handpoking

Handpoking, also called hand-poke tattooing or stick-and-poke tattooing, is a method of applying body art by inserting pigment into the skin with a handheld needle rather than a tattoo machine. This approach is used for simple lines, small fills, and experimental designs and is practiced by hobbyists, traditional artisans, and contemporary tattoo artists.

Practitioners use a sterile needle attached to a rod or held directly in the hand, dipped in pigment, and then used to puncture the skin to deposit ink in the dermal layer. Depth control, steady hand movement, and repeated punctures build up the design. Common tools include single-use needles, approved tattoo inks, gloves, and antiseptics. Work is typically done in a clean environment to reduce infection risk; many practitioners emphasize precise sterilization and waste handling.

Historically, handpoked techniques have appeared in many cultures and predate electric tattoo machines. In modern times they have gained popularity in DIY and micro-tattoo communities for their portability, lower equipment needs, and intimate, handmade aesthetic. They can produce crisp lines and soft shading but generally require more time and practice to achieve consistent results compared with machine tattooing.

Safety and regulation vary by jurisdiction. Handpoked tattoos carry risks such as infection, scarring, ink spread, and uneven healing, particularly when performed by untrained individuals. Professional practitioners typically follow established hygiene standards and obtain informed consent and aftercare guidance; clients are advised to monitor healing and seek medical attention if complications arise.

See also: Tattoo, Stick-and-poke, Body modification.