Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Question

I am a male 17 year old. I really want to get a tattoo, preferably on my right and left arm. I was wondering

how much does it hurt (like on a scale or whatever) and

should I get it?

Answer 1

Well Jin....you can't get one yet if you're only 17 - u have to be 18. There are some places that are willing to tattoo someone over 16 pending your parents consent - but your parents must go with you to sign papers.

Also, since you're a guy, you're not done growing yet and since your arm is an area that grows quite significantly (assuming that your arm does not change shape due to muscle and you will not have permanently short arms and a tall body) your tattoo does not grow with you and therefore you have the slight posibility of distorting your tattoo. That and also, due to the fact that it's a permanent thing....really put some thought into what your getting and think about whether you'll like it at 30, 40, etc. I am not saying not to get one...but I know that my thoughts and love for what I got will not change regardless of what age I am...but I know that my likes and thoughts have changed alot since High School which you're not even done with if you're 17.

Pain: Relative to the individual and pain tolerance. For me, I would say a 2 or 3, but I've also had a baby and a tattoo before...so not sure if that would change things.

Should I get it: If you have to ask a bunch of strangers to help you with this decision, then no you're not ready to get one....

Answer 2

Pain is a personal experience, so what for some is an agonizing experience, for others is barely registerable. For me, tattoos usually feel like I'm shaving with an electric razor pushed a little too close to the skin.

In general, the more skin you can pinch in the area you're getting the tattoo, the less you'll feel. The upper arms are pretty much the least painful places to be tattooed. An experienced tattoo artist will also (again, in general) be more gentle, and the quality of his/her work will stand out better either way. Remember, with tattoos you usually get what you pay for, so if you do decide to do it, be willing to fork over a decent amount of cash.

Answer 3

Depends on what you consider painful and how well you can tolerate it. Also depends on where you get the tattoo, is it a fleshy or bony area and how big the tatt is. I have over 26 tattoo's but none on my arms, my husband however has full sleeves and said it stung a little but only for a few minutes on the forearms and biceps. Nothing bad. Scale of 1--10 with ten being the highest amount of pain, he said a 1 and a 2 in tender areas.

Answer 4

Like others have said - it depends on YOU. I have 5, and thus far, the most painful area was completing the armband under my arm. Then skin is more sensative there. Rating that at maybe 5 1/2 out of 10.

The others I say a 2 1/2 to 3.

Answer 5

see this is a hard question to answer it really depends on where on your body you get it. mine is on my back my my left shoulder. when she first started outlining it ( a koi) it was an 8 then you get used to it and it was a 2 then when she hit the shoulder blade and the bone it was a 7 but those parts were only for a split second. you'll be ok but make sure you get something that you can live with for the rest of your life will you still like the tattoo when your 80? if not don't get it

Answer 6

It depends on the person. I got my first tattoo a year ago on the side of my lower leg. I didn't feel a thing. My husband has five. Four on his arms and one on his shoulder blade. All of his hurt but nothing he could not stand. The more meat the less pain. The top of the arm is going to less painful then the inside of the arm.
Mrs. Luke

Answer 7

Depending on how big the tattoo is will say on how much it hurts. I just started getting tattoos in my early 30's and if I can do it so can you. Here's something to think about I got my pussy tattooed with a cat's face, if I can handle that type of pain anyone can get tattooed. Good luck to you let me know how it goes.

Answer 8

Well it reallydepends on what of tattoo you will be getting but arm doesn't hurt as much as it does having it done in the back and chest.

Answer 9

It is nice getting a tattoo but bear in mind that it will hurt. Like the needle is pocking in and out. Dragging its way around to create the design. for the entire week you could barely lift heavy things cos it will swell. Bathing might cos you pain as well. Also if you didn't take good care of it, the design might crack and leaving it some crack scars behind. Recovery time depends on individual.

Answer 10

yes pain depends on density of color, if it is an outline then the puncture are not as intense as it is when the area is filled with color. Also there is pain if it becomes infected, sun burnt and several other things you should not do. A good tattoo shop will give you specific instruction on how to care for your new tattoo until it heals over.