Tattoo Pain and Pain Management During Tattooing
Updated: 6 days ago
How much does getting a tattoo actually hurt? It's one of the questions I get asked most often, especially by people getting their first tattoo.
The short answer is that it hurts, but how much varies from person to person. The placement, size of the tattoo, and how long the session lasts all make a difference.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to make the experience easier. Here, I'll share my experience and some practical advice on how to handle tattoo pain.
How Much Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?
When you get tattooed, the needles repeatedly penetrate your skin. It can feel like sharp little stings, a scratching sensation, or a burning irritation.
How you experience the pain depends on your personal pain tolerance, where you're getting tattooed, the technique being used, and how long the skin is being worked on.
The pain can also change throughout the session. The first lines might feel quite sharp, while your skin can gradually become more sore and sensitive, especially when I'm working on the same area for a longer period.
Some people find the beginning the hardest, while others feel that it gets tougher after several hours.
In my experience, many people are pleasantly surprised. It's rarely comfortable, but often more manageable than they expected.
What Does Tattoo Pain Feel Like?
In my experience, many people are pleasantly surprised. It's rarely comfortable, but often more manageable than they expected.
Sharp or stinging pain: Feels like lots of small needle pricks close together. Often particularly noticeable during linework.
Scratching pain: Can feel like something rough or sharp being dragged across your skin.
Burning pain: A hot, stinging sensation that can develop when an area has been worked on for a longer time.
Deep or persistent soreness: A constant aching feeling in the skin, especially during longer sessions or when the same area is tattooed repeatedly.
These aren't four specific types of pain that everyone experiences. They're simply some of the descriptions I often hear.
Nervousness, Fear of Needles and Fainting
It's completely normal to feel nervous before getting a tattoo, especially if it's your first time.
Some people worry about the pain, while others are uncomfortable with needles or blood.
If you're afraid of needles, it may help to know that tattoo needles work differently from those used for blood tests and vaccinations. You also don't have to watch while I'm tattooing.
Please let me know beforehand if you're nervous. That way, we can take things at a pace you're comfortable with.
Can You Cry or Faint During a Tattoo?
Yes, both can happen, but most people don't experience either.
Some people become emotional because of pain or nervousness, while others may feel dizzy or unwell.
Fainting can sometimes be triggered by a reaction to needles, pain, or stress. Heat, dehydration, or not having eaten enough may also contribute.
If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, sweaty, or notice changes in your vision, tell me immediately. We'll stop, and you can lie down if needed.
If you've fainted around needles or blood before, please let me know before your session.
How to Manage Tattoo Pain
Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to make your tattoo session easier.
Prepare Yourself Properly
Get a good night's sleep, drink enough water, and eat a proper meal before your appointment. Being well-rested and having eaten can make it easier to deal with discomfort.
I also recommend bringing some food, something sweet, and a bottle of water, especially if we're going to be working for several hours.
You can moisturize your skin in the days leading up to your appointment, but avoid applying cream to the area immediately before your session.
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs before your appointment. If you take medication that may affect bleeding or healing, please let me know beforehand. Never stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.
You can find more practical advice in my guide to preparing for your tattoo session. Breathe Slowly and Stay Relaxed
When something hurts, many people tend to tense up or hold their breath. This can make the experience more exhausting.
Instead, try to breathe slowly and steadily. Take a gentle breath in through your nose and slowly breathe out again.
You can also try counting your breaths or imagining somewhere you feel relaxed.
For some people, focusing on their breathing rather than the needle makes the pain easier to handle.
The important thing is to find a natural rhythm without forcing yourself to hold your breath. Take Breaks When You Need Them
You shouldn't feel that you have to push through an entire session without taking a break.
If you're tired, uncomfortable, or need to stretch your legs, just let me know.
A short break can make a big difference, especially during longer sessions. We can use the time to drink some water, have a snack, or simply give your body a rest. Find Something to Focus On
Some people find it helpful to listen to music or a podcast, while others prefer to close their eyes and relax.
You're more than welcome to bring headphones if that helps you feel comfortable.
There's no single right way to deal with tattoo pain. The most important thing is finding what works for you.
Bring Something Sweet
If you start feeling tired or low on energy, it can be nice to have a snack or something sweet to drink.
Of course, it doesn't replace eating a proper meal before your appointment, but it can be useful during a long session.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed and doesn't fit too tightly.
For example, shorts can be practical for a leg tattoo, while a loose T-shirt works well for the upper arm.
Bringing an extra sweater or a blanket can also be a good idea, as some people get cold when lying still for several hours.
Where Do Tattoos Hurt the Most?
Placement makes a big difference when it comes to tattoo pain.
Areas with thinner skin, lots of nerve endings, or bones close to the surface are often more sensitive.
However, pain varies greatly from person to person. An area that one person finds easy to tattoo might be very uncomfortable for someone else.
Areas That Are Often Less Painful The forearm, outer upper arm, and front of the thigh.
Areas With Moderate or Varying Pain
The wrist, chest, upper back, shin, calf, and areas around the knee.
Areas That Are Often More Painful
The ribs, solar plexus, inner upper arm, armpit, hands, feet, neck, and head.
You'll find plenty of tattoo pain charts online, but they should be taken with a grain of salt. They're based on general experiences and can't predict exactly how painful a particular placement will be for you.
Placement isn't the only thing that matters, either. A large tattoo with lots of colour and shading can be more demanding because the skin is worked on for a longer time.
What About Numbing Cream?
Numbing cream can reduce sensation in the skin, but I generally don't recommend using it without discussing it with me first.
Some products can cause redness, swelling, or irritation, making the skin more difficult to tattoo. The effect can also wear off during the session, causing the pain to return.
Certain numbing products can also cause serious side effects if used incorrectly, especially if they contain high concentrations of local anaesthetics or are applied to large areas of skin.
If you're thinking about using numbing cream, please contact me before your appointment. Don't apply anything to the area beforehand unless we've agreed on it.
After Your Session
Once your tattoo is finished, the skin may feel warm, sore, and irritated. It's normal for the area to be sensitive at first.
You might also feel tired after a longer session. Make sure to eat something, drink water, and take it easy if you need to.
Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or friction against your new tattoo while the skin is healing.
It's important to follow the aftercare instructions I give you. Keep your tattoo clean and watch out for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.
You can read more in my tattoo aftercare guide.
Final Thoughts
It's difficult to say exactly how much getting a tattoo will hurt until you've experienced it yourself.
But with good preparation, a little patience, and breaks when needed, most people manage just fine.
If you're nervous or have questions about pain, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'd much rather you speak up one time too many than not at all.
The most important thing to me is that you have a good experience and leave with a tattoo you're happy with.
