When doing a tattoo, what do you take or what do you do to numb the pain?

Question

I what to get a tattoo on my arm, But I what to feel the leese paind possible.

Answer 1

I don't take anything. The whole part of getting the tattoo is experiencing the pain. It's not as painful as you think it will be. To me, it didn't really hurt, more like a minor irritation. The closer to bone you get, the more it hurts, but nothing you can't handle. It also depends on your pain tolerance, and the nerve endings where you get your tattoo. Some areas hurt more than others. Taking something to numb the pain is all up to you, but me personally, I like to experience that part of the tattoo as well. =]

Answer 2

Don't think about the pain. It shouldn't be an issue when picking out a tattoo. I would suggest though, starting small. Don't try to be big and bad with the first. Make sure you eat before you go though, or you might feel nauseous and light headed during. Ask the artist when s/he has set up and is getting ready to start to do the first line with no ink on the needle. This will give you an idea of the pain. There is nothing wrong with backing out at this point. It's not for everybody. Just remember though, you're going to go through only X amount of hours of pain to get a beautiful piece of art that's going to last forever. And during the process don't forget to breath. A lot of people tend to hold their breath when the pain gets bad, NO NO NO. You'll end up passing out. So, if you want it, go for it. The pain really won't be as bad as you think. Every where on your body is going to have a different reaction. Some places hurt more than other. I've had tattoos that actually felt pleasant. One on my foot actually tickled. So, don't let everyone scare you with the pain. You'll be OK.

Answer 3

There is a cream called Elna cream, but its expensive and have to wait an hour after applying before tattooing, but it only lasts half an hour so it isn't well received by most tattooists as it impacts on time heavily. when it wears off it the pain is even more intense. Artists work differently, some work off the needle others work from the tip which means needle depth is ignored. Find a good artist first, quality and detail will dictate, but running you fingernail hard down the inside of your arm will give you an idea of what to expect. It wont be as bad as you think if you that worried, I have seen hundreds of people with the same thought as you, so don't stress too much! Good luck with the inking anyway.

Answer 4

you don't. Anything that you take will thin your blood and will cause the ink to run as well. as soon as the tattoo begins your body will create the endorphins nessicary to lessen the pain and you should be left with a warm sensation instead of the inital stinging pain. if you want a painless tattoo you dont' want a tattoo you want an airbrushed temp.
After the tattoo is done and you still have pain, don't take pain killers, again will thin your blood and your tattoo will result in looking like crap. But you can use a Neosporin with lanicain (spelling is wrong) this will lessen the pain post procedure.
Do not drink alcohol or take asprin, tylenol, or any other meds as this will thin your blood and you may bleed out some of the ink from your tattoo.

Answer 5

Just take it...there's really nothing you can do that's safe to take off the pain. If the tattoo is in a very sensitive spot then some artists will use numbing cream, but they usually only do it for the scalp and areas like that...
All of the other places...the artists say the pain is like a right of passage...if you can't take the pain you don't deserve the tat...
Once it's done...that's it, no more pain!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 6

It's really not that bad. Trust me. I have 8 tattoos and a half sleeve. I dont take anything for the pain. It is totally bearable. I usually just talk or read a magazine while I am being tattooed.

Answer 7

Dont take any tablets or alcohol they will thin the blood and you'll end up bleeding alot more and it will take longer to heal.

Things to take with you.....
Take something SWEET chocolate bar, cake ect.... the reason for taking something sweet is that when you get worried or anxious your blood sugar levels will drop and you could feel faint while getting tattooed. If you take something sweet with you IF you feel abit light headed the chocolate will make you feel fine again.

Take a ipod or something if you don't want to listen to the machine.

The best thing to take with you is A FRIEND they will be good support and keep you calm.

Good Luck and dont forget........Take something sweet all GOOD tattoo artist will tell you that.

Answer 8

Think holistic... I have 2 tats. The pain comes and goes during ur session. When the pain starts I focus on my breathing. I focus on deep breathes.. just like during yoga. It kind of transcends u. Focus on a deep inhale... exhale in a very slow relaxed manner. The breathing exercise relaxes u and the pain melts away... don't drink or take pain killers you'll bleed more; besides getting a tattoo isn't extremely painful. When it does start to hurt... remember the breathing exercise.. it really works!!!

Answer 9

Not a good idea to load up on pain killers.
They cause more bleeding in some people.
Check with your artist if you are not sure.
Your artist will let you take a break if needed.
He will help to distract you from the pain.
I find it is better to just go straight through it.
Instead of the stop, start method. A first tat
is usually a small one..shouldn't hurt to much.
Cowboy up...You'll be okay...It's only a little pain.
Ink Is For Life...........Think Before You Ink......

Answer 10

I do nothing special, I take nothing.

Most pain relievers thin your blood which is not good and overall the pain is tolerable. If it does get bad, just take a break and calm your nerves.

The pain is part of the tattoo process and if you don't think you can handle it, you shouldn't get the tattoo.