Getting your first tattoo? The first thing that may pop into your mind is how it will feel, and it’s an important one! Everyone can expect some pain or discomfort when getting a tattoo, but the pain level depends on many factors.
It’s a subjective thing, and everyone will feel it in a slightly different way. Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’ve had several before, every session you go through gives you a different feel and experience.
But do not worry; in this blog, we will help you get an idea of what does getting a tattoo feel like and give you some tips to make the process easier for you.
What Does a Tattoo Feel Like?
Tattoos can feel different depending on the placement, person, and design of the tattoo. If you are getting inked for the first time, you might have heard varying opinions about the level of pain. Some may feel like their skin is getting scratched with a hot needle, while others may feel a constant stinging sensation.
When you get yours, you may have a different experience altogether. Well, before you go get it, let’s give you an idea of the procedure. So, here’s how the process goes like:
- First, the tattoo artist will clean the tattoo area with the help of rubbing alcohol. If you have hair, they will shave the area.
- Now, the stencil of your tattoo will be transferred onto your skin so you can be sure of its placement. This step should not be painful.
- They will start outlining the tattoo, and you will begin to feel a stinging, burning, or pricking sensation.
- After the line work is done, they will start shading. Many people feel linework to be more painful than shading, but it may vary from person to person.
- Once the design is complete, the artist will apply some ointment and bandage to protect it.
So, what does it feel like to get a tattoo? – during the session, you may experience sensations like:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Scratching
- Vibrating
After the tattoo is done, you might feel a sensation similar to sunburn – a mild burning or soreness on the skin that lasts for a few hours or days.
It’s important that you carefully follow the aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist and keep the area clean and moisturized for proper healing.
Why Is Tattooing Painful?
Getting a tattoo hurts because the ink is injected with a needle that damages the dermis – the second layer of the skin. This creates micro wounds under the skin that trigger pain signals.
The body reacts by swelling to protect and heal the area, but the swelling can make the pain feel more intense.
However, not every part of your body will feel the same pain. Some areas with thinner skin will hurt more than others.
What To Do Before Getting a Tattoo?
There are a few things you should follow for a smooth tattoo session. Being prepared will help you stay calm during the session and might help in pain management as well.
- The first and most important thing is to keep yourself hydrated. Be sure to load up on water so you do not feel unwell during the session. It will also prevent your skin from getting dry or flaky – making the tattooing easier.
- Follow a good skincare routine before getting a tattoo. Use moisturizer to get your skin ready for its first ink. But do not apply anything just before the session.
- As getting a tattoo may cause anxiety and stress, it’s important to have enough energy to get through the process. So, eat a good meal beforehand so it does not feel more painful.
Key Factors That Influence Tattoo Pain
How does a tattoo feel depends on many things. From placement to design, several factors affect tattoo pain. Here are some common ones:
Tattoo Placement
How much a tattoo hurts has a lot to do with where you get your tattoo. The placement of the tattoo is one of the most crucial factors that influence the pain.
When getting tattoos, areas of your body that are thinner, close to bones, and have many nerve endings are considered more painful.
It is less painful to get inked on body areas that have little fat, are not close to bones, and have fewer nerve endings.
| Most Painful Areas for Tattoos | Least Painful Areas for Tattoos |
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Tattoo Design
Most of the individuals feel that outlining is the most painful part of the process. So, if you are getting a large tattoo (larger outline), you may feel more pain than if a smaller tattoo were done in the same area.
The complexity of the tattoo design also adds to the pain. If there are more details or colors, the skin is likely to get more hurt.
Individual Pain Threshold
If you already have several tattoos, you might have developed a higher pain threshold. This may make your next tattoo feel less painful, and you might also be prepared for the pain.
However, individuals who are getting it for the first time are likely to feel more pain. Some individuals have more sensitive skin than others, so they may also feel more pain.
Anxiety or Stress During Your Tattoo Session
If you feel more stressed or anxious while getting a tattoo, it may lower your body’s ability to handle pain, making the tattoo feel more painful.
So, do not panic and take deep breaths during the session. You can ask your tattoo artist for short breaks if you feel overwhelmed by the pain.
How Long Will the Pain Last?
Once your tattoo is finished, it might ooze blood for 1-2 days. You may feel soreness and bruising in the area from swelling, which may last for a week.
After a week, you will feel less soreness, but itchiness may increase. Your tattoo will feel like it’s burning, but it’s normal. After 15 to 30 days, you will feel significantly less itchy and painful.
Usually, the outer layer heals in 2-3 weeks, and deeper layers take up to 6 months to completely heal. However, the healing time depends on the placement and size of the design.
Post-Tattoo Care and Pain Relief
- Keep it clean
Gently wash your tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing and pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not use products with harsh chemicals that may irritate or damage the tattooed skin.
- Apply ointment
Your tattoo artist might have suggested ointment to keep it moisturized. Use that, but do not over-apply.
- Do not scratch
Your tattoo may feel itchy, but do not scratch it, as it can cause infection.
- Do not expose it to the sun
Try keeping your tattoo out of the sun, especially in the first few weeks. Direct sunlight may cause irritation and fading. Cover it with clothing or a bandage to avoid sun exposure.
- Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of water to help your skin recover more quickly and prevent it from drying out.
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing
Avoid wearing tight clothes that may rub against your new tattoo. Wear something loose and breathable to avoid any infections.
Final Thoughts
While getting a tattoo is painful, you can manage the pain by following the tips and taking good care of your tattoo. Before you get a tattoo, prepare yourself mentally and communicate with your artist beforehand. This will help you remain calm during the process and handle the pain effectively.
Additionally, choosing a skilled and licensed tattoo artist is also crucial to ensure a smoother and safer tattoo experience. If you are looking for such artists, go nowhere than Reckon Tattoo.
At Reckon Tattoo, our skilled professionals maintain top hygiene standards and use proper techniques to ensure a safe tattoo experience with minimal risk of infections or complications.
With the right preparation and care, we can help you minimize pain and enjoy your tattoo as it heals beautifully.
