Hand-Poked vs. Machine Tattoos: Different Pokes for Different Folks

In the past three years, I’ve done countless tattoos for friends and strangers alike. Most of the people who book an appointment with me have never had a hand-poked tattoo before. And for a fair number of those people, the tattoo that I give them is their first. One of the most common questions that I get concerns the difference between machine and hand-poked tattoos. Although the growing popularity of hand-poked tattoos has slightly alleviated the stigma surrounding them, a lot of the information available online still reflects this bias, negatively skewing any answers to this question. I sometimes still find myself hesitating before I reveal that I actively practice this art form, expecting some variety of invalidation or condescension reminiscent of a suburban mom passive-aggressively referring to my work as “prison tattoos.” 

But in examining both my experiences and the stories of my clients, I’ve found hand-poked tattooing to be a more comfortable and accessible pathway for those who may otherwise feel uneasy in a traditional parlor setting. Having full knowledge of the methods available to you should be as much a part of your decision-making process as the consideration of design. In an effort to aid that process, I’ve compiled a list of the most important differences between hand-poked and machine tattoos that you should keep in mind when starting to plan your tattoo experience.

(It’s crucial to note that I am basing my information on years of research and experience. Proper hygiene is the most important factor in all tattooing practices, and any answers that I provide are given with that implication. This is not a one-size-fits-all guide to tattooing and is meant only to address the differences between machine and hand-poked tattoos.)

All tattoos pictured by @superastrapokes 

Hand-poked tattoos generally hurt less

Before anyone comes for me, this is perhaps the most common thing I hear from clients who have received both kinds of tattoos (as well as in my own experience). I cannot count the number of times that I’ve begun a tattoo on someone with an arm full of machine tattoos and heard them say “oh wow, this doesn’t hurt at all like my other ones.” Any answer I can give about pain is entirely subjective to placement, size, and the individual artist’s handiwork. A rib tattoo is always going to hurt more than a tattoo on your forearm, and some artists have heavier hands than others. But where a machine feels like a constant, deep cat scratch that burns more with time, hand-poking is a mostly dull prod. It can certainly still be painful, especially as your artist goes over spots again, but the pain is entirely different and often more manageable.

The vibration of tattoo machines can be overstimulating

In addition to the feeling of the machine dragging over your skin, the vibration can sometimes cause the sensation to spread to other nearby areas, leaving you with a numb, throbbing arm and a lot of adrenaline. The noise of the machine isn’t necessarily unbearable, but it is loud. Hand-poking is more or less silent. I have several regular clients who will no longer get machine tattoos because they find that their anxiety is lessened significantly without the sound or sensation of the vibration.

Hand-poked tattoos heal faster

A machine works by moving the needle up and down with the use of a small motor, allowing for more punctures per second. Hand-poking is completely manual, meaning that every puncture is done by the artist, dot by meticulous dot. Because of the difference in technique, hand-poked tattoos cause less trauma to the skin and heal faster. They also tend to scab (and subsequently itch) less, which is a huge plus if that part of the healing process is particularly annoying to you. At the end of the day, you should still treat a fresh tattoo like an open wound and take proper care of it, regardless of technique.

Keep the clock in mind

While the quickened healing that comes with hand-poked tattoos is a relief, this technique does take considerably more time than a tattoo done with a machine. Depending on the size and level of detail in your design and the placement you want, machine tattoos may be a better fit for you. Pieces that are very large or that have a lot of solid shading might benefit more from this technique.

All tattoos are permanent

I don’t know what basement this myth started in, but a tattoo is not less permanent just because it’s hand-poked! Improper equipment may affect the longevity of your tattoo (seriously, put the sewing needle down), but if you’re going to see an experienced hand-poke artist, the results are no less eternal than those of a machine. Certain areas are more prone to fading and you may have to get your tattoo touched up at some point, but a good artist will do touch-ups for free and ensure that your piece stays as pristine as it can be. Aftercare can also have a big impact on how your tattoo heals, so it’s important to follow any instructions that your artist gives you.

Different pokes for different folks

Machines and hand-poke offer distinctly different opportunities and challenges that allow for a broad array of styles. I’ve seen hand-poked tattoos with cleaner lines than some machine pieces, and I’ve seen machine pieces the size of a penny with a stunning level of detail. 

Ultimately, every artist has a different style, and you can really find anyone with experience in either technique to fit your vision. Don’t be afraid to ask your artists any questions you may have – though you should always check to see if they’ve already answered them in their FAQs. If you prefer a more relaxed, quiet setting, you might love getting hand-poked tattoos. If you’re looking for an in-and-out, straightforward session, machine tattoos are probably right up your alley. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you!