcohol. Apply with a cotton swab and allow it to evaporate before starting the tattoo
Step 4. Draw your tattoo design
Mark or draw a tattoo in the desired area. You can ask a friend to help you draw. Don't be in a hurry, make sure the image is exactly what you want.
- Because the tattooing process will be done by yourself, make sure the area to be tattooed is easy to reach. This tattooing process can take up to hours. So, hard to reach places like the chest or shoulders will be very inconvenient and the results will not be good.
- The Stick 'n' poke method is best for small and simple tattoos. If you want to have a tattoo that is more intricate in design, it is better to go to a tattoo parlor.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Started Drawing Tattoos
Step 1. Sterilize your needles
The best way to sterilize your needles is to burn them. Burn your needle in the flame of a candle or match until it ignites. Be sure to hold the needle with a thick cloth as the needle will be very hot and may burn your finger.
- When the needle is sterile, wrap it with cotton thread. Start at 0.3 from the tip of the needle and wind the thread back and forth about 0.6 cm on the needle until the thread forms an oval. This thread will absorb the ink when dipped into the bowl.
- Use a pencil so you can hold the needle more steadily. Insert the base of the needle into the eraser at the base of the pencil and wind it tightly with the thread.
Step 2. Start piercing
Dip the tip of the needle in Indian ink and stick it into your skin until it leaves a black dot. Try not to bleed. You only need to pierce the skin until the second layer.
If done correctly, your skin will feel a little sticky when the needle is pulled out. There will be a faint 'pop' sound as the needle penetrates each layer of the skin
Step 3. Continue stitching along the drawing line
Try not to deviate from the design you draw. Use a Q-tip or cloth to wipe off any blood or excess ink.
Your skin will expand when pierced and the tattoo may look untidy. Your tattoo may need to be lightly polished once the swelling in the skin has subsided, if you want a tattoo with fine lines
Step 4. Clean the tattooed area
When the tattoo is done, wipe the tattoo with rubbing alcohol. Throw away any remaining ink and needles as they are not sterile. Use a new needle and bowl if you plan on further polishing your tattoo.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Tattoo
Step 1. Bandage your new tattoo
Apply sufficient amount of A+D ointment until the skin looks shiny. Cover your tattoo with a sterile bandage.
- A+D ointment is only used for the first two days to start the healing process of the skin on your tattoo. Excessive use can damage the skin.
- A+D ointment is an ointment that contains vitamins A and D and is used to treat minor cuts and burns, as well as dry skin. This ointment can be obtained at pharmacies.
- Wear the bandage for 2-4 hours. The bandage should not be worn for more than 8 hours.
Step 2. Keep the tattoo clean
Remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and odorless soap. Do not rub, just clean the tattoo with a hand wipe.
- Do not soak and run your tattoo with hot water. Tattoos can be damaged and feel uncomfortable.
- Avoid picking at your tattoo as the ink can escape from your skin, ruining the image of your tattoo.
Step 3. Apply lotion to your tattoo
After a few days, switch to an odorless lotion. Professionals recommend Lubriderm or Aquaphor. Keep the spread thin. Your skin needs to breathe in order to heal properly.
Moisturize your tattoo 3-5 times a day depending on the size of the tattoo. If the skin starts to look dry, use a little lotion
Step 4. Let your tattoo heal
Keep a close eye on your tattoo for about the first week. Your tattoo will scab and need extra care to keep it clean. In addition to cleaning and keeping your tattoo moist, avoid the following activities.
- Avoid swimming. There are lots of bacteria in the water which can cause infection. Swimming pool water also contains chlorine, which can damage your tattoo.
- Avoid activities that require a lot of skin contact or sweat a lot.
- Don't wear tight clothes. Wear loose clothing so the tattoo can breathe.
Step 5. Watch out for infections
Continue to monitor to prevent redness, excess scabs around the tattoo, discharge or swelling. These are signs of an infection.
You can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your tattoo equipment and care clean. However, your tattoo can still get infected. If there are signs that your tattoo is infected, see your doctor
Warning
- The safest way to get a tattoo is to visit a professional tattoo parlor. Don't try the stick 'n' poke method if you're not comfortable with the risks involved.
- Getting your own tattoo carries the risk of serious infection, and can be illegal. Know the risks well before starting.
- Only tattoo ink or Indian ink should be used. Other inks are at risk of being toxic.
- Only use new, clean needles and make sure they are sterilized before starting. Never reuse or share needles.
- Sharing needles risks HIV, Hepatitis, Staph Infection, MRSA, and various other dangerous infectious diseases.
