How To Give Yourself A Tattoo Without A Gun: 13 Steps - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Tattoos and Piercing

How to Do a Home Tattoo: Stick and Poke Method Download Article Learn how to safely give yourself a home tattoo Co-authored by Michelle Myles and Carmine Shannon

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Tattoo Materials
|
• Set Up
|
• Preparing Your Skin
|
• Starting Your Tattoo
|
• Caring for Your Tattoo
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,661,048 times.

If you can’t afford a professional tattoo or you don’t have access to a tattoo parlor, you can give yourself a tattoo at home without a tattoo gun, using what is sometimes called the "stick-and-poke" method. This process can be dangerous, however, and if it turns out badly, you’re left with a permanent reminder. Be sure you know what you’re doing and follow all of the safety warnings and sanitation requirements before you try this yourself.

How to Safely Give Yourself a Stick and Poke Tattoo

• Set your station by putting on gloves, disinfecting a table, covering it with plastic wrap, and laying out professional tattoo needles, ink, and paper towels.
• Shave with a sanitized razor, then sanitize your skin with rubbing alcohol. Draw a design with a sharpie.
• Dip your sterilized needle into the ink, then poke over the design. Listen for a small “pop” and watch for the needle to tug on your skin.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 5:

Assembling a DIY Tattoo Kit

Download Article

1. 1 Buy or assemble a home tattoo kit so you have everything you need. Get a home tattoo kit, or buy coil needles, tattoo ink, ink caps, green soap, squeeze bottles, disinfectant spray, nitrile gloves, rubbing alcohol, and Aquaphor.[1] Get a 50 pack of gloves, at least. You must use professional, sterile equipment to reduce your risk of infection.
   • To prevent cross-contamination you need to change your gloves frequently.
   • Do not use sewing needles or anything other than a sterile needle in undamaged packaging. Never share needles or use a needle that’s already been used.[2]
   • For starters, try using a 3RL or a 5RL needle (heads with 3 or 5 needles in a circle). They make thin lines, which is helpful for preventing blow outs—when ink expands into the surrounding tissue.
   • Many tattoo artists use Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink since it works well on a variety of skin tones. The only non-tattoo ink you can use is India ink.
   • Home tattoo kits are the safest option, are inexpensive, and include both supplies and instructions.
Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 5:

Setting Up Your Station

Download Article

1. 1 Sterilize your station and cover it in plastic wrap. Wash your hands well and put on a pair of nitrile gloves. Spray a large surface (like a table or desk) with a solution of 4 US tbsp (59 mL) of bleach mixed into 1 US qt (0.95 L) of water, then wipe it down. Spray on more disinfectant, then cover the entire surface in plastic wrap.[3]
   • The moisture helps the plastic wrap stick better.
2. 2 Set up your equipment on a paper towel or dental bib. Put down a dental bib or paper towel on the plastic wrap to catch any spilled ink or blood. Squeeze some Aquaphor on the towel and get out the rest of your materials.
3. 3 Sterilize your razor, ink caps, and bottle with rubbing alcohol. Put your ink cap and razor into a clean glass, then cover them with rubbing alcohol.[4] Pour rubbing alcohol into your squeeze bottle, slosh it around, then squeeze it out. Wipe down the outside of the bottle with rubbing alcohol or your bleach solution.
   • Some people recommend leaving the ink cap in the rubbing alcohol for at least five minutes, while other tattoo artists just recommend a quick rinse.
4. 4 Make your soap solution and wrap your squeeze bottle. Pour some green soap into your squeeze bottle, then either add distilled water to it or prepare a new bottle with distilled water. Wrap the bottle/s in plastic wrap, or put them in a sandwich bag.[5]
   • Wrapping your bottles helps prevent them from getting contaminated with bodily fluids. Avoiding infection and cross-contamination is the most important part of giving tattoos.
   • Tattoo artists use specially formulated “green soap,” which targets proteins, to wash the skin as they tattoo.
5. 5 Fill the ink caps and unwrap your needle. Stick the sterile ink cap to the paper towel with some Aquaphor, then fill it to the top with tattoo ink. Put on a new pair of gloves and take a needle out of its sterile packaging.[6]
   • The easiest way to keep things clean is to use a squeeze tube of Aquaphor. If you want to buy a tub instead, take out globs of gel with sterile, single-use tongue depressors—not your fingers.[7]
   • It’s better to take out too much ink than too little. That way you’re less likely to need a refill during the tattoo. If you need a refill, change your gloves before and after touching the tattoo ink bottle.
   • Do not use needles with damaged packaging. Do not touch the needle with your bare hands or gloves that have come in contact with other things.
Advertisement

Part 3 Part 3 of 5:

Preparing Your Skin for the Tattoo

Download Article

1. 1 Shave your chosen area and clean it with rubbing alcohol. Wipe down where you want your tattoo with the green soap solution, and shave an area an inch larger than your design with a sterile razor.[8] Then, sterilize your skin by dabbing it with rubbing alcohol.
   • Since you're tattooing yourself, the spot is easy to reach. You may be poking for a few hours, so avoid awkward places like your chest or shoulders.
   • Make sure the rubbing alcohol is evaporated before you continue.
2. 2 Trace or draw the design onto your skin with a stencil marker. Draw your design directly on your skin with an alcohol-based marker (like a Sharpie) or a stencil marker.[9] Use a light color so you can easily see your lines as you start tattooing. You can also use stencil paper to get a more accurate image.
   • If you use stencil paper, transfer the stencil by rubbing regular Speed Stick deodorant over the area, then laying the stencil flat onto it. If you mess up the stencil, scrub it off with rubbing alcohol and try again.
   • When you first start tattooing, only do small, simple tattoos. While some artists can do large, complicated handpoke tattoos, it takes a long time to build that skill. If you want a large design right now, consider going to a parlor.
3. 3 Spread a small amount of Aquaphor over the stencil. Put on gloves, scoop up a little Aquaphor from your paper towel, and put it on the back of your non-dominant hand.[10] Dab a thin layer of it over your design. This keeps the ink from running and covering up your guide.
   • If you use transfer paper, let the stencil dry for at least ten minutes.
   • The gel makes a barrier on the skin which the ink beads up on, making it easier to wipe away as you make multiple passes over the design.
Advertisement

Part 4 Part 4 of 5:

Starting Your Tattoo

Download Article

1. 1 Stretch your skin and poke it at a 45º angle. Use your other hand to stretch your skin in the same direction as the line you’re about to tattoo.[11] Dip the needle into the ink, then poke through your skin at a 45º angle. Listen for a “pop” sound to be sure you’re going deep enough.
   • Stretching the skin gives you control over the line and reduces your chances of making it shaky or wobbly. If you stretch the skin perpendicular to the line you’re poking, then it's more likely to be uneven when you release it.
   • It’s normal to bleed slightly as you go along. If you’re bleeding a lot, however, stop tattooing, resterilize, and hold a clean paper towel over the area until the bleeding stops. You may be going too deep.
2. 2 Poke over all of the lines of your stencil. Fill the lines in with tiny dots. To make sure you’re staying in a straight line, never tattoo over running ink. Instead, tattoo where you can clearly see the stencil, wipe it down with green soap and a clean paper towel, then go back over any spot that you missed.[12]
   • Reapply Aquaphor after you wipe it away.
   • Don’t go over the tattoo more than 2 or 3 times. If you overwork the skin it’s more likely to get infected or puffy.
   • If your tattoo ends up spotty, touch it up after it’s totally healed, which could take 1-2 months.
3. 3 Clean your skin with green soap and break down your station. Squirt green soap into a paper towel and wipe off your finished tattoo. Put your used needle into a sharps container and bring it to a sharps drop-off near you later.[13] Use gloves to throw the used ink, paper towels, and plastic wrap away.
   • Blood is a biohazard, and just throwing away your needles puts waste management workers at risk of infection. The absolute best way to dispose of your trash is to schedule a biowaste pick-up from your trash removal company.
   • Avoid cleaning a fresh tattoo with alcohol -- use soap and water, instead.
Advertisement

Part 5 Part 5 of 5:

Caring for Your Tattoo

Download Article

1. 1 Bandage your new tattoo with saran wrap. To avoid infection and cross-contamination, cover your tattoo in plastic wrap for the first few hours. Alternatively, you can use second skin, a sticky bandage that adheres to your tattoo.[14]
   • If you use second skin, keep it on for 24 to 48 hours and remove it under running water, like in the shower.[15]
   • Don't use a cloth or band-aid as they can absorb some of the ink and fade it faster.
2. 2 Wash your tattoo with gentle soap after a few hours. To care for your tattoo, tattoo artist Michelle Myles recommends removing the bandage after a few hours and washing your tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water—“It’s very important to wash the tattoo, maybe even more important than what ointment you apply.”[16]
   • Gently pat and rub the tattoo while you clean it: do not scrub![17]
   • Don't soak your tattoo or run it under hot water. It won't feel nice, and it takes the ink out of your skin.[18]
   • Avoid picking at the tattoo as this could cause some of the ink to bleed out, causing messy lines and even scarring.
3. 3 Apply lotion to your tattoo after a day or two. Wait for a scab to form and the swelling to go down, then apply a lotion like Aquaphor or Lubriderm. Myles warns not to “use anything that’s too greasy, like no vitamin E, no aloe, [and] definitely no Vaseline.”[19]
   • Keep the layers thin. Your skin needs to breathe to heal properly.[20]
   • Moisturize your tattoo 3-5 times a day. If your skin starts to look dried out, use a small amount of lotion.
4. 4 Avoid direct sunlight and submerging your tattoo for 10 days. Don’t swim or take a bath until the tattoo has completely healed, usually about ten days.[21] Tattooed skin is more sensitive to the sun and burns easily, so keep it covered up until it heals, then always put sunblock on it. Avoid excessive sweating, as well.
   • Myles also warns to not pick or scratch at the tattoo, and to wear loose clothing so that nothing rubs up against it.[22]
   • Avoid pools of water such as baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, etc.[23] They can cause the ink to bleed in your skin and are full of bacteria, which can lead to infection.
5. 5 Watch for signs of infection, like excessive irritation. If you have an infection, Myles says “there will be a lot of redness and irritation.” If the tattoo is in an area that bends a lot you may have more irritation than normal, but if it’s excessively painful and red, it may be an infection.[24]
   • You can minimize the risk of infection by keeping your supplies clean and taking care of your tattoo. Still, it's possible your tattoo could become infected. If you suspect that your tattoo has become infected, consult your physician.[25]
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Is it 100% permanent or will it go away completely after a few years? Kiara Hamed Tattoo Artist Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Kiara Hamed Tattoo Artist Expert Answer It may fade over time but it's not guaranteed to go away completely. Tattoos are permanent. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 128
• Question How far apart should the pokes be? Kiara Hamed Tattoo Artist Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Kiara Hamed Tattoo Artist Expert Answer Try to make them as close together as possible so you cover the entire intended area. Otherwise, the tattoo will be splotchy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 119

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Things You’ll Need

Tattoo Supplies

• Home tattoo kit, or:
• Coil needles
• Tattoo ink
• Ink caps
• Green soap
• Squeeze bottles
• Distilled water
• Disinfectant spray or bleach
• Nitrile gloves
• 70% or 90% rubbing alcohol
• Plastic wrap
• New razor
• Aquaphor
• Paper towels or dental bibs
• Sharpie or stencil marker
• Stencil paper optional
• Regular Speed Stick deodorant optional
• Thick plastic container for sharps

Caring for Your Tattoo

• Plastic wrap or second skin
• Lubriderm or any thin, unscented, non-petroleum based lotion

Tips

• Try starting out on your thigh. It’s an easy to reach area, plus it’s slightly more difficult to overwork your skin or cause a blowout. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
• Don’t touch anything with gloves that have blood or ink on them. If you need to do something (even checking your phone), remove your gloves first, wash your hands, and put on new gloves before continuing. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• Rip off several paper towels and put them on your station before you start. That way you won’t have to touch the roll as you’re tattooing. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Only use tattoo ink or India ink. Other inks are toxic and could cause serious problems. Thanks Helpful 26 Not Helpful 6
• Home tattooing puts you at risk for serious infections and may be illegal in some places. Know the risks before you start. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 10
• Only use new, clean needles, and make sure you sterilize them before you begin. Never reuse or share needles. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• The safest way to get a tattoo is in a professional tattoo parlor. Do not try this if you are uncomfortable with the risks associated with self-tattooing. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
• Sharing needles can put you at risk for HIV, Hepatitis, Staph. infections, MRSA, and a host of other transmittable diseases.[26] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Tattoo Yourself at Home How toUse a Tattoo Gun How toMake Tattoo Ink How toTattoo How toTattoo Leather How toDo a Self Piercing at Home 4 Quick and Easy Ways to Make Temporary Tattoos at Home How to Apply Temporary Tattoos & Glitter Stencil Tattoos How toMake a Temporary Tattoo With Eyeliner How toPierce Your Own Belly Button at Home How toMake a Tattoo Gun How to Inject Yourself: 13 Ways to Stay Safe and Sterile How toPierce Your Ear How toPierce Your Own Tragus Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-equipment/everything-you-need-to-start-tattooing/
2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/sDZ-TLOB_UE?t=76
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/34ztwluO_N8?t=127
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/sDZ-TLOB_UE?t=155
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/sDZ-TLOB_UE?t=259
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/sDZ-TLOB_UE?t=248
8. ↑ https://www.theblackhattattoo.com/blog/should-i-shave-before-a-tattoo
9. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6290299/

More References (17)

10. ↑ https://youtu.be/5u2ERqs2Yvk?t=91
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/HMFb-MXq2U0?t=249
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/HMFb-MXq2U0?t=316
13. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/best-way-get-rid-used-needles-and-other-sharps
14. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
15. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
16. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
17. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
18. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tattoo-aftercare
19. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
20. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
21. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
22. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
23. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
24. ↑ Michelle Myles. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Expert Interview
25. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/tattoo-skin-reactions
26. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-home-tattoo-kits-safe/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. This article has been viewed 1,661,048 times. 7 votes - 86% Co-authors: 41 Updated: November 25, 2025 Views: 1,661,048 Categories: Tattoos and Piercing Article SummaryX

Before you give yourself a tattoo, get a tattoo kit or a sterilized needle and black India ink. Clean and shave the area, then sterilize the skin with rubbing alcohol. Trace the image you want onto your skin, making sure to get it exactly right. When you’re ready to tattoo, sterilize the needle by holding it over a flame until it glows, then wrap cotton thread around the needle to help absorb the ink. Dip the needle into the ink, then poke it into your skin. Repeat this until you’ve finished the tattoo. Read on to learn how to care for your tattoo as it heals. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Russian Portuguese Italian French Czech Indonesian Arabic Thai Dutch Chinese Hindi Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,661,048 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Alison Boggs

  Nov 15, 2016

  "It was nice that the article didn't say just go for it. It explained the risks of infection over and over as..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo Co-authors: 41 Updated: November 25, 2025 Views: 1,661,048 86% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote

Alison Boggs

Nov 15, 2016

"It was nice that the article didn't say just go for it. It explained the risks of infection over and over as..." more

Makayah Jordan

Mar 30, 2017

"Helped me understand how to do homemade tattoos, because my parents won't let me get one yet, and I really..." more Rated this article:

Kayla Mat

Aug 24, 2022

"It worked, I followed all the steps. But it is true - do not continue when blood becomes excessive. But would 100%..." more

Peter White

Nov 25, 2016

"Yes, it did help but I keep wanting to know what and where the rubber bands do and go. I keep asking but no answer."

Elena Faith

Oct 27, 2018

"My friends and I read this article and gave each other tattoos. Thank you for the guide, we appreciate it!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizGhost Hunting GamePlayWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How to Tattoo Yourself at HomeHow toUse a Tattoo GunHow toMake Tattoo InkHow toTattoo

Trending Articles

Mental Illness TestType A B C D Personality TestCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizAm I Autistic QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameHow toPractice Kissing

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForHow toDevelop Listening SkillsHow toNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow to Draw an OwlHow toTreat AllergiesHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?How toKiss Passionately

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Tattoos and Piercing

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --686