If you’re wondering if getting a tattoo is painful, don’t worry you’re not the only one. In fact, this is one of the most asked questions among DMs and therefore we thought to reassure you with this article.
Whether you are considering the idea of getting your first tattoo or you are already a tattooed expert, it’s important to be properly informed.
So, without further words, let’s see how painful it’s getting a tattoo!
Table of contents
Does it hurt to get a tattoo?
Needless to go around, getting a tattoo hurts.
Depending on the degree of the tolerance of a person and the area where you have decided to get tattooed, you will feel more or less pain. But don’t worry, if you’ve decided it’s time to get tattooed, the pain is nothing compared to the fantastic result you will get.
It can seem scary to be penetrated by several needles under your skin and, for very large tattoos, you have to divide the sessions into different sessions. For small tattoos, there is no need for a long time and therefore, getting a tattoo is not so painful as you may think.
Painful tattoo chart
Being undecided about choosing the placement of where to get your next tattoo is normal, but it is very important to know the pain tattoos scale. Getting a tattoo in the best place is crucial to avoid painful sensations. This image summarizes the level of pain to which you are subjected.
If you are facing the choice of your first tattoo we advise you to choose a not-too painful area, but the final choice is yours 😉
Remember that the pain threshold varies from person to person and this is only an indicative scale!
The most painful areas
Here are some of the most painful areas to get a tattoo. In these areas the skin is very thin, there are many nerves and fat is almost absent and therefore the needle will be much closer to the bones.
Without further explanation, here are the most painful zones:
- Ribs
- Head
- Feet
- Elbow ditch
- Armpit
- Ankles
- Neck and spine
So, if this will be the placement for your first tattoo, be prepared!
The less painful areas
Just as there are very painful areas, there are also positions where the pain is very soft. These areas are recommended for those with a low pain threshold. For tiny tattoos, there should be no problem.
- Upper thigh (if you’re looking for some inspiration, there’s an article with more than 30 thigh tattoos ideas you’ll adore!)
- Forearm
- Shoulders
- Bicep
- Calves
How to endure pain before the session
Pain is subjective, but there are a few tricks that you could implement before starting the session with your tattoo artist and avoid getting a painful tattoo.
- Avoid alcohol before getting tattooed! The effects that alcohol has on your blood could make the thrill of getting tattooed anything but a walk. Alcohol thins your blood and can make you bleed more during your tattoo. This, in addition to being very dangerous, could also ruin the final result.
- Some recommend using anesthetizing creams to be applied to the area of skin where you will be tattooed. Usually, the effects last for a few hours and, if your tattoo takes much longer, we advise against using them. The pain could become intolerable once the anesthetizing effect is gone.
- Consult with a dermatologist before getting tattooed. You don’t often hear cases of allergic reactions, but they can happen. For this reason, it is important to consult an expert to avoid infections.
- Relax and prepare for pain. If this can help you, ask a friend or family member to share this experience with you!
- Meditation and music can be your allies to endure longer sessions.
Finally, listen to the advice of your tattoo artist before and after making the tattoo, each skin reacts differently and there is nothing better than the advice of an expert.
Remember why you’re doing it
There is nothing stronger than your willpower. If you really want a tattoo it won’t be a little pain to scare you, right?
Usually, the pain will not last long after the session. It can last a few hours for a few minutes!
For smaller tattoos the time to tattoo is not long, usually, within half an hour it’s all over. So, follow all the instructions of your tattoo artist well and do not be afraid, pain is part of the experience and, in the end, you will be more than happy with the result!
Finally, if you are wondering if getting a small tattoo is painful, you should not be afraid because, the pain, even it can be more acute in some areas, is moderate and lasts for a short time. Surely this factor shouldn’t stop you from doing your next tattoo!
Do you want to share your tattoo with us? Remember to tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #tinytattooinc to have a chance to be featured on our page.
