Tattoo Removal

How to Get Rid of a Stick and Poke Tattoo

blog post alt tag
How can you get rid of a stick and poke tattoo or at-home? This article shares the only effective (and safe) way to remove your stick and poke tattoo.

How to Get Rid of a Stick and Poke Tattoo

Quick Answer: Laser tattoo removal is the only safe and effective method to remove stick and poke tattoos. Methods such as tattoo removal creams, lemon juice, and dermabrasion can be incredibly dangerous to the skin and may cause permanent scarring. With professional laser removal, you can typically remove a stick and poke tattoo in 8–12 sessions, or fewer depending on the ink depth.

What Is a Stick and Poke Tattoo?

Stick and poke is a traditional form of tattooing that involves hand-inserting a single needle into the skin to form a design with ink. The process is similar to standard tattooing, but stick and pokes are applied completely manually, regardless of how simple or complex the design is.

Historically, stick and poke tattoos were created by attaching a needle to a wooden stick and repeatedly tapping it into the skin. Some tattoo artists still use this method today, while others prefer a needle-only approach. Outside of professional tattooing, stick and poke tattoos are commonly applied in prison systems or as at-home DIY tattoos.

How to Remove a Stick and Poke Tattoo

Laser tattoo removal is the only way to successfully remove a stick and poke tattoo and return the skin as close as possible to its pre-tattoo appearance. In most cases, a stick and poke tattoo can be completely removed in 8–12 sessions depending on the tattoo’s size, colour, ink depth, and age. Simpler designs often fade faster than professional tattoos, especially when treated with advanced laser technology.

Can You Remove a Stick and Poke Tattoo at Home?

You cannot successfully remove a stick and poke tattoo at home, regardless of the method used. At-home tattoo removal remedies are ineffective and extremely unsafe for the skin, often causing permanent scarring and discolouration. Tattoo removal creams, lemon-based solutions, and other DIY methods should be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions: Stick and Poke Tattoo Removal

How Many Sessions Does It Take to Remove a Stick and Poke Tattoo?

On average, most stick and poke tattoos can be removed with 8–12 laser removal sessions. The exact number depends on factors such as ink depth, colour, size, and age.

Smaller and simpler designs often fade faster than professional tattoos due to lower ink saturation. However, the exact number of sessions can only be determined after consulting a tattoo removal professional.

Can Stick and Poke Tattoos Fade Naturally?

Like traditional tattoos, stick and poke tattoos may fade slightly over time, but they will not completely disappear on their own. Tattoo ink is deposited into the dermis layer of the skin, allowing it to remain permanently. Natural fading alone is not enough to fully remove a tattoo.

Is It Easier to Remove Stick and Poke Tattoos Compared to Professional Tattoos?

The ease of removal depends on the tattoo’s ink depth and quality. Some stick and poke tattoos are easier to remove because they may have less ink saturation or inconsistent ink depth.

However, homemade tattoo inks such as India ink or pen ink can sometimes be more difficult to remove than standard tattoo ink, which may complicate the removal process.

Remove Your Stick and Poke Tattoo at Removery

Unhappy with a stick and poke tattoo? Thankfully, it no longer has to be permanent. With Removery, we can remove your stick and poke tattoo in the safest, most effective way possible.

Book a consultation now to get a customized treatment plan tailored to your tattoo and finances.

Get your free estimate

We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colours, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.

Get Your Free Estimate

Find your nearest Removery

With over 150 studios you're sure to find one near you. We look forward to seeing you!