Pain threshold tattoo. What factors influence pain
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding tattoos is "does the tattoo hurt?" or “How much does it hurt?”.
Any tattooed person will confirm that this question has indeed been asked hundreds of times already. But we expect that if you are interested in this headline, then it is really important for you to get an objective and honest answer to it.
So, "I want to get a tattoo, but I'm afraid of pain."
There are a lot of legends and stories around this wording, someone claims that it is a hell of a pain, someone says that he almost fell asleep while applying a tattoo. Some people faint because their blood sugar drops or they let fear get the better of them. But don't think that you are one of them.In general, this is a unique personal experience, which is influenced by a lot of factors.
If in principle you are afraid of blood and injections, then of course it will not be easy for you. But if you choose a place on the body where you will not physically see the process itself, you will be able to reduce this fear a little. The needle moves up and down, pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage done to your skin is negligible, and many people don't bleed at all. The tattoo artist will also constantly wipe the skin, so even if there is blood, you will not see it. Excessive bleeding is only possible if you consumed alcohol or blood thinners such as aspirin before the process.
“So does getting a tattoo really hurt?”
The short answer is "YES, but to a different extent for each."It should be noted that the tattoo needle does not go deep under the skin and makes about 10-15 injections per second. Speed plays a big role here, because if she moved slower, she would pierce the skin. Our skin is made up of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Because the epidermis is constantly renewing, the tattoo needle must penetrate the dermis layer to make the tattoo permanent.
Other factors that affect the degree of soreness are the location on the body, the pain threshold, the skill of the tattoo artist, and the duration of the process.
“Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?”
The least painful place for a tattoo is the inside of the wrist and the upper part of the shoulder.The ankles, thighs and inner side of the calves are also insensitive, as they have a good muscle layer.
Pain worsens in soft parts of the body such as the neck AND the inside of the forearm.
Getting a tattoo directly on a bone (elbow, knee) is excruciating, as you feel the vibration of the entire bone, and sometimes adjacent bones.
Tattoos in the abdomen, on the top of the foot, armpits, under the ribs are the most unpleasant. Many girls get their first tattoo on the top of their foot… ah, if only they knew ahead of time.
Look at the diagram:
You can make your tattoo session more enjoyable by following these tips:
- Eat an hour before the session;
- Drink water before and during the session to avoid dehydration;
- Think in advance what to wear - clothing should be comfortable and give access to the part of the body on which the tattoo will be directly located;
- Get enough sleep the night before, no partying until the morning;
- Just in case, stock up on painkillers such as Ketanov or Nurofen (just read the instructions) and make sure they don't contain aspirin;
- Or buy a local anesthetic ointment;
- Bring lollipops with you to keep your energy level up and distracted if necessary;
- Take a shower before going to the master, but do not overdo it with perfume;
- Do not drink alcohol the day before the session - alcohol thins the blood, prevents blood clotting and sealing the wound from infection;
- Do not consume more than one cup of coffee per session day;
- Do not get a tattoo unless you are sure of the sketch;
- Don't settle for a tattoo if you see dirty equipment with used needles;
- Don't get a tattoo if you have a cold;
- for girls: do not get a tattoo during menstruation;
- do not bring a whole support group with you, one person is enough - space is limited, and the presence of strangers can distract both the master and prevent you from coping with the situation;
- Do not be afraid of pain and discomfort, they will end very quickly;
- If the pain becomes unbearable, stop the session - you can finish another time;
- Trust your tattoo artist.
Good luck, and if you have any questions - ask, we will answer them.
The decision to get a tattoo requires some courage. In addition to the drawing, it is also necessary to choose the place of its application to the body. It is necessary to know the most painful areas for tattooing, so as not to regret the decision made after the first needle prick. The thickness of the skin, along with other factors, determines the final result of body art, since its thickness varies in different areas of our body. The tattoo can be very painful if you choose a sensitive area of the body to apply.
If you want to save yourself from the upcoming pain, but have not changed your decision to get a tattoo, view the presented selection of areas where getting a tattoo is the most painful. Also ask your chosen tattoo artist which areas are most painful. You can bypass these areas and get a tattoo on a less sensitive part of your body.
zone behind the ear
This is a very popular and at the same time very painful area. If you take a closer look at the area behind the ear, you will see the bone and a thin layer of skin that covers it. During tattooing, the needle can penetrate the skin and prick the bone, which is very painful. Take this fact into account before deciding to get a tattoo behind the ear. In addition, the tattoo artist may suggest that you apply an anesthetic cream.
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Spine
Complex and exciting patterns look very beautiful, descending from the side of the neck down the back along the spine. However, the area of the spine, like the area behind the ear, is in very close contact with the vertebral bone, which makes tattooing even more painful compared to other areas. If the desire to make a chic tattoo along the spine is stronger than the upcoming pain, look at the original drawings presented in the photo. An anesthetic cream can help relieve pain during a tattoo.
Ankle
Ankle tattoos are very popular among guys and girls. If the tattoo rises from the ankle to the lower part of the calf, then it can be very painful, since in this area the skin is very thin and the bone comes out much closer than in the rest of the body. Tattoo artists use special painkillers that reduce pain but do not completely eliminate it, especially during the healing process.
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Elbow
The bend of the elbow can be compared to the bend of the knee. The thin skin and proximity of the bone make these tattoos quite painful. If you have long dreamed of a tattoo with a spider, a star, a web, which are now at the peak of popularity, think about the size and complexity of the pattern. It is they who determine the duration of the tattooing procedure, and at the same time the duration of pain.
Ribs
Tattoos on the ribs look very chic and attractive. However, one should not forget about the soreness of this zone due to the proximity of the bone to the surface of the skin. When getting a tattoo on the ribs, tattoo artists take several breaks, as some simply cannot stand such pain for a long time.
Ask your tattoo artist to take a break if the pain becomes unbearable. The best way to cope with pain is self-control and painkillers.
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Legs
Legs are a rather difficult part of the body for tattooing. The sensitivity of this zone varies depending on the rise along the leg. If you want a stylish leg tattoo but can't stand the pain at all, try getting the tattoo a little higher, where the skin gets thicker and there's less bone. So you will reduce the painful factor to a minimum.
Irina Mironchuk
Almost everyone who wants to perpetuate a drawing on their body is interested in whether it hurts to get a tattoo. On the one hand, this is a natural interest in the tattooing process, but on the other hand, when a tattoo artist is asked where it does not hurt to get a tattoo, or whether it hurts at all, the master can regard this as the client’s unpreparedness for tattooing. How painful is the drawing really and is it worth getting a tattoo if there is a fear of the procedure? Find out the answers to these questions before making a final decision.
To do or not to do?Not only women, but also men are interested in whether it hurts to get a tattoo. And if the fear of pain prevails over the desire to get a tattoo, then definitely you should not rush. And if a trip to the tattoo parlor is postponed because of the pain of applying a tattoo, then it is quite possible that this is an intuitive feeling of the wrong choice of pattern or a hasty decision. In any case, if the desire to get a tattoo is not based on a momentary whim, then no fear of pain will stop you.
There is no single answer to this question, and each tattoo owner describes their feelings in different ways. But, the following factors significantly affect pain.
Psychological attitude
For those who get a tattoo for the first time, the main frightening factor is not the pain itself, but the unknown. Due to the fact that there is no idea about the upcoming pain sensations, fear appears. At the same time, during repeated sessions, when this fear disappears, the pain is tolerated in a completely different way. Of course, there are times when fear only intensifies, especially if the first tattoo session was very painful. With such an attitude, it is almost impossible to ignore the pain.
Psychological attitude plays an important role not only in the first sessions of tattooing. With fatigue, poor health, anxiety, pain can be significantly increased. And even avid tattooists who visit tattoo parlors more than once a year note that pain is perceived differently each time. Therefore, by the time you visit the tattoo artist, you should prepare, tune in a positive way, have a good rest and, if possible, eliminate annoying factors.
Individual pain threshold
The perception of pain depends on individual tolerance. A person can fall asleep during tattooing or endure calmly for several hours, but after that feel unbearable pain, or vice versa, at the beginning he experiences discomfort, and after that he can endure several hours calmly. As a rule, women are more enduring, but react to pain more emotionally.
Professionalism of the master
Painful sensations largely depend on how the master works and what equipment he works with. Professional masters work only with high-quality modern tattoo machines, which greatly reduces the pain of the procedure. Tattoo size and application technique.
It takes more time to apply a large pattern, and, consequently, the wound surface of the skin will be larger. But even small tattoos can be quite painful if the main part consists of contours. For example, whether it hurts to get a tattoo on the wrist depends on the size of the design and its complexity. A drawing that covers a large area, as well as a complex detailed drawing, is much more painful than an inscription or a small simple drawing. This is due to the time of exposure to the thin and sensitive skin of the wrist, and the extent of damage to the skin in the most painful areas.
Place of application
As a rule, the most painful are the areas located closer to the bone, as well as containing a large number of nerve endings. It is believed that the most painful place for tattooing is the genital area, chest, ears and eyes. Tattoos on the neck are painful to do in the vertebrae, but due to thin and sensitive skin, the sides and front of the neck may be more painful.
Tattoos on the leg are painful to do in the ankles and feet, due to a small layer of subcutaneous fat and a large number of nerve endings. Tattoos on the wrist are painful to do in places with thin skin and in the area of \u200b\u200bbones. In addition, the areas of the ribs, armpits, elbow and knee joints, and the spine are painful.
It is believed that the least painful are the areas of the body that contain the largest fat layer between the bones and the skin. The most common places where it does not hurt to get a tattoo are the shoulders, as this area contains a fatty layer and a small amount of nerve endings. Also, not strong pain in the calves and buttocks, although tattoos are not so common on these parts.
What is used for anesthesia when applying a tattoo?
The most commonly used agents with a slight analgesic effect in the form of sprays or gels based on lidocaine or benzocaine. The use of local anesthesia in the form of injections is risky, and most tattoo artists refuse such drugs. For pain relief, you can not take alcoholic beverages and drugs, as well as drugs that increase bleeding, change blood pressure and disrupt blood clotting, as this will all affect the quality of the tattoo. In fact, the body itself takes care of reducing pain by producing endorphins, hormones of joy that are responsible for our mood and well-being. Often this explains the desire to make one more, and maybe more than one, tattoo.
Tattoos are so common in today's culture that this inevitably brings us to our topic: The Tattoo Pain Chart. You have to ask yourself what level of pain you are willing to go through for a tattoo. If you have never had a tattoo, you are unlikely to know that the pain from its application is different. And it depends on the part of the body that you are going to decorate.
Let's not beat around the bush: does it hurt to get a tattoo? Yes, getting a tattoo is painful! Your acquaintances can not always honestly tell how painful it was for them to get a tattoo. Simply because it is not customary to "admit" that you were hurt. That is why you should study the tattoo pain map before you go to the tattoo parlor.
I am telling this from my own experience. A lot of my friends are stuffed up to the very ears (well, I mean, they have a lot of tattoos). Therefore, being among them, I felt like a “black sheep”. And this pushed me to join the culture and make my first tattoo.
I decided to approach the issue thoroughly and took the time to study the issue. Now I want to share my experiences with you so that it would be easier for you to choose a body area for your first tattoo.
Anesthesia for a tattoo.
Are there pain relievers specifically for tattoos? Of course, these tools were developed not only for tattoo artists and their clients. These are just local anesthetics. But, in professional tattoo shops you can find a large selection of ointments and creams used as tattoo anesthesia.
Are they worth using? There is no single answer to this question. Some masters claim that when using such a cream, the tattoo heals longer. Others are sure that if the client bears pain more easily, then the process of applying a tattoo will be faster. It is important to note that some of the components of creams can cause allergies in a specific person. Therefore, before buying, carefully study the composition of the product. And before going to the salon, apply a small amount of ointment but an inconspicuous area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. To make sure there are no allergies.
Where is the most painful place to get a tattoo?
As already mentioned, as a result of the study, I found out that tattooing on certain parts of the body is the most painful. To be honest, I think that the most painful areas should be avoided for the first tattoo. Because you run the risk of simply "not finishing off" the tattoo. So, I have prepared for you a list of the most painful places to get a tattoo. Of course, there are people who will endure any pain until they get the desired result. If you are one of them, why are you even reading this article?
Whiskey. A very rare place for a tattoo. A tattoo artist friend told me that the pain will make you cry or in the worst case get "Black Out" (leave without finishing the work). 
Outer foot to toes: If one of your friends can boast of a tattoo in this part of the body, you can be sure that he was very hurt. There is very thin skin and many blood veins. The right decision would be to ask the master how many people could not finish the tattoo in this place. 
lower ribs: Have you seen people with tattoos in this place? Me not. And my tattoo artist explained that this is a rare place for a tattoo, precisely because of its soreness. He confessed to me that he was starting to get a rib tattoo for a client of his. But they were forced to stop. Because The client could not bear the pain.
Important note! After applying the tattoo, you will have to take care of your wearable pattern. Apply moisturizer and use a healing film for tattoos. This will bring some inconvenience. For example, when taking a shower or choosing clothes. Therefore, it is better to do a large tattoo on a large area of the body, say, in winter. Well, for sure, you should not do such work if you have a vacation and you are going to warm countries.
Fingers: Another part of the body that will not let you get bored while getting a tattoo. The fingers are covered with thin skin, the bones are very close. The pain will go directly to the nervous system. Despite this, finger tattoos are quite popular. This is explained by the small size of the tattoo. 
kneecaps: Even a small bruise on your knee hinders movement. What about needles through the skin to the bone? Better to think well. Definitely not suitable for the first tattoo. 
Upper chest: Another area that you need to be mentally prepared for before you come to the tattoo parlor. The reasons are all the same: Thin skin, close location of nerves. 
Upper and lower biceps: There is a high concentration of blood vessels. 
Where does it hurt to get a tattoo?
Now let's move on to the parts of the body with the least sensitivity. As I said before, for the first tattoo, it is better to choose an area of \u200b\u200bthe body where pain does not cause a desire to run away from the tattoo parlor without finishing work. This is important because it will not discourage the desire to get a tattoo:
shoulder joint: I chose this place for my first tattoo. In the process, I felt a little discomfort and quickly got the desired result. I am sure that anyone can make a tattoo in this place. In my opinion, this is the least sensitive place. 
Forearm (upper side): it won't hurt here either. The feeling of a needle prick is about the same as being cut with a razor. No wonder so many people get their tattoos here.
Upper thigh: there are a lot of muscles under the skin. You will hardly feel pain because, for this very reason. 
Palm: There are few blood veins on the back of the hand. The feeling that you will experience can be compared to a scratch. The right place for the first tattoo. 
In order not to leave what you started halfway through, you must accurately understand the level of pain that you will experience. At least you already have enough information for this. And then, we will discuss ways to reduce the pain of getting a tattoo.
Don't be like those who go for a tattoo only to leave it halfway. You have to know where you want it and the pain you have to stand behind. At least you have a good start and in the next section I will share with you the secret to dealing with pain.
How to relieve the pain of getting a tattoo?
In the previous section, you learned the places most or least suitable for tattooing. I am sure that you have decided on the area of \u200b\u200bthe body that you want to decorate. Now that you have gotten used to the idea that there will still be pain. Let's look at ways to reduce it a bit. 
Before getting a tattoo:
You need to think about the pain of getting a tattoo before you come to the tattoo parlor. When choosing a sketch and a place for a tattoo, weigh the pros and cons. Here are the steps to take ahead of time:
- Conversation with an expert: Your friend who already has a tattoo can act as an expert. Ideally, if there is a familiar master. An important nuance: all people feel pain in different ways. Everyone has a different pain defect. Therefore, do not take advice as an absolute truth.
- Know where it hurts A: Well, we've already dealt with that. Take another look at the tattoo pain map and decide on a place for the tattoo. As you already understood, the general trend is: Where there is more muscle or fat, there is less pain. Conversely, places where the skin is close to the bones will bring more pain.
- Decide on the type of tattoo: I will not reveal anything new if I say that a large tattoo takes more time. And that means you will have to endure the pain longer.
- Take your friends or loved one: It is easier to endure discomfort and tension next to a loved one.
- Just keep it in mind: There will be some blood and needles. There is no other way to get a tattoo without blood. There are people who are afraid of her appearance. In that case, it's best not to watch. The master will cope without you -)
When you get a tattoo:
- Calm down A: Fear is one of the things that makes pain worse than it really is. Take a few deep breaths.
- Take something to chew: Chewing gum can be a great helper. Try to shift the concentration from pain to chewing gum. Although you can just think about some grandiose or not very idea. It is important to focus on something other than your body.
- If the pain gets worse: If you can't take it anymore, take breaks. Don't be afraid to ask the master.
- Move only then when it's needed: the fewer movements you make, the less pain you'll get.
What you need to know before getting a tattoo
So, you have already dealt with the pain, but there are still a few important things to understand before you cover the skin with ink:
- No alcohol: there is an erroneous opinion that it is better to get drunk the night before the session. This is not true, since alcohol thins the blood. And that means more blood loss.
- Experienced Master: The more experience your master has, the less pain you will experience. If you have chosen a beginner as a master, most likely you will save money. But the process will be painful.
- Be attentive to hygiene: There is a possibility of getting an infection during the tattooing process. This rarely happens. But you must be ready: the master must print a new needle with you.
- Follow all instructions A: Sometimes your proverbial attitude can make it painful for your experience. It's easier if you follow all the instructions. Fulfill everything that is expected and you will have it simple and easy.
So, now you have the knowledge that will help determine the place and size of the tattoo. Trite, hackneyed ... But the phrase "You can't pull it out without labor .." applies here as well. In any case: the choice is always yours. Good luck!
There is no result without pain - when it comes to tattooing, you can’t say more precisely. This process is very painful (at best, you will A little hurt). However, armed with knowledge and a certain technique, you will be able to control the pain during tattooing.
Steps
Part 1
Before getting a tattoo- The pain threshold is different for each person. While getting a tattoo is painful, it is nothing compared to the pain of childbirth or kidney stones. You can verify this by talking to knowledgeable people.
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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 specific part of your body. The pain threshold is different for everyone, but the general rules are as follows:
Know which tattoos cause the most painful sensations. Remember that different tattoos cause pain of different intensity. In most cases:
- The simpler and smaller the tattoo, the less painful the process of applying it will be.
- A single color tattoo will be less painful (and take less time to apply) than a multicolor tattoo.
- The part of the tattoo filled with a certain color will be the most painful, as the tattoo artist needs to process it several times.
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If you want to get a tattoo, take a friend or relative with you so you don't have to be alone. You don't have to go through this alone. The presence of a person who can take care of you will ease the pain of getting a tattoo (you will be able to tell this person about how you feel, and he will cheer you up).
- If you are not a very shy person, bring a whole company with you. Many tattoo parlors allow friends to be in the lobby or even in the room where the tattoos are done. Such a group of like-minded people will support you and you will not be hurt so much.
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Know that needles will be involved and there will be some blood. The modern process of tattooing involves the use of a special machine, with which the tattoo artist quickly pierces the skin with a needle, introducing ink under it. Due to numerous skin punctures, the tattoo site bleeds a little. If you can't stand the sight of blood, turn away and don't look.
- Tell the tattoo artist about your feelings - a good specialist will definitely help you overcome the tattooing process with the least discomfort.
Part 2
During tattooing-
Calm down and relax. So you will be less hurt. Take a few deep breaths and talk to a friend, relative or even a 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 take your MP3 player with you to listen to your favorite songs and thus relax. In many tattoo parlors, you can do anything, as long as it does not interfere with the work of the tattoo artist.
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Make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, you can spend several hours in the salon. Although the therapist 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 more comfort.
- before visiting the tattoo parlor, eat and drink water (1-2 glasses) to avoid dehydration and possible fainting;
- wear loose and comfortable clothing;
- bring items that will allow you to relax (audio player, something to read, and so on);
- take a shower before visiting the tattoo parlor.
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Squeeze something in your hand or teeth to relieve 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, 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 take:
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Control your breathing to reduce pain. Try to exhale when you feel a lot of pain. You can either exhale or make a sound (low hum). Exhalation allows you to reduce tension and pain (which is why during strength training exhalation is done when lifting weights).
- On the other hand, improper breathing will only increase the pain. Do not hold your breath when you are in pain - this will only increase the pain.
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Move as little as possible when in pain. The less you move, the more accurately the tattoo artist will apply the tattoo, which means the procedure time will decrease (think of an artist who draws on a moving canvas - it will be very difficult for him to draw anything).
- If you still necessary move, warn the tattoo artist about this in advance so that he removes the machine from your skin; otherwise, the tattoo may be damaged.
Talk to someone who understands the issue. If you have never had a tattoo, the best way to mentally prepare for it is to find out as much as you can about the process by talking to people who have multiple tattoos or directly to the tattoo artist. Most of them are willing to share their experience. Forewarned is forearmed.
