Will It Hurt!?

A First-Timer's Guide to Tattoo Pain and How to Handle It

If you're thinking about getting your first tattoo and you're feeling nervous about the pain, you're not alone. One of the most common questions people ask before getting tattooed is: "Does it hurt!?" The short answer is yes—tattoos do involve some level of pain. But the long answer is a bit more nuanced and, hopefully, a lot more reassuring.

In this blog post, we'll explore the experience of tattoo pain, what factors influence it, how different areas of the body feel, and most importantly, how to manage that anxiety and discomfort so you can walk into your appointment feeling prepared and confident.

Understanding Tattoo Pain: What Exactly Hurts?

Tattoos are made by injecting pigment into the second layer of your skin (the dermis) using a machine with a grouping of fast-moving needles within a cartridge. It sounds intense, and for some, it can be. But it's not as unbearable as your imagination might suggest. That tattoo anxiety is a real [insert favorite expletive here].

People describe tattoo pain in different ways: a cat scratching you over and over, a zing of wet lightning, or even like itching a mild sunburn. It's not like a shot or a cut—it's a unique sensation. For many, it's uncomfortable but manageable. For others, especially those with lower pain tolerance, it may be more challenging. And, of course, there are those that either swear it doesn’t hurt and those folks that are just built differently.

Factors That Influence Tattoo Pain

Tattoo pain isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. Here are a few key factors that influence how much a tattoo might hurt:

1. Location on the Body

Some areas are more sensitive than others. Generally, places with more fat or muscle tend to hurt less, while bony or nerve-dense areas can be more painful. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Less Painful Areas: Outer arm, thigh, calf, upper back.

  • In our experience, these suggestions can change depending on the person. Lots of our clients report that their arms were not that painful (except maybe the inner bicep). However, many folks do not find the calfs to be the most pleasant.

• Moderately Painful Areas: Shoulder, forearm, chest, stomach.

  • This average response shocked us, because many of our clients do not report much pain in the shoulder and forearm areas!

• Most Painful Areas: Ribs, spine, ankles, inner biceps, wrists, hands, feet.

  • Let us not forget jawlines, the head, and large buttocks tattoos…

2. Size and Complexity of the Tattoo

A small, simple design will typically take less time and hurt less than a large, detailed piece. The longer you're under the needle, the more discomfort you'll likely feel. Your adrenaline will help you manage pain for a while, but after hours of shading, there are few people that still like us by that point.

3. Your Personal Pain Tolerance

Everyone feels pain differently. Some people barely flinch, while others feel every second. Your personal pain threshold plays a big role in your experience. We don’t pain shame here though! Make your race car noises, tell us how we are ruining your life, or just straight up b*tch about it.

4. The Artist's Technique

Experienced tattoo artists tend to work quickly and efficiently, minimizing your discomfort. A light hand can make a huge difference. We also have other means to help manage your pain readily available, whether it’s tattoo pain or your butt inevitably falling asleep during your long session. Communicate with your artist throughout your session to communicate your needs — we know it can suck and we are here to support you!

5. Mental and Physical Preparation

Your mindset and physical condition on the day of your appointment can influence how you perceive pain. Not to mention, if you are on your period or having an autoimmune flare up, you are likely to be more sensitive than usual.

Managing Tattoo Anxiety

Being nervous about pain is completely normal, especially if it's your first time. Do not feel ashamed to admit you are feeling anxious, nervous, or straight up scared. We have all been there! But there are ways to ease your anxiety:

1. Do Your Research

Knowing what to expect can make a world of difference. Read about the process, watch videos, and talk to friends who have tattoos. The more informed you are, the less scary it will feel. You can also ask your artist directly about their experiences. We see lots of different ways that people cope with pain on the daily.

2. Choose a Reputable Artist

A good tattoo artist won’t just be skilled with a needle—they’ll be kind, communicative, and understanding. Let us know it’s your first time and you’re feeling anxious. We will take the time to explain the process and help you feel at ease. The worst that happens is you need more time! We can take breaks, make adjustments, and help support you throughout your tattoo process.

3. Bring a Friend

Many studios allow you to bring someone along. Having a supportive friend can help distract and comfort you. “Talkastesia” is definitely a thing for some folks.

4. Use Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, and even light conversation during your session can help shift your focus away from the discomfort. Also, if you have other comfort items to help (stress ball, chewing gum, etc.) feel free to bring them along!

5. Take Care of Your Body

Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment, stay hydrated, and eat a solid meal. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can thin your blood, enlarge your pores, and increase sensitivity. If you are going to be sitting for hours, bring a drink, snacks, and any necessary medications (pending they will not interfere with the application of your tattoo).

What It Feels Like (Really)

Imagine someone scratching a sunburn. Or dragging a dull needle across your skin. It's not pleasant, but it's far from unbearable. The pain often comes in waves, and many people say the anticipation is worse than the actual tattoo.

After the first few minutes, your body releases endorphins (natural painkillers), which can dull the sensation. Some people even find the experience meditative or calming. You can learn a lot about being present, sitting through discomfort, and the overall ritual of tattooing.

Still worried? Start small! A tiny tattoo in a less sensitive area is a great way to test the waters and get comfortable with the process…just know you will be back for more.

After the Tattoo: The Healing Process

Once your tattoo is done, the pain doesn’t just vanish, but it becomes much more manageable. You’ll likely feel some soreness, tenderness, or itching over the next few days, similar to a mild sunburn. The after-effects vary from person-to-person, and also are impacted by how well you care for yourself after your body essentially fought a bear while sitting still (at least according to your amygdala aka the small compartment of your brain that senses fear and screams RUN!!!).

Proper aftercare (cleaning, moisturizing, and avoiding sun or water exposure) is essential for comfort and healing. We will always provide our recommended aftercare procedures, with your specific needs in mind. Please follow these recommendations for the most successful healing process we can offer for you. We are always happy to answer any questions you have throughout healing your new tattoo as well!

Final Thoughts: Pain Is Temporary, Art Is Forever

Yes, tattoos hurt. But for most people, the pain is very tolerable and well worth the final result. It's a rite of passage of sorts—a brief discomfort that leads to a permanent, meaningful piece of art on your body. And just think: What else could you possibly do only once for a few hours and leave THAT much hotter!?

The key is preparation: know what to expect, choose the right artist, and go in with a calm, confident mindset. You might be surprised by how strong you are and how quickly your fear turns into pride. Not to mention, you get to start building your tattoo community and joining the fam is pretty incredible.

So, if you're asking yourself, "Will it hurt?" The honest answer is yes. But with the right preparation and perspective, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.

You’ve got this! Don’t let that tattoo anxiety hold you back any longer!