Handpoke: the art of tattooing without using tattoo machines

Handpoke is the oldest known form of tattoo, dating back long before tattoo machines or other mechanical devices.


And although the ink is mainly used for drawing, the craftsmen make each puncture by hand, without another tool. This makes the practice unique.

In the past, handpoke tattoos were often used to prove a connection to a particular community, or as a religious practice with wooden needles, bone fragments, or thin sharp blades.


Today only special and thoroughly disinfected needles are used, providing greater precision.

During the procedure, the tattoo artist sequentially and repeatedly pierces the skin with a needle dipped in ink. The points accumulated on the body create a unique design. To display shadows, artists experiment with the size of points and their location at different distances from each other.

It should be taking into consideration that applying a tattoo with a handcraft takes more time than a tattoo machine. In contrast, you will get a more delicate and sophisticated body art.

The main advantages of handpoke tattoos:

• Compositions created with the help of this technique are very different from works applied in the traditional way. They usually focus on delicate and unique designs, ornaments and symbols, and therefore tend to be more personal.
• Tattoos are carefully designed and detailed, and their design differs from the usual images on the body.
• The ability to create a truly unique and unique drawing.
• Tribute to the centuries-old tradition of body art.

Disadvantages are possible only in the case of self-tattoo application. Due to the availability of this technique and the need for a minimum set of tools, many people choose to do punctures themselves, rather than in a specialized tattoo salon. In this case, it can cause a number of serious infections, inflammation, dermatological and other problems.

Hand-shaped tattoos are as safe as those made by the classic method.


Provided that they are created by a qualified specialist. It is important that the procedure takes place in a specially prepared and hygienic environment with disposable needles, sterile tools, professional equipment and an experienced artist.

Pain perception is a rather subjective phenomenon.


Handpoke tattoos are really less abrasive to the skin, but not that they are less painful. Each person has his own unique application experience. In addition, some places on the body hurt more than others, and each and every client in the salon feels this differently. The difference between manually injecting paint and using a tattoo machine is whether you prefer a single needle that moves slowly but gradually, or a group of needles that pierce the skin quickly and simultaneously.

Since handpoke tattoos are less damaging to the skin, such tattoos heal fairly quickly and without consequences. On average, this happens within two weeks. With this in mind, every patch of skin resumes at different rates, so don’t worry if your tattoo takes a little longer. The main thing is careful care and compliance with the recommendations of the master.

Because it takes longer to perform a tattoo by hand than with a tattoo machine, it is better for newcomers to choose smaller and medium size sketches.


Drawings from 5x5 to 12x12 cm are considered optimal. Large tattoos can also be made in this technique, but then you should expect that the application process will be really long. Some compositions may be too detailed to allow sufficient space between points. In this case, they should be simplified and adapted to this technique.

Consider some of the interesting and most common ideas of women’s handpoke tattoos:

• A symbolic star embodying dreams, fantasies and hopes. Such a drawing can be a good choice for women seeking success and something more than the expectation of society.
• Elegant rose as a constant classic.
• A microcosm reflecting the beauty and complexity of our universe in your skin.
• Filled with whisper, tenderness and softness of wild flowers. Such a bouquet will delight with its beautiful aesthetics, staying forever with you.
• Broken lock. The image can embody ideas of struggle for equality, rebellious spirit, independence and self-sufficiency. For some people, it symbolizes a way out of a difficult or dangerous relationship, a change of outlook, etc.

If you want to express emotions, experiences or creative fantasies in a free form, without limits and concrete images, then abstract forms are exactly what is needed. Body art with works of modern art is gaining new momentum and quite a popular trend.

These are the most popular men’s handpoke tattoos:

• The sun - it symbolizes cyclicality and life itself, energy, joy, light and heat. This image most often corresponds to the nature of the chosen man.
• An image of a bicycle that will express love for its two-wheeled transport or for travel in general.
• Zodiac signs (associated with the four elements) or other symbols that are important to you.
• A minimalist swallow or other bird sitting on a wire/branch. Besides popular ideas, the folklore of sailors can also embody.
• The silhouette of the black panther is the embodiment of wild force, indomitable, speed and lightning reflexes.
• A deadly and intransigent scorpion composed of geometric shapes dotted. This desert animal symbolizes protection, agility, transformation and rebirth.

You can also combine different elements to create a unique sketch. For example, an interesting result can be achieved by combining geometric figures with animals or plants. Or use different fonts when applying a particular phrase/phrase.

Handpoke tattoos can be beautiful, iconic and weighty works of art on your body. If done carefully and carefully, such body art is absolutely safe. Expressive character, authenticity and unique experience make handbooks a favorite application method for many people from all over the world. Although the practice itself takes a long time, it is also often chosen through the possibility of a unique ritualistic experience.