How To Deal With The Pain Of A Tattoo?

15 Strategies to Better Cope with Tattoo Pain

Pain is synonymous to getting a tattoo.
Wear loose clothes.
Stay sober at least 24 hours before the session.
Schedule for a morning session.
Take a non-aspirin pain reliever.
Listening to your favourite music can get you into Zen.
Ask for breaks.
Go with a friend.

Contents

0.1 Is getting a tattoo painful?
- 0.1.1 How can I Make my Tattoo appointment less painful?

1 How to relax after getting a tattoo?
- 1.1 Does dermabrasion hurt when you get a tattoo?

Is getting a tattoo painful?

How to relieve tattoo pain or how to make a tattoo hurt less are questions that bother the majority of people who are planning to get inked. Unfortunately, it is impossible to totally avoid pain during the tattooing process. But you can reduce the sense of discomfort you feel when getting inked by following our tips. Tattooing is the process of plunging a needle with ink into your skin. The skin, like any other organ, responds to this by making you feel pain (article: Does it hurt to get a tattoo? ).

Contents: 1;
Can you take pain pills before getting a tattoo? 2;
Tattoo painkillers in pharmacies 3;
Things not to do before getting a tattoo 4;
Things to do before getting a tattoo 5;
How to reduce pain while getting a tattoo “NO! Painkillers influence blood coagulability;

” Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen increase the blood flow. Blood and lymph nodes expel ink during the tattooing process which complicates a tattoo artist’s work. As a result, they will spend more time on the procedure, the tattooing will be more traumatic and the tattoo healing process will be worse.

“You should have a consultation with your tattoo artist about using an anaesthetic gel beforehand because many artists are against medication usage while tattooing;
Any additional substance which interferes with the skin can negatively influence the quality of your tattoo and the tattoo artist’s work;

” “There is no painkillers for tattoo pain. ” However, there are special gels and creams for tattoo pain relief but usually they ARE NOT widely available and recommended. If you have a low pain threshold or are planning to get a tattoo in a sensitive area, you have to ask your tattoo artist about using a numbing agent.

Drink alcohol (the day before and on the day of an appointment). Alcohol increases the blood flow during the tattoo process. When the blood discharges, it complicates the tattoo artist’s work.
Take painkillers. Many painkillers are developed for particular types of pain (for example, to reduce a muscle spasm) and can’t help with tattoo pain. Also, like alcohol, many medicines increase blood flow which can damage your tattoo.

“I read a lot of opinions about tattooing on the internet before my tattoo appointment and decided to take painkillers, but I didn’t tell my tattoo artist about this. Of course, it was impossible to conceal it because blood was flowing intensely and it prevented him from working. I was uncomfortable and felt ashamed. A good tattoo artist will see the truth. Pain while tattooing isn’t as intolerable as many people write in their posts on the internet. ”

Drink a lot of coffee , strong tea or energy drinks. These can lead to feeling sick during the tattooing process, and they can even cause fainting.
Sunbathe or go to a tanning salon. You could get sunburnt, and even the smallest flush or skin irritation can impact the tattooing process.

Important: Women shouldn’t get inked during their period because blood coagulability is reduced.

Have a good rest and sleep. The fresher you feel, the easier your tattoo experience will be.
Have a meal several hours before your appointment. Avoid spicy or salty food so that you don’t have to drink much water. You should try to create comfortable conditions for both you and your tattoo artist, and try to avoid too many distractions like having to use the bathroom.
Speak with your friends who have already got a tattoo. People who have the experience of getting a tattoo can support you and give you confidence.

“When you ask people who have a tattoo, they tell you that it isn’t as painful as they expected. Nobody says that it is the last tattoo they’ll ever get. Of course, there can be some unpleasant sensations, but they aren’t so terrible that they’d make you give up on the idea of getting a new tattoo. ”

Ask your tattoo artist all questions you are interested in, specify the time and place for the procedure, and discuss all the edits made to your sketch. Make sure that everything is 100% ready before you get your tattoo.
Create comfortable conditions for your tattooing procedure. Put on clothes that you aren’t afraid to mess up. It is better to be dressed in something dark. Take a bath or shower beforehand because it is not advised to shower directly after getting a tattoo. The more thorough preparation you do, the fewer worries you will have during your tattoo appointment day.

There is a very important factor that you should understand about getting a tattoo: your body can cope a certain amount of pain. When you start to feel pain or discomfort, your brain receives signals, and analgesic mechanisms start working. While getting your tattoo, you will feel comfortable within several minutes , and you won’t feel the same level of discomfort as at the beginning of the procedure.

There are special analgesics (for example, TKTX, Dr. Numb, Painless Tattoos Cream ). These are usually applied to big tattoos. It is necessary to have a consultation with your tattoo artist to find out more about analgesics because many artists think that these medications prevent ink deposition. It is possible that you won’t need analgesics during the tattooing process, but it is good to be ready for any circumstances that might arise.
Take a friend with you. Ask your tattoo artist whether he or she minds if you bring a friend with you. A person you are close to can help to take the heat out of the situation and help you relax.

“My best friend is also friends with a tattoo artist. She recommended him to me and also offered to come to my appointment with me. I didn’t have time to think about pain as we were speaking and laughing all the time. I have only only pleasant memories of the tattoo process”

Keep calm, relax and breathe deeply. If you find strolling helps you relax, why not walk part of the way to your tattoo artist’s salon?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a break. Speak with the tattoo artist and tell him/her about how you are feeling during the procedure. Don’t worry about the process taking too long – knowing you can take a break will help you manage the pain as well.
Hold something in your hand. Fidgeting with something in your hand helps to relax you on a psychological level and can also distract you from the pain.
Listen to your favorite music. Listening to your favourite playlist can also be an effective way to relax.
Choose one of the least painful areas for your tattoo. Read about this in more detail in our article.

You might be interested: How Do You Know If Your Tattoo Is Infected?

“If you worry a lot about tattooing, don’t get inked on any of the most painful places the first time. Once you have one tattoo, you will soon start planning to get another one. That is why it is better to choose a small picture for the first tattoo and get it on a less painful area like your shoulder or thigh.

How can I Make my Tattoo appointment less painful?

Download Article Download Article When it comes to getting inked, the old motto “no pain, no gain” is unfortunately rather accurate. All tattoos hurt at least a little. However, by going into your appointment with the right knowledge and using a few simple pain-fighting tricks, most tattoo pain can be quite manageable. You may be surprised how easy it is to survive your tattoo!

1 Talk to an expert about your tattoo to ease your mind. If you’ve never had a tattoo, the best way to mentally prepare yourself is to get rid of the mystery surrounding it. Ideally, you want to walk into your tattoo appointment without too much anxiety — the more relaxed you are, the easier your experience will be.
- Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. While tattoos are uncomfortable for most people, they aren’t anywhere near things like childbirth and kidney stones. Most people you talk to should confirm this.
2 Learn where tattoos hurt the most. A good amount of the pain from your tattoo is affected by the location on your body where you get it. If you’re looking to minimize your pain, you may want to move it to one of the less-painful areas. While everyone’s body is different, in general: [1]
- Areas with lots of muscle (arms, legs, upper pectorals) and areas with lots of fatty padding (glutes, hips, etc. ) tend to hurt the least.
- Sensitive areas (breasts, underarms, face, groin) and “hard” areas close to bones (scalp, face, collarbone, ribs, hands, feet) tend to hurt ‘ the most.
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3 Learn which tattoos hurt the most. All tattoos are not created equally. The pain level of your tattoo experience can also be affected by what, exactly, you’re getting put onto your body. While some exceptions exist, in general:
- The smaller and simpler a tattoo is, the less painful it will be. Large, detailed designs hurt much more.
- Black and gray tattoos are less painful (and take less time) than multi-color tattoos.
- Areas of solid color hurt the most because they require the artist to go over their work several times.
4 Arrange for someone to come with you. You don’t have to endure your tattoo experience alone. If you can, try taking a friend or family member whose company you enjoy. Having someone who cares for you makes the experience much easier — you’ll have someone to talk to about your jitters beforehand and someone to give words of encouragement when you run into pain.
- If you aren’t too shy, try making a social event out of your tattoo appointment. Many tattoo parlors allow small groups to hang out in the lobby or even in the room where the tattoo is being done if they aren’t unruly. Having a group of people to encourage you — even cheer for you — can make getting a tattoo a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
5 Know that there will be needles and a small amount of blood. A modern tattoo machine is essentially a small set of needles that go in and out of the skin very quickly, leaving a little ink each time. This basically has the effect of making lots of tiny cuts in the area where the tattoo is. Almost everyone who gets a tattoo bleeds a little bit from this. [2]
- Don’t be afraid to explain your situation to your tattoo artist. A good one will be more than happy to help you get through your tattoo with minimal discomfort.

1 Calm yourself. It’s hard to relax right before the tattoo artist starts drawing, but if you can, your experience will be easier. Try taking a few deep breaths, talking to your friend or family member, or even chatting with the tattoo artist. These things will help you relax and quit focusing on what’s about to happen.
- If you’re very worried going into your appointment, call ahead of time and ask whether you might be allowed to bring items that help you relax. For instance, you might try bringing an MP3 player to listen to your favorite relaxing tunes during your appointment. Many parlors will give you a good deal of freedom as long as your items don’t interfere with the tattoo artist’s job.
2 Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Depending on the size and detail level of your tattoo, you may be in the parlor for up to a few hours. While you’ll get breaks to get up and move around, a little bit of preparation can make your appointment much more comfortable. Below are a just a few things you may want to consider:
- Have a meal before your appointment. Have a glass or two of water to avoid dehydration and reduce the possibility of fainting.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing you won’t mind sitting in for a long time.
- Bring anything you’ll need to entertain yourself during your appointment (music player, reading material, etc. )
- Go to the bathroom before your appointment starts.
3 Squeeze or chew something to relieve pain. Tensing your muscles in an area you aren’t getting tattooed by squeezing something in your hand or biting down on something can actually reduce pain significantly. In fact, it’s a technique that’s use to reduce pain for women during labor — and it works quite well. Many tattoo parlors will have something for you to use, but if yours doesn’t, consider bringing one of the following: [3]
- Stress ball
- Grip exerciser
- Protective mouthpiece
- Gum
- Soft candy
- Towel, wooden spoon, etc.
- Don’t bite down if there’s nothing soft in your mouth. Simply gritting your teeth can cause dental damage.
4 Exhale during especially painful periods. Even something as simple as controlling your breathing can make getting a tattoo more bearable. Try to exhale when you feel the worst pain. You can do this either by breathing out or by making a gentle noise (like a low hum). Exhaling during stress or exertion makes it easier to “power through” the pain.
Try talking to people who have many tattoos or the staff at your local tattoo parlor about their experiences getting tattoos. Most will be happy to talk. If any of this process makes you feel faint or nauseous, you should plan not to watch.

This is why most fitness resources will recommend exhalation on the “up” phase of a weightlifting exercise. [4]
- On the other hand, it’s possible to make tattoo pain worse if you breathe incorrectly. Try to resist the urge to hold your breath during painful moments. This can make tattoo pain more distracting.
5 Move as little as possible. It can be tempting to squirm during particularly painful stretches of your tattoo appointment. Try your best not to. The less you move, the more precise the artist can be and the quicker your appointment will go. After all, it’s harder for an artist to draw on a canvas that won’t sit still.
- If you do have to move, warn your artist beforehand so that they have a chance to remove the tattoo gun from your skin. You do not want to accidentally cause the artist to make a mistake — tattoos are permanent.
6 Don’t be afraid to take breaks. Almost every tattoo artist will tell you this before they start, but it bears repeating: you should ask your artist to take a break if the pain ever becomes too much. Most don’t mind, and would prefer not to make your experience an unnecessarily painful one.
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a break. Most tattoo artists work on clients with a wide variety of pain tolerances and have “seen it all” when it comes to painful reactions. Remember, you are paying for this, so do what you need to do for you!
7 Try an OTC pain medication (but not a blood thinner). If you’re finding the pain really uncomfortable, you may want to try taking a small dose of an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller before your appointment. However, don’t take a pain medication that contains blood-thinning agents or causes blood thinning as a side effect.
- One great OTC painkiller that doesn’t contain blood thinners is acetaminophen (also called Tylenol or paracetamol). Other common OTC painkillers like Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium do act as blood thinners.
8 Don’t dull the pain by getting drunk. While it can be tempting to show up to your tattoo appointment inebriated (especially if you’re treating it as a social event), this is a very bad idea. Most reputable tattoo parlors won’t agree to do work on someone who is obviously drunk. This is for good reason — drunk customers have a tendency to be louder, more unruly, and make tattoo decisions that they regret later.
- In addition, alcohol is known to act as a mild blood thinner, leaving you bloodier than you normally would be. [5]
9 Listen to your artist’s care instructions. It’s normal for your new tattoo to be sore for a few days after it’s finished. As soon as the appointment is over, your artist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo. Follow these carefully and the pain you experience will be minimal and short-lived.
- The exact steps your artist tells you to follow may vary slightly from the ones in this article. In general, you will want to keep your new tattoo clean and dry, protect it from irritation, and frequently apply antibiotic ointments until it heals.
- Avoid touching the fresh tattoo with unwashed hands or anything else non-sterile. If you accidentally touch it, wash it gently with soap and water, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Accidentally transferring bacteria into a tattoo wound can lead to a painful infection (plus, it may change the way your tattoo looks). [6]

Add New Question

Question How can I calm my tattoo nerves? Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City’s Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink’s personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo Expert Answer
Question Can I handle tattoo pain? Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City’s Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink’s personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. The secret to dealing with pain during a tattoo is to relax as much as you can. You’ll likely feel the urge to brace against the needle, but the more tense you are, the more it will hurt. Just concentrate on your breathing and keeping yourself calm.
Question Though everyone has a different level of pain, roughly what is the pain like when getting a tattoo performed on one’s neck? Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Tattoo Artist Expert Answer
Question I’m planning to do a full back tattoo and want to know which area of the back is more bearable and which area is more painful? Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Tattoo Artist Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. This really depends on your pain tolerance. All tattoos hurt but the back is a place that generally hurts the least. Closer to the spine and the bottom of the back tend to hurt more than others. But I have had some clients complain about the middle of the back where the ribs are.

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Only get tattoos at clean parlors with good reputations. Doing a little online research for testimonials on sites like Google and Yelp can go a long way towards having a good tattoo experience.
Make sure not to rush into anything and carefully think about what tattoo you want, where you want it and, if possible, talk to someone you trust about their opinion.
Though rare, some people can be allergic to the ink used for tattoos. Red shades tend to trigger allergies most frequently. [7]

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How to relax after getting a tattoo?

Contents: 1. Can you take pain pills before getting a tattoo? 2. Tattoo painkillers in pharmacies 3. Things not to do before getting a tattoo 4. Things to do before getting a tattoo 5. How to reduce pain while getting a tattoo “NO! Painkillers influence blood coagulability.

“You should have a consultation with your tattoo artist about using an anaesthetic gel beforehand because many artists are against medication usage while tattooing. Any additional substance which interferes with the skin can negatively influence the quality of your tattoo and the tattoo artist’s work.

Drink alcohol (the day before and on the day of an appointment). Alcohol increases the blood flow during the tattoo process. When the blood discharges, it complicates the tattoo artist’s work.
Take painkillers. Many painkillers are developed for particular types of pain (for example, to reduce a muscle spasm) and can’t help with tattoo pain. Also, like alcohol, many medicines increase blood flow which can damage your tattoo.

Drink a lot of coffee , strong tea or energy drinks. These can lead to feeling sick during the tattooing process, and they can even cause fainting.
Sunbathe or go to a tanning salon. You could get sunburnt, and even the smallest flush or skin irritation can impact the tattooing process.

Important: Women shouldn’t get inked during their period because blood coagulability is reduced.

Have a good rest and sleep. The fresher you feel, the easier your tattoo experience will be.
Have a meal several hours before your appointment. Avoid spicy or salty food so that you don’t have to drink much water. You should try to create comfortable conditions for both you and your tattoo artist, and try to avoid too many distractions like having to use the bathroom.
Speak with your friends who have already got a tattoo. People who have the experience of getting a tattoo can support you and give you confidence.

Ask your tattoo artist all questions you are interested in, specify the time and place for the procedure, and discuss all the edits made to your sketch. Make sure that everything is 100% ready before you get your tattoo.
Create comfortable conditions for your tattooing procedure. Put on clothes that you aren’t afraid to mess up. It is better to be dressed in something dark. Take a bath or shower beforehand because it is not advised to shower directly after getting a tattoo. The more thorough preparation you do, the fewer worries you will have during your tattoo appointment day.

There are special analgesics (for example, TKTX, Dr. Numb, Painless Tattoos Cream ). These are usually applied to big tattoos. It is necessary to have a consultation with your tattoo artist to find out more about analgesics because many artists think that these medications prevent ink deposition. It is possible that you won’t need analgesics during the tattooing process, but it is good to be ready for any circumstances that might arise.
Take a friend with you. Ask your tattoo artist whether he or she minds if you bring a friend with you. A person you are close to can help to take the heat out of the situation and help you relax.

Keep calm, relax and breathe deeply. If you find strolling helps you relax, why not walk part of the way to your tattoo artist’s salon?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a break. Speak with the tattoo artist and tell him/her about how you are feeling during the procedure. Don’t worry about the process taking too long – knowing you can take a break will help you manage the pain as well.
Hold something in your hand. Fidgeting with something in your hand helps to relax you on a psychological level and can also distract you from the pain.
Listen to your favorite music. Listening to your favourite playlist can also be an effective way to relax.
Choose one of the least painful areas for your tattoo. Read about this in more detail in our article.

Does dermabrasion hurt when you get a tattoo?

– Getting a tattoo will hurt, but people have different pain thresholds, so it’s hard to predict exactly how painful your tattoo will be. Generally, fleshy areas like the outer thigh are less sensitive to pain. Bony parts of the body, like the ribs, are more sensitive.

If you want to get a tattoo, think carefully about where to place it. Take the time to research your artist and design. Tattoos are a big commitment, so it’s important to prepare and plan. Discuss any concerns you have with your tattoo artist.

A good artist can suggest ways to minimize your pain and discomfort..

Julia