A tattoo is created with needles puncturing the skin thousands of times per minute, allowing the ink to flow into the holes created in the skin. The needles break through the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) penetrating through to the dermis so that the ink will stay put even when the outer layer of skin sheds and regenerates. The artist uses a tattoo gun that, depending on the size of the tattoo and whether he is working on the outline or the shading, will have anywhere from one to thirty-six needles puncturing the skin at once.
This probably sounds painful and that is because it is! You might have heard otherwise from your tattooed friends, and it might seem like the more tattoos an individual has, the more likely he or she will be to deny the fact that they hurt. This could occur for a variety of reasons. There are those who are able to overcome the pain by sheer will, those who have higher thresholds for pain, and those whose bodies will flood with endorphins that will mask the pain for some of the time. Some people actually enjoy the pain.
Most likely, people deny the pain associated with getting a tattoo because the mind does not allow the body to remember' pain. The individual will focus on the excitement of the experience, the visuals, the people present, and that feeling of empowerment that one experiences after enduring extreme discomfort for the sake of art and beauty! To say that the pain is not there at all, however, is false.
The degree of pain felt will vary, mainly due to the following factors:
Location of the Tattoo on the Body
People with multiple tattoos will tell you that some hurt more than others, and that the degree of pain is directly related to where the tattoo is located on the body. The basic rule is that tattoos in fleshy, exposed areas (e.g. outer upper arms, outer calves, upper shoulders) will be less painful than those located closer to the bone, or where the skin is thinner. Areas that are commonly said to be the most painful include the ribs, chest, lower back, feet, and hips.
Size of the Tattoo
Obviously, the larger the tattoo, the longer you will be under the needle,' so to speak. As the needle passes over the skin repeatedly, the skin becomes more irritated. It is therefore advised that larger pieces be completed in a few separate sessions with enough time (two to three weeks) left between to allow the skin to heal. In some cases, as the work is done the skin becomes numb. This provides a great degree of relief to the subject and allows him or her to endure a longer tattooing session.
Again, this will vary among individuals, so it would be wise for someone getting his or her first tattoo to start with something small or break a larger piece into multiple sessions. Tattoos last forever, so one needn't rush to have one completed and often even a simple work-in-progress can be quite attractive!
Anxiety and Fear
Pain management involves relaxation techniques. If the body is tense and rigid while being tattooed, the process will be more painful (and more difficult for the artist). Of course it is not easy for a person to relax when he or she is anticipating such a painful and alien sensation, but it certainly helps to make the effort to do so. Eat a healthful meal before getting your tattoo so that your blood sugar is stable and you do not shake. Avoid caffeine jitters by passing on the coffee, take a lot of deep breaths, and focus on the outcome of the experience.
Getting a tattoo is painful, but it is bearable and it is especially important to remember that the worst part of the pain is only present when the needles are in the flesh; by no means is the pain constant. The tattoo artist will lift his hand very frequently in order to see the work, to change his angle, and to give you some much needed breaks. It is in your rights to ask for longer breaks if you wish, but be aware that the longer it takes for your tattoo to be completed, the larger your tip should be. The extra time spent on your work could be used tattooing other customers, but a true professional will not begrudge you the right to take a rest here and there. In fact, he might encourage it.
As soon as the tattoo is completed, the pain will be insignificant, comparable to a moderate sunburn. It will most likely bother you only if you accidentally scratch it, or if your clothing rubs against it. Even then, the discomfort will be negligible.
If your tattoo is meaningful to you, the pain will be worth it. And remember: the pain is temporary, but the tattoo is forever.