How much it hurts to get a tattoo and how to minimize the unpleasant sensations


The process of getting a tattoo is a very serious one in itself, and it's worth giving it a lot of thought. Many people's hesitation begins with the question of how much does it hurt to get a tattoo? Sometimes it is this question that becomes an obstacle to getting a drawing on the body. In order not to ruin your dreams and with pleasure embody them, it is necessary to determine the place of application. After all, very often the sensation of pain depends on it. But, nevertheless, the chosen part of the body is only one of the criteria for evaluating the painful sensations during the procedure.

Qualification and experience of the tattoo master

Qualification and experience of tattoo master is the most important factor, because experience can influence painful feelings while tattooing. The tattooist must not only be able to transfer the drawing on the body, but also know how to apply anesthetic ointments and if necessary make pauses, so the client could have a little rest and tune up to continue the procedure. Also the master should have a general knowledge about needles and types of machines, as different types of tools should be used for different drawings. This greatly affects the sensation of the process.

Where it does not hurt to get a tattoo: the places of application

The perception of pain depends on the part of the body on which the tattoo will be applied. First of all, I would like to say that the main role is played by the number of nerve endings in a particular area of the body, as well as the weight category. The more meat or fat between the bones and skin, the less painful it is. It's no secret that women have an easier time with pain than men. Let's take a closer look at the most painful places for women and men when getting a tattoo.

Does it hurt to remove a tattoo by laser, remuver and other methods?

Tattoo removal using laser and remuver is a painful procedure. Local anesthetics are used to increase the patient's comfort level. Otherwise, the girl will have to endure pain, the intensity of which is comparable to the sensations as during tattooing. Only in this case, it will be required from 2 to 15 sessions, depending on the area of the tattoo and its saturation of color shades.

Where it don't hurt to get a tattoo on a girl's body

Tattooing is practically painless on those parts of the body where there is a dense layer of fatty tissue, voluminous muscles, and the bones are deep from the surface of the skin. Even in the presence of these conditions, the girl will still feel a slight discomfort, resembling an incessant burning, caused by the rapid movement of the needle in the epithelial tissue structure.

To alleviate painful symptoms, most professional tattoo artists use local anesthesia. These are lidocaine-based creams of 5% concentration. The most acute pain is felt when the tattoo is applied to the skin around the nipples, the central and upper part of the chest, the neck, along the entire spine line. The recovery period after a tattoo requires its closure with a protective film with regular treatment of the skin with anti-inflammatory ointments Bepanten and Panthenol.

Pain sensitivity in areas of women's bodies

The most painful places for the female sex are the neck, chest, head, spine, hands, inner thighs, knees, ankles and feet. Moderate pain when padding the sketch on the shoulder blades, ribs, abdomen, thighs, shins and under the knee. Mild tingling sensations are felt on the forearm, back of the neck and shoulder, back and buttocks.

Pain threshold during a tattoo procedure

As you know, each person has a different degree of perception of pain sensations. It is believed that the male sex tolerates discomfort better and perceives pain less sensitively. So basically interested in the question regarding the pain during the performance of the tattoo, of course, girls. But in any case, tolerance for painful sensations is developed over time and can even be trained. When in the case of the first tattoo there was a hell of a pain, then the third one will not bring any discomfort at all.

How much pain to endure during tattooing: the duration of the procedure

Definitely, the duration of the process depends on the size of the tattoo: the bigger the picture, the more time you will have to spend in the chair. In order to trace more precisely the smallest details or to paint a certain piece, the master will have to work on the skin area. It is these moments involuntarily lead to irritation under the influence of the needle, resulting in increased pain sensations. Therefore, large-scale drawings and distribute to several visits to the tattoo master. At any time you can interrupt and continue the drawing, when the skin is slightly healed.

Harm

The most significant harm from tattoos is the possibility of falling ill with an infectious disease. Therefore, you need to be careful about disinfecting the entire process and follow-up care.

The next point is the harm of the pigments themselves. They must be of good quality, because wearing ink is not what your skin wants. Because of them can form allergies, so it is desirable to find out exactly what pigments were used, in order to cope more effectively with this problem.

Also the composition of the ink for tattooing is quite toxic, it includes metal oxides and other chemical elements such as copper, zinc, barium, cadmium, mercury. Getting into the blood and subsequently into the organs can lead to acute illness or exacerbation of chronic diseases.

It is not uncommon now to meet people with a psychological addiction to tattoos, who can not resist the opportunity to score a blank patch of skin. Only a therapist or psychiatrist can help here.

Moral attitude: comparison of pain sensations

Moral attitude is one of the main factors that influence the pain of tattooing on the body. If fear and doubts are still present, it is necessary to overcome them. The most important thing is not to think about it and tune out the pain for a long time. A tattoo is not the most severe and painful sensation, compared to the ones one experiences throughout life: waxing, muscle pain after a hard workout at the gym, in the end, giving birth to a child. That's how you need to tune your brain, and then it won't be so scary and painful, because the main thing is to support yourself mentally.

Options for tattoo designs

When choosing a sketch you can use ready-made ideas.

Memorable inscriptions

You can fix on the skin important events that greatly changed your life. These may include the birth of children, recovery from a dangerous disease or marriage. Often life mottos or quotes from favorite works of art are used as inscriptions.

Inscriptions
Inscriptions on the neck.

Hieroglyphics

Hieroglyphs drawn on the skin look stylish. For girls, such tattoos will give grace and charm. Previously, it is recommended to find out from specialists the meaning of the chosen sign. Tattoo artists can offer clients symbols with obscene or funny interpretations.

Hieroglyphs
Hieroglyphs in the tattoo.

Different symbolism

You can use the symbolism of your religion. This choice is suitable for people of faith, for whom spiritual development is important.

If a guy or girl believes in astrology, the image of the zodiac sign will do.

Less often choose notes, military symbols, signs of subculture affiliation.

Symbolism
Symbolic signs.

Plant subjects

Plants are popular with both girls and men. Guys will suit old-school roses, large trees or four-leaf clovers. Girls often choose lilies, orchids, lotuses, and sunflowers. The flower, its hue indicate the peculiarities of the owner's character.

Plants
Delicate flowers on the neck.

Animals and birds

Each animal or bird has its own meaning. Lions, eagles will suit leaders who can control, lead. Cats will emphasize feminine grace, sexuality.

Panda better to portray a peaceful, good-natured man. Elephant or owl will be a good choice for a calm, sensible, wise man or woman.

Animals and birds
Birds in the tattoo.

Brutal male tattoos

The brutality of the man will emphasize:

  • chains or barbed wire around the neck (a sign of dependence, unfreedom);
  • Skulls, bones (symbols of fear of death);
  • Celtic symbols;
  • grinning animals or mythical creatures (a sign of readiness to defend their position).

Brutal
Large tattoos.

Insects

Girls more often choose butterflies. It is believed that such pictures attract happiness and emphasize the beauty and easygoing disposition of the owner. Men give preference to spiders and scorpions. These are ambiguous drawings, which may indicate aggressiveness and cruelty.

Butterfly
Butterfly on the neck.

3D images.

Most often the volume is given to:

  • portraits, images of idols;
  • Insects, animals, arthropods;
  • Tattoos in the styles of biomechanics, bioorganics;
  • executed in the style of woodcarving tattoos.

Experienced masters animate cartoon or comic book characters, patterns, inscriptions.

3D images
Lively sd-images.

Ornaments and patterns.

With the help of an ornament girls can emphasize femininity, grace. For men, such abstract drawings will help to indicate their strength, brutality. Both abstract patterns and pictures made of individual elements are allowed.

Ornaments and ornaments
Ornaments on the neck.

Small images.

A picture in the style of minimalism can have any theme. Such drawings are suitable as the first tattoo. They are elegant and go well with other tattoos. The advantage is the short duration of the work. The owner of the tattoo will not have to endure the pain of application for a long time.

Minimalism
Small tattoos on the neck.

Beautiful and funny tattoos

A cool idea would be the image of characters from a favorite movie or comic book. A good option will also be mythical creatures. Dragons are chosen by strong, energetic people.

Unicorns suit creative individuals. The phoenix can be stuffed after the end of a difficult period in life, because of which a person has changed a lot, as if reborn.

Dragon
Tattoo depicting a dragon.

Getting a tattoo: methods of distraction

Usually a tattoo session lasts for several hours, and when a person is not busy, he arbitrarily begins to concentrate on his sensations. So the best thing in such a situation is simply to distract yourself with something neutral. Believe me, the master will only be happy with such a decision. You can keep yourself busy by watching a movie or TV series, reading a book or just listening to your favorite music and distract yourself. So feel free to use your favorite ways for maximum relaxation, as long as they do not distract the tattoo artist.

Anesthesia techniques

In some tattoo shops clients are offered a general anesthesia service for the duration of the tattoo. This procedure is connected with possible risk, so if possible it is better to avoid it, because there is no strong necessity in it. Nowadays every tattoo master has special ointments and gels for tattoos based on anesthetics. They not only reduce the feeling of pain, but also mitigate skin irritation.

The basics of care

The most important principle in the care of a tattoo in the first stages of healing is to prevent infection from entering your damaged epidermis. Immediately after the end of the work, each master should wrap the tattoo in foil, or better in a bandage. You can keep the bandage on for longer, but not more than 24 hours.

After removing the bandage, you should wash the tattoo with warm water and soap, after which under no circumstances should you wrap it back up. It is important not to use cold or hot water, also do not use a washcloth. Just gently wash your wound with your fingers.

After rinsing, you should not wipe with a regular bath towel, as it accumulates a lot of bacteria, which is the biggest enemy. A paper towel or toilet paper is great. Gently blot the wet surface of the skin, but do not rub. The washing procedure should be done at least twice a day until the skin is completely healed.

Apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment to dry skin. At first, use an ointment to heal wounds, the most popular remedy is bipanten. Later the skin will be exposed to dryness and you can use any greasy ointment or body milk.

Also in the first few days, wear light and loose clothing that is not tight on the injured area of the skin. Try to avoid being in sweat for long periods of time, and change your clothes more often.

Important point! Try to avoid exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, as this contributes to the rapid fading of the ink. If you can't avoid it, then use sunscreen, and in general it is your best friend.

General well-being in the tattoo parlor.

The most important thing before visiting the salon, in which you will apply a tattoo, is to have a good sleep, have a good lunch and take a relaxing shower. Under no circumstances go to the master hungry, tired and sweaty. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages before the procedure. All this is not only unpleasant for the master, but also greatly affects the feeling of the procedure, as well as the healing process after the application of the tattoo.

Considering all the above factors and rules, the process of tattooing will be less painful. So, you can safely look for designs to get your coveted tattoo done.

Steps

Part 1

Before getting a tattoo

    Talk to someone who is knowledgeable about the issue.

    If you've never had a tattoo, the best way to mentally prepare for it is to learn as much as you can about the process by talking to people who have many tattoos or directly to the tattoo artist. Most of them will gladly share their experiences. Forewarned is forearmed.

  • The pain threshold is different for each person. While tattooing is a painful procedure, it doesn't compare to the pain of childbirth or kidney stones. You'll see this by talking to knowledgeable people.
  • Know the most painful places

    .
    The intensity of the pain depends on where you are going to get the tattoo. If you want to reduce pain, consider getting a tattoo on a certain part of your body. Everyone's pain threshold is different, but the general rules are as follows:
    Know, What

    Tattoos are the most painful.
    Remember that different tattoos cause pain of different intensity. In most cases:

  • The simpler and smaller the tattoo, the less painful it will be.
  • A single-color tattoo will be less painful (and take less time to apply) than a multi-color tattoo.

  • The part of the tattoo that is filled with a particular color will be the most painful, as the tattooist needs to work on it several times.
  • If you want to get a tattoo, take a friend or relative with you so you are not alone.

    You don't have to go through it alone. The presence of someone who can take care of you will ease the pain of the tattoo (you can tell that person how you feel and they can cheer you up).

    • If you're not too shy, bring a whole group of people with you. Many tattoo parlors allow friends in the lobby or even in the tattoo room. Such a group of like-minded people will support you and you won't be in as much pain.
  • Know that there will be needles involved and there will be some blood.

    The modern tattooing process involves the use of a special machine with which the tattoo artist quickly pierces the skin with a needle, injecting ink underneath it. Because of the many punctures in the skin, the tattoo site bleeds a little. If you can't stand the sight of blood, turn away and don't look.

    • Tell about your feelings to the tattooist - a good specialist will surely help you to overcome the process of tattooing with the least discomfort.

    Part 2

    During the tattooing process

    1. Calm down and relax.

      This way it will be less painful for you. Take a few deep breaths and talk to a friend, family member, or even the tattoo artist.This way you can relax and stop worrying about what is about to happen.

        If you are very tense or nervous, call the tattoo artist ahead of time and ask if you can bring items to help you relax. For example, you can bring along an MP3 player to listen to your favorite songs so you can relax. Many tattoo parlors allow you to do anything as long as it does not interfere with the tattoo artist's work.
  • Make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.

    Depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, you may spend several hours in the salon. Although the master will take breaks, during which you can get up and walk around, do certain things that will allow you to go through the entire procedure with greater comfort.

    • Before visiting the tattoo salon eat and drink water (1-2 glasses) to avoid dehydration and possible fainting;
    • wear loose and comfortable clothing;

  • bring objects that will allow you to relax (an audio player, something to read, etc.);
  • Take a shower before visiting the tattoo parlor.
  • Squeeze something in your hand or teeth to ease the pain.

    By tensing the muscles, a person significantly reduces pain (this method is used by women in labor to reduce pain during childbirth, and it is worth noting that it works quite well). Many tattoo parlors have items that can be squeezed; otherwise, bring such an item with you. Here's what you can bring:

    Manage your breathing to reduce pain.

    Try to exhale when you feel a lot of pain. You can either exhale or make a sound (a low hum). Exhaling allows you to reduce tension and pain (this is why during strength training you exhale when lifting weights).

    • On the other hand, improper breathing will only increase pain. Don't hold your breath when you are in pain - this will only increase the pain sensation.
  • Move as little as possible when you are in pain.

    The less you move, the more accurately the tattoo will be applied by the tattooist and thus the procedure time will decrease (imagine an artist drawing on a moving canvas - it will be very difficult for him to draw anything).

    • If you all the same need
      Otherwise the tattoo can be spoiled.
  • Take breaks.

    Most tattoo artists will warn you that you can take breaks, but remember: be sure to ask the master to pause if the pain becomes unbearable. In most cases, the tattoo artist will be in favor of a break so that you do not experience excessive discomfort. Feel free to ask for a 2-3 minute break to catch your breath, after which the master will continue tattooing.

    • Don't hesitate to ask for a break. Most craftsmen have worked with clients with different pain thresholds and are familiar with people's reactions to pain. After all, you are paying for the tattoo, so do what you have to do!
  • Take an over-the-counter painkiller, but not something that thinners the blood.

    If you
    can't stand
    pain, take a painkiller, but not a blood thinner. Such drugs in small doses are not very dangerous, but they will cause the tattoo to bleed longer.

    • A good painkiller that does not cause blood thinning and is sold without a prescription is paracetamol. Other common painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), lead to blood thinning.
  • Never consume alcohol to dull the pain.

    Most reputable tattoo parlors will refuse to work with a drunken person because such a person is restless, boisterous and may order a tattoo that he will regret later.

    Listen to the tattooist's advice on caring for your tattoo.

    The place of application will be sore for a few days (this is normal). Following the tattoo master's instructions on how to care for your tattoo will reduce the pain.

  • The question if it hurts to get a tattoo, tortures not only those who are still going to decorate their body with a tattoo, but also those who have already passed through one procedure and are determined to score another part of the body.

    Yes, if this is not your first time on our site, you know that the section details where it hurts the most to get a tattoo. However, the body part is not the only criterion for how much sensation you will get during the procedure. In answering the question of whether it hurts to get a tattoo, you need to pay attention to the following factors.

    Nature

    For women

    For men