Advice & Info
Follow our weekly blog, and stay up to date with Hand Poke artisits around the world.
Essential Tips to Stop your Tattoo Fading
The longevity of your tattoo can be greatly impacted by external factors. It’s a common problem for people to complain about a faded tattoo and not know that this potentially could’ve been avoided if the right procedures were done. Here are some hints and tips to help you get those...
How To Make The Most Out Of Tattoo Practice Skins
Key tips for using practice tattoo skins If you are planning to attempt a stick and poke tattoo for your first time, then it may be a good idea to get some experience in by using tattoo practice skins. Practicing on these useful pieces of equipment will allow you to...
The pros and cons of stick and poke tattoos
The pros and cons of stick and poke tattoos Still unsure about whether to enter the world of stick and poke tattoos? We’ve got you covered. Let’s cover some of the pros and cons. Pros Cheap – Even though we love stick and pokes so much, the reality is you’re...
What tattoos say about you and your personality
When we see someone with a tattoo, we usually think and consider the deeper meaning for that particular person. The person with the tattoo will likely tell you the deeper meaning behind the art, but its significance runs much deeper than that. Tattoos can come in all shapes and sizes....
Preparing for your stick and poke tattoo
We think its essential you follow our guidelines in order to get the most out of your tattoo. This also ensures you avoid any safety concerns, win win right?
The resurgence of tattoos
For many people, tattoo lovers feel the body you're born with is a blank canvas in need of decoration. We couldn't agree more. Of course, they've been helped along because they are being worn by public figures such as celebrities, athletes, and people within the fashion industry. But their popularity runs deeper...
Stick and poke tattoos. Where did it all start?
Although the stick and poke designs we all know and love have been around for what seems like a lifetime. Its interesting to consider, where did they originate from?
Stick and pokes - How do I dispose of all my equipment?
We all love stick and pokes. However, with the great advantages comes the safety precautions to be aware of...
What's the real difference between machine and stick and poke tattoos?
We won't beat around the bush, the difference between the two styles is in the technique. The main difference lies in how the ink is inserted into the skin. A stick and poke tattoo is created using a sterilized needle (check out our previous blogs for more information). In contrast, machine...
The real reason stick and pokes have become so popular
Stick and pokes have really taken off in the last couple of years. But why?
Why our team love stick and pokes
The stick and poke community is really special. If you'd like to become a part of it, visit our website.
How long do stick and poke tattoos last
Most stick and poke tattoos will last forever but will fade over time. On average they will last between five and ten years. This depends where it is on the body and how well it's been cared for. Aftercare plays a really important part in how your tattoo will look in years to come. In this post we'll show you how to do this.
10 products you need for your stick and poke setup
Having a professional stick and poke setup is the key to creating a good quality hand poked tattoo. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of ten items you need for your stick and poke setup, along with the links to buy them.
Stick and poke needles: a brief overview
The needle you use for your stick and poke is a key element that’ll influence how it looks and lasts, as well as it’s safety. There’s a range of different needle types you can use for your hand poked tattoo, so let’s teach you the basics of what they are and what they mean.
10 things to know before creating your first stick and poke
Whether it’s the intimate process or the mind blowing detail of stick and pokes that’s attracted you to them, you’ve come to the right place to learn everything you need to know. Here’s some things to consider before you go ahead.
Stick and poke ink: a quick fire guide
The ink you choose to use for your hand poked tattoo is a key factor that’ll decide how long your stick and poke tattoo lasts. Not to mention it’ll affect how safe your tattoo is, so it’s important to choose wisely. Let's learn the basics.
The Art of Sak Yant
While some may see tattoos as simply a trend, one of the endless reasons why we love them is the long history they carry. Many tattoo styles have a much deeper meaning than just being beautiful to look at. One style with a particularly rich culture is Sak Yant tattoos.
Stick and poke aftercare
Our top tips on how to sensibly and effectively care for your new stick and poke tattoo, for long lasting results.
Stick and pokes, a brief overview.
Stick and pokes are an unregulated concept. That’s what makes them cool. But what are they exactly?
What you should consider before you get a stick and poke tattoo
A tattoo is very much a long-term decision. Therefore, you should make some considerations before you go ahead and dive into the world of body art.
The benefits of tattoos
Its no secret that many people perceive tattoos to be unsafe or risky when it comes to our health and well-being. However, its quite the opposite.
The deeper meaning of tattoos
Tattoos may be skin deep, but their significance often goes much deeper than that. Tattoos can have an important symbolic meaning, providing a permanent reminder of something powerful in someone's life or an experience that should not be forgotten. Tattoos can also give people a feeling of empowerment. Powerful designs can...
Are stick and pokes here for the long term?
Over the last 12 months, it should come as no surprise that the stick and poke tattoo has become one of the most popular beauty trends. But is it here to stay?
Are there any problems following a stick and poke?
If you're looking for stick and poke equipment, take a nosey around our site. You're bound to find everything you need.
How to get the practice you need.
Here at Single Needle, ever since we first started selling our kits, we were confident that the products that we produce are safe. Having spent many years in an around the niche market of tattooing, speaking to hundreds of clients, health professionals and professional tattoo artists, we achieved the confidence...
How to perfect your stick and poke technique.
Overall, although it does depend on the size of the tattoo, stick and poke designs will generally take longer than machine tattoos. However, the end result is worth it!
Stick and poke tattoos - the truth
We'll be honest, stick and poke don’t last for an eternity. They don't last for a long time like machine-made tattoos. However, they last for a longer time and don’t easily transfer like henna styles do. How long stick and poke's last depends on one main criteria, the artist! The tattooing experience...
The stick and poke culture - What's all the fuss about?
If the term "stick-and-poke" recreates images of drunken evenings scratching regrettable designs into the skin with a pen, you couldn't be further away from the truth of stick-and-pokes. Sadly, this is the image that the stick-and-poke industry has gained in recent times. We can't stress this enough, stick-and-poke is very similar to traditional tattooing!...
Everything you need to know
Stick-and-poke tattoos have a DIY vibe due to their modern origins in the underground culture of tattoos. They tend to be thought of as basic, minimal designs, but they can also be deeply detailed and intricate pieces of art. Regardless of appearances, stick-and-poke tattoos come with the pride of having a more...
The aftercare steps to take to ensure the perfect Stick and Poke Tattoo.
Ever wondered how to take care of your Stick and Poke properly? Now you don't have to. The aftercare process of your new tattoo is crucial to ensure you achieve the perfect stick and poke. Although stick and poke tattoos are generally small and simple, the healing process is still...
Stick and Poke's - More than a 'dangerous lockdown trend'
Throughout lockdown, you’ve probably seen people experimenting with DIY stick and poke tattoos. From Instagram photos to Twitter feeds, stick and pokes have popped up everywhere!As a result of the previous lockdown, It’s no surprise the stick and poke tattoo craze has become one of the most popular quarantine beauty trends. This...
Stick and Poke - A quick fire guide
Here's a quick fire guide for those looking to become part of the stick and poke world! Enjoy... What is a Stick and Poke?A stick and poke is a DIY way to create tattoos. it’s a modern version of what people have been doing for years, having a go at creating...
Why stick and pokes have become a major trend in 2020
As has been the case with many trends during lockdown, we’ve been picking up all kinds of hobbies. Among those hobbies, stick-and-poke tattoos have quickly topped that list. Unlike professional tattoos, stick-and-poke's don't require a machine or expensive supplies like cables and tubes. That's the beauty of it! Nonelectric tattoos (stick-and-pokes) avoid all...
Why stick and poke is driving the minimalist trend this year...
With each year that arrives, a flood of new trends come with it. Over the last 8 months or so, stick and poke have undoubtedly influenced the tattoo choices we've made. Granted, it may be unfair to suggest that DIY tattoos have dictated every body art decision that’s been made in recent...
The safety of stick and pokes - how to prepare yourself.
If you're planning on pulling up your sleeves and getting involved in the world of stick and poke tattoos, it's important to know how to best prepare yourself in order to reduce any risks. We get it, the world of stick and pokes can be really exciting. Who could blame you? It's...
Do stick and poke tattoos last forever?
The simple answer to this question is no. The odds are your stick and poke tattoo won't grow old with you. It's true, they fade faster than their professional counterparts. This is particularly the case if you apply them on areas that you clean often. Despite fading quicker, they still...
Do stick and poke tattoos last as long?
Some people think the quality of stick-and-pokes don't last as long as a machine-tattoos. However, that’s just not the case. For some reason, if your stick-and-poke tattoo starts to fade, the person who carried out the procedure was probably inexperienced or didn't apply the ink correctly. Stick and poke is the...
The stick and poke tattoo – A less painful experience?
There’s no way around it, tattoos hurt. That’s the bottom line. Even so, some can hurt more than others. Stick and poke tattoos are no different. Let’s face it, almost all body modifications are likely to be painful, this is the case with piercings, surgery etc. The question is, how...
Using a Transfer Stencil for a Stick and Poke Tattoo
If you find that free poking is something that you find a little bit too difficult, there is always the option to use a stencil and stencil lubricant. This can be a very effective method to ensure that the process is much easier to complete and a lot more precise...
Two Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Stick & Poke Tattoo
Although you may be certain that the decision has been made in your head, it is crucial to consider these two points before fully committing to the process of a stick and poke tattoo. What design do I want? Arguably the most thoroughly enjoyable part of stick and poke is...
Correct Tattoo Aftercare
Protect your new tattoo with correct dressing Your new homemade tattoo is an open wound and open flesh is prime breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Appropriately applied bandages and dressings protects your stick and poke tattoo whilst also allowing any bodily fluids to drain. You should leave the bandage...
Tattoo Health & Safety
Stick and Poke Health and Safety Both receiving and performing hand poke tattoos comes with the innate issue of health and safety risks, similar to any process that involves breaks in the skin. Consequently, this is something that must be taken very seriously and with great precaution. This guide will...
What is a Stick and Poke Tattoo?
The art of stick and poke tattooing is the administration of ink into the skin, with the result being the creation of a permanent tattoo, wihtout the use or aid of any electricity. This practice can also be known under many other names. Examples include; hand poke tattoo, hand tattoo, machine-free tattoo and DIY tattoo. As opposed to the use of a machine, the tattoo is created with the use of a single sterile tattoo needle, which can be known to be attached to a stick. This needle is then repeatedly poked into the skin to create dots and eventually, a tattoo design
Stick & Poke Essential Equipment
The process of hand poke tattooing is made considerably easier when you have the correct equipment at your disposal. Using the right quality tools in the correct manner will largely improve the resulting tattoo and also reduce the possibility of mistakes or infection. Although the average pricing for each of the individual pieces of equipment is not too high, more often than not these instruments are sold in bulk as opposed to being sold individually. Consequentially, this makes it less affordable to assemble the correct equipment for stick and poke tattooing. Fortunately, we supply a cost-effective range of stick and poke tattoo kits, all with high quality and professional equipment.
Poke Technique
The use of a certified, sterile professional tattoo needle is very important. In comparison to the poorly designed and packaged made-in-chine needles that are often found on sites such as Amazon, professional needles carry little to no risk in terms of infection. When removing the needle in preparation for use, ensure you do not prick yourself with the sharp tip.
Transferring and Tracing
We recommend using sterile skin marker pens or stencil paper as opposed to a regular pen when tracing and transferring. This is due to an increased risk of infection, something that can have very serious effects. Irrespective of the kind of pen you use however, you should not by any circumstances use the same pen on different individuals. If you want some extra help with tattoo transfers, we have a complete kit available here - Transfer Kit
An Essential Guide to Tattoo Aftercare
Washing your tattoo When you first receive your new stick and poke tattoo, it is likely that you will have a bandage, or some sort of dressing applied to it. This dressing or bandage should be left on the tattoo for two to three hours, or even overnight if you...
Variations of Stick and Poke Tattoo Ink
Choosing the correct stick and poke tattoo ink is a fundamental part of creating a good tattoo. Appropriate ink is one of the key ingredients that will improve your stick and poke tattoo’s quality, hygiene and life length. Although it has been unfortunately fairly common practice for people to tattoo...
Using Witch Hazel To Sooth Stick and Poke Tattoos
Witch hazel is an effective, natural, soothing astringent for tattoos. When applied to the skin it has the effect of contracting the tissues, making it an ideal solution to sooth the skin after receiving a stick and poke tattoo and calming any redness of the skin. Witch hazel water, composed...
