When it comes to tattooing, the old motto “pain first, fun later” seems to fit. All tattoo procedures must be painful even if a little. However, having the right knowledge and using a few simple tricks can get you through most of the pain of getting a tattoo. You won't believe how easy it is to get a tattoo with minimal pain!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Before the Tattoo
Step 1. Discuss tattoos with a tattooist to relieve anxiety
If you've never had a tattoo, the best way to prepare yourself mentally is to dispel the mystery surrounding the tattoo. Ideally, the tattoo procedure is done without worrying too much – the more relaxed you are, the easier your tattoo experience will be. Try talking to people who have a lot of tattoos or tattoo studio employees about their experiences getting tattoos. Most of them will be happy to share their experiences.
Everyone's pain tolerance is different. The tattoo procedure is painful for most people, but not as painful as childbirth or kidney stones; most of the people you ask about this would agree
Step 2. Know where the tattoo hurts the most
Much of the pain from a tattoo depends on the location of the body being tattooed. If you want to minimize pain, choose one of the body locations that will not feel too painful when tattooed. Although everyone's body is different, in general:
- Parts of the body that have a lot of muscle (arms, legs, upper chest) and thick fat pads (buttocks, groin, etc.) tend to have the least pain.
- Sensitive body parts (breast/chest, armpits, face, genital area) and “hard” body parts close to bones (scalp, face, collarbone area, ribs area, hands, soles of the feet) tend to be felt sickest.
- This article has a handy diagram showing the level of pain for each part of the body.
Step 3. Know which tattoo hurts the most
Every tattoo is different. The level of pain felt when tattooed can also be affected by what, exactly, is being tattooed on the body. While there are exceptions, in general:
- The smaller and simpler the tattoo, the less pain. The expansive and detailed design feels much less painful.
- Multi-colored tattoos are much more painful (and take longer) than single-color tattoos.
- The solid-colored area of the tattoo hurts the most because the tattoo artist will need to work on the area several times.
Step 4. Have someone accompany you
You don't have to go through the tattoo experience alone. If you can, try bringing a friend or family member you know well. Accompanied by someone who cares about you makes the tattoo experience that much easier – there's someone to talk to about your nervousness before the tattoo procedure and cheer you on when the pain starts.
If you're not too shy, try turning your tattoo day into a social event. Many tattoo studios allow small groups of people to gather in the lobby or even in the room where the tattoo procedure is being performed as long as it doesn't create a fuss. By having a group of supportive, even encouraging people, you can make getting a tattoo a memorable one
Step 5. Be aware that there will be needles and some blood
Modern tattoo guns are basically a set of needles that pierce the skin repeatedly very quickly and leave a small amount of ink in the skin each time. The procedure basically makes many small incisions in the tattooed part of the body. Almost everyone who undergoes a tattoo procedure must bleed a little because of it. If it causes nausea or fainting, you should not watch the procedure.
Don't be afraid to explain your nervousness to the tattoo artist. A good tattoo artist will be happy to help you through the tattoo procedure so that the pain is minimal
Part 2 of 2: During Tattoos
Step 1. Calm down
It's hard to stay calm right before the tattoo artist gets to work, but if you can, the experience will become easier. Try taking a few deep breaths, chatting with a friend or family member, or even conversing with the tattoo artist. All of these things can help calm you down and distract yourself from the impending tattoo procedure.
If you're really worried about the tattoo procedure, call the tattoo studio first and ask if you can bring anything that can help you calm down. For example, try bringing an MP3 player with you to listen to your favorite self-soothing tunes during your tattoo. Many tattoo studios allow this as long as the object you bring does not interfere with the tattoo artist's work
Step 2. Make yourself as comfortable as possible
Depending on the size and detail of the tattoo you choose, the tattoo procedure can take up to several hours. While there will be breaks to get up and take a short walk, a little preparation can make the experience a lot more comfortable. Here are just a few things to consider:
- Eat before going to the tattoo studio. Drink 1-2 glasses of water to prevent dehydration.
- Wear loose clothing that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Bring whatever is needed to entertain yourself during the tattoo procedure (song player, reading material, etc.).
- Go to the toilet before the tattoo procedure begins.
Step 3. Squeeze or chew something for pain relief
Tensing muscles by squeezing something in your hand or biting into something can actually greatly reduce pain. In fact, the technique is used by women to relieve pain during childbirth-and is quite effective. Many tattoo studios have something you can use, but if not, consider bringing one of these:
- Stress ball
- Grip exerciser
- mouth guard
- Chewing gum
- Soft candy
- Towels, wooden spoons, etc.
- Do not bite if there is no soft object in the mouth. Gritting alone can cause tooth decay.
Step 4. Exhale when it hurts the most
Even something as simple as controlling your breathing can make the tattoo procedure more bearable. Try exhaling when it hurts the most. Do this by exhaling or making a soft sound (such as a low hum). Exhaling when you're stressed or using force makes it easier for you to "hold" through the pain. That's why most fitness experts recommend exhaling in the "up" stage of lifting weights.
On the other hand, pain during a tattoo procedure can be more severe if you are not breathing properly. Don't hold your breath when it hurts, as this can make you focus more on the pain
Step 5. As much as possible, do not move
It can be tempting to move around during a long and painful tattoo procedure. However, try your best not to move. The more you budge, the more precise and fast the tattoo artist will work. After all, the artist will have a harder time drawing if the canvas is moving.
If you must move, let them know in advance so the artist has time to keep the tattoo gun away from the skin. You wouldn't want a tattoo-error to be permanent
Step 6. Don't be afraid to ask for a break
Almost all artists tell this before starting the tattoo procedure. However, it's worth repeating: ask for time off if the pain becomes unbearable. Most tattoo artists don't mind pausing and will be happy to help make your tattoo experience less painful. Feel free to rest for 2 minutes, then resume the tattoo procedure.
Don't be shy about asking for a break. Most tattoo artists have clients with varying degrees of pain tolerance and have “see all” the reaction to pain. Remember, you pay; the procedure is not free. So, do what has to be done for yourself
Step 7. Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers (but not blood thinners)
If it hurts a lot, try taking a small dose of over-the-counter pain reliever. However, do not buy pain relievers that contain blood thinners or cause blood thinning side effects. To deal with pain from tattoos, painkillers that can also thin the blood are not dangerous, but cause more bleeding.
One good over-the-counter pain reliever without a blood thinner is acetaminophen (also called Tylenol or paracetamol). Other over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium, of course acts as a blood thinner.
Step 8. Don't dull the pain by getting drunk
While going to the tattoo studio drunk is tempting (especially if you're turning the experience into a social event), it's a very bad idea. Most reputable tattoo studios will not want to tattoo someone who is drunk. The reason is plausible-drunk clients tend to scream, make a mess, and pick a tattoo they'll regret later.
In addition, alcohol acts as a mild blood thinner so the bleeding that occurs during the tattoo procedure will be more than under normal circumstances
Step 9. Listen to the artist's instructions on how to care for the tattoo
It's normal for a new tattoo to hurt for the first few days after the tattoo procedure. As soon as the tattoo procedure is complete, the artist will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the tattoo. Follow these instructions so that the pain is minimal and goes away quickly.
- Read the article on how to care for a new tattoo for detailed instructions. The exact instructions your tattoo artist tells you to follow may be slightly different from those in the article. In general, you will need to keep your new tattoo clean, protect it from irritation, and apply antibiotic ointment regularly until it heals.
- Don't touch a new tattoo without washing your hands first or with anything that isn't sterile. If accidentally touched, wash gently with soap and water. New tattoos that are accidentally exposed to bacteria can develop a painful infection, which can further cause the tattoo's appearance to change.
Tips
- Get a tattoo only in a clean and reputable studio. Doing a little online research by reading testimonials on sites like Google and Yelp can really help you get a great tattoo experience.
- Although rare, some people are allergic to tattoo inks. Red ink tends to trigger allergic reactions the most.
