It’s likely that when you decide to get a tattoo (especially if it’s your first one), you’ll have many questions running through your head, such as “What design will be best?”, “What size should it be?”, “Who should I get to do it for me?” and of course, “Will my tattoo hurt a lot?“
You should know that the decision to get a tattoo comes with the pain of getting a tattoo, which, while it’s a normal part of the process, can vary greatly from one tattoo to another and from person to person. This will depend a lot on the technique used by the tattoo artist, each person’s pain threshold, and especially, whether it’s done in one of the areas where getting a tattoo hurts the most.
It’s essential to keep in mind that there are areas on the body where the pain of getting a tattoo will be more intense, and if you’re someone who doesn’t handle pain well, these areas might not be the best option for you. Additionally, understanding how skin regenerates will help you decide whether to get a tattoo in a fold area, as it will take longer to heal.
Painful areas for tattoos
Tattoos are perceived by the body as a wound on the skin, because in order for a tattoo to be created on our skin, the ink must be inserted through special needles that will pierce the dermis. These needles are mounted on a tattoo machine that will introduce and remove the needles at very high speeds.
That’s why, when the skin is broken and the ink is deposited, the body begins a process of healing a tattoo, which can be affected if we don’t provide proper care for the tattoo.
The least painful areas for tattooing
If your concerns about how much it hurts to get a tattoo are causing you a lot of anxiety, we recommend choosing a part of the body with a higher percentage of fat, as the experience will be much more pleasant. These are the least painful areas for tattooing, both for men and women:
- Upper arm.
- Back of the arm.
- Upper part of the arm.
- Front and lateral part of the thigh.
- Upper part of the back.
The most painful areas for tattooing
Now, let’s see which parts of the body would experience a higher level of pain if you decide to get a tattoo. You’ll notice that these areas have thinner layers of skin, more bone presence, and more nerve endings.
- Ribs
- Elbows
- Armpits
- Knees
- Feet
- Chest
- Ankles
- Glutes
- Head
- Fingers and toes
- Neck
Tattoos on the ribs are a special case. Not only are they a very sensitive area close to the bone, but they are also in constant motion due to breathing, so you’ll need to synchronize your movements very well.
How to make a tattoo hurt less
Many times we’ve been asked if it’s possible to get a tattoo without feeling pain. Unfortunately, this is not possible – at least not yet.
However, we have some tips that may be helpful to you to reduce the discomfort during the session as much as possible.
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before your session. This will help you arrive with a clear mind and make the process more manageable.
- Eat something nutritious before getting the tattoo, but avoid excessive sugar and stimulants.
- Drink plenty of water from the night before. Staying hydrated will help your skin absorb the ink more easily.
- Completely avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before the session. They increase sensitivity.
- Breathe. Remember to always breathe and stay calm. Focus your thoughts on pleasant and relaxing things. Meditate.
- Listen to soothing music to relax during the session.
- Go with an experienced tattoo artist and follow their recommendations. They usually work faster than inexperienced tattoo artists.
What you’ll feel when getting a tattoo
Something you should keep in mind when getting a tattoo is that the level of pain is quite subjective. If someone told you how much or little they suffered during their tattoo session, it doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience. There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the level of sensitivity you’ll feel at the time, including your age, sex, genetics, and even your psychological expectations.
Beyond the subjective realm, there are some aspects where there is general consensus. For example, areas of the body with a bit more muscle and fat tend to be less prone to pain. On the other hand, tattoos in areas closer to the bone or with many nerve endings will make you feel a bit more discomfort.
To give you a reference point, tattoo artists recommend pinching different parts of the body to notice how the level of pain varies. For example, the upper arm would have minimal pain, but it increases in the biceps.
Other factors that influence the pain of a tattoo
Beyond the area of the body you choose to get tattooed, there are other factors that also influence the level of pain you will experience. One of them is the design of the tattoo. If the figure you want to get tattooed has a lot of shading, it means that the tattoo artist will have to make more passes over that area, which could cause some additional discomfort.
The sensation you experience on your skin can also vary depending on the type of machine used by your tattoo artist, as well as the number and type of needles used in your design. As is logical, the length of the session is also an element to consider, but you always have the option to divide the project into multiple sessions.
Finally, and no less importantly, is the skill of your tattoo artist. It’s best to go with a professional who can adapt the pace of the session to your level of tolerance, so that the sensation of pain you experience is minimized.
How long does the pain last after getting a tattoo?
After getting a tattoo, you will still feel some discomfort in the affected area, similar to a mild sunburn or scrape. The area will be sensitive, red, and possibly a bit swollen. Remember that this is a completely normal response from your skin, as it has been directly intervened with needles.
The recovery phase usually lasts between 7 and 15 days at most. During this time, your skin will eliminate any excess blood and plasma, and will begin to form a new layer to protect your tattoo. The pain will decrease as the days pass.
A quick recovery also depends on the care of your skin. It’s recommended that you leave the tattoo exposed to allow it to “breathe” and clean it constantly with water and mild soap. Use a moisturizer, avoid exposure to the sun, and don’t wear clothing that could touch the tattoo. This will help prevent possible infections.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
