Bamboo and machine

What a bamboo tattoo?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A BAMBOO TATTOO?
A bamboo tattoo is one that is made by hand, using a bamboo stick with surgical steel needles attached to the end. This is also referred to as 'handmade', 'handpoked', or 'traditional' tattoos. The tattoo artist carefully uses the bamboo stick to poke the needle into the skin repeatedly, injecting ink underneath the layer of skin to make the tattoo. This is the most ancient form of tattooing and also can have spiritual connections.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAMBOO AND MACHINE TATTOOS?

Because bamboo tattoos are applied by hand, slowly and precisely, they take longer to make than machine tattoos, which are done by using an automated machine to inject the ink into the skin very quickly while the tattoo artist draws the image. Applying bamboo tattoos cause less damage to the skin than tattooing by machine. Tattoo machines drag the needle through the skin, while bamboo tattoo artists carefully insert the needle into exactly the correct location. So, although the tattoo takes longer to apply with bamboo, the process is less painful and heals much more quickly.

Bamboo

Machine

IS IT SAFE?

Yes! We take great care to make sure our studio is clean and our tattoos are sterile and safe. Your artist will wear disposable gloves throughout the tattoo, and change them whenever needed. The bamboo stick that is used to tap the needle into your skin is single use, and you will be given it as a souvenir after your tattoo. Of course, the needles that enter your skin are brand new and sterile. They will be removed from the package while you watch, then disposed of after your tattoo. We stick to Western standards of cleanliness to make sure our customers do not worry, and are safe while they get their tattoo.

Safe

WILL MY TATTOO LOOK GOOD FOR A LONG TIME?

As long as you take good care of your skin, your tattoo will look great for years to come. Some people believe that bamboo tattoos do not last as long as tattoos applied by a machine. However, a good bamboo tattoo artist will inject the needle to the same layer of skin that the tattoo machines do. The ink is the same as well - so, the tattoo will last exactly as long as a tattoo applied by a machine. The colors stay vibrant, and the lines stay crisp.

Nepenthe first aid

HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN GO SWIMMING?

Because the bamboo tattoos heal very quickly, you can go swimming in the ocean, or in a pool, the day after you get your tattoo. Just clean the tattoo after you are done, and apply a small amount of antibiotic cream.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL?

Bamboo tattoos heal very quickly - usually within a day or two. They do not peel and get scabby like tattoos done with a machine do. It might get a little bit flaky, but otherwise should look great right away.

CAN I GET A COLOR TATTOO WITH BAMBOO?

Absolutely! Just like machine tattoos, bamboo tattoos can involve colors and/or black and grey shading. Because the artist is so precise with the bamboo tool, very fine lines and detail is possible, as well as precise shading, and dotwork made of individual points in the skin. We have a range of colored inks and can also blend colors to make specific shades.

Bamboo

WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?

Your artist will clean the tattoo after it is finished. It will heal quickly, but for the first couple of days avoid wearing clothes that rub on it too much. Wash it gently a few times a day, especially after getting it dirty or going swimming. You can then apply a light coat of Dettol antibacterial cream, or something similar, to keep the tattoo moist. If you are traveling straight home after your tattoo, you may prefer not to use antibacterial cream and instead moisturize it with plain lotion. In Thailand, the tap water is not treated so can have germs and bacteria in it - that is why it is a good idea to use an antibacterial cream while traveling. After a few days you can switch to a normal lotion if you like. The tattoo will not peel or get very itchy like a tattoo done by a machine will. Still, you might notice a bit of flaking, or some itching. If this happens do not scratch the tattoo until all skin flakes have come off. Scratching can take off skin flakes and leave you with a small scab or missing ink. Your bamboo tattoo will heal quickly and easily, with only basic care needed.