Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Handpoked Tattoos Gain Popularity in India
Handpoked tattoos are a special kind of body art where the artist uses a needle and ink to create designs by hand, without a tattoo machine.
This method is slower but allows for more control and precision.
Artists like Shomil Shah and Simranh Kakkar have seen their businesses grow because of this trend.
Social media and pop culture have played a big role in making handpoked tattoos popular.
These tattoos are similar in price to machine-made ones and follow the same hygiene standards.
Both artists hope to continue exploring new styles and integrating their unique art forms into their work.
Handpoked tattoos are created using a needle and ink by hand, offering more control and precision.
Artists Shomil Shah and Simranh Kakkar have seen significant growth in their businesses, with Shah's growing 25-30% annually.
Social media and pop culture have driven the popularity of handpoked tattoos, with celebrities like Rihanna and Harry Styles showcasing them.
The process is slower but allows for more intricate and personal designs, with similar pricing and hygiene standards as machine tattoos.
Pop-up markets and social media are major factors in the rise of handpoked tattoos in India.
- Who
- Tattoo artists Shomil Shah and Simranh Kakkar
- What
- Handpoked tattoos gaining popularity in India
- When
- Recent years, with significant growth in the past eight years
- Where
- Mumbai and Bengaluru, India
- Why
- Artisanal, personal, and driven by social media and pop culture
- Artists
- Shomil Shah, Simranh Kakkar
- Locations
- Mumbai, Bengaluru
- Instruments
- Needle, ink, stick
- Growth Rate
- 25-30% annually
- Income Range
- Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 per month
- Clients per Month
- 15-18
- Social Media Handles
- @shlo_poke, @ratattooille
- Influences
- Ancient Egyptian, Indonesian, Indian cultures