Stick and poke tattoos have been around as long as there have been people. Tattoos made in this manner are easily done, and they are affordable to just about anyone that wants one.
Stick and poke techniques can be done at home or you can go to a tattoo professional to have them created. To make certain that we were recommending the best tattoo ink for stick and poke we talked to professionals.
The following inks are the ones that the pros say they rely on when a customer wants a stick and poke design.
Top 6 Best Stick and poke tattoo Ink
#1. Black Tribal Tattoo Ink by Viking Ink
Black Tribal is one of the premier colors available from Viking Ink. The bottle contains 0.5 ounces of very light and versatile ink. The ink is light so it easily penetrates the skin. This saves the client pain because fewer sticks are needed for the creation and the depth of each poke can be slightly shallower.
This ink retains its beautiful black color and over time it does not start to appear blue or have a greenish hue. It is intensely black when you apply it and does not easily fade.
This is a vegan product that has never been tested on animals so it is cruelty-free. It is made in the United States and follows all of the regulations and guidelines pertaining to tattoo ink.
It is a sterile substance that can be applied using the stick and poke technique or the tattoo gun applications. The protective membrane on the top of the bottle assures you a sterile product that is ready to use.
Pros:
- Vibrant color that is true black
- Resists fading
- Sanitary and hypoallergenic
- affordable
Cons:
- This is thin ink that may not work properly in tattoo machines.
#2. All Purpose Black Tattoo Ink by Bloodline
This is a fluid ounce of thick black ink that is designed to be used in the creation of tattoo art. It is one of the best-selling brands of black ink on the market and is trusted by a large number of tattoo professionals.
This ink is fantastic for outlining and can be used straight from the bottle with no thinning required. If you are using the ink for shading you can thin it using a 3 to 1 ratio of distilled water, witch hazel, or Listerine brand mouthwash. You can adjust the thickness according to your needs.
The ink works amazing with the stick and pokes technique. It provides a deep rich color that appears to be a solid black after the tat heals, and it lasts for a long time with little fading or color distortion.
Pros:
- Thin enough for stick and poke processes
- Versatile for lining and shading processes
- Does not cause undue irritation
- Not tested on animals
Cons:
- This ink may fade if exposed to UV light for prolonged periods, so you should cover the tattoo when out in the sun.
#3. Professional Lining Black Tattoo Ink by Wormhole
Natural plant extracts and organic pigment ingredients are used to create this vegan-friendly ink. It is a stable ink that is not likely to cause skin irritation or damages when used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
You can create stick and poke tattoos with this ink. The pigment particles in the formula are very small and that allows the ink to be easier to transfer to the human skin. It is a long-lasting substance that creates outlines and shading that are going to look nice for years to come.
The container that holds the ink has been uniquely designed with a spiral mouth. This design helps to reduce the possibility of ink leaking from the container should it be tipped over on its side while in use or while in transport.
It is non-toxic and fast drying. You will be impressed by the results and most artists say it is far better than traditional India ink for stick and poke designs.
Pros:
- Precise color with a deep hue
- Easy to transfer
- Can even be applied to people with sensitive skin
- Vegan friendly containing no animal by-products
Cons:
- The colors of this ink may not be as vibrant as you would like.
#4. Black Tattoo Ink by Dynamic
This is a fabulous deep black ink that creates bold lines on tattoo designs. It can be used for stick and poke tattoos or in the traditional tattoo guns with equal success. If you are tattoo lighter areas or want the ink to appear a little less aggressive black you can dilute the substance using sterile water and carry on.
This is a sterile item that is not likely to cause allergic reactions in the majority of the people who use it. It is a vegan-friendly substance that contains no animal by-products and has never been tested on animals. It is safe, environmentally friendly, and effective.
This is a reasonably priced ink that is chosen by a large number of tattoo specialists. It has been used for many years so the tendency to fade has been charted and we are glad to report that this ink has a low risk of fading or color distortions.
Pros:
- Sterile and sanitary
- Cruelty free creation and testing
- Non-toxic
- Can be used for a variety of application processes
Cons:
- This is a very dark and aggressive ink that you may want to dilute slightly.
Also read: Best Red Tattoo Ink Reviews
#5. Black Onyx tattoo Ink by Millennium Mom’s
This ink flows easily and is very easy to transfer to the skin. It is thin enough to work easily with the stick and poke methods and thick enough to be stable in tattoo guns and equipment. It provides great lining ink because it is a rich black that is strong and dominant.
The ink is made in the United States. It meets or exceeds all of the safety regulations established for tattoo inks and products. You can use it with great confidence and feel secure that you are providing your clients with a sterile ink that is non-toxic and vegan friendly.
This ink is consistent. From the first time you open the bottle through to the last drop, the ink has a consistent color formation. The next bottle you purchase will have the same consistency of color so you can rely on this product over and over again.
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable
- Consistent color throughout the container
- Sterile and ready to use
- Slow to fade
Cons:
- Thinner than most of the inks that are commonly used with rotary or coil machines.
#6. Pitch Black Tattoo Ink by Scream Tattoo from Worldwide Tattoo Supply
This fine ink is a real black that creates distinct lines you can count on. It is great for all types of tattoo creations and it is long-lasting.
This is permanent ink and if you get any of it on your fingers you will have a difficult time removing it. Once it is placed in your darker skin for a tattoo you will also see that fading and lightening are slow to occur because this is a steadfast substance.
The ink in the bottle is pretty thick. You may need to use a little sterile water to thin it a little to create the design elements you are seeking. It is also pretty quick to dry when you have it outside of the bottle so pour only minute amounts that you can use up in a short amount of time.
Pros:
- Takes very small amount to create a tattoo line
- Can be worn on tattoos that are exposed to sunlight
- Does not cause adverse reactions
- Dark and true black color does not appear bluish
Cons:
- Very thick ink that will require some thinning if you are doing stick and poke procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do stick n poke tattoos last forever?
The stick and poke tattoos can last a long time, but they do not last forever. They have a tendency to fade or distort faster than machine-applied tattoos. For the common stick and poke you can expect it to last for about five to ten years.
Can you donate blood if you have a stick and poke tattoo?
This depends on a few things. If you have a stick and poke that was created in a professional establishment you can more than likely donate blood anytime you like. If your artwork was created by your buddy in his basement then you are likely to be asked to wait for 12 months before you make a blood donation.
Can you get ink poisoning from a stick and poke tattoo?
You can get ink poisoning from a stick and poke tattoo if you use the wrong products to do the tattoo or if your needle is not properly sterilized. Blood poisoning stems from an infection that can easily occur if you are not using sterile methods, sterile ink, and ink that is designed to be used in tattoo work.
Can you use Sharpie ink for stick and poke?
The advertisements for a Sharpie say they are non-toxic markers. That is in reference to people inhaling the fumes from the marker and does not refer to the injection of the ink beneath your upper skin layers. Do NOT use sharpie ink for a tattoo. Order true tattoo ink that is sterile and safe to put inside your body.
Related another tattoo ink review posts: White Tattoo Ink Reviews
Conclusion
If you want to get a thick black ink that is one of the top-selling products then we suggest you look at the All-Purpose Black Tattoo Ink by Bloodline. You get a fluid ounce of ink that is recommended by many professionals as being the best stick and poke black on the market today. It can also be used with tattoo machinery and in other feature application techniques.
If you want a really black ink that performs well, and is non-toxic, user friendly, and very low in cost we suggest the Pitch Black Tattoo Ink by Scream Tattoo from Worldwide Tattoo Supply. It is a high-quality ink that is slightly thick, but great for all manners of tattoo application.