When does a tattoo hurt? Everything you need to know

Preparation, key in terms of pain during tattooing

The practice of tattooing is closely related to the experience of pain. It is part of the ritual and should be understood as such. But while the idea that we should not only enjoy the destination, but the trip itself is deeply ingrained in us, it is understandable that most people decide to get a tattoo on the part of the body that is still "virgin." ... »Would like to know what degree of pain they will have to face.

The first thing to know is that pain is, by definition, a subjective experience. From a medical point of view, it is described as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon in which not only physical and sensory factors play a role, but also emotional and even sociocultural factors.

Anxiety and pessimism are things that directly affect the degree of pain tolerance of some people over others. It is for this reason that third-party accounts should be treated with distrust (especially videos that circulate on the Internet and show a completely disproportionate reaction of people getting tattoos).

The tattooing process basically consists of creating a wound in the skin that excites or stimulates the nerve endings. This is why pain is “part of the game”. In all tattoos, ink is injected at the level of the third layer of the epidermis (the epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, which is constantly renewed throughout our life); This means that it does not reach deeper dermis (1 to 2 millimeters).

Taking all these factors into account, we will try to "draw" a pain map for each of the areas of the body where tattoos are usually done. We will use a scale from 0 to 10, although we know from the beginning that there are no painless areas or areas where pain is objectively unbearable. In general, you should know that those areas where the skin is the thinnest and which are not used to “tanning” from friction hurt the most. The more intimate, inner areas where the bones are at the same level will make us "suffer" a little more.

How painful is it to get a tattoo? The degree of pain from having tattoos on each part of the body (from head to toe)

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the legs: 6

Usually the area of ​​the instep of the foot is tattooed, which is quite delicate due to the proximity of the tendons, but the pain is bearable.

- Soreness of the tattoo on the toes: 7

Slightly more painful due to the proximity to the bone.

- Soreness of ankle tattoo: 5 to 7.

7 if we are referring to the area of ​​the bone. Contrary to what one might think, the circumference of the ankle and its upper part at the level of the articulation with the leg are not so painful (we estimate them at about 5).

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the lower leg: 8

Quite painful because here the bone is flush with the skin (just a few centimeters from the point where the needle is inserted).

- Calf tattoo soreness: 4

Both the back and the sides are comfortable areas for both the client and the tattoo artist. The pain will also depend on the posture the client takes.

- Knee tattoo soreness: 8

The front is more painful because it is the area where there are joints, as is the back because the skin is thin and not subject to friction.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the thighs: from 3 to 8.

Simple triplet for front and side. The inner thigh is much more painful (8).

- Soreness of groin tattoo: 6

We mistakenly think that this is one of the most sensitive places on the body for tattoos, but it is not.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the genitals: 8 or 9

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the buttocks: 6

It is one of the least painful spots for the client because it is covered with a good layer of fat. However, getting tattoos is quite difficult due to the fact that we all have to reflexively squeeze the buttocks.

- Soreness of thigh tattoo: 6

It is especially painful where the thigh bone sticks out.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the abdomen: 5

The joint between the abdomen and sternum is much more painful. This is a more difficult part of the body to tattoo, especially when the client is nervous and his breathing is very congested.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the ribs: 7

It is a very bony area with thinner skin, but the pain is tolerable. This is especially inconvenient for the client because he has to lie on his side without much support.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the back: from 3 to 5.

The upper back is one of the least painful areas (3-4), but the lumbar (lower back) hurts a little more (5).

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the chest and chest: from 6 to 8.

While the rib cages are a fairly comfortable place for both the tattoo artist and the client, the sternum is much more painful.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the collarbone: 7

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the shoulders: 3

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the biceps and triceps: from 2 to 3.

When it comes to pain, these are very easy places to tattoo because the bone is not close to the surface of the skin and the skin is used to rubbing throughout our lives.

- Soreness of elbow tattoo: 7

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the forearm: 3 (outer part) and 4 (inner part)

- Soreness of wrist tattoo: 5

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the hands: from 6 to 9.

- On the part of the hand, joints and fingers: 7

From the last joint of the finger to the nail, the pain intensifies and reaches 8. The palm, according to many people, is the part of the body that hurts the most (9).

- Pain from tattoos on the neck: 6

Like the groin, neck tattoos have a reputation for causing pain, but they are not. This is more a matter of apprehension than real pain. When it comes to the throat and under the chin, the pain can go as high as 7, while in the back of the neck it goes down to 5.

- The degree of soreness of the tattoo on the face: from 6 to 8.

Pain in the sideburns in men is quite tolerable (6), while the sides and crown are more painful (7 and 8, respectively).

Other factors affecting the painfulness of tattoos

1. Tattoo design

Fine lines hurt more as the needle has to be pushed into a smaller area. To understand this, imagine snowshoes used for walking in the snow: the wider they are, the less we will drown. In general, filling areas hurt less, although tattoos that are larger and with more filling require the tattoo artist to walk over the same area multiple times, which is inevitably more painful.

2. Tattoo technique.

Hand techniques such as traditional Japanese tebori and Maori or Thai tattoos (which are done with a bamboo branch) convey less pain, which is likely due to the impact softening the body.

3. The type of machine used.

The vast majority of tattoos are done with machines, the most common of which work with a coil system. There are also direct-acting rotary machines, which are more painful if they don't have a piston or strip that slightly lessens the bite sensation. For both rotary and reel machines, pain can be reduced by working with cartridges, a newer device that instead of using needles and tubing works with a needle embedded in the tube.

4. Experience of the tattoo artist.

A tattoo artist who is not proficient in this technique may do you more harm due to the beginner's tendency to thread the needle harder and not do it at an appropriate angle. Another advantage of experienced tattooists is their ability to adapt the intensity and pace of the session at any time to the needs and mood of the client.

5. Space

The atmosphere of the studio in which a person decides to get a tattoo subconsciously affects his overall impression. Obviously, not pain itself, but its perception. It is important that the studio is not crowded with people, that the music is not too aggressive and the temperature is adequate (neither too hot nor too cold).

Tips before getting a tattoo:

It is important that you come to the studio with a realistic view of the pain associated with the area of ​​the body you want to tattoo. Mental preparation is important in order to remain calm during the session and to live it not as a victim, but as a positive experience.

As we pointed out at the beginning of this article, you shouldn't pay too much attention to the reviews of certain people.

You should not come to a session on an empty stomach: it is important to eat well before it and avoid coffee and any other stimulants. An infusion of valerian or linden can also help.

The idea that drugs and alcohol can relieve pain a little is completely wrong. On the contrary: these substances increase your sensitivity.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can provide some relief from pain and inflammation, but you should only take them if you are not medically contraindicated. Enjoy the experience and live to the fullest!