Not sore spots of the tattoo. Does it hurt to get a tattoo?
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding tattoos is “Does a tattoo hurt?” or “How much does it hurt?”
Any tattooed person will confirm that he has indeed been asked this question hundreds of times. But we hope that if you are interested in this headline, then it is really important for you to get an objective and honest answer to it.
So, “I want to get a tattoo, but I’m afraid of the pain.”
There are a lot of legends and stories around this formulation, some claim that it is a hellish pain, others say that they almost fell asleep while getting a tattoo. Some people faint because their blood sugar levels drop or they allow fear to overwhelm them. But don't think that you are one of them.In general, this is unique personal experience, which is influenced by many factors.
If you are basically afraid of blood and injections, then of course it will not be easy for you. But if you choose a place on the body where you cannot physically see the process itself, you will be able to slightly reduce this fear. The needle moves up and down, pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage done to your skin is minor and many people do not bleed at all. The tattoo artist will also constantly wipe the skin so that even if there is blood, you won't see it. Excessive bleeding is only possible if you have consumed alcohol or blood thinners such as aspirin before the procedure.
“So does getting a tattoo really hurt?”
The short answer is “YES, but to different degrees for everyone.”It should be noted that the tattoo needle does not go deep under the skin and makes about 10-15 injections per second. Speed plays a big role here because if it moved slower it would pierce the skin. Our skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Since the epidermis is constantly being renewed, the tattoo needle must penetrate the dermis layer to make the tattoo permanent.
Other factors that influence the degree of pain are location on the body, pain threshold, skill of the tattoo artist and length of the process.
“Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?”
The least painful places to get a tattoo are the inside of the wrist and the top of the shoulder.The ankles, thighs and inner calves are also insensitive, as they have a good muscle layer.
The pain is worse in soft parts of the body such as the neck and inner forearm.
Tattooing directly on a bone (elbow, knee) is excruciating as you feel the vibration of the entire bone and sometimes the adjacent bones.
Tattoos in the abdomen, on the top of the foot, armpits, and under the ribs are the most unpleasant. Many girls get their first tattoo on the top of their foot... oh, if only they knew in advance.
Look at the diagram:
You can make your tattoo session more enjoyable by following these tips:
- Eat an hour before the session;
- Drink water before and during the session to avoid dehydration;
- Think in advance about what to wear - the clothes should be comfortable and give access to the part of the body on which the tattoo will be located;
- Get enough sleep the night before, no parties until the morning;
- Just in case, stock up on painkillers, such as Ketanov or Nurofen (just read the instructions) and make sure they don’t contain aspirin;
- Or buy a local anesthetic ointment;
- Take lollipops with you to maintain your energy level and be distracted if something happens;
- Take a shower before going to the master, but do not overdo it with perfume;
- Do not drink alcohol the day before the session - alcohol thins the blood, prevents blood clotting and seals the wound from infection;
- Do not drink more than one cup of coffee on the day of the session;
- Do not get a tattoo unless you are absolutely sure of the design;
- Don't agree to get a tattoo if you see dirty equipment with used needles;
- Don't get a tattoo if you have a cold;
- for girls: do not get a tattoo during menstruation;
- do not bring a whole support group with you, one person is enough - space is limited, and presence strangers can distract both the master and prevent you from coping with the situation;
- Do not be afraid of pain and discomfort, they will end very quickly;
- If the pain becomes unbearable, stop the session - you can finish another time;
- Trust your tattoo artist.
Good luck, and if you have questions, ask, we will definitely answer them.
Does it hurt to get a tattoo? This question plagues everyone who has decided to get their first tattoo. In this article we will tell you about the main thing, and also help you prepare physically and psychologically for the process of applying a tattoo. Welcome to the club!
At the very beginning it is worth noting thatpain threshold is individual for everyone, and there are no universal pain relief treatments that work equally well for everyone. At the same time, timeThere are features that you should know to make the tattooing process as comfortable as possible.
“As a tattoo artist, I will say that women have a really higher pain threshold, while even strong man, who was getting a tattoo in a fairly painful area, could faint. The same thing can happen to women, but I had a case when a girl who had a tattoo on her ribs (it was very painful there) fell asleep during the process. Everything is individual!”
“At the first touch of the needle, goosebumps run all over your body - quite an exciting sensation... As if a bee had bitten you. Usually the pain is at the very beginning and is unpleasant only for the first 10-15 minutes. Then it becomes normal.”
The process of getting a tattoo causes itchy, aching pain, since the needle injures the top layer of skin.It is especially difficult to endurewhere one fragment requires careful detailing.
In other words, the pain when getting a tattoo can be compared to an abrasion. Only “during an abrasion” this happens quickly, but when applying a tattoo, the process of traumatizing the skin is extended for several hours. Essentially, a tattoo is a wound.
What factors influence pain when getting a tattoo?
- Your fatigue (Not recommended in the evening or after a hard day at work)
- Girls should not get tattoos before or during Women's Day.
- You need to eat before the session, especially if the process is long.
- Drink plenty of water
- Complexity of the tattoo (Simple tattoos of the same type are less painful, as well as single-color tattoos, because they take less time).
Pain Map - The Most Painful Places to Get a Tattoo
The most painful places for a tattoo are consideredareas of the body where there is no fat layer and the skin is in close contact with the bone, as well as places with delicate skin and a large number of nerve endings.
These areas include:
- area at the bend of the elbow;
- skin around the nipple;
- armpits;
- area under the pectoral muscle on the ribs,
- skin under the knees,
- groin area.
ATTENTION:
- Regardless of the zone,the larger the tattoo design, the greater the discomfort.
- Masters, taking into account the chosen zone, often suggest dividing the work into small time intervals.
- Painful places for girls: axilla, face, area around the nipple, wrists, groin, knees, periosteum of the leg, area under the knee.The most painless places for girls to get tattoos: shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades, calves, .
- Painful places in men: head, armpits, elbows, and ribs, groin and pelvic area, legs, knees and feet. To the places whereit doesn't hurt to get a tattoo for men:shoulders, forearms, outer part, shoulder blades and calves.
How does the tattoo process differ between men and women? Does it hurt to get a tattoo for a girl?
Women are more tolerant of pain, a fact confirmed by many scientific studies. This is also relevant in tattoos, since fat deposits in women are located under the skin (the percentage of fat is higher than in men). This makes the tattooing process less painful than for men.
- Have a good rest and sleep.
- Eat in a few hours.
- Chat with your friends and acquaintances who already have tattoos.
- Ask the master all the questions that concern you.
- Choose the right clothes.
- Study the article “How to numb a tattoo? Tips for reducing pain”.
Before getting a tattooNOT recommended:
- Take any medications unless absolutely necessary. Many medications (including painkillers) affect blood clotting and can increase its secretion, which will greatly complicate the work of the master.
- Drink alcohol the day before and on the day of the session.
- Visit a solarium or the beach (the sun is harmful to the skin).
- Drink a lot of coffee and energy drinks.
How to relieve pain during the tattooing process?
We have prepared a separate article with tips on how to numb a tattoo, as well as make the tattooing process as comfortable as possible. Read about this in the article “ ”.
The most popular questions about tattoo pain and reviews:
Is it painful to get a tattoo on your arm, shoulder, forearm, or hand?
The most painless areas for a tattoo on the arm are the outer surface of the shoulder and forearm. It will hurt more on the inner surface of the shoulder due to sensitive skin in this area.The most painful place on the arm for a tattoo is the hand.. There are many nerve endings on the hand and there is no fat layer.
Is it painful to get a tattoo on your leg, thigh, foot, or calf?
Tattoos on the outer thigh and calf muscles will be the least painful. But with a tattoo on the periosteum, inner thigh and feet, you will have to be patient.The groin area and the area under the knees are considered to be the highest in terms of pain.Fortunately, tattoos are rarely done there.
Does it hurt to get a tattoo on your back?
The back is not the most painful area for a tattoo. But it is worth remembering that if you choose a large pattern on the entire back, then pain cannot be avoided. The longer the session lasts, the more discomfort you will feel.
Is it painful to get a tattoo on the collarbone?
Any tattoo in close proximity to bone is considered painful. But generally tattoos on the collarbone are not large size, and do not cause much discomfort.
Does it hurt to get a tattoo on your chest?
Region chest is a painful area for men and less painful for women. A tattoo under the breasts in women already refers to a higher degree of discomfort.
09.10.2017
Previously, women and girls decorated their hands with rings and rings, but today it is gaining popularity new trend– tattoos on fingers. This is a completely new direction in this art form. Tattoos have already lost their former meaning when they were tattooed by representatives of certain strata of society.
Now this is a popular, sought-after art direction. Permanent drawings are printed on different parts body, including on the fingers. The guys started drawing on the phalanges of their fingers. In the army, they often stamped their initials, the first letters of their name. Later, women also began to use such atypical jewelry, only they filled it with more elegant patterns: flowers, symbols, hieroglyphs.
If you are wondering whether it hurts to get a tattoo on your finger, take a needle, disinfect it, disinfect your finger, make a couple of shallow punctures, without paint, of course. Afterwards, treat with an antiseptic. Approximately these sensations will accompany the process of getting a tattoo on your finger. The pain depends on the individual pain threshold of the person. Compared to other areas for body designs on the finger, getting a tattoo is quite painful, because there is thin skin, close proximity of nerve endings and bone tissue.
What causes pain?
The pain when getting a finger tattoo is quite intense. But that doesn't stop girls and guys from doing stylish decoration. In fact, a lot depends on the psychological mood of a person. If you are not sure of your decision, you cannot finally decide on the choice of sketch, postpone your trip to the salon. There are other criteria that influence sensations:
- master's qualification;
- tools and equipment used;
- size and location of the picture;
- individual pain tolerance;
- client's well-being.
If you are afraid of pain, you can ask the artist to treat the tattoo area with an anesthetic. It is also important to properly prepare for the procedure. You cannot go to the doctor if your temperature has risen or chronic diseases have worsened. Healthy sleep, a hearty breakfast, a positive attitude - these are the main conditions for making the procedure as comfortable as possible. You can eat a few first chocolates, drink enough water throughout the day, wear clothes that do not touch the tattoo.
Popular tattoos and their meaning
Choosing a finger tattoo is a very responsible task. The wrong drawing can play a cruel joke on you. For example, some patterns on this part of the body indicate belonging to the thieves' audience.
- Rings and rings. Today, they are increasingly stuffed by married couples instead of ordinary ones. wedding rings. This solution looks very original and unusual. Tattoos can be made in the shape of a crown, initials loved one, inscriptions.
- Tattoos on the joints, the so-called “brass knuckles”. They are popular among young guys who in this way want to express themselves and emphasize their individuality.
- Tattoos with inscriptions. If the tattoo is made in a beautiful font, the inscription is well chosen, it will look very aesthetically pleasing. You should not choose long, complex words, simple and memorable ones are better.
Among the popular drawings: a slightly open book, lush flowers. A universal option for the stronger sex is a cross tattoo. There are elegant sketches for girls. Such a tattoo is endowed with a special meaning, so the decision to apply it must be made responsibly and thoughtfully.
Features of finger tattoos
Even such an insignificant, barely noticeable decoration as a tattoo on a finger can tell a lot about the character of the owner. The picture can be located in different places, on different fingers, in front, behind or on the side. Please note that your hands are constantly visible. They cannot be hidden except with gloves, and then only in the cold season. You need to carefully think through all the little things:
- decide on the size, shape, location of the image, select color scheme, design:
- pay close attention to the choice of salon and artist, because work of such complexity should be trusted only to professionals, so that later you do not have to delete or adjust the drawing;
- do not be afraid to ask the artist about what interests you, about the meaning of your sketch, if necessary, ask to treat the tattoo area with an anesthetic;
- After completing the drawing, take proper care of it until it is completely healed, treat it with antiseptics, and regularly change sterile dressings.
There are a large number of folds on the arms. These parts of the body are constantly at work. The skin renews itself faster here. Over time, the drawing may wear out a little and lose its former attractiveness. To fix this, just make a correction. It is less painful than getting a tattoo.
Tattoos are so common in modern culture that this inevitably brings us to our topic: Tattoo Pain Chart. You have to ask yourself what level of pain you are willing to endure for a tattoo. If you've never gotten a tattoo, you probably don't know that the pain from getting one can vary. And it depends on the part of the body that you are going to decorate.
Let's not beat around the bush: does it hurt to get a tattoo? Yes, getting a tattoo is painful! Your friends cannot always honestly tell you how painful it was for them to get a tattoo. Simply because it is not customary to “admit” that you were hurt. This is why you should study the tattoo pain map before heading to the tattoo parlor.
I'm telling this based on own experience. Many of my friends are completely tattooed (well, I mean, they have a lot of tattoos). Therefore, being among them, I felt like a “black sheep”. And this pushed me to join the culture and get my first tattoo.
I decided to approach the issue thoroughly and took the time to study the issue. Now I want to share my experiences with you to make it easier for you to choose an area of the body for your first tattoo.
Anesthesia for tattooing.
Are there pain relievers specifically for tattoos? Of course, these products were developed not only for tattoo artists and their clients. They're just pain relievers local action. But, in professional tattoo shops you can find a large selection of ointments and creams used as anesthesia for tattooing.
Is it worth using them? There is no clear answer to this question. Some artists claim that when using such a cream, a tattoo takes longer to heal. Others are sure that if the client tolerates pain more easily, then the process of applying a tattoo will go faster. Important to note that some of the components of creams may cause allergies for a specific person. Therefore, before purchasing, carefully study the composition of the product. And before going to the salon, apply a small amount of ointment to an inconspicuous area of skin. To make sure there is no allergy.
Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?
As already mentioned, as a result of the research, I found out that applying a tattoo to certain areas of the body is the most painful. Honestly, I think you should avoid the most painful areas for your first tattoo. Because you run the risk of simply not getting the tattoo. So, I have prepared for you a list of the most painful places to get a tattoo. Of course, there are people who will endure any pain until they get the desired result. If you are one of them, why are you even reading this article?
Whiskey. A very rare place for a tattoo. A tattoo artist I know told me that the pain will make you cry or, in the worst case, get a “Black Out” (leaving without finishing the job). 
Outer part of foot to toes: If one of your friends boasts a tattoo in this part of the body, you can be sure that it was very painful for him. There is very thin skin and many blood veins. The right decision will ask the artist how many people were unable to get a tattoo in this place. 
Lower ribs: Have you seen people with tattoos in this place? I don't. And my tattoo artist explained that this is a rare place for a tattoo precisely because of its pain. He admitted to me that he was starting out doing rib tattoos for a client of his. But they were forced to stop. Because the client could not bear the pain.
Important note! After getting a tattoo, you will have to take care of your body design. Apply moisturizer and use tattoo healing film. This will cause some inconvenience. For example, when taking a shower or choosing clothes. Therefore, it is better to do a large tattoo on a large area of the body, say, in winter. Well, you certainly shouldn’t do this kind of work if you’re on vacation and going to warm countries.
Fingers: Another part of the body that will not let you get bored while getting a tattoo. The fingers are covered with thin skin, the bones are very close. The pain will go directly to nervous system. Despite this, finger tattoos are quite popular. This is explained by the small size of the tattoo. 
Kneecaps: Even a small bruise on your knee will hinder your movement. What about needles through the skin to the bone? It's better to think carefully. Definitely not suitable for a first tattoo. 
Upper chest: Another area that you should be mentally prepared for before walking into a tattoo parlor. The reasons are still the same: Thin skin, close proximity of nerves. 
Top and bottom biceps: There is a high concentration of blood vessels here. 
Where doesn't it hurt to get a tattoo?
Now let's move on to the parts of the body with the least sensitivity. As I said earlier, for the first tattoo it is better to choose an area of the body where the pain will not make you want to run away from the tattoo parlor without finishing the work. This is important because it will not discourage you from getting a tattoo:
Shoulder joint: This is the place I chose for my first tattoo. I felt a little discomfort during the process and quickly got the desired result. I am sure that anyone can get a tattoo in this place. In my opinion, this is the least sensitive place. 
Forearm (upper side): It won’t hurt here either. The feeling of a needle prick is approximately the same as that of a razor cut. It's no surprise that many people get tattoos here.
Upper thigh: There are a lot of muscles under the skin. You will hardly feel pain because, precisely for this reason. 
Palm: on back side palms have few blood veins. The feeling you will experience can be compared to a scratch. A good place for your first tattoo. 
In order not to leave what you started halfway, you must accurately understand the level of pain that you will experience. At least you already have enough information to do this. Next, we will discuss ways to reduce the pain of getting a tattoo.
Don't be like those who go for a tattoo only to leave it halfway. You have to know where you want it and the pain you will have to stand up for. At least you have a good start and in the next section I will share with you the secret to dealing with pain.
How to relieve the pain of getting a tattoo?
In the previous section, you learned the places that are most or least suitable for tattooing. I am sure that you have decided on the area of the body that you want to decorate. Now that you have gotten used to the idea that there will still be pain. Let's look at ways to reduce it a little. 
Before getting a tattoo:
You need to think about the pain from getting a tattoo before you come to the tattoo parlor. When choosing a design and place for a tattoo, weigh the pros and cons. Here are the steps to take ahead of time:
- Conversation with an expert: Your friend who already has a tattoo can act as an expert. Ideal if you have a familiar master. An important nuance: all people feel pain differently. Everyone has a different pain disorder. Therefore, you should not take advice as absolute truth.
- Know where it hurts more: Well, we've already sorted that out. Take another look at the tattoo pain map and decide on a location for the design. As you already understand, the general trend is: Where there is more muscle or fat, there is less pain. And vice versa, places where the skin is located close to the bones will cause more pain.
- Decide on the type of tattoo: I won’t be revealing anything new if I say that a large tattoo takes longer. And that means you will have to endure the pain longer.
- Take your friends or loved one: It is easier to endure discomfort and tension next to a loved one.
- Just keep this in mind: There will be some blood and needles. There is no other way to get a tattoo without blood. There are people who are afraid of her appearance. In this case, it’s better to just not look. The master can handle it without you -)
When you get a tattoo:
- Calm down: Fear is one of the things that makes pain worse than it actually is. Take a few deep breaths.
- Take something to chew: Chewing gum can be a great helper. Try to shift your concentration from the pain to chewing gum. Although you can simply think about some grandiose or not so grandiose idea. It is important to concentrate on something other than your body.
- If the pain gets worse: If you can't stand it anymore, take breaks. Don't be afraid to ask a specialist.
- Move only then, when necessary: the fewer movements you make, the less pain you will experience.
What you need to know before getting a tattoo
So, you've already dealt with the pain, but there are still a few important things to understand before covering your skin with ink:
- No alcohol: There is a misconception that it is better to get drunk the night before the session. This is not true, since alcohol thins the blood. And that means there will be more blood loss.
- Experienced master : The more experience your practitioner has, the less pain you will experience. If you choose a beginner as a master, you will most likely save money. But the process will be painful.
- Be careful about hygiene: There is a possibility of getting an infection during the tattooing process. This happens rarely. But you must be prepared: the master must print a new needle in front of you.
- Follow all instructions: Sometimes your notorious attitude can make it painful for your experience. It's easier if you follow all the instructions. Perform everything as expected and you will have it simple and easy.
So, now you have knowledge that will help you decide on the location and size of the tattoo. Trite, hackneyed... But the phrase “You can’t pull it out without difficulty...” is applicable here too. In any case: the choice is always yours. Good luck!
Every tattoo artist is asked before the session: “Doesn’t it hurt?” We'll tell you where it really hurts so you don't ask stupid questions.
Tattoos hurt everyone: both women and men. The intensity of pain depends not only on the individual pain threshold, but also on some other factors. If you didn’t eat properly before the session and drank the day before, or you have a cold and don’t feel well, postpone the tattoo. Otherwise, you will doom yourself to the torments of hell, unless, of course, you are going to do something more or less serious, and not a small heart on your hand.
But let's say you feel great. And so you come to the session in a great mood, the tattooist prepares your skin for tattooing, translates the drawing (or draws with a freehand, it’s cooler), turns on the machine... And you begin to writhe in pain, twitch - and neither you nor a master who can make uneven contours due to your convulsions.
Just look at this pain map and think about where you can actually endure a multi-hour “acupuncture” session. If you are getting a tattoo for the first time, it is worth remembering that the most painful areas of application are those that are not protected by fat and muscles, as well as those where many nerve endings are concentrated. For example, it is hellishly painful to get hammered in the knees, the area of the lower leg in front (where the so-called “dry bone” is), ankles, feet, shoulder at the attachment point of the shoulder joint, back in the area of the tailbone and spine, neck, area of the ribs. It is painful to tattoo both the stomach and the area under the breasts.
It is practically not painful to get a tattoo on the biceps, shoulders, soft tissues of the lower leg, buttocks, and shoulder blades.
How to avoid hellish torment when applying a tattoo? You can use special anesthetic ointments, which are always in your arsenal. good master. The ointment lasts 3-4 hours, and if the pain becomes too severe, it is better to interrupt the session and finish the tattoo in a week or two. You can also take painkillers. And also, be distracted as much as possible, talk with the master, watch a movie or listen to your favorite music. And breathe deeply.
Remember: when choosing a tattoo and the place where it will be applied, it is better to think not about how comfortable and painless the session will be, but how much it will decorate your body. And beauty – that’s what it is – requires sacrifice.