Tattoo
Tattoo Techniques
Updated: 1 February 2026
Tattooing has been decorating the human body for thousands of years, and people have been interested in body art since prehistoric times. Today tattoo techniques differ from region to region around the world.
Western Technique
The Western technique is the name given to machine tattooing, which is still used in our country. The first tattoo machine was invented in England and became widespread at the end of the 1800s.
Japanese Technique
As the name suggests, the Japanese technique is a traditional form of tattooing practised in Japan, and these tattoos are made with bamboo. A needle is attached to the tip of the bamboo and the ink is pushed into the skin by tapping.
Samoan Technique
The Samoan technique is linked to Pacific culture. Tattoo artists use wooden hand tools made specially for this purpose, and the ink is driven into the skin by tapping.
Ancient Thai Technique
The tool used for Thai tattooing is very similar to the one used by Westerners. The tattoo tool consists of a long brass tube, with the needles attached at its end.
Maori Technique
The Maori tribe of New Zealand has a very long tattoo history. The designs used in this tribe were mostly spirals and whorls, and each spiral carries a meaning related to the wearer’s life and identity.
Hand Poke Technique
Hand poke, also called ‘stick and poke’, is an electricity-free method done freely with a needle and ink. It has become very popular recently. It is done by a professional artist in a sterile environment.
Temporary Tattoo
Henna:
Henna is made with henna powder and oxygenated water, and applied to the body in patterns. It lasts for a limited time.
Sticker tattoo: temporary designs applied to the skin by sticking on transfers.
Spray tattoo: temporary designs made by fixing a chosen template onto the skin and spraying colour over it.
Body Paint:
Body painting is the art of painting on the bare body. It is usually done to attract attention, for festivals and for modelling.
Burn (Cauterisation) Technique:
A design is made on the skin by burning it.
Scarification (Cutting) Technique:
A design is made on the skin with wounds, by cutting the skin.
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