The process of putting a tattoo on your body does not sound so gentle and nice. Having a needle go in and out of your skin to push color in there must feel uneasy. Luckily, there are some ways to help with that, even if it will not completely get rid of all the pain, at least it will help you feel better when getting a tattoo done.
Pain Sensitivity Across The Body
Each person’s pain tolerance limit is different. Some people have a higher pain threshold, while others experience more discomfort. You may or may not know that various locations on your body have different levels of pain.
Skin areas that are thin, have many nerves and are sensitive often experience more pain. Therefore, if you can’t tolerate much pain, you should consider choosing a less painful area for your tattoo, such as the forearms, thighs, and outer shoulders.
Pain Chart
Size And Complexity Of The Tattoo
Tattoos that are large and have complex designs will often take more time to complete, which in turn can lead to increased and prolonged pain. You may initially feel that the sensation is still within your tolerance, but tattooing for too long can also cause your tolerance and acceptance level to change.
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Therefore, if you are new to getting tattoos or have a low tolerance for pain, you can opt for small or simple tattoos. This allows your body and mind to become accustomed to the sensation of tattooing or the level of pain it brings, serving as a stepping stone for larger or more complex tattoos that you may love later on.
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The Artist’s Technical Influence
During the tattoo process, factors such as needle depth, machine speed, the extent of wiping, how the artist stretches your skin, pressure, angle of attack, and the number of needle points can all contribute to varying levels of pain experience.
A skilled and technically proficient tattoo artist will have a method to adjust these factors to suit the tattoo location and your design. This will help reduce pain while still ensuring that the tattoo can be perfectly colored and sharp.
The Medication
To relieve low-intensity pain and prevent inflammation or fever, you can use two commonly used drugs: Advil or Tylenol. The medicine should be taken after eating and before getting a tattoo. Something natural and unaffected is still best.
Take medicine if you really need it. Before taking medication or using any method to reduce pain before tattooing, you need to contact your tattoo artist in advance for advice and professional support.
Numbing Cream or Numbing Spray
Additionally, numbing spray and numbing cream are also used. Numbing cream or numbing spray is applied to the skin surface at the tattoo placement before tattooing.
The active ingredients in anesthetic creams work by temporarily blocking nerve endings from sending pain signals to the brain, resulting in a reduction or elimination of pain in the area where the cream is applied.
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However, we generally do not recommend using numbing creams because everything has two sides; numbing cream has its uses but also has significant effects.
If you decide you really need to use it, you can notify the tattoo artist or tattoo shop in advance, and you will still receive support.
Things you can prepare yourself
Additionally, there are other factors within your control that can help reduce pain.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal 1 to 2 hours before your appointment. Ensure you get enough rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will help you emotionally, keeping you in a good mood, and physically preparing your body for the tattooing process.
- You should also avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can thin your blood, make you more sensitive to pain, and dehydrate your skin.
- Additionally, you should try to choose a time when you are not experiencing any kind of stressors, as they can affect you mentally. Create a comfortable state of mind for yourself. Moreover, if you have a low pain tolerance, you can always communicate with your artist so they are aware and can give you more breaks if needed.
- Especially if you are a woman, you should try to avoid getting a tattoo during your period. Dealing with two distinct kinds of pain at the same time may not be pleasant.
