What are the differences between moles, freckles and birthmarks?

Moles

Moles occur when skin cells known as melanocytes grow in a small cluster, instead of getting spread uniformly in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, which give skin its natural colour (the more melanin in the skin, the darker it is).

There are 3 types of moles:

1. Congenital – moles that appear at birth
2. Acquired – moles that appear after birth, usually up until age 40
3. Atypical – irregular moles (also called dysplastic nevus)

Common moles (both congenital and acquired moles) can either be flat or raised. These usually come in a single colour (brown, black, pink, tan, even red) and are usually less than 5 millimetres in width (any more than 5mm and you may have reason to be suspicious). In terms of shape, common moles are usually round or oval, and have a distinct edge/border.  

Atypical moles, on the other hand, have an odd shape and are usually larger than 5mm. These moles are often a combination of two or more colours. These are commonly mistaken as cancerous, but they’re not.

Freckles

Freckles are commonly found on people with fair skin, usually appearing on parts of skin that get frequent sun exposure. These are brown, small spots that are formed from an overproduction of melanin, in reaction to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Freckles are generally harmless.

Birthmarks

From the word itself, birthmarks are ‘marks’ that appear on skin at the time of birth – or shortly thereafter. There are two types of birthmarks: pigmented and vascular.

Pigmented birthmarks result from an overabundance of pigment cells in one area. One example would be congenital moles.

Vascular birthmarks, on the other hand, result from malformed veins or a cluster of veins in a particular area.

Is it safe to tattoo over a mole?

Alright, I’ll get straight to the point here. No, it’s not safe to tattoo over a mole. Why? Well, there are a few reasons.

• You won’t know if your mole develops into melanoma

Moles – whether it be congenital, acquired, or atypical – can become cancerous, especially when exposed excessively to sunlight. Remember, moles are made up of tightly packed melanocytes.

Now, melanoma (a rare but dangerous type of skin cancer) starts in the melanocytes. Exposure to UV rays dangerously accelerate melanocyte reproduction, which causes moles to grow in size and change in shape. This is why it’s NOT advisable to tattoo over moles – it’s an important health indicator.

Sure, your mole may not be cancerous now, but if you’re not vigilant with sun protection, then chances are it can develop into melanoma. Here are the melanoma signs to watch out for:

• A – asymmetry (the sides don’t match each other)
• B – border irregularity (the mole’s border is uneven or ragged)
• C – colour variations (most moles are singular in colour)
• D – diameter (mole is larger than 6mm)
• E – evolution (over time, the mole may increase in size, change in colour, becomes itchy all of a sudden, and you may experience pain and soreness in the area)

Here’s an infographic to help you remember the ABCDE guidelines:

As you can see, covering up the mole with a tattoo may result to you not recognising any changes to its shape and form. It may have turned cancerous right before your very eyes, and you would have no clue.  

• It may cause excessive bleeding

Tattooing involves blood, yes, but not excessive amounts of it. In fact, depending on the tattooist’s skills and the area being tattooed, the bleeding can be downright very minimal. But when tattooing over a mole, it’s a different story.

Even accidentally cutting a mole can result to excessive bleeding. Imagine tiny needles puncturing a mole hundreds or thousands of times. Blood may not gush out, but it won’t be the light bleeding you’d expect from a normal tattoo.

Related article: Can You Donate Blood With A Tattoo

• It’s difficult to get the colour right

Moles are said to absorb ink differently from normal skin. It can distort a tattoo’s colour and can make it look pigmented. So, it’s a bit tricky for tattooists to ensure the right colour appears on the mole.

Is it safe to tattoo over freckles?

Unlike moles, it’s perfectly fine to get inked over freckles! Technically, tattooing over freckles is the same as tattooing over clear skin. It won’t bother your tattooist and you don’t need to worry about excessive bleeding.

Is it safe to tattoo over birthmarks?

It depends on the type of birthmark. Remember, moles are a type of birthmark too (and it’s not safe to tattoo over moles). Some birthmarks disappear well before adulthood. But for those that survive until your 18^th birthday (when you can be legally tattooed), it’s best to seek medical advice from your GP or a dermatologist.

Still thinking of getting a tattoo on your mole?

Now that you know getting a tattoo on a mole isn’t advisable, here’s what you can do instead:

Tattoo around the mole

This is actually an ingenious solution. You’re not harming your mole in any way, shape or form. You just need to think of a tattoo design that will put that mole to good use. Here’s an example:

As you can see, the mole is hidden well in the design. Can’t see it? It’s the dot above the letter “i”. Pretty cool, right?!

Have it removed surgically

Whether it’s benign or cancerous, mole removal is an option nowadays. If you really, really want to get a tattoo on the spot right where your mole is, then consider having the mole removed. It may end up in a bit of scarring, but fortunately, your tattoo will hide it well and no one will be the wiser!

Conclusion

It’s not advisable to get tattooed directly over your mole or birthmark (freckles are fine). But if push comes to shove, you can either have it removed surgically or you may ask your artist to tattoo around the mole.

Who can give blood?

In a perfect world, everyone capable and healthy can give blood. But this isn’t the case obviously. There needs to be certain criteria in place to ensure the safety of recipients. These requirements will vary from country to country, but here in the UK, here’s who can donate:

• Age: Between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you’ve given blood before). If you’re over 70 and have donated blood in the past 2 years, you’re also eligible.
• Weight: Between 50kg and 158kg
• Generally fit and healthy
• Other conditions:
  • If you just got a tattoo / body piercing / non-medical injection, you need to wait at least 4 months before donating blood (scroll down to know why).
  • If you’ve got a cold, you can’t donate. Wait for it to clear up first.
  • If you’re feeling under the weather, get some rest to get better.
  • If you have an infection (and taking antibiotics for it), wait at least 14 days before giving blood.
  • If you’re pregnant, you can’t give blood (you and your baby need it).
  • You can donate blood after 24 hours if you had a simple dental treatment. Otherwise, you need to wait up to 14 days (or more).

For a more comprehensive list on who can donate blood, please visit https://www.blood.co.uk/.

So, people with old tattoos can give blood, yes? 

Yes, if your tattoo is more than 4 months old, you can give blood. However, you can only do so if you got inked by a licensed tattooist.

If you got tattooed by a scratcher or you had a stick and poke tattoo done by a friend at home, then it’s best to wait at least a year before donating blood.

But why the discrepancy in waiting times?

Well, if you got inked by a licenced tattooist, then it is assumed that proper sanitation is observed in the premises. This is one of the key requirements for local councils to approve a tattooist for business.

To get a tattoo licence, the shop or parlour will be evaluated and inspected first to ensure all stringent requirements are met, and that clients’ health won’t be compromised. Only then can they get a licence to operate their business.  

Now, if you got inked by a scratcher or a non-licensed, wannabe tattooist, then it’s a different story altogether. Scratchers tend to work in less than ideal, unsanitary environments. Sure, some of them may be skilled and talented. But that won’t mean a thing if you contract a tattoo infection. Or worse, a bloodborne disease like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, MRSA, and even HIV!

Tattooing isn’t just about sticking needles in someone’s skin, it’s technically a minor medical operation. Blood-borne pathogens certainly aren’t a joke, so work with someone who’s actually licenced to do the job.

The waiting time serves an important purpose…

It allows the body to produce antibodies, so that diseases can be identified. Antibodies take time to produce, so if you contracted an infection a week ago, it won’t show up immediately on blood tests. It’s important for your blood to be free of bloodborne diseases. You’re donating to save lives, not put anyone in harm’s way!

That said, always choose to work with a licenced tattooist. The risks are significantly reduced, and you get to donate life-saving blood in just 4 short months!

Disclaimer:

The 4-month waiting period applies to the UK. For other locations, please check with your local authorities to find out how soon AFTER getting a tattoo you can donate blood. Some countries/states/provinces require longer periods (6 months to 1 year). Others are able to donate a day or two later (in places which regulate tattoo shops).  

Can you donate blood BEFORE getting a tattoo?

It’s possible to donate blood before you get a tattoo, as long it’s not on the same day. This is because you may feel faint or lightheaded after donating. And seeing how painful tattooing can be, you need all your strength to withstand the pain.

Allow your body to recover from your good deed first, before embarking on your next endeavour. This may take a day or two, or however long you need to recuperate from the blood loss.

Here’s what you can do to help your body recover and prepare for your upcoming tattoo appointment:

• Eat well and get a good night’s sleep

Blood donation can take maybe 30-45 minutes. But it can be physically exhausting. You may feel weak and dizzy, so grab a healthy snack and drink water afterwards. Then get at least 6-8 hours of sleep to help your body recover.

• Drink plenty of fluids for the next few days

You just lost a lot of fluid (in the form of blood). To avoid dehydration, you should drink plenty of water and/or sports drinks like Gatorade to replace electrolytes in your body.

• Avoid going to the gym and/or exercising

For the gym bunnies out there, surely, a day or two of rest won’t kill you. But strenuous physical activity might. After donating, it’s best to get plenty of rest. Don’t forget you still need to prepare your body for your tattooing session.  

• Avoid taking blood thinning medication

This includes aspirin or ibuprofen. Doing so may cause issues with your tattoo healing properly.  

• Avoid drinking alcohol

Alcohol thins the blood. If you do have a tattoo the following day, it’s best to avoid drinking any alcoholic drinks.

If you still feel light-headed even after getting some rest, and you feel unwell the day after giving blood, you may be coming down with something. If so, speak with your GP and reschedule your tattoo appointment to a later date.

Why become a donor: Benefits of donating blood

By now, you already know that giving blood can save lives. If everyone healthy were to donate blood regularly, we’d have sufficient supply in blood banks everywhere. Anyone who needs blood won’t ever need to go into panic mode, and can focus on their recovery instead.

But what about you? As a donor, do you get anything in return for your benevolent act?

The answer is yes, you do get a lot of benefit in return! Here are some of them:

• Lowers your iron levels

Iron is important to the body. If you’re low in iron, you’re anaemic. If you’ve got too much iron, you may have hemochromatosis (more men suffer this condition, probably because females lose blood through menstruation). It’s therefore important to have just the right amount of iron in blood. And one way to maintain healthy levels of iron in blood is by donating blood regularly.

• Reduce the risk of heart attack

According to this study, blood donation can lower the risk of myocardial infarction or heart attack. People who have high levels of iron in their blood are especially at risk of heart failure and disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer

Too much iron can accelerate the growth of tumours. High levels of iron is associated with a 25% increase in risk of getting cancer. It is therefore important to reduce iron levels in blood – and donating blood will certainly help you achieve this goal.

• Replenish blood

Women menstruate and regularly replenish blood. Men, however, don’t. So, if you’ve got high iron levels in blood, it’s best to give blood if you can.

• Feel good about yourself

Knowing you’re helping someone is a powerful mood booster! I’ve personally donated blood several times over the years, and I always feel good afterwards. You may not know the recipient personally, but the knowledge that you’re making a difference in a life-and-death situation feels wonderful.

So, how often can you donate blood?  

Lovin’ the health benefits of blood donation and thinking of donating frequently? Well, that’s great news! The more you donate, the more people get the blood they need! So, how often can you donate?

• If you get tattooed frequently, you can donate 4 months after your last tattoo.
• For men, you can donate every 3 months (there’s a shorter recovery period between donations because men have more haemoglobin).
• Women, on the other hand, can donate every 4 months (girls menstruate so there needs to be some leeway for haemoglobin levels to go back to normal).

What to look for to ensure you get a ‘sanitary’ tattoo

Keep these tips in mind if you want to ensure you get a safe tattoo, so you can continue (or start) donating blood after 4 months!

• Verify the tattooing licence

Professionally-done tattoos cost more money than a DIY tattoo or scratcher tattoo. And it’s understandable why. You’re paying for their skills, their experience, and their sanitary practices to protect you from infection and disease.  

In the UK, tattooists are advised to display their licence or certificate in a prominent part of the shop (this is usually in the reception area). Failure to do so may result in a council fine or penalty.  

• Make sure the place is clean, especially the tattooist’s working area

Do an ocular inspection of the tattoo shop you plan on getting tattooed at. Schedule a visit before your appointment and ask the tattooist if you can sit in and observe. Here are some things you should watch out for:

Do you see a sharps box?

It’s where tattooists dispose their single-use needles and cartridges after every session. If the artist throws their needles into a regular trash bin, then that’s a big no-no.

Does the artist cover up the entire working area with plastic wrap, including their tattoo machine?

It’s easy for cross-contamination to occur if they don’t. Blood and other bodily fluids can easily splash onto various surfaces. It’s important to make sure the artist replaces the wraps after each session.

Does the artist use disposable gloves?

It would be so unsanitary if he/she didn’t! And make sure that those gloves stay on, they don’t touch uncovered and unprotected surfaces. Otherwise, that defeats the purpose of wearing gloves in the first place, right?

Ensure the artist does not use recycled tattooing equipment

Some tattoo parlours use autoclaves to sterilise their tattooing equipment. But nowadays, it’s more practical to just use single-use needles. Check that the needles, tattoo ink, and gloves aren’t reused, and are used straight from the packaging.

• Follow proper aftercare

You’ve got 4 months to wait from the moment you get inked until you can finally donate blood. Your tattoo will be fully healed by then. In fact, if you carefully follow aftercare instructions, your tattoo should heal up within 3-4 weeks. Here’s an infographic to give you an idea of what goes on during aftercare:

Related article: Tattoo Etiquette: The 12 Do’s and Don’ts of Getting a Tattoo

Conclusion

You can still donate blood even if you’ve got a tattoo. As long as you meet the donor criteria, and clear the 4-month waiting period, then blood donation should be on your to-do list. You’ll not only save lives, you’ll also reap plenty of health benefits, too!

How to do a permanent tattoo?

Obviously, I’m not talking about peel ‘n stick tattoos, henna tattoos, airbrush tattoos, the so-called ‘sunburn’ tattoos, and other similar temporary “tattoos.” Permanent tattoos refer to skin art that’s done by sticking needles – often, lots of them! – in the skin.

Technically, you only need a needle and ink to make a permanent tattoo – this is what happens with DIY tattoos or stick and poke tattoos. This traditional way of doing tattoos is said to be more painful since one needle poke translates to just one dot on the skin.

A tattooist using a tattoo machine on a client (Photo by Antonino Visalli)

By contrast, modern tattooists use tattooing equipment such as coiled and rotary tattoo machines. These machines allow artists to use a cluster of tattoo needles to achieve different goals. Some needle groupings work great for tattooing small lines, thick lines and outlines on the skin. Other needles are more efficient for colour fillings and shading work.

What this all means is that tattooists can finish a large and complex tattoo in a relatively short period of time. This is because these machines can poke the skin hundreds or thousands of times a minute (no human can manually do this).

The tiny holes in the skin make it easy for tattoo ink to seep through to the skin’s inner layers. This is why it’s important to work with someone who knows how to do tattoos the right way.

An inexperienced tattooist can either puncture the skin too shallow or too deep – either won’t bode well for your tattoo. There’s really only one right way to do a permanent tattoo – and that is to deposit ink in the dermis layer of the skin.

If you’re asking how far tattoo needles need to go in your skin, well, that really depends on the area being worked on. Some body parts have more skin fat, while others are literally skin over bone. An artist who has prior experience in the same area will know exactly how deep the needle should go.

Related article: Tattoo Pain Chart: How Bad Do Tattoos Hurt?

How tattoos work: why are tattoos permanent?

Here’s a video showing why tattoos last so long on skin:

If you can’t play the video above, here’s what happens on the skin:

Tattoo ink is inserted in the dermis

Before we go further, I’d just like to say that I find it incredible that thousands of years ago, someone discovered (most likely by accident) that ink needs to be deposited at a certain depth so it can stay there permanently!

Now, as you can see in the image below, the human skin is made up of 3 layers:

• the epidermis (topmost layer)
• the dermis (middle layer)
• the hypodermis (bottom layer)

For tattoos to remain in the skin forever, the ink needs to be deposited in the dermis layer. This is because unlike the epidermis, the dermis does not shed or renew every 3-4 weeks.

Getting ink on the epidermis during the tattooing process is totally normal. However, you can expect it to disappear within a few weeks once the entire skin layer renews. This is the case with so-called “semi-permanent tattoos.” The ink gets absorbed in the epidermis but vanishes after a couple of weeks.

But what about the hypodermis, you ask?

Well, when ink gets into the hypodermis, it causes an effect called a ‘tattoo blowout.’ The ink underneath the skin spreads out and looks blurred. This is because the hypodermis is made up of blood vessels and lobules of fat cells, so it’s much harder for the ink to settle (unlike in the dermis). If you find your skin bleeding far more than usual, it’s highly likely the ink made its way into the hypodermis.

How does tattoo ink stay in the skin (or more specifically, the dermis)?

As soon as the tattoo needle punctures the skin and ink is deposited, the body’s immune system springs into action to try and repair the skin. It perceives the ink as a threat and sends macrophages to the area to try to contain it, so it can get rid of it.

Unfortunately for the macrophages (and fortunately for us tattoo lovers), the ink particles are way too big for them to absorb and destroy. So, they end up absorbing the ink and keeping them permanently in the dermis.   

However, over time and with frequent sun exposure, the ink particles will get broken down into smaller particles. This allows the body to get rid of the pigment where it gets carried away by the bloodstream, into the lymph nodes, and eventually, gets eliminated as waste. This is why tattoos look faded as the years go by.

What is tattoo ink made from?

Now that you know how tattoos work, it’s time to know what’s in the ink used in most tattoos. You may be surprised to know that the tattoo ink industry isn’t regulated, so there’s a wide variety of ingredients used to make the ink.  

That said, tattoo ink has two components: pigment and carrier. The pigment is basically the dye that gives colour to the tattoo. The carrier, on the other hand, is the liquid base that helps ‘transport’ the pigment from the needle to the skin.

Pigment

For pigments, the material used depends on the colour. To clue you in on how unsafe some tattoo ink ingredients are, here’s a partial list:

• Black ink – carbon, nickel, iron
• Red – mercury, cadmium
• Yellow – lead, cadmium, zinc
• Orange – cadmium
• Green – lead, chromium, aluminium, copper

As you can see, some of these ingredients are heavy metals! Sure, they’d add a nice colour to your tattoo, but don’t be surprised if you get a tattoo ink allergy. Also, some heavy metals can cause a reaction even on old tattoos. Cadmium, for instance, is photosensitive, so when it’s exposed to the sun, it can cause your tattoo to itch unbearably!

Carrier

Ink carriers play a huge role in ensuring the ink gets to the right spot. Distilled water can be used, yes, but many manufacturers (and artists who make/mix their own ink) prefer alcohol-based carriers. The alcohol prevents bacteria from growing in the liquid solution.

That said, some of the safer options out there include ethyl alcohol, glycerine, listerine, witch hazel and propylene glycol. Watch out – and stay away – from tattoo ink that uses denatured alcohol, methanol, rubbing alcohol, formaldehyde and antifreeze as carriers!

Fortunately, many ink manufacturers are now using more skin-friendly ingredients. Don’t be afraid to ask your tattooist about the ingredients used in their ink. You’ve got the right to know, it is your skin after all!

Related article: The Truth About Tattoo Ink: What Is Tattoo Ink Made Of?

What to look for in a tattoo artist?

Professional tattooists can charge a handsome price for their services. They spend years learning their craft. And it’s not a job for the faint-hearted. I mean, they are technically doing a minor medical operation and leaving a permanent mark on people’s skin. If they botch the job, it can come back to haunt them big-time.

Registered

Stay away from scratchers, a.k.a. unlicensed wannabe tattooists. You should only work with a registered tattooist. Their certificate or license should be displayed in their shop. If you can’t see it, then ask to see it. Better safe than sorry, mate.

Clean premises

Tattooing is a bloody business. You wouldn’t want to get blood and other organic matter from other people on you, right? That would be highly unsanitary and can lead to tattoo infection and various diseases!

Visit the studio prior to your appointment and take note of what’s going on inside:

• Does the tattooist put on fresh new gloves for every client?
• Do they use fresh, disposable needles for every appointment?
• Is the tattoo machine and its power supply wrapped in disposable plastic?
• What about the chair you’ll be sitting on? Is it wrapped in plastic as well?

You want to work with a tattooist who prioritises everyone’s safety. Bloodborne pathogens and viruses are no joke, as you’re probably aware of the recent coronavirus pandemic.

Experienced

If you want to get your money’s worth, then it’s best to work with someone who actually knows what they’re doing. If you’ve got a specific design in mind, you can look for a tattooist who specialises in your type of design.

If you don’t know anybody, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. The tattoo community is relatively small and tight-knit, and referrals happen all the time. That said, if you don’t have a specific design yet, ask to see their portfolio so you get a few ideas. You can also ask if they have any pre-designed artworks available.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how tattoos work, go on out there and have fun! Keep in mind all the pointers you’ve learned in this article, and you’ll have a safe and hopefully enjoyable tattooing session.

DO think before you ink

Tattoos are permanent. Are you sure you want that ink on your skin forever? It won’t always look as good. In a few months or years, it’s going to start fading. How will you feel about it then?

Here’s what you can do to help ensure your decision is the right one:

• Weigh the pros and cons of getting a tattoo. How will it affect your life? Will it make you happy? Will it have any effect at work, i.e. how will your employers react to your tattoo?
• Sit on your decision for a month or two – or a year! It’s a momentous decision that will have an effect on the rest of your life. You will see it everyday. Can you live with that knowledge – and that sight?

A spur of the moment tattoo usually leads to regret. This is why there’s a rising number of people getting their tattoos removed. And you know what’s really not great about tattoo removal? It’s far more expensive and more painful than getting a tattoo in the first place!

DO schedule an appointment

There are some tattooists who accept same day walk-ins. But for really talented artists, they’ll be booked months in advance. This is especially true for artists whose work is displayed on celebrity skin. These celebs go on social media to show off their new ink, gives a shout out to the artist, and voila! The artist’s schedule is suddenly booked solid for the foreseeable future!

Now, of course, not everyone’s so fortunate to have a full calendar. But still, it’s good practice to schedule an appointment before heading to the parlour. This gives the tattooist ample time to prepare for the inking session ahead.

DO have a design concept ready

People get tattoos for a variety of reasons. Some do it for sentimental reasons. Others do it because they want to immortalise something, and they want a constant reminder of that special person/place/event/etc. Still, others do it for the experience. No special reason, they just want to have a beautiful work of art on their skin.

Many tattoo artists are actually artists. So, don’t be afraid to share your design concept and ask for their input – they’d absolutely love that. Tattooists usually focus on a particular style and you can ask to see their interpretation of your concept.   

If you don’t have a design in mind, you can try asking if they have pre-designed artworks available. Many tattooists also proudly display their best work in their shop or in their social media accounts. Tell them if you like a specific design, maybe they can help you create a more personalised design – something that will look good on you and be uniquely yours.

DO observe proper hygiene

Your tattooist will be working on your skin. You don’t want to disrespect them by showing up dirty and downright smelly. They’ll literally have their nostrils just a few centimetres above your skin – they need to do this to ensure they’re hitting the right spots.

Yes, the tattooist will be cleaning up the area they’ll be working on. And you don’t need to worry about shaving the area in advance, they can do that at the parlour. But it doesn’t mean they’ll willingly breathe through their mouths the entire time just to avoid smelling you!

You don’t want your artist to pass out in the middle of your session. So, please do observe proper tattoo etiquette by cleaning yourself up on the day of your appointment.

DO tell your artist about any existing medical conditions

A licensed tattooist will ask you if you have any existing medical conditions. Most likely, they’ll have a form ready for you to fill out. Don’t think you’re doing yourself a favour by hiding the truth from them.

What your tattooist will do on your skin is technically a minor medical procedure. He will puncture your skin with a tattoo machine, so that ink can be inserted in the dermis. While the wound isn’t going to be all that deep (the dermis is just a few millimetres below the skin’s surface), a million things can still go wrong with the procedure.

For instance, you may have a reaction to the ink or to the pressure being applied on your skin. If you have severe psoriasis or eczema, a tattoo may not be for you. If you’re prone to keloids, you may develop multiple keloids from the tattooing process. You may also not be physically capable of withstanding the pain.

DO let your tattooist work in peace

If you know what’s good for you, you will let your tattooist alone. Sure, it’s fine for a bit of chitchat to break the ice and maybe put yourself at ease. But for the most part, let the artist work in peace.

He or she needs to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. They need to make sure they’re hitting the right depth, and they’re not stretching or pulling at the skin too much because these can lead to tattoo blowouts.

Another reason why you need to let your artist focus is so that they can follow the design. Whether they’re freestyling or following a tattoo stencil, it’s important to get the job done right. You do want to get your money’s worth.

DON’T get a tattoo if you’ve drunk alcohol or under the influence of drugs

Alcohol and tattoos don’t mix. You’ll may have heard of tales of drunken folks getting tattooed with or without their knowledge. The truth is that alcohol will thin your blood. And when it comes to tattooing, blood clotting is an important part of the healing process.

When blood thins, the clotting response is much slower which means there’s more bleeding than normal. This has a two-fold effect:

(1) It can cause visibility issues for your tattooist, making it hard for them to see what they’re doing, and

(2) The blood may also thin the ink.

It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol 2 days before getting tattooed and at least 3 days post tattoo to allow your skin to heal.

DON’T be upset if the artist tries to improve your design

There are many different tattoo styles. Your tattooist may not be comfortable working with the style you like, and may want to have it converted over to his style. Don’t be offended if he suggests an alternative design. Accept the suggestion, have the artist draw out his interpretation, and decide if you want to go with his version or not.

If you really want your particular design done, perhaps you can ask him to refer you to an artist who knows your style and can give your design justice. Just don’t be rude if he can’t give you what you want.

DON’T get a tattoo if you’re ill or taking antibiotics

When you’re sick, your health is compromised. Technically, you can still get inked even if you’re sick or taking antibiotics, but it’s not a good idea. Why? Because you’re going to overwork your immune system. It’s trying to put out too many fires at the same time. This essentially means your tattoo may not heal at an optimal rate. Instead, the opposite may happen and the tattoo healing process may be affected.

DON’T be afraid to ask your tattooist for more info about the process

You’re not going against the rules of tattoo etiquette if you make some enquiries. It’s your skin, after all. And you’re paying good money to have some ink inserted in it. You may have done research on the artist, but you shouldn’t forget about what’s going to be inserted in you.

Did you know not all tattoo inks are created equal? A number of them actually contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, chromium, cobalt, and more. Make sure you know what’s going in your skin. Otherwise, you risk a tattoo ink allergy, or worse, tattoo ink poisoning.

Also, ask about aftercare – what you need to do to ensure your tattoo heals properly. There are many things you need to do and each tattooist may have their own aftercare instructions. To give you an idea of what aftercare is all about, here’s an infographic:

DON’T bring your entire friend group to the shop

A friend is fine, but make sure you ask the tattooist first if it’s okay to have someone watch the entire session. Some artists aren’t comfortable when there are too many eyes looking over whilst working. They need plenty of space to do their thing, so let them have it.

DON’T try to pass yourself off as an adult

In the UK, you need to be at least 18 years old before you can get a tattoo. Even if you get parental approval, if you’re under 18, no licensed tattooist will work on you. Otherwise, they risk losing their licence.

For other countries, you need to look up the laws in your city or state. For instance, in the United States, some states allow under-18s to get a tattoo as long they get written parental consent.

Final Thoughts on Tattoo Etiquette

Tattoo etiquette is just as important as your choice of tattooist. Observe the do’s and don’ts listed in this article, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting the tattoo experience you’ve always wanted to have!

In the old days, ink ingredient was quite straightforward – ground ash and soot mixed with water were commonly used.  But even now, the US FDA, EU EMA, and the UK MHRA have no rules on what specific inks tattooists can use on their clientele.

In fact, the FDA even specifically states on their website that they “have not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes.”

That said, tattoo ink manufacturers now have so many possible ingredients to choose from. And with no official body standing guard, different brands are pretty much free to use their own chemical compositions or ink recipes. 

Unfortunately, however, some manufacturers care more about their bottomline than their customers’ well-being. Why do I say this? Well, it’s because some tattoo inks contain highly toxic, dangerous ingredients – things you wouldn’t knowingly want under your skin!

So, is tattoo ink toxic? And what’s in it exactly?

Hmmm… I wonder what’s in these ink bottles. (Photo by zach lee)

Not all inks are equal – some are safe enough to use whilst others may lead to tattoo ink allergies. But what is it that makes tattoo ink toxic or dangerous? Well, before I discuss the reasons why, it’s important to first understand tattoo ink composition.

Tattoo ink has two components:

1. Pigment base or colourant

The pigment gives the ink its rich colour. For example, for black inks, soot and bone charcoal are used as pigments. For other colours, other substances – both metal and organic – are used.

2. Ink carrier

This is the liquid base that evenly distributes the pigment and prevents it from clumping up. It aids in the application by carrying the pigment from the needle tip to the dermis. It also supposedly prohibits the growth of pathogens in the ink, but there have been reports of contaminated ink recalled by the FDA.

Most common tattoo ink pigments used

Tattoo pigments today still use the same time-tested mineral pigments that our ancestors have been using for thousands of years. But modern times brought about modern pigments, too; these include industrial metal pigments and plastic-based pigments.

Fortunately, more manufacturers are now coming up with skin-friendly tattoo inks using organic and vegetable-based pigments.  

So, here’s a simple table outlining what materials are commonly used to create which colour tattoo inks:

As you can see in the table above, the materials used to create tattoo ink varies a lot. And this isn’t even a comprehensive list, by any means!

For those DIYing their tattoos at home (or at prison, for that matter), ballpoint pen ink is even used. And, of course, that opens up a can of worms because pen ink ingredients vary widely, too!

What’s even more worrying is that many of these metals aren’t meant to be applied on human skin – much less inserted into it! And the almost-too-brightly coloured tattoos you see nowadays? Most are made with plastic-based pigments which are made for printer ink or car paint, which obviously wouldn’t make it ideal for human skin application.  

Most common tattoo ink carriers used

Just like with pigments, there’s also a wide variety of carriers used to aid in the application of pigment to the dermis. In ancient times, simple water was used as carrier. But, of course, us humans are a creative and resourceful bunch, and we’re not going to stop at water, are we?

Today, vodka, tequila and even rubbing alcohol are commonly used as ink carriers because they are supposedly (1) non-toxic and (2) they are powerful disinfectants. At least that’s what some tattoo ink makers say.

That said, here’s a table outlining the most popular ink carriers used today:

As you can see, the ink carriers on the right column aren’t exactly safe for intra-dermal skin use. And the horrible truth is that this information is not readily shared by manufacturers. So, even if you ask your tattooist, they may not have a clue about the ink ingredients used.

What’s the best tattoo ink to use then?

There are far too many tattoo inks to crown just one of them as “the best.” As you know by now, tattoo inks come in different colours and carriers. And tattooists even create their own ink recipes by mixing and matching various ingredients together!

Tattoo ink is complicated. But here are a couple of techniques to help ensure the ink that’s about to be tattooed on you is actually “the best” for you.

Ask your tattooist what’s in the ink

Your tattooist should only use ink that comes from reputable manufacturers. And in many cases, these companies will provide information about their ink, such as ingredients used, expiration date, lot number, and their contact information in case some problems arise from the use of the product.

If the tattooist can’t answer your questions or refuse to anyway, then go look for another artist that can give you what you need.

Ask the tattooist to do a patch test

The last thing a true professional want is for his or her handiwork to get infected, and essentially, ruined. So, they’d help you check in advance if you’ll run into issues later on.

That said, patch tests should be done for every type of ink that will be used on your skin. So, if your design requires the use of 4 or 5 inks, then you should get a drop of each ink applied – or even tattooed – on your skin.

You’ll be advised to observe the area for at least 24 hours. If no issues arise, then the inks are good to go (but not a guarantee you won’t encounter side effects later on).

Some allergies don’t appear until months or even years later – it all depends on changes to your body chemistry, the weather, your immediate environment, and many other factors. 

Are organic or vegan tattoo ink safer to use on skin?

I wonder what kind of ink he’s using on his client. (Photo by Allef Vinicius)

More and more people are putting their health first over skin art. It’s therefore not surprising to know that the demand for organic or vegan tattoo ink is rising.

In fact, some brands now create vegan inks devoid of glycerine from animal fat, bone char, and other animal by-products. They also tend to favour distilled or purified water as ink carriers.

But is it really safer than mineral- and metal-based ink?

The answer is a surprising no. I know… you were probably expecting vegan ink to be a much healthier alternative to traditional ink.

According to this article, all the health risks associated with traditional ink apply to vegan ink. Just because the pigment doesn’t contain animal products, it doesn’t mean that vegan ink doesn’t contain carcinogenic chemicals, too.

Moreover, vegan ink nanoparticles can still cause infections and allergies, just like other common inks.

Lastly, organic and vegan ink aren’t exempted from contamination during the manufacturing process, and even during the actual tattooing process itself.

Are glow in the dark tattoo inks safe to use?

Glow in the dark tattoos, a.k.a. black light tattoos, are popular among the youth. And it’s not surprising, really. In fact, if we’re being honest, it’s to be expected. It looks extremely cool, and so unlike any other tattoo out there!

With regards to the ink, it’s generally considered relatively safe nowadays. This is because most brands no longer use phosphorus, a dangerous substance that has no business being under someone’s skin.

Many manufacturers have replaced phosphorus with light-reactive ink that’s supposed to be a safer option. However, before you get a glow in the dark tatt, double check the ingredients list to ensure phosphorus isn’t on it!

Conclusion

Now that you know what tattoo ink is made of, will you still go through with your plan to get inked? Tattoo allergies and infections aren’t unheard of, but many people don’t experience adverse reactions to the ink. If in doubt, speak with your tattooist or GP to allay any of your concerns about tattoo ink, the tattooing process itself, and of course, tattoo aftercare.

What’s a stick and poke tattoo?

I’m sure you probably already have an idea what a stick and poke tattoo is. But if not, well, here’s a quick introduction. It’s a manual tattooing technique where you basically insert ink to skin using a needle (or similarly sharp-pointed object).

This tattooing style has been around for ages – probably since the beginning of time! Tattooing tools dating back to several thousand years ago have been discovered in various places around the world. And the oldest tattooed humans that have been found – Otzi the Iceman and the Egyptian mummies – are at least 5,000 years old.

This ancient tattooing technique has literally been around for millennia because the first tattoo machine wasn’t invented until the late 19^th century. So, when you get yours done at home, think about our ancestors who’ve gotten their hand poke tattoos from the comfort of their huts and caves. They’d probably be thrilled to know their art has lived on and survived the test of time!

Do poke tattoos last? Are they permanent?

Poke tattoos can be just as permanent as any machine-made tattoo. It’s basically still the same process. But instead of several hundred pricks per minute from a tattoo machine, you’re maybe getting 10 or 20 by hand (which can be good or bad depending on your pain sensitivity).

What makes the tattoo permanent isn’t the technology used – it’s how precise the artist is at inserting ink in the right skin layer (the dermis).

If the needle only hits the topmost layer (the epidermis), then the tattoo isn’t going to last very long because the epidermis cells renews and sheds every few weeks. When that happens, your tattoo is going to get shed along with all the dead skin cells.

If the needle goes deeper than the dermis and into the hypodermis (the fatty layer), then you’ll get what is called a tattoo blowout. The tattoo will basically look blurred because the ink will spread around the area instead of being contained in one location. The only way to fix this problem is to cover up the blowout with another (hopefully better) tattoo.

That said, for poke tattoos to last, make sure you or your friend knows exactly where that dermis layer is!

Do stick and poke tattoos fade?

All tattoos will fade eventually, but some of the ink may remain several decades later (this is why touch-ups are a thing). The truth is that the best your tattoo is ever going to look is right after it gets done.

A few days or a couple of weeks later, your tattoo will start looking a bit faded. This is because the epidermis layer shed, taking along with it some of the ink that got in that layer.

Another factor that speeds up the faded look is your aftercare regimen. Your tattoo can only look as good as your skin. So, if your skin’s a bit dry, your tattoo’s not going to look much better either. Moisturisation is key to a long-lasting tattoo.

The first couple of weeks post-tattoo is the most important part of the aftercare process. Now, a professional tattooist will give you a list of things you need to do to ensure your tattoo heals properly. But a homemade tattoo may be a different story. You’ll often need to DIY your aftercare as well and get help from the Internet or your more experienced friends.

Related article: Tattoos and Coconut Oil: Yay or Nay?

How to make your poke tattoo last longer?

There are a lot of factors that affect how long a poke tattoo is going to stay on your skin. Here are some of them:

• Tattoo location

Some parts of the body just aren’t meant for long-lasting tattoos. For instance, the hands and feet. Our hands and fingers are subject to frequent washing and are often exposed to the sun, which is not a tattoo’s best friend. Meanwhile, our feet frequently rub against socks and footwear. Tattooing the abdomen may be a good idea for men, but for women, not so much, especially if you’re in your child-bearing years.

• Tattooist’s experience  

The more experienced a tattooist is, the better your poke tattoo is going to look. They’d know the right pressure to apply to get to the right depth. An amateur, on the other hand, may hit the right spots but will more likely miss it altogether, and deposit ink too shallow or too deeply. And before you know it, you’ll be wincing in pain every time your friend stabs you the wrong way!  Not everyone knows the right way to poke. It may take a few tries before your tattooist gets it right.

• Proper aftercare

Even the smallest poke tattoo needs some tender lovin’ care. It’s literally an open wound and is therefore a likely entry point for bacteria and germs to enter your body.

The first thing you need to do after getting tattooed is to disinfect the still-tender skin and wrap it with cling film or a clean bandage. Then after a few hours, wash the wound with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Here are the 10 best tattoo soaps to wash your new ink with.

At this point, you should let the skin breathe so it can start healing, so it’s best not to put on a new bandage. Then apply a thin layer of ointment like Aquaphor or A+D to protect the skin and still let oxygen in. Do this cleaning routine twice or thrice a day for a few days until it starts to scab.

When scabs appear, resist the temptation to scratch because you risk pulling the skin prematurely – and ink along with it! Right now is a good time to start putting some moisturising lotion on. Apply it once or twice daily for as long as you want your tattoo to look good.

Here’s why you should put lotion on your new tattoo.

While your tattoo heals, you should stay out of the sun and the water (showers are okay, just don’t go bathing or swimming in pools or the ocean). Don’t put anything or wear clothing that will rub on the tattoo while it’s still raw.  

Here’s an infographic on how you should care for your new poke tattoo:

What’s the best ink to make a hand poke tattoo last longer?

While there are many different types of ink around, the most commonly used by college students are india ink and pen ink. Of course, ink made specifically for tattoos are the best choice, but some kids just can’t be bothered to rethink their options.

India ink is generally safe and fine for tattoo use, but pen ink? Absolutely not! Some pen ink are toxic, some may be ‘safe’ for tattoo use, but you’re not locked up in jail now, are you? Just so you know, prison is where the pen ink idea started. But really, there’s no reason for anyone to inject pen ink into their skin. The risks just aren’t worth it, in my opinion.

When to choose stick and poke over a professionally done tattoo?

A poke tattoo can look just as good as a professionally done one. But obviously, as you’ve learned earlier, there are a lot of factors that can affect the tattoo’s appearance. That said, here are some reasons when a stick and poke tattoo will make sense for you:

• You want to try it out for fun

All your friends have it and everyone around you is getting one, so why shouldn’t you? Well, giving in to peer pressure isn’t really an issue, however, you need to make sure you don’t put your health at risk here. Before you consent, make sure everything is sterilised and the needles and ink holders aren’t recycled. Contracting a nasty disease from poor tattooing practices is an all too common occurrence nowadays.

• You can’t afford to go to a reputable studio

The tattooing industry is heavily regulated, at least in the UK and the US. And getting tattooed by a registered professional isn’t cheap. So, it’s not surprising it’s the young ones choosing to go the cheaper route.

• It normally heals faster

This is one of the things I like about poke tattoos. Tattoo machines have a bunch of needles that simultaneously penetrate the skin and insert ink. This obviously causes more damage to the skin.

On the other hand, poke tattoos are done one poke and one dot at a time. It’s a slower process overall, but your skin’s not as banged up which leads to faster recovery.

How to remove a stick and poke tattoo?

If you think getting a DIY tattoo is painful, then you’re in for a surprise. Getting it removed will be even more painful. Oh, and it will also be a costly experience. There are some homemade techniques, but this involves rubbing the skin raw, which isn’t a good idea.

The best way to get your regrettable tattoo off is by laser removal. If you don’t want to worry about removing the tatt later on, perhaps you shouldn’t be getting one in the first place. But, of course, mistakes do happen. Fortunately, laser removal is an option nowadays. At no time in the history of tattoos has laser removal been as popular as it is now.

Conclusion

Now that you know how long stick and poke tattoos last, it’s up to you to decide whether to get one or not. Don’t do it just because everyone else is. Do it for the right reasons – and maybe get an experienced tattooist – and you’ll be happy with the result.    

These all refer to the same tattooing technique our ancestors have used for ages. But this ancient, time-tested technique refuse to die out. Instead, it’s even making a comeback in today’s youths. Are you thinking of getting one? Read on to find out if this is the right tattooing technique for you!

But first, what are stick and poke tattoos?

Stick and poke tattoos are usually simple pieces like these (Photo by Elizabeth Tsung).

Well, these are tattoos done by hand (no machinery involved). This manual technique involves these steps:

1. Dipping a sharp object (like a needle) into ink, and then
2. Repeatedly poking the skin using the needle to deposit or insert the ink in the skin’s dermis layer.

As you can probably imagine, this process is a whole lot slower (and sometimes more painful) than modern tattooing techniques. It’s the same principle, of course, but highly inefficient since you’re only using a single needle.

With each proper poke, you get one tiny dot of ink embedded in your skin. The good news, however, is that you get quite a few more breathers with poke tattoos because the ink needs to be refilled more often than machines.

It’s therefore not surprising that most stick ‘n poke tattoos are usually small in size. It will be extremely difficult to do a full sleeve using this ancient method (it’s doable but not the best way to go about it!).   

That said, DIYing tattoos have recently increased in popularity. And with skyrocketing prices of professionally-done machine-made tattoos, this trend is not surprising at all. According to Meg Zulch who lived on a college campus, she’s “surrounded by people giving and receiving stick and poke tattoos.”

Now, depending on where you live, professional tattoos can cost an arm and leg, but stick ‘n pokes can be had for cheap – or even free. Perfect for a college student’s budget!

How stick and poke tattooing works

Alright, so here we are at the most exciting part of this article! Here’s what you’ll need to get started with poke tattoos.

Stick and poke tattoo tools

In the old days, you only needed two things, a sharp-tipped tool and the ink/pigment. Of course, nowadays, there’s a whole bunch of things you need to prepare for if you don’t want your new amateur skin art to get infected.

Required:

• Sterilised tattoo needle
• Tattoo ink or india ink (no pen ink please!)
• Thread to wrap around needle and absorb ink
• Pencil or something similar to support needle

For hygiene and sanitation:

• Medical-quality gloves
• Cotton pads (also known as makeup remover pads)
• Kitchen roll or hand paper towels
• Green soap to disinfect surfaces including skin
• Cling film or sterile bandage to protect tattoo afterwards

Optional:

If you’re going to be tracing your tattoo, you’ll need tattoo transfer paper and skin marker pen. Otherwise, you can skip these and just free-draw the tattoo directly on skin.

Also, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of buying each material one by one, you can buy a complete stick & poke tattoo kit. The caveat is this will be a more expensive option.

But if you’re a newbie and you don’t know what you’re doing, a complete kit should help you out. Some even include a silicon skin you can practice on, before you tattoo actual skin (yours or someone else’s!).

How to stick and poke tattoo – the process

Here’s a short demo video which I think explains the process best. Check it out:

Pros and cons of stick ‘n pokes

Let’s weigh in on whether getting a poke tattoo is a good idea. Here are some pros and cons of this technique:

The positives

• It’s extremely cheap, and in some cases, even free

A simple needle and thread plus some ink is literally all you need to have for your very first tattoo – simple items you most likely already have at home. If not, you can get these supplies for a few quid.

• It’s a bonding opportunity with friends

What better way to make memories with friends than to literally leave a mark on their skin? A lot of young people do S&P’s on a whim or dare. But hey, it’s fun, right? And for many, that’s really all that matters.

• If done right, can look really nice

DIY tattoos look far from professional, but it does have a certain appeal to it. Most homemade tattoos look really cool and cute – two things young people are really into!  

• It’s personal

I mean, all tattoos are personal. No one’s forcing you to go under the needle, after all.  However, poke tattoos are usually done by friends on each other, which makes the experience totally unique and memorable.  

The negatives

• More time-consuming

One poke is one dot. A small tattoo can take upwards of 1-2 hours whereas a machine can get the whole thing done in under 30 minutes.

• Riskier and less sanitary than professionally done tattoos

Obviously, homemade tattoos will be riskier than those done in studios. The tattoo industry is heavily regulated in the UK. And professional tattooists take great care at ensuring their workplace is sterile for tattoo sessions.

Tattooing, after all, is a process that involves pricking and cutting the skin. If done in an unsanitary place, the risks dramatically increase, which is, unfortunately, the case with homemade tattoos.

• Won’t be winning tattoo design awards

Poke tattoos are cute, yes, but they’re not nearly as intricate and detailed as machine-made ones. ‘Real’ tattoos – depending on the design and the artist – can look amazingly lifelike, like this one:

Machine-made tattoos are vibrant and can be life-like (Photo by Annie Spratt)

• Fades faster than ‘real’ tattoos

Even the steadiest hands on the planet can’t compete with a tattoo machine’s precision. For poke tattoo to really last, ink needs to be deposited in the skin’s dermis layer. You think you or your friends can do that? Consistently?

Are stick and poke tattoos safe?

Well, all forms of tattooing come with inherent risks, it’s just the nature of the beast. And when you’re DIYing your tattoo in your kitchen, bedroom or garage, then chances of cross-contamination are much higher.

The safety of a stick and poke tattoo will ultimately depend on how well you clean the space you’re going to work in, as well as how sterile your tools are. That said, the risk of infection is much higher with a DIY tattoo than in studios. Here are some of the more risk-prone aspects of poke tattoos:

• Needle sterilisation

Single-use needles best used for hand poke tattoos (click on image to buy online!)

One common way wannabe artists sterilise needles is by holding a flame to said needle. However, this method is not as effective as, say, using an autoclave to sterilise it. But then again, autoclaves are expensive and would be out of reach for most people.

The point is that flaming a needle isn’t fool-proof and if the needle is contaminated with tetanus, then you’re out of luck. To minimise risk, it’s best to just use pre-sterilised, single-use, disposable needles. These only cost a few pounds, so it’s not going to make you poor, don’t worry.

• Choice of tattoo ink

Considering you put the ink inside your skin, you’re seriously putting your health at risk if you don’t know what you’re doing. The US Food and Drugs Administration has recently recalled a number of tattoo inks from the market because these were contaminated with microorganisms.

Here are pictures of the offending inks taken from the FDA website:

Professional tattooists certainly know what they’re doing, but even they may inadvertently use contaminated ink.

For best results, use recommended tattoo ink. Or if you’re on a budget, india ink will do, too.

Can you use pen ink for a stick and poke?

Well, this is an easy one. You can, but you shouldn’t. Using pen ink for a stick ‘n poke is a big no-no. This may be acceptable in places where there’s no other ink options, like prison, but in the outside world, do yourself a favour and get proper ink.

The ingredients used in pen ink varies widely, and it’s best not to risk putting unknown stuff in your skin. You might be putting something toxic and not know it till you’re in hospital (or worse, you never find out at all because you died from infection).

India ink is cheap and good enough for most beginners; it’s safe and natural and even professionals use it to tattoo themselves and their clients. But if you can afford it, professional tattoo ink from a reputable brand will help you keep your mind at ease that you’re not injecting poison in your skin.  

The risks involved with DIYing your tattoos

Poke tattoos are fun and all, especially if you’re young and under the influence of alcohol. However, there are certain risks you should be aware of before you put needle to skin (or more accurately, cut skin with needle):

• Skin inflammation

Inflammation may occur right after your tattoo is done, or during the healing process. For instance, if you use too much ointment or cream during aftercare, inflammation may occur and delay the healing process.

• Skin infection

Since DIY tattoos often occur in non-hygienically controlled environments (like in a professional tattoo studio), the risk of infection is much higher. For example, if you’re getting tattooed in your college bedroom, chances are it’s not 100% sterile.

The most common infection brought about by poor tattooing practice is staph infection. The staphylococcus bacteria are commonly present on our skin. However, there’s a chance that this bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect vital organs via a tattoo.   

• Allergic reaction to ink

This is understandable enough. You’re essentially putting a foreign object in your body, and if you turn out to be allergic to that object (the ink), then tough luck. Fortunately, most allergies can be treated with medication. If the tattoo ink allergy turns out to be severe, please speak with your GP asap.

• Bloodborne diseases

This can be avoided by not using shared needles. Always, always sterilise your needles or better yet buy a bunch of pre-sterilised, single use needles for when you feel the urge to tattoo yourself or your friend. This study might convince you to do the right thing.

• Keloids

If you’re prone to developing keloids, then a poke tattoo – or any other form of tattoo, for that matter – should probably be off the table for you. Please speak to your GP before you do anything you’ll regret.

A brief history of stick and poke tattoos

If you’re wanting to know more about stick ‘n poke tattoos through the millennia, scroll down. I gathered some of the most relevant facts I thought you may be interested in!

So, long before tattoo machines came into the picture, hand poke tattoos were probably the only way to get inked. Obviously, different cultures and different places meant different materials were used. But the general idea of sticking and poking the skin remained the same throughout the history of tattoos.

Polynesia

A pointed bone (Photo by Alexander Andrews)

The oldest tattoo kit discovered in Polynesia dates back almost 3,000 years! And what’s even more fascinating is that these bone combs are thought to have been carved out of human bone and sea bird bone. Of course, since electricity was still a few millennia away, inking the skin was – without a doubt – a manual process.

Take note, however, that even though modern tattooing machines are widely available, the islanders continue to use similar tattooing implements as part of their culture and tradition.

Otzi the Iceman

A snapshot of Otzi’s tattoos on the wrist (Image source)

Otzi the Iceman (not his real name because we have no way of knowing what it is) was discovered in the Otztal Alps in 1991. He is said to have lived 5,000 years ago (between 3400 and 3100 BC). What’s really interesting about Otzi is that he had 61 geometric patterns tattooed on his body, however, scientists think these tatts aren’t decorative. They believe these tatts were therapeutic or medical in nature since the tattooed area aligns with known acupuncture spots.

The women of ancient Egypt

Common location of tattoos in ancient female Egyptian mummies (Image source)

Ancient Egyptian men also got tattoos, but the oldest mummies were of women who sported tattoos in interesting parts of the body. Scientists and archaeologists initially thought the tattooed women were nothing but lowly prostitutes and slaves. But the discovery of high priestess’ Amunet’s tattoos showed this theory to be false (she can’t be both priestess and prostitute, right?).

It was discovered that the women’s tattoos were often located in the abdomen, breasts and upper thighs (see image above). The current theory is that these tattoos offer spiritual protection for women as they go through pregnancy and childbirth. And unlike Otzi’s geometric patterns, the women’s tattoos were figurative and decorative in nature.

Lastly, according to researchers, the process of tattooing in ancient Egypt was highly similar to current techniques, which is tattooists stuck and poked ink-tipped needles on skin.

Final thoughts

Stick ‘n poke tattoos are just as permanent as machine-made tattoos. However, there are certain risks involved with DIYing your tattoo at home or having a hopefully sober friend do one on you. Weigh the pros and cons of tattooing before getting one, so you don’t regret it later on.