Tips On How To Reduce Tattoo Pain
Talented artists spend hours to provide you with spectacular tattoos, and while tattoos are great, there is no denying that tattoos can take a toll. The pain of tattoos is real, and if you have a skilled artist, tattooing is definitely worth it. However, there are a few tips you can keep in mind to deal with and reduce tattoo pain.
Consider Tattoo Location
When it comes to tattoo pain, the most important consideration is the tattoo location. An experienced professional artist may only cause the slightest irritation to an area like your outer thigh, and by choosing a body area that is not very bony and has even a little fat, you can greatly reduce pain. On the other hand, bony areas with thin skin and no fat may be more severely damaged. People have different levels of pain tolerance. The pain of a tattoo is usually tolerable. However, certain parts of the body are more painful to tattoo. Areas near the bones such as the knees, hands, feet, head, neck and chest are more sensitive. The least painful areas to tattoo are the hips, arms, thighs and shoulders, where the bones are covered with flesh. 
The following locations tend to be the least painful places.
| Tattoo Location | Tattoo Pain Type | Pain Level | Details |
| Upper Or Outer Thigh | dull background pain | 4/10 | One of the places feeling the least pain |
| Forearm | ideal canvas for a tattoo artist | 3/10 | Thick skin padded with muscles |
| Shoulder And Outer Bicep | less susceptible to pain | 4/10 | Have thick skin and lots of muscles |
| Upper And Lower Back | Not a very painful place | 4/10 | Feel more pain around the shoulder blades and atop the spinal cord |
Below areas tend to experience a lot of tattoo pain and hurt way more than others, not recommended for the first tattoo, think twice before getting a tattoo on the following places.
| Tattoo Location | Tattoo Pain Type | Pain Level | Details |
| Armpits | extreme pain | 9/10 | Most difficult place to get inked |
| Hips | sharp, intense, vibrating pain. | 8/10 | If you have thinness or little fat around your buttocks, tattoos may hurt a lot |
| Elbows And Knees | sharp, intense pain | 8/10 for elbows 10/10 for knees |
Areas with the least amount of muscular padding. The bones lie beneath very thin, sheer skin |
| Nipples | extremely sensitive to pain | 7/10 | The most sensitive areas of your body. While they are mostly muscle, they also have lots of nerve endings |
| Ankle | intense,sharp,and vibrating pain | 9/10 | The skin on ankles is very thin. |
| Right along the spine | quite intense pain | 7/10 | Thousands of nerves pass through them |
| Groin | connected to various lymph nodes, increases the pain level | 8/10 | Filled with nerve endings that make it sensitive to pain |
| Head and face | sensitive to pain | 8/10 | Almost no cushioning of muscle or fat |
| Hands and fingers | the boney structure causes lots of pain | 8/10 | Experience quite a bit of wear and tear with lots of major nerve endings. Constant movement may hinder the healing of a tattoo. |
Consider Tattoo Styles And Types
The type and style of tattoo you get will also affect the amount of tattoo pain you feel. If your tattoo design has a lot of shading and coloring, you may feel more of a gripping pain sensation. Dot work or watercolor tattoos tend to require a softer touch, and the level of tattoo pain can be greatly reduced. Make sure you discuss your tattoo style with your tattoo artist and ask if you are concerned about how painful it might be.
Choosing Your Tattoo Artist
An important factor in determining tattoo pain is the skill of the tattoo artist, Tattoo should be obtained from a state-licensed artist at a clean and well-maintained tattoo studio. The tattoo artist should be able to guide you through their safety and sanitation procedures so that you feel comfortable at all times.
Other Tips
Your health is also an important factor when it comes to managing tattoo pain. Being well hydrated beforehand will help a lot, especially if your tattoo lasts longer than an hour, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during this process. Getting a good night's sleep will make you feel more comfortable and get your body ready for the tattoo. When you are well rested, you will also be more relaxed and less anxious.
Stay awake. Alcohol dilutes your blood, which is not good for the tattooing process. On top of that, getting a tattoo under the influence of alcohol can lead to some less-than-desirable results.
The things need to do before getting a tattoo
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink plenty of water. Tattoos take quite a long time. Make sure you are well hydrated so that you don't break off when inking. Hydrated skin can also be inked more quickly and easily.
- Eat well: Tattooing takes time and energy. Eat a good meal rich in protein and carbohydrates before the tattoo.
- Plan ahead with your tattoo artist: Discuss with your tattoo artist the design and placement of your tattoo and how to take care of it so that it heals quickly.
- Wear comfortable clothes: You may need to be in the tattoo studio for several hours. Dress comfortably so that the tattoo artist can easily access the body part you want to tattoo
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning drugs: Drugs such as alcohol and aspirin will thin the blood. Thinner blood increases the chance of bleeding. This means that under the influence of certain drugs or alcohol, even a small tattoo can bleed profusely.
- Do not tattoo when you are sick: If you have a cold or fever, it is best to postpone tattooing. If you are not in good health, you may risk the tattoo getting infected and delaying the healing process.
- Pay attention to the timing: tattoos need time to heal. Be careful when getting a tattoo. If you plan to swim in the foreseeable future, do not get a tattoo. Tattoos need a few days away from water and sunlight. Plan your schedule in a way that won't hinder the tattoo's healing process.
Tattoo Aftercare Tips
The design that was always in your head has become a reality and you now have a cool new tattoo on your skin. But what happens next? How do you take care of it so it heals properly and looks just like you want it to? The infographic below lists everything you need to know about handling your tattoo immediately after inking. Find out all about it! Follow proper aftercare. Tattoos need time and care to heal properly. Follow the instructions correctly to avoid pain after the tattoo.
Tattoo pain is an undeniable part of tattooing, but with these tips and considerations, you can minimize pain and ensure you get a long-lasting, high-quality tattoo that can ensure your clients experience as little pain as possible.