FAQ
What is a handpoked tattoo?
Handpoke is a manual tattooing technique that uses nothing but a tattoo needle and ink, rather than using a tattooing machine. There’s traditional handpoke methods like the Japanese ‘tebori’ and the Thai ‘sak yant’ tattoos; I use a more modern handpoked method using a tattoo needle that is also used in coil machines.
Is a handpoked tattoo permanent?
YES! Some people confuse handpoked tattoos with henna tattoos that are temporary. The only difference between a handpoked tattoo and a machine tattoo is that a handpoked tattoo is done without a machine. The needle penetrates the skin the same way and thus the ink is being deposited into the same skin layer, making a handpoked tattoo just as permanent as a machine tattoo 🙂
Is a handpoked tattoo more painful?
No! Handpoke actually is more gentle on the skin than a machine tattoo as the needle is not being ‘dragged’ through the skin but rather every dot is being made individually. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a handpoked tattoo is completely pain-free – your skin still gets pierced with a needle and it also depends on the location, the skin, how you’re feeling etc 🙂
How long does it take to get a handpoked tattoo?
Handpoked is a manual method and therefore always takes longer than a machine tattoo. The duration depends on the size, the design and the location of the tattoo. It can take an hour, or 6 hours. When booking your tattoo I will always give an estimate of how long it will take, however I always ask to not plan anything else that day as it can always happen that it takes more time than expected and I don’t like to rush 🙂
Will my tattoo need a touch up after it’s healed?
Sometimes the tattoo can fade a bit in which case a touch up is needed. This is more common in fine line tattoos; thin needles have to be used more superficially in the skin to prevent the ink from blowing out. The goal obviously is for the tattoo to heal well without a touch up being needed, but I always believe it’s better to have tattooed too gently and needing a touch up than to have a tattoo that can’t be fixed anymore. Besides that every skin is unique and heals in its own way. Taking good care of your tattoo is essential for proper healing!
How much does a handpoked tattoo cost?
The minimum price for a small tattoo is €50 (with exception of some of the flash designs or special promotions). The exact price of a tattoo always depends on the size, the design and the location/placement of the tattoo. Contact me for a price estimate.
How do I make an appointment?
For a price request please e-mail me with the following info:
The flash design you picked or your idea* (please include reference images), the location where you want the tattoo, and the size.
If you’re around only for a limited time please include the dates!
*For personalised designs please have a look at my work and designs to see if your idea fits in my style 🙂
I don’t copy designs and every design will only be tattooed once.
Can I still make an appointment for chiropractic?
Just in case anyone is wondering or got lost in search for Trines Chiropractic – No! I closed the studio in Loulé (and before that the clinic in Albufeira) and am no longer available for chiropractic appointments. You can find some other chiropractors in Algarve here.
