Tattoos have long been a popular form of self-expression, a way to showcase creativity, individuality, and even loyalty (though, in cases of shifting allegiances, some designs are eventually removed). While the idea is enticing, the permanence of tattoos often makes people hesitant. This is where semi-permanent “stick-and-poke” tattoos come into play. But let’s take a closer look at the science behind this trend.
As the name suggests, the process is relatively simple. Instead of using a tattoo machine, the technique involves poking the skin with a needle. You can either buy tattoo-grade needles online or create a DIY version by inserting a sewing needle into a pencil eraser, wrapping string around it to hold the ink, and then using it to prick your skin. The main difference from traditional tattoos is that stick-and-poke tattoos are done by hand.
The skin consists of three layers before reaching muscle: the outer epidermis, the middle dermis, and the deeper subcutaneous tissue. For a tattoo to be permanent, the ink must reach the dermis layer, which doesn’t shed its cells like the epidermis does. The epidermis constantly sheds older cells, replacing them with new ones, so any ink placed there will eventually fade as those cells are replaced. The dermis, on the other hand, remains intact, which is why the ink stays in place.
The body recognizes the tattoo ink as a foreign substance and sends in macrophages (a type of white blood cell) to deal with it. These cells try to protect the dermis by engulfing the ink particles, but when the macrophages die, they release the pigment, which is quickly recaptured by new macrophages. This cycle helps the tattoo remain in the skin.
In reality, there isn’t much difference between traditional tattoos and stick-and-poke tattoos. Both methods inject ink into the skin. The idea that stick-and-poke tattoos are semi-permanent comes from the misconception that the ink only stays in the epidermis. Since the epidermis sheds, the tattoo would theoretically fade as those cells turn over. However, this turnover process can take several months, and the ink that reaches the dermis stays much longer.
Here’s the catch: Many people, particularly those doing DIY stick-and-poke tattoos, aren’t exactly sure where the epidermis ends and the dermis begins. The epidermis is only about 1.5 mm thick on the most calloused areas of the body, meaning that it’s easy to accidentally push the needle too deep. This results in a tattoo that could last much longer than intended.
While semi-permanent stick-and-poke tattoos sound appealing, the likelihood of them fading completely is slim. If you’re truly considering a tattoo, it’s better to go to a professional. But if you’re unsure about committing to something permanent, you can opt for washable tattoos that only stain the surface of the skin or try henna. Henna, derived from the Lawsonia inermis plant, fades away after a couple of weeks. And when it comes to stick-and-poke tattoos, keep in mind that your fine motor skills might not be as precise as you think—better to be bare than to end up with a botched design!
