It is difficult to resist the temptation of an artisan tattoo, made without the use of the machine. These "do it yourself" jobs are staples of the punk-rock world and require few tools other than a needle and India ink. However, it remains vital to consider a few factors before grabbing a sewing kit and a bottle of ink. "Craft" tattoos are dangerous, so you need to be sure what you are doing before piercing the skin. Take care of your hygiene and, if you are not comfortable with the procedure, do not.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready for the Tattoo
Step 1. Buy or make a handmade tattoo kit
The main tools for any DIY tattoo are needles and ink. Any type of needle is suitable as long as it is clean and new. The best ink to use is tattoo ink, but it's not always easy to find. China or sumi can be good alternatives.
- The safest solution is the specific kits that include all the necessary material and instructions for using it.
- Use only black India ink. Colored ones can be toxic.
- You can choose the type of needle you prefer. Sewing needles, straight pins and even safety pins are fine. The most important thing is to make sure they are new and clean.
- Don't use old needles and don't share them with anyone. Either way, you run the risk of infections.
Step 2. Prepare the station
You will need some other material before starting the tattoo. Get some cotton thread, a glass of water, denatured alcohol, and clean cloths.
- Have a non-permanent marker handy to draw potential sketches for the tattoo.
- It is also worth making a shallow saucer or bowl to pour the ink into.
- It is essential to make sure that all equipment is clean. Wash each cup or saucer with hot soapy water. For added safety, wear gloves when handling anything you will use.
Step 3. Clean and shave the area of the body you have chosen for the tattoo
Whatever spot you decide to tattoo, wash it off with warm soapy water. Shave the hair in the area so that the hairless surface extends more than 2 to 3 cm from the tattoo.
After shaving, disinfect the skin with denatured alcohol. To do this, use a cotton ball and wait for the liquid to completely evaporate from the skin before continuing
Step 4. Trace the design on the epidermis
Outline the contours or draw the tattoo of your choice on the area of the body you want. You can ask another person to do this if you prefer, but take your time to trace the design exactly how you want it. This image is all you need once you get started.
- Since you will be tattooing yourself, choose a place on the body that you can easily reach. Depending on the design you have chosen, you may need to prick yourself for a few hours. A hard-to-reach or uncomfortable part of the body, such as the chest or shoulder, is not the best choice for this type of craft tattoo.
- Simple and small designs are best suited for machine-less tattoos. If you prefer a complex image, then you'd better go to a professional studio.
Part 2 of 3: Starting the Tattoo
Step 1. Sterilize the needle
The best way is to use an open flame. Hold the needle over the flame of a candle or lighter until the metal is glowing. Remember to grab the needle at the other end with a cloth so you don't burn your fingertips.
When the needle is sterile, wrap it with cotton thread. Start about 3mm from the tip and cover it with the thread several times until you have an oval cocoon. This thread will absorb some ink each time you dip the needle into the saucer
Step 2. Start getting tattooed
Dip the needle in the India ink and pierce the skin, leaving a small dot. There will probably be some blood, but not too much. You must try to pierce only the first two layers of the epidermis.
Step 3. Start by tracing the edges
Stay within the contours of the design you drew, filling it with small dots. Use a cotton swab or clean cloth to wipe away any excess blood and ink.
The skin will swell slightly during the procedure and this will give the tattoo an uneven appearance. Adjustments may be needed when the swelling is gone to even out the lines
Step 4. Clean the tattooed area
When you are done with the tattoo, scrub the skin with rubbing alcohol. Throw away any remaining ink and used needles as they are no longer sterile. If you plan to retouch in the future, you will need to use a new needle and a new dose of ink.
Avoid cleaning a fresh tattoo with alcohol; use soap and water instead
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Tattoo
Step 1. Band the tattoo
Apply a thin layer of emollient ointment that contains vitamins A and D (similar to the one used in babies when changing nappies). Use a little, just enough to make the skin shiny. Cover the tattoo with absorbent sterile gauze.
Leave the gauze in place for 2-4 hours, but no longer than 8
Step 2. Keep the tattoo clean
Remove the initial bandage and wash the skin with warm water and unscented soap. Do not rub vigorously, just wash the skin with a clean hand.
- Do not get the tattoo too wet and do not put it under running water, as the sensation will not be pleasant and the design may get stained.
- Avoid pinching the skin, as this may cause some of the ink to come out and the lines will lose sharpness as a result. You would also run the risk of finding yourself with scars.
Step 3. Apply a cream
After the first 48 hours, switch to a neutral cream without fragrances. Most professional tattoo artists recommend a product without dyes, fragrances or flavors. Smear only a thin layer, as the skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
Moisturize the tattoo 3-5 times a day, depending on its size. If you feel like your skin is starting to dry out, spread some cream on it
Step 4. Wait for the tattoo to heal
During the first week, be careful with the tattooed area. Scabs will form and you need to take special care to keep the skin clean. In addition to washing and moisturizing your skin, you need to avoid certain activities.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, as this can cause the ink to fade. It will also burn like a bad sunburn.
- Don't go swimming. Natural bodies of water are full of bacteria and could trigger an infection. Pool water is sanitized with chlorine, which is not good for the tattoo.
- Don't engage in activities that make you sweat a lot or involve a lot of physical contact.
- Wear loose clothing so your skin can breathe. Tight-fitting clothes do not allow this to happen.
Step 5. Watch out for infections
Be very vigilant to promptly spot any redness, excess crusting, exudates, or swelling. These are all symptoms of a possible infection.
Minimize the risk of infection by keeping all tools perfectly clean and taking care of the tattoo. Despite this, there are always chances of bacteria colonizing the area. If you suspect the tattoo is infected, go to the doctor
Warnings
- The safest way to get a tattoo is to go to a professional studio. Do not follow the instructions in this tutorial if you do not want to take responsibility for the risks associated with a "self-tattoo".
- Tattooing yourself at home puts you at risk of serious infections and, in some cases, it is illegal. Be aware of the risks before starting.
- Use only tattoo or Indian ink. The other products are toxic and can cause serious health problems.
- Use only new and clean needles, remember to sterilize them before starting the tattoo. Do not reuse or share needles.
- Sharing needles increases the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, staph infections, MRSA and other communicable diseases.
