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When it comes to getting inked, the age-old adage 'no pain, no gain' unfortunately rings true. Almost all tattoos involve some degree of discomfort. However, with proper preparation and a few simple techniques to combat pain, the majority of tattoo discomfort can be effectively managed. You might be surprised at how easily you can endure the process!
Procedures
Prior to Your Appointment
Seek advice from a tattoo expert to alleviate any concerns. If you're new to the world of tattoos, one of the best ways to mentally prepare yourself is to demystify the process. Ideally, you want to approach your tattoo appointment with minimal anxiety — the more at ease you are, the smoother the experience will be. Consider reaching out to individuals with extensive tattoo experience or consulting with professionals at your local tattoo studio to gain insight into their tattoo journeys. Most individuals will be happy to share their insights.
- Pain tolerance varies from person to person. While tattoos can be uncomfortable for many, they typically do not compare to experiences like childbirth or kidney stones. Conversations with others should confirm this notion.
Discover where tattoos are most painful. The location of your tattoo significantly influences the level of pain you experience. To minimize discomfort, consider opting for less sensitive areas. While pain tolerance varies, in general:
- Regions abundant in muscle (arms, legs, upper chest) and areas with ample fatty tissue (buttocks, hips, etc.) typically cause less discomfort.
- Tender areas (breasts, underarms, face, groin) and bony regions (scalp, face, collarbone, ribs, hands, feet) usually inflict 'more pain.
Learn which types of tattoos are most painful. Not all tattoos are equal in terms of pain. The pain level can also be influenced by the type of tattoo you choose. While exceptions exist, generally:
- Smaller and simpler tattoos tend to be less painful, whereas large, intricate designs are more painful.
- Monochromatic tattoos cause less pain (and require less time) than multicolored ones.
- Areas filled with solid color are more painful because they necessitate multiple passes by the artist.
Arrange for company during your tattoo session. You don't have to face your tattoo experience alone. If possible, invite a friend or family member whose presence you enjoy. Having someone supportive by your side makes the process much easier — they can provide comfort before and during the session.
- If you're comfortable, consider turning your tattoo appointment into a social gathering. Many tattoo studios allow small groups to accompany the client, providing encouragement and camaraderie throughout the experience.
Be prepared for needles and slight bleeding. A modern tattoo machine consists of tiny needles that rapidly penetrate the skin, depositing ink with each puncture. This process creates small incisions, resulting in minor bleeding. It's common for individuals to experience some bleeding during the procedure. If you feel faint or queasy, it's best to avoid watching.
- Don't hesitate to communicate your discomfort to the tattoo artist. A skilled artist will assist you in managing any discomfort during the process.
During the Tattoo Session
Find your calm. It's challenging to relax just before the tattoo artist begins, but if you can manage it, your experience will be smoother. Try taking deep breaths, engaging with a friend or family member, or chatting with the tattoo artist. These tactics will help you unwind and divert your attention from the impending procedure.
- If you're feeling extremely anxious beforehand, consider calling ahead to inquire about bringing items to help you relax. For instance, you might bring an MP3 player to listen to soothing music during your appointment. Many studios allow such accommodations as long as they don't disrupt the tattoo artist's work.
Ensure your comfort. Depending on your tattoo's size and complexity, your time in the parlor could span several hours. While you'll have breaks, a bit of preparation can enhance your comfort. Here are some considerations:
- Eat before your appointment and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and potential fainting.
- Opt for loose, comfy attire suitable for prolonged sitting.
- Bring entertainment items like a music player or reading material.
- Use the restroom before your appointment begins.
Employ pressure or chewing for pain relief. Applying pressure or biting down on something in an area not being tattooed can significantly alleviate pain. This technique, akin to pain management in childbirth, is quite effective. Many parlors provide items for this purpose, but if not, consider bringing items like:
- Stress ball
- Grip exerciser
- Mouth guard
- Gum
- Soft candy
- Towel or wooden spoon
- Avoid biting down on hard objects to prevent dental damage.
Exhale during painful moments. Even simple breathing control can make the tattoo process more bearable. Exhale when pain peaks, either by breathing out or emitting a low hum. Exhaling during stress or exertion helps endure pain, similar to techniques in fitness training.
- Incorrect breathing can exacerbate tattoo pain. Avoid holding your breath during painful moments, as it can increase discomfort.
Minimize movement. While it's tempting to fidget during painful phases, try to remain still. Less movement allows for better precision by the artist and speeds up the appointment. After all, it's difficult to work on a canvas that won't stay put.
- If movement is necessary, inform your artist beforehand so they can pause. Accidental movement can lead to mistakes, and tattoos are permanent.
Feel free to pause. Most tattoo artists will remind you of this before they begin, but it's worth repeating: don't hesitate to ask for a break if the pain becomes too intense. They don't mind, and prefer not to make your experience unnecessarily painful. Take a brief 2-minute break and then resume your tattoo session.
- Don't feel ashamed to request a break. Tattoo artists encounter clients with varying pain thresholds and have seen it all when it comes to reactions to pain. Remember, you're paying for this service, so do what's best for you!
Consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever (but avoid blood thinners). If the pain is really bothering you, consider taking a small dose of an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever before your appointment. However, avoid pain relievers containing blood-thinning agents or those that cause blood thinning as a side effect. While small doses aren't particularly risky for tattoos, they can increase bleeding.
- An excellent OTC pain reliever without blood thinners is acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol or paracetamol). But be cautious with other common OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium, as they act as blood thinners.
Avoid using alcohol to numb the pain. While it might seem appealing to show up to your tattoo appointment after a few drinks (especially if it's a social outing), it's a bad idea. Most reputable tattoo studios won't tattoo someone who appears intoxicated. This is because intoxicated clients tend to be disruptive, noisy, and may make impulsive tattoo choices they'll regret later.
- Furthermore, alcohol acts as a mild blood thinner, increasing bleeding during the tattooing process.
Follow your artist's aftercare instructions. It's normal for your new tattoo to feel tender for a few days after completion. After your appointment, your artist will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo. Adhering to these instructions diligently will minimize discomfort and promote quick healing.
- Your artist's specific instructions may slightly differ from those in this article. Generally, you'll need to keep your new tattoo clean and dry, shield it from irritation, and apply antibiotic ointments regularly until it heals.
- Avoid touching your fresh tattoo with unwashed hands or anything non-sterile. If you accidentally touch it, gently wash it with soap and water, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Introducing bacteria into a tattoo wound can cause a painful infection and affect the appearance of your tattoo.
Helpful Tips
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Although uncommon, some individuals may have allergies to tattoo ink, with red shades being the most common triggers.
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Ensure you only get tattoos from clean parlors with reputable backgrounds. Conducting a bit of online research by checking testimonials on platforms like Google and Yelp can significantly contribute to a positive tattoo experience.
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Take your time and avoid rushing into decisions. Carefully consider the design, placement, and seek the opinion of someone you trust before proceeding with your tattoo.
The advice provided here is gleaned from the experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have any helpful tips to share, please feel free to submit them below.
- Don't hesitate to make some noise during the tattooing process to distract yourself from the pain. Singing a song, grunting, or engaging in conversation can help divert your attention!
- Listening to music or chatting with someone on social media can provide distraction, but avoid making phone calls as they may disrupt the artist's focus.
- Ensure you've eaten before your appointment, but steer clear of caffeine.
- Having a substantial meal beforehand can help you maintain strength during the tattoo session.
