How Long Does A Stick And Poke Tattoo Last?
Most people think that stick and poke tattoos are DIY stuff, making them wonder how long it will last. But even if they have it made by professional artists, the question does not leave their minds. Getting a tattoo from professionals might give one the idea that it should be there forever. However, that’s not the case.
Most stick and poke tattoos last from 5 to 10 years. If a professional tattoo artist does your tattoo and you take care of it properly after, it will surely last for 10 years. Nevertheless, if you get it from an amateur or inexperienced artist, it will be 5 years max.
There are many more aspects that go into deciding how long a stick and poke tattoo will last. Let’s discuss in detail.
Are Stick And Poke Tattoos Permanent? If Not, Why?
While stick and poke tattoos are not permanent, they are not temporary either. It would be an injustice to say that.
Stick and poke tattoos and other machine-done regular tattoos have the same methodology. Just because a device has nothing to do here does not mean the tattoos will not last.
You have to use a needle to make the ink transfer into your skin’s dermis layer, which you would also do with a regular tattoo. Once you place the ink, it will stay there. However, the stick and poke tattoo techniques are not as advanced as a tattoo device’s techniques, which significantly impacts the longevity of stick and poke tattoo ink.
But that still does not allow people to think that they are temporary. That would give people the wrong concept about the tattoo style. Yes, they will not last your lifetime. But in no way will they disappear within weeks like regular temporary tattoos.
Then how long does a stick and poke tattoo last? As I said earlier, if you get it from a professional tattoo artist and take care of it afterward, the tattoo will last for a decade. Even if you get it done from a local beginning artist, you can easily go five years without worrying the tattoo will disappear.
Does A Stick And Poke Tattoo Fade?
Stick and poke tattoos tend to fade and lose their initial appearance within several years, which is a major issue. It happens for two reasons:
- The placement of the ink or
- Inadequate aftercare.
Either way, this type of tattoo is a drawback, particularly for those who expected that their tattoos would stay intact and last longer.
If the ink placement is improper, meaning it is too deep or shallow into your skin, it will cause a blowout, premature fading, and swelling.
Even if the ink placement is alright, but you do not maintain proper aftercare, it will lead to complications like inflammation, swelling, infection, resulting in premature fading.
If a professional tattoo artist creates your tattoo, it will have fewer chances to get any infections. And your tattooist will give you instructions regarding proper aftercare. However, if they are not experienced, they might use contaminated or dirty tools, raising the likeliness to get infection later.
How To Make Sure A Stick And Poke Tattoo Lasts Longer?
A very effective way to do that is to go to an experienced tattoo artist who uses hygienic equipment, provides aftercare instructions, and knows what they do. But there are other ways you can follow, too.
Have a look:
Choosing The Tattoo Area Wisely
When choosing which body part you want the tattoo, consider somewhere not frequently cleaned, exposed to sunlight, water, and skin rubbing. For instance, tattoos on fingers, feet, and hands fade prematurely because of the mentioned factors. Pick a place where your skin is not thin or sensitive, like your bicep area, thighs, or even your abdomen.
Following Aftercare Routine Strictly
It is paramount that you look after your tattoo as long as it does not heal. New tattoos are like fresh wounds, so you need to keep them protected in the beginning. After, you have to let them dry out for another skin layer to form.
You will experience itching, scabs, and other skin irritations until the healing is complete. In the meantime, remember not to touch or peel your tattoo. Also, keep it away from water and the sun.
Avoiding Any Kind Of Petroleum-Based Products
You will have to use lotion on your tattoo area during the process of healing, maybe twice a day. But do not replace the lotion with Vaseline or any petroleum-based creams. They will delay the healing by clogging the pores, which will not let your skin breathe. Ultimately, that might as well lead to infections.
Choosing Someone Professional
Lastly and most importantly, choose an experienced tattoo artist. It will pay off in the long run. You may find it fun, adventurous, and spontaneous to get a tattoo on the spur of the moment from an amateur artist. But that feeling will stay as long as there is not a blowout.
But if you go for a professional artist, you will have a long-lasting tattoo and experience no adverse effects. Professionals know how to poke the skin and ensure the ink placement in your skin’s dermis layer.
They also have a solid idea about what you should and should not do during the healing process. It takes a lot of knowledge, experience, and practice to learn how to professionally make stick and poke tattoos. Keep that in your mind.
Final Words
Stick and poke tattoos turn out amazing when you pick the right design and execution. If you are interested in getting a tattoo, get some proper insight about them and their making process. Do not hesitate to consult a professional artist if you have more queries.
It can be fascinating and fun to get a tattoo when done fittingly. When the job of the tattooist is complete, the responsibility is yours, so your tattoo does not fade prematurely and lasts longer.
Hopefully, the article helped you get some idea about how you could do that. Good luck with getting a fabulous stick and poke tattoo!
