If anyone tells you that getting a tattoo ‘feels good’, then they are 1- delusional, 2- should open an S&M franchise, or 3- are just messing with you…’cause they ALL hurt! It’s not torture, but it’s not a lovely back massage laying on a bed of roses either.

A lot of people would describe the feeling of getting a tattoo as a “prolonged pricking sensation”. Some people say it can feel like multiple bee stings or even being scratched over and over for an elongated period of time.

The degree of pain varies from individual to individual since we all have different nerve endings and feel and process levels of pain differently. The more sensitive your skin is, the more the tattoo hurts. Endorphins also play a part. It’s common for bodies to release endorphins in response to tattoo pain, but every person has a different biochemistry within. So, the ‘topline’ answer remains, pain varies from one person to the other.  

Having said that, the pain factor associated with getting a new tattoo also varies based on several factors—design, style of piece, location on body and size of piece.

DOES SIZE MATTER?

It goes without saying that bigger tattoo pieces, which cover more real estate on the body, typically take more time under the needle — they also cost more money, which inevitably equals more pain.

Additionally, the larger and more spread out the tattoo is on your body, the more likely it is to pass through some of the ‘higher pain zones’ versus keeping the tattoo contained to smaller areas that are more tolerable on the pain scale. Makes sense, right?

An important thing to note here. New tattoos can be itchy but it's super important to never scratch your new tattoo. Scratching an itchy tattoo can cause serious damage, so avoid it at all cost.

DOES DESIGN IMPACT PAIN?

As far as body parts go, yes, absolutely there is a significant difference in pain levels. Generally, the closer the tattoo is to any bone, the more “HOLY *&^*$#@ OMG RHHH!!!! are bound to come out of your mouth. That’s because the closer the needle moves to a bone, you feel not only the pricking or stinging sensation, but also a painful vibration. So, while a tattoo on your upper forearm may go fairly-smooth with only mild discomfort, if you are planning on even coming close to the elbow bone, prepare to jump out of the chair and cry for your Mommy!

Areas such as the lower abdomen, obliques or love handles are also known to be higher on the barometer of pain. Ribs can be extremely painful for most people. Anyone getting a first tattoo should avoid such high pain areas until you at least adjust to some of the milder tattoo discomfort zones.  

More often than not, many people find the arms in general to be more manageable in terms of pain – but again, every single body part has specific areas that can take pain levels from a tolerable 3 to a youza 10+++ in a matter of inches. As a rule, tattoos that are placed over large muscle groups (quads, biceps, arms, back), have a tendency to be more moderate in the pain category. But again, it varies by individual and every artist has a different style of tattooing which very much impacts pain levels.

Men and women may be physically different, however, there really is no difference between male and females with how they experience pain intensity during tattooing. The areas of the body tend to generate the same degree of pain in general. Again, it all depends on the individual’s personal pain threshold or tolerance. Some may argue that because men’s skin is biologically thicker and tougher, they may be able to tolerate the pain more. And others may argue that women have a higher threshold for pain since they are physically built for childbirth. In short, it’s all a matter of opinion. But physiologically speaking, there seems to be no difference when it comes to tattoo pain.

DOES INCREASED TATTOO PAIN INDICATE A “BAD” TATTOO?

Experiencing pain and discomfort during and immediately after a new tattoo is to be expected. (Again, you are permanently needling ink into your skin). Once the actual tattoo process is complete, the pain should be going down, not up.  

However, if you feel increased or prolonged pain more than a few hours after your tattoo is finished, start to watch the tattoo closely to look for any indication of problems. If you experience an increase of pain or any of the below problems, you may have an infection. It is not common to get an infection after a tattoo – but, signs of infection can occur IF you don’t follow the provided aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist.

Tattoo Aftercare

HOW LONG DOES TATTOO PAIN LAST?

Immediately after you get a tattoo, it will be somewhat painful – but the pain shouldn’t last long. Here’s what you can expect:

1st Week:
Your tattoo should be sore and a little red or swollen. The pain level should be similar to a moderate to severe sunburn or bruise.

2nd Week:
This is when the soreness starts to subside and itchiness begins to increase. You may still feel a burning sensation, which is normal. But you should not have any severe pain.

3rd + 4th Week:
Pain should be significantly less to almost non-existent and the itchiness and flaking should begin to subside.

Depending on the size of your tattoo and where it’s placed on your body will determine how long it will take your tattoo to heal – which ultimately will determine how long you have any discomfort. But once your tattoo has healed, it should not hurt at all.

HOW TO MINIMIZE TATTOO PAIN

Tattoos will hurt no matter what – but here are some helpful tips you can do to try and minimize the pain:

Choose a reputable tattoo artist
The more experience the artist has, the more skill which should mean less time required to do the tattoo. Also, check out the cleanliness and hygiene of their shop.

Pick a less sensitive body part
See chart above. Avoid the higher pain zones if pain tolerance is a concern.

Stay hydrated
Drinking a lot of water before helps keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin = pain.

Break up the tattoo session into smaller sessions (if getting a larger piece)
If you’re getting a larger or more detailed piece, try breaking it up into smaller sessions to avoid sitting for too long.

Avoid alcohol
Anytime you drink, your blood thins, and you become dehydrated. Alcohol also can make you more sensitive to pain.

Avoid any pain relievers
It’s common to bleed during a tattoo session. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other pain relievers may thin your blood. Avoid taking any at least 24 hours prior to session.  

Get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo
With a solid night’s rest, you’re more equipped to handle pain better.

Never get a tattoo while you are sick
Nothing feels good when you’re sick. But a weakened immune system can make everything hurt more and compromise both your skin and healing process.

Eat well
Skipping a meal before a tattoo session is never good because you run the risk of low blood sugar which can result in getting dizzy or increasing your sensitivity to pain. Bring snacks with you if your session is a longer one to avoid dips in blood sugar.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
You’ll be sitting or lying down a while, so the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed your body will be.

Take Deep Breaths
Breathing exercises help your mind and body relax and can also help you push through any pain or discomfort.

Distract yourself
Bring a friend, listen to music, engage in conversation, watch TV. Whatever it takes, finding something to distract yourself or focus on besides the tattoo will help.

Try Numbing Cream
A good tattoo numbing cream can help take the edge off. This may not work for some, but rubbing the area with a safe numbing cream before going in for ink can help keep some of the pain at bay.

Remember The Purpose
Sometimes reminding yourself why you are getting the tattoo and what it means to you can help distract your mind and push through.

Whether it’s your first tattoo, your tenth, or if it’s the last remaining bare skin on your body–getting tattoos are painful. With a little preparation and taking the necessary precautions, you can help minimize the pain.

Conclusion:

Tattoos can certainly be painful AF and some areas of the body hurt much more than others. Distraction and proper tattoo aftercare protocol is key when it comes to dealing with tattoo pain.

Most importantly, don't be a wuss, dude! J/K

Take it easy, dudes.

-Drew Plotkin (Chief Dude Officer)