Aftercare for your stick and poke tattoo:

Stick and poke tattoos can be more complex than most machine tattoos. This means that they heal quicker and rarely leave a scab. They will still need to be cared for as with any other tattoo. It is the most important week for healing. This will have the biggest impact on how your tattoo will look over the next few weeks. It is crucial to be extra vigilant during this time.

How to properly bandage/dress your new stick, and how to poke

First, clean the tattoo. You should clean the tattoo with a mixture of green soap and distilled water in a 1 to 8 ratio. An alternative is to use an alcoholic pad or rubbing alcohol. The hot water will open pores and allow maximum cleaning, despite the mild stinging. Next, apply an antiseptic cream with sterile bandaging.

Because stick and pokes tattoos are often done in a sterile environment, most people who give them don’t bandage their sticks and pokes. This is a grave mistake. It is important to protect any stick-and-poke tattoo with a dressing immediately. This will protect the newly-poked skin. The bandage can be left on for as long as 2-6 hours.

How to properly remove the bandage/clean the stick and how to correctly poke a tattoo

The bandage must be kept on the skin for at least 2 hours. After you have removed the dressing, clean the tattoo with a soft cloth. After the bandaging is removed, every homemade tattoo must be thoroughly rinsed. It should also be washed at least 2 to 3 times per day during healing. It would be best not to rub the tattoo, even though you might feel the urge.

Useful ointments for stick-and-poke tattoos

To aid in healing, you must allow your stick and poke tattoo to breathe. This is why kinds of butter without synthetic chemicals are recommended. Your tattoo will benefit from being organically and naturally made. Every time the tattoo is dry, you must use ointment.

Do Not Over Moisturize

It is important to moisturize the skin, but not use ointments too often.

Stick and poke a tattoo irritation

It is important to keep your skin clean, but you shouldn’t scrub or wash it too often. You should not scratch if there is any crustiness or irritation. The scab will stop the ink from oozing from the skin.

Submergence

It would be best if you did not submerge the tattoo in water for more than 2 weeks to preserve its aesthetic.

Reworking and Touching Up

To allow for healing time, it is best to give the tattoo at least two weeks between each session if you intend to touch up or rework it.