Handpoke and stick and poke are the same, they can be used interchangeably. 

Handpoking is a method of tattooing that does not use machines or electricity. Handpoking has been found in ancient history as well as in many different cultures! Some traditional handpoke examples are Sak Yant from Thailand, Polynesian Tatau, Japanese Tebori. Now- we can see many different styles of handpoking, there are many popular and unique handpoke artists originating in South Korea and Europe. Slowly but surely handpoke has been on the rise in the US as well. 

A common misconception about stick and poke tattoos is that they won’t last. Contrary to the general public’s belief, handpokes are just as permanent as machine tattoos when done properly. (and yes, they do still hurt! although many of my clients say my tattoos have been the least painful tattoos they’ve gotten. A lot of my clients have also fallen asleep during the process:))

I personally like handpokes because they tend to heal darker and colors stay in better and brighter! Handpoking also causes less trauma to the skin compared to a machine tattoo, so it will heal faster as well.