Stick and poke tattoo, commonly referred to as DIY tattoos, are taking the tattoo industry by a storm. You can easily create one at home without a tattoo machine. Many people commonly use a needle and some homemade ink.
Like any other tattoos, you may regret having a poke tattoo or would love to remove it for several reasons. Well, there are several methods you can safely use to remove this kind of tat. Let’s have a look at them.
Stick and Poke Tattoo Removal Methods
Since stick and poke tats involve poking the skin with a stick and poke needle inserted in ink, they are permanent and will take time to fade away. However, they tend to fade faster than a machine tattoo and appear lighter after a few weeks.
You can use several home methods or opt for a professional laser treatment to remove one quickly.
Lemon Juice
You may have seen many people try to fade black spots on their skin using lemon juice. It is considered a bleaching agent and can effectively remove a permanent tattoo, especially one that isn’t deep into the skin, as in a stick and poke tat. However, you will start seeing results after a couple of months.
Method
- Using a cotton gauze, rub pure lemon juice onto the skin area with the tat. You can squeese out the juice from a fresh lemon or get some from the supermarket.
- Let it dry before you can wipe it off. Do this at least four times a day.
- Within two weeks, you will notice your tat becoming lighter before it ultimately fades away.
You can also scrub it off using salt and lemon juice.
Salabrasion
Salabrasion is a method where you use salt to rub off a tat from your skin. It’s a quite painful method since you’re scrubbing off the epidermis layer to reach the dermis where the ink is located.
- You will first need to clean the skin, then dip a cotton gauze into salty water and scrub the area.
- Alternatively, rub the skin using salt crystals for 20 to 30 minutes.
- You will have an open would after scrubbing. Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection.
Sand
Similar to salabrasion, you can use sand to remove a stick and poke tattoo, and it is equally painful. You will scrub the ink area using sand to manually bleed out the ink from the dermis.
- You will need sanding powder and sandpaper or a piece of cloth.
- Clean the area, scrub it for about 30 minutes, and then apply an antiseptic or antibiotic to keep infections at bay.
- You will notice results after several sanding.
Aloe Vera and Honey
Natural home ingredients like honey and aloe vera are known to fade a tattoo at home effectively. You can either choose to make a paste of these two ingredients or apply each of them at a time.
While instant results are not promised, you will see the fading after three to four weeks. Its application is similar to lemon juice.
Professional Procedure
Stick and poke tattoos are made at home using crude methods that could expose you to the risk of infections, allergies, and cross-contamination, among other health issues. That’s why it is advisable to get a professional tattoo as the artist will keep in mind all hygiene measures and sterilization of equipment.
You can get your tat removed by professionals through different methods like laser treatment, excision, and dermabrasion. These tattoo removal methods are safe, and you’ll be guided throughout the journey. You should also note that they are expensive, though worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate blood after removing a stick and poke tattoo?
Most people believe that you can’t donate blood if you have a piercing or tattoo. Well, this is more of a MYTH. While stick and poke ink tampers with your immune system, exposing you to diseases, you can donate blood a year or more after your stick and poke tattoo. This is similar to when you remove it. So, yes, you can donate blood a year after you erase your stick and poke.
How many laser sessions do I need to remove a stick and poke tattoo?
The average laser sessions you may need to remove a stick and poke is 7- 10 but depends on several factors. These factors include how old the tat is, the ink color, and other health conditions you may have. A professional is better positioned to know how to deal with your situation to make the whole process safe.
How much does it cost to remove a stick and poke tattoo?
If you decide to remove your DIY tat professionally, surgical methods tend to be cheaper than laser and dermabrasion. The prices vary according to the tattoo’s size, your geographical location and the number of sessions required. A tattoo removal clinic near you can give you the estimates of each procedure.
Conclusion
It is normal to want to erase a tattoo after some time. While there are several do-it-yourself methods you can use to clear one, you must be sure of the safety of the method you choose. You wouldn’t want to end up with a nasty infection and an ugly scar. The best way to remove a stick and poke is to schedule an appointment with a renowned laser removal clinic.
Also read: A quick look at the top stick and poke tattoo kits on the market.
