“The most common answer is that it feels like a cat scratch on a really bad sunburn,” Olivia says. And for Trinity: “Getting a tattoo feels like when you pet a cat's belly, and the cat grabs your hands and kicks, scratching you with its claws,” she says. “It's not aggressive. But it does hurt, at least a little.”
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.
What we hear most is mosquito bite, small paper cut, cat scratch, electric charge of small amount or a burning sensation. It is definitely not anything like giving blood, because the tattoo needle penetrates into the skin only milli metrically.
In the past, more than just a few customers have described the general feeling throughout their tattooing sessions as 'euphoric' and 'enlightening', while many even go as far as saying the pain actually becomes addictive, causing them to go back for more ink time and time again!
OK, so the process of getting a tattoo is typically accompanied by some pain and discomfort. But most people who have them will report a more lasting emotion, one that is very uplifting and often has them coming back for more.
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.
About 1/16th of an inch into the skin. Not so scary, right? The tattoo machine's needle aims to deposit the ink in a region of 1.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters below the surface of the skin.
"Not many clients cry, but it does happen," Hipwell said. "[Tattoos] can be very painful, so a little crying is OK." Hall also noted that some clients cry during a tattoo session for emotional reasons.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Small does not equal less pain. That's right when it comes to getting a new tattoo fine lines are more painful than bold traditional. Upside is, most fine line tattoos are smaller. And smaller needle sizes are used mostly for the outline at the beginning of the tattoo, when you are fresh and ready for the pain.
You must always ask your artist first before using a numbing solution. Some artists advise against using numbing creams because it can affect the tattoo process. It is possible that the cream or gel can temporarily alter your skin texture, making the artist's job much harder.
*If a client does pass out during the procedure the best thing to do is stop tattooing, hold onto the client as to not let them fall to the floor and talk to then constantly during their time out. Reassure them they are OK, as people tend to go to strange places in the mind.
Finger & Hand Tattoos
As well, the bones are right up against the skin. The Tattoo ink does not stay on hand and finger skin as easily as on the rest of the body. As a result, tattoo artists may have to go over the same area multiple times. The fingertips are one of the most pain-sensitive locations on the body.
The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
On top of that, it can also thin the ink, which could lead to an unpleasant and unwanted final result. It's best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn't anything lingering in the body. With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either.
Do Numbing Creams Affect Your Tattoo? Numbing creams do not generally affect your tattoo's visual outcome, but this depends on the quality of the product you use. Some low-quality numbing creams can create a slippery effect on your skin, affecting your tattooer's work.
If done correctly, the needle should go about 1.5 to 2 millimeters under the skin. While not likely, there is a possibility that a tattoo needle could go too far and puncture the hypodermis and rupture a vein.
Tattooing could rupture the vein
It may also result in swelling, and could lead to an infection in the leg. If an infection were to enter your bloodstream, this can cause serious health complications. This is obviously something you want to avoid, so best to get that tattoo elsewhere!
A Tattoo needle penetrates 5 layers of the epidermis
That may sound like a lot of skin, but in reality it is only 1/16th of an inch, about 1-2mm. That's pretty tiny. It goes through five layers of the epidermis, through the dermal layer, and into the topmost layer of the dermis.
For those worried about pain, Lavriv says tattoo newbies should start small. "I always recommend getting a smaller piece — under an hour — as a first tattoo," she says. "Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others.
Clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing is a great way to calm yourself and ignore the pain during a tattoo session. Make sure to keep it Zen!
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.