A Gentle Act of Self Care
In a world that moves too fast, choosing to sit still can be radical. Choosing to slow down, breathe, and mark a moment in time for yourself is even more powerful.
That’s why I believe hand poke tattooing isn’t just an art form—it’s an act of self care.
Unlike the buzz and hum of a machine, handpoke is quiet. Each dot is placed with intention. The process feels slower, more meditative, and far gentler on the skin. For many of my clients, that quiet becomes a form of therapy. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and receive something that’s just for them.
A Different Kind of Tattoo Experience
My private South London studio isn’t a busy shop—it’s designed to feel calm and restorative. One-to-one, uninterrupted, with time for you to settle in. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fifteenth, the experience is personal, not rushed.
Clients often tell me that the session itself becomes as meaningful as the tattoo they leave with. The ritual of slowing down, breathing through each dot, and walking away with a design that holds their story—it’s a form of care that lingers long after the ink has healed.
Tattoos as Medicine
A tattoo can be a reminder of resilience, a celebration of change, or a quiet love letter to yourself. For some, it’s about honouring grief or marking survival. For others, it’s about beauty, creativity, or play. Whatever the reason, the act of choosing yourself—of taking up space on your own skin—is self care in its truest form.
Why Handpoke?
Handpoke tattoos heal faster, are less invasive on the skin, and are often described as more comfortable than machine tattooing. But beyond the practical, the ritual of handpoke creates a different energy. There’s a softness to it, a human pace.
It’s an act of art, but it’s also an act of care.
Ready to Book?
If you’ve been thinking about a tattoo and want the experience to feel as nourishing as the outcome, my books are now open for October–December 2025.
Private studio in West Norwood, South London
By appointment only
Gentle, symbolic, handpoked tattoos
Or see more of my process and latest work on Instagram: @charlotte_pokes