While there’s a difference in technique between stick-and-pokes and machine-done tattoos, both are ultimately permanent marks.

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. “The hand-poke method generally causes less trauma to your skin, which means less scabbing and less irritation,” she explains. Don’t go into the experience expecting it not to hurt at all, but if you’ve gotten a machine-done tattoo before, you’ll likely be fine with this one. But as with any type of tattoo, everyone has a different pain threshold. In her experience, people tend to rate the experience as less painful than a machine tattoo due to the fact that only one needle is slowly inking your skin at any given moment. “The simple answer: less pain, takes longer to craft, heals fast,” says Bouma. There are a few factors that set stick-and-poke tattoos apart from electric ones. (His style has since evolved to experimenting with machine-done tattoos.) “A couple of needles and some India ink will run you $10.” You shouldn’t expect the lower cost of materials to mean paying less in a studio-remember that you’re also paying for the artist’s skill and experience-but it does mean that more people are able to learn the technique and take it from underground movement to a more mainstream offering. “It got popular again because of how inexpensive it is and how easy the materials are to procure,” says Montreal-based Émérik Derome, who goes by dirtyl00ks and built up a following for his signature hand-poke designs. On a practical level, stick-and-poke can also be a more accessible way for artists to get into tattooing and start offering their designs.

How long does poki last