Is it possible to get rid of a stick and poke tattoo? Ready to say goodbye to that stick and poke you got back in college? You’re not alone!
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Whether it’s a faded design, a botched job, or simply time for a change, we all have our reasons for wanting to get rid of an unwanted tattoo.
Luckily, how to get rid of a stick and poke doesn’t have to be a complicated or painful process.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to remove your stick-and-poke tattoo safely and efficiently.
First Off, What Is This Procedure?
Tattooers can do a stick and poke tattoo by hand without a machine. They dip a needle or other sharp object into ink, then puncture the skin repeatedly to create a design.
They usually use a needle attached to a wooden end. The technique has existed for centuries, and indigenous cultures traditionally used it.
Inmates often create their ink by mixing soot or ashes with water. Then they use the needle to make the tattoo.
Today, it’s popular among DIY tattoo enthusiasts and those looking for a more traditional, rustic style.
5 Effective DIY Methods to Remove Stick and Poke Tattoos at Home
Getting a stick-and-poke tattoo at home might sound like a fun idea, but taking it off is no walk in the park. It is ineffective and can be dangerous.
Many people try to remove their tattoos with home methods. But they often end up in pain and with scars.
Bleeding and infection are also common risks. Instead of taking the risk, going to a professional tattoo removalist is better.
They have the knowledge and tools to undo these tattoos in a safe manner.
However, if you have decided to go ahead with a DIY tattoo removal option, we’ll review how people use it. We will also discuss their risks so you can make an informed decision.
i- salabrasion
It involves rubbing salt into the tattooed area until the skin is raw, which can lead to scarring and infection. This method is painful and has a low success rate in removing tattoos.
ii- Tattoo Removal Creams
These creams claim to fade or remove tattoos but are often ineffective and do not work. They can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and scarring.
iii- Lemon Juice
Rubbing is ineffective despite claims that lemon juice can fade tattoos over time.
It might take several months, or even longer, to see any significant change in the tattoo’s appearance, and there’s no guarantee that it will improve.
iv- Sanding
This method involves scrubbing the tattooed area with sand until the ink bleeds out. This method is equally painful and carries a high risk of injury or infection.
Unfortunately, it is also an ineffective method for removing tattoos.
v- Honey and Aloe Vera
While they have been praised for their skin benefits, little evidence supports their effectiveness in removing stick and poke tattoos.
These natural ingredients help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. But they cannot remove tattoos from the dermis layer of the skin.
Say Goodbye to Your Stick and Poke With Professional Methods
1. Laser Removal: Highly Recommended
Using a special laser device, laser treatment releases small energy pulses to heat and shatter the tattoo ink particles.
This method is the safest and easiest option for stick and poke tattoos. Although it requires multiple treatments, achieving good results is the best option.
2. Skin Excision
It involves cutting out the tattooed area and stitching the remaining skin together. This method can be painful, but it is usually done for smaller stick-and-poke tattoos.
However, this method often leaves a scar that is more noticeable than the original tattoo.
3. Dermabrasion
It utilizes a rotary tool for sanding the upper layers of tattooed skin. Dermabrasion is cheaper than surgery or laser methods.
But it may not be as effective in removing uneven or scarred stick-and-pokes.
This method may also cause pain and discomfort during the procedure. So we don’t recommend it at all.
Studies Revealing the Risks of DIY Tattoo Removals
A 2013 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology study warns against salabrasion and dermabrasion. They can lead to unpredictable results, prolonged healing times, skin discoloration, and scarring.
American Academy of Dermatology says, tattoo removal creams are easily accessible; however, no evidence indicates their effectiveness.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also warns against using such creams due to potential side effects, including burns, skin rashes, or scarring.
Natural methods for tattoo fading at home may cause side effects when performed by non-medical personnel.
