Do Tattoos Hurt? A Realistic Guide to Tattoo Pain
Part of The Good Fight Tattoo Advice series – straightforward, experience-based guides to help you make informed decisions about getting tattooed.
One of the first questions almost every tattoo artist gets asked is:
"How much is this going to hurt?"
The honest answer is...
Yes, tattoos hurt.
You're repeatedly placing tiny needles into your skin, so there's no way around the fact that it's uncomfortable.
The good news is that most people find tattooing much more manageable than they expected.
If you've been worrying about the pain putting you off your first tattoo, this guide should give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Quick Answer
If you're short on time:
Every tattoo hurts to some degree.
Most people describe it as manageable rather than unbearable.
Pain depends far more on placement than tattoo style.
Getting enough sleep and eating properly beforehand makes a noticeable difference.
An experienced artist can often make the experience much easier. (Click here for our guide on how to choose your artist)
The finished tattoo remains long after the pain has been forgotten.
Why Tattoos Hurt
Tattooing works by placing ink into the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the surface.
To do that, the tattoo machine repeatedly passes needles through the outer layer of skin thousands of times.
Your nervous system naturally interprets this as pain.
Exactly how painful it feels depends on several factors.
Some Areas Hurt More Than Others
Different parts of the body have different amounts of muscle, fat and nerve endings.
Generally speaking...
Easier areas
Outside upper arm
Forearm
Calves (excluding the back of the calf)
Thighs
These are often popular choices for first tattoos because most people tolerate them well.
More uncomfortable areas
Ribs
Feet
Hands
Knees
Elbows
Sternum
Spine
Armpits
That doesn't mean you shouldn't get tattooed there.
It simply means you should expect a more intense experience.
Does Tattoo Style Affect Pain?
Yes, but not as much as people think.
Many people assume fine line tattoos hurt less because they're smaller.
Sometimes that's true.
However, a tiny tattoo on the ribs may feel considerably more painful than a larger tattoo on the forearm.
The placement is usually the biggest factor.
Large pieces can also become uncomfortable simply because you're sitting for longer rather than because the tattoo itself hurts more.
The most important thing is to get the tattoo where you want, how you want it. Having the tattoo you want is more important than dealing with the pain.
Everyone Experiences Pain Differently
There isn't a universal pain scale.
Some people sit comfortably for eight hours.
Others find two hours enough.
Neither is right or wrong.
Things that can affect tattoo pain include:
Sleep
Hydration
Stress
Hunger
Illness
Hormones
Anxiety
Previous tattoo experience
Menstrual cycle
This is one reason tattoo artists avoid making promises about how painful a tattoo will be.
Every person is different.
Can You Make Getting Tattooed Hurt Less?
Yes.
A few simple things make a surprising difference.
Eat properly beforehand
Turning up hungry is one of the quickest ways to make tattooing harder.
Have a proper meal before your appointment and bring a sugary drink or snack for longer sessions.
Get a good night's sleep
Being well rested helps you cope with discomfort much better than arriving exhausted.
Stay hydrated
Hydrated skin generally behaves better during tattooing, and you'll usually feel better too.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol thins the blood and make tattooing more difficult.
It's also much harder to sit comfortably when you're hungover.
Relax
This is easier said than done.
Most people spend days worrying beforehand, then tell us afterwards:
"That wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected."
Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work?
Sometimes.
Some numbing creams can reduce discomfort, but they aren't suitable for every tattoo or every client.
Certain products can also affect how the skin behaves during tattooing.
If you're considering using numbing cream, speak to your tattoo artist before your appointment rather than applying one without asking.
Does the Pain Get Worse During a Long Session?
Usually.
Most clients settle into the sensation after the first fifteen or twenty minutes.
Later in the session, tiredness often becomes more noticeable than the tattoo itself.
That's perfectly normal.
Experienced artists will usually suggest breaks if they're needed.
How We Approach Tattooing at The Good Fight
We know getting tattooed can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time.
Our job isn't simply to create a great tattoo.
It's to make sure you feel informed, comfortable and looked after throughout the process.
We'll happily answer questions, explain what's happening, take breaks when needed and work at a pace that's comfortable for you.
Most first-time clients leave saying the experience was much easier than they expected.
If you're still deciding on a design, our Tattoo Advice Hub contains more guides covering pricing, choosing an artist, and what makes a great tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your first tattoo hurt more?
More than what?! Your first means you have nothing to compare to.
The truth is, you can’t know what to expect and nobody can explain it to you.
Anxiety beforehand is often worse than the tattoo itself.
Is tattoo pain worth worrying about?
A little nervousness is completely normal.
The vast majority of clients manage the experience well and return for more tattoos.
Most important is to get the tattoo you want rather than basing your decisions on pain
Can I stop during the tattoo?
Absolutely.
If you need a short break, just let your artist know.
Good communication makes for a better experience.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo pain is real, but it's also temporary.
The tattoo will stay with you for decades.
The discomfort lasts only a small part of that journey.
If you've been putting off getting tattooed because you're worried about the pain, don't be afraid to ask questions.
An experienced tattoo artist will always be happy to explain the process honestly and help you feel comfortable before your appointment.