Why Tattoos Hurt: The Pain Scale & Pain Management

Getting a tattoo can be exciting, but let's be honest: some parts hurt more than others. Over the years, I've tattooed some strange places in various styles and have lost count of how many I have on my body. I'm going to share what I've learned.

Everyone is different. For years, I would ask if people preferred shading or lining, bony spots or squishy bits, and it's a split, but there are influencing factors.

Nerve Endings: Certain body parts are packed with nerve endings, making them more pain-sensitive. Areas like the ribs, spine, and fingers have a high concentration of nerves close to the skin, making tattoos in these spots particularly painful.

Ticklish Spots: Ticklish areas like the sides, underarms, and inner thighs are also more painful to tattoo. The sensitivity in these areas can make the tattooing process uncomfortable and challenging.

Tattoo Style: Detailed styles like realism or heavily saturated colour tattoos require more precision and can be more painful due to the longer time the needle stays on the skin.

Artist Technique: Different artists have different techniques. Some may press harder or work more slowly, affecting the pain level.

Sensory Issues: People with heightened sensitivity or conditions like fibromyalgia might find the process more painful or challenging. It may be beneficial to start in a less painful area of the body that isn't too bony.

Mental & Emotional Factors: Anxiety or fear can heighten the perception of pain, making the experience more intense. Feeling run down or tired can make pain feel worse than normal. Think of yourself as a player in a game where your character has a set amount of energy and resources for healing. If you're already tired or feeling run down, you don't have the same energy as if you were feeling 100%. This is the same reason we recommend eating something before your tattoo. It gives your energy levels that little extra boost.

Why Bony Areas Might Hurt More?

Less Cushioning: Bony areas like ribs, ankles, and wrists have less muscle and fat, making the needle feel sharper against the bone.

High Nerve Density: These areas often have a higher concentration of nerves close to the skin.

Medical Conditions

1. Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can make the tattooing process more painful.

2. Skin Conditions: Eczema or psoriasis can make skin more sensitive.

3. Circulatory Issues: Poor circulation can affect healing and increase discomfort.

4. Medications: Blood thinners can cause more bleeding, while some medications may make skin more sensitive.

5. Diabetes: Can cause slower healing and heightened skin sensitivity.

6. Surgery: Scar tissue is thicker than normal skin so will hurt slightly more but is manageable. Nerve pain associated with surgery can be a struggle for some when getting tattooed in the same area.

Your Menstrual Cycle: Women’s pain sensitivity can fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycle, with the menstrual phase (days 1 - 5) often being the most painful and the follicular phase (days 6 - 14) typically offering the highest pain tolerance. By understanding these patterns, you can better plan and manage activities like getting a tattoo to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.

TIPS FOR MANAGING TATTOO PAIN

• Stay Hydrated: Well-hydrated skin heals better and can reduce pain.
• Eat within 4 hours of your tattoo and bring a snack: 
  • Maintaining Energy Level: A good meal helps stabilise your blood sugar, preventing dizziness or fatigue during the session.
  • Reduces Pain Sensitivity: Low blood sugar can make you more sensitive to pain.
  • Prevents Fainting: Tattooing can be stressful on the body, especially if you're nervous.
  • Improves Focus and Patience: Helps you stay focused and calm, making it easier to endure the process.
  • Aids in Recovery: A nutritious meal provides the vitamins and minerals necessary for your body to start the healing process more efficiently.
• Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine: These can thin your blood and increase sensitivity. Alcohol should not be consumed within 24 hours of your tattoo booking, and caffeine use should not be excessive the day of.
• Be Comfortable: Wear comfortable clothes in darker shades (a white shirt might not be a great idea) that allow easy access to the area you're having tattooed. If your tattoo is on the larger side, bring a jacket.
• Take Breaks: Ask for breaks if the pain becomes too much.
• Communicate: Always let your tattoo artist know about any medical conditions or concerns you have.
• Distractions: Bring along a book, headphones, tablet, or whatever you need to distract yourself from those spicy areas. However, always be respectful of other clients and artists. Your distractions shouldn't distract anyone else.

Getting a tattoo can be intimidating, and understanding why certain areas and styles might hurt more can help you prepare better. Whether it's the detail of the design or the placement on your body, each factor plays a role in the pain level.

Always consult with your tattoo artist if you have any concerns. Happy tattooing!