Consider bringing headphones so you can listen to music to zone out or talking with the artist to distract yourself. Discussing the steps as they occur and asking the artist about their technique can help you take your mind off of the pain.
Bring your headphones
If you have music or something that might relax you, we strongly encourage you to have your headphones as an option. On some projects our artists might choose to wear their own headphones as well, which can help them focus without the general shop distractions.
Dress comfortably and appropriate for your tattoo (so, if you are getting a tattoo on your leg, don't wear tight jeans that day, etc). Bring a change of clothes just in case if you are unsure. Other things that are good to bring are: healthy snacks, water, headphones, a sweatshirt, a book or movie on your phone.
Distract yourself! Listen to music or watch a movie. While getting a tattoo, do something else that requires your brain's attention, Squeeze something. Stress ball, your friends hand, the tattoo chair armrest etc.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking any mind-altering substances, and make sure you keep your body hydrated in the days before and after your appointment. Hydrated skin is easier to tattoo and has much better ink retention than dry skin.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
Let the artist concentrate while you get tattooed
Even the most experienced artists need to limit stressors during their tattooing. Tattooing requires intense concentration. Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer.
Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make. Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make. Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make. Very large tattoos, such as a back piece, can take up to 30 hours to make.
The average tattoo session for big tattoos lasts up to five hours, however, there are exceptions. If you can endure pain, your artist can make a day session. It means that they will work with you for around seven-eight hours or even more.
We recommend you skip the morning coffee or energy drinks on the day of your tattoo session or avoid drinking alcohol the night before your appointment. These drinks act as a stimulant that can make you nervous and uncomfortable.
Distraction techniques also can be helpful: talking or shouting during the procedure may help (talk to the tattoo artist about your issue ahead of time). Smiling or coughing during the procedure has helped some people, too.
Having a positive mindset and reminding yourself of the great power that your mind has over handling tough situations is essential! If you think it will help, mentally prepare days before your tattoo. Think about where it's going, visualize the sitting, and try to positively plan for it to be a great experience.
Myth: In reality, getting tattooed does hurt -- but it does not produce the same type of pain as childbirth. The pain of getting a tattoo feels more like scratching a bad sunburn.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo.
As a result, getting a tattoo over an area of fat is often considered to be less painful than getting one over an area of muscle or bone. Basically, the fewer nerve endings and more meat, the better. Bony spots hurt because there is no cushioning beneath the needles to absorb the pressure.
It's not uncommon for people to shiver during a tattoo because your body may be in shock so consider bringing a sweater, hoodie, or blanket to keep you warm.
Yes, it's okay to use numbing cream for your next tattoo - it won't affect your new ink. Just make sure to consult with your artist & dermatologist and apply at least 60-90 minutes before your session. It won't affect the color, design, or the healing process of your tattoo.
You do not want the scabs picked off. The scabbing stage can last a few days. The tattooed area is unlikely to still feel sore after about two weeks.
This means you'll need to deal with the pain of a tattoo naturally or use a non-blood thinning OTC painkiller like Tylenol. Velvet also recommends getting plenty of rest and eating an adequate meal before your tattoo appointment, explaining that the body needs extra energy and nutrients to withstand the process.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
Pee first.
This one is my favorite only because one time, while getting tattooed, I fainted and peed. No joke, that happened. So take my advice and pee first. Also, once your artist gets going you don't want to have to interrupt them to tinkle.