Thinking about purchasing one of our poke and stick tattoo kits or have purchased one and not sure how to use it? We’ve got you covered — check out some of our frequently asked questions below.

How Long Does a Poke and Stick Tattoo Last?

Poke and stick tattoos can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on how well they were done and are cared for. To prolong the life of your tattoo, avoid picking at it or exposing it to the sun and other harsh elements.

Do Stick and Poke Tattoos Fade?

One of the biggest precautions to take when creating a poke and stick tattoo is that black ink will fade over time to a blue color. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's something to be aware of before you tattoo. Tattoos — hand-poked or not — are generally safe to retouch over time, too, so feel free to add some more black back to your hand poke tattoo once it starts to fade. Remember, finger and hand tattoos will fade the quickest!

Can I Use Any Sharp Object to Poke and Stick Tattoo?

No, we do not recommend using anything other than a sterilized, single-use needle for your tattoo. Using anything else can lead to infection or other complications.

What Is the Best Way to Care For My Stick and Poke Tattoo?

We recommend using a thin layer of A&D ointment or a similar product for the first few days after tattooing. After that, you can switch to petroleum jelly or moisturizer. Avoid direct sunlight and other harsh elements, and if your tattoo starts to peel, do not pick at it — let it fall off naturally.

What Do I Need to Start Hand Poking?

Generally, you will need at least one tattoo needle, tattoo ink, a shaving razor, and proper cleaning soap. Everything you need to start hand poking and more is included in our poke and stick tattoo kit.

Is It Safe to Stick and Poke?

As with any tattoo method, there are risks involved when it comes to stick and pokes. The most common risks are infection and scarring. However, these risks can be minimized by using sterile needles and taking proper care of your tattoo after the fact.

Can I Hand Poke Tattoos on Myself?

Yes, absolutely you can hand poke tattoos on your own skin! Keep in mind that certain areas of the body will be more difficult to stick and poke on yourself, such as on your dominant arm and anywhere on your backside. Otherwise, hand poking tattoos on yourself is perfectly safe as long as you take your time and the proper precautions.

What's the Best Design to Hand Poke for First Time DIY Tattoo Artists?

We recommend starting with a simple design for your first poke and stick tattoo. Something that is small, easy to create, and doesn't have too many details will be less frustrating in the beginning. Examples include small symbols such as a lightning bolt, heart, or star, or short words in simple fonts. Once you get more comfortable with the process, you can try to move on to more intricate or bigger designs.

Can I Free Hand With the Poke and Stick Method?

Many people who do stick and poke tattoos will freehand the design, but it can be difficult to get it just right when you do it this way. Using a skin-safe marker that's a light color to map out your design before poking will help your design look cleaner and more even in the end. Ready to start hand poking tattoos? Check out our poke and stick tattoo kits from Element Tattoo Supply — everything you need to get started is included for just $39. Plus, we have plenty of tattoo aftercare and other tattoo supplies in our shop you can pick up, too, such as fun ink colors or more hand needles and stabilizing tools.