Do tattoos hurt really bad?

Question

i was thinking about a tattoo done ,i know they hurt but is it really bad ,had anyone ever passed out getting one done?

Answer 1

The question has been posed time and time again, and I never seem to read a satisfying answer - How much does getting a tattoo hurt? Professional tattooists and long-time collectors sometimes tend to forget what it was like to be on the other side of the chair for the first time. Although there is no way for me to tell each individual what it will feel like for them, I will do my best to offer some encouragement.

Comparisons
It's true that everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a "hot scratch". Some have said it was "annoying". Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. But there is a little more than pain alone to consider when getting a tattoo.

Fainting and Tears
You may have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain. First of all, people pass out because their blood sugar drops from not eating or they just allow themselves to get too worked up and their own fear knocks them out. Pain is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo. As far as crying goes, there are some that find the pain too much to bear. These people are few and far between - don't assume you're going to be one of them. I shed a couple tears myself once - after an eight-hour session that was pure torture during the last two from all the stress on my body. More than likely, you are not going to be sitting down to an 8 hour tattooing session! So don't give in to the horror stories - we moms love to share labor and birth horror stories, but that doesn't stop girls from having babies!

Fear of Needles or Blood
If you have a fear of needles or blood, getting a tattoo isn't going to be easy. However, I would like to point out that tattoo needles do not enter the skin very far as many fear - actually, it only goes in about 1/16 of an inch. Take a look at a ruler and you'll see just how insignificant that is. Another thing you can do is get your tattoo somewhere on your body where you will not be able to watch the work going on. This helps some to overcome the apprehension, by not actually seeing the needle.

The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don't bleed at all - or very little. The tattoo artist will also be constantly wiping up your skin to clean off any traces of blood, so it's done in a very clean and professional manner. Excessive bleeding usually only results when the patron has been drinking alcohol or taking some kind of blood thinner (like aspirin).

I do not consider myself real tolerant of pain. But certain things hurt more than others. I can endure childbirth much better than I can deal with a toothache. I think the end result and the reason you are experiencing the pain can affect how much it hurts. Getting a tattoo is one that I consider worth the discomfort because of the outcome. I know that I'm going to have this beautiful piece of artwork on me that I can be proud of when it's all said and done.

You're Not Alone
Another thing to consider is the fact that nearly everyone is nervous when they go to get a tattoo. I don't care how many you already have, there is always a feeling of apprehension when you sit in the chair. This is your body's natural defense - endorphins. Your own endorphins will kick in and help to ease any pain or discomfort you are about to deal with. The first 60 seconds is usually the worst, and then when you realize it's just not that bad, you calm down and the rest is smooth sailing.

Learn As Much As You Can
And the number one thing that I find helps me to deal with any situation of feeling anxious is being 100% educated and informed about what I'm getting into. When I wanted to get my first tattoo, I did so much research about the whole process and exactly what to expect that I fell in love with the art. When I finally made the decision to get my first tattoo, I knew exactly what to expect and was not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be.

If you truly want a tattoo, and you take the time to be educated about the process and how to choose the right artist that you can have complete confidence in, I promise you that you will not run out the door screaming due to the pain. You will walk out of that studio with a smile on your face, and your permanent "rite of passage" that is well deserved for overcoming your obstacle of fear.

The Beginner's Guide to Tattoos is dedicated to those taking the first step into getting a tattoo. I invite you to read this and educate yourself on procedure, safety, and aftercare. This will give you the confidence that it gave me to sit in the chair and get inked for the first time.

Answer 2

OK, so everyone is different. what hurts one person may not hurt another. I am currently a few sessions in on a leg sleeve and yes it hurts, but usually only after about 4 or 5 hours of continuous tattooing. I personally think that it hurts more over a bone, or other places that aren't as fleshy. You may feel the exact opposite. Like I said everyone is different. I have one on my side that didn't hurt, and one on the back of my shoulder that was, to me, a medium sort of pain level. I also agree that you should definitely eat before hand, I've found that I tend to get a little nauseous if I don't. Most tattoo artists will give you a break for a few minutes whenever you need it, you just have to ask. Definitely go for it though, it is worth it to have the beautiful artwork on your body.

Oh, and don't get a tattoo from the tattoo flash on the wall in the studio. You are almost guaranteed to find many more people with the same tattoo as you if you do. It means a lot more if you get a custom piece, not to mention you will have a one of a kind piece of art.

Answer 3

I have two tattoos, one on the top of my right foot and one in between my shoulder blades. The one on my back didn't hurt much at all. It kinda feels like little stings when it's being done. Also keep in mind that if the tattoo your getting is small ( around 2 or 3 inches) it wont take very long to do. Maybe about 30 to 45 min. As far as the tattoo on my foot...not that hurt like heck lol. I wouldn't get another tattoo there, although I'm sooo happy I got that tattoo. I absolutely love it and get many compliments on it. Different places on your body are more sensitive and will hurt more...like the top of your foot, on your side near or on the rib cage or on your hand. Just think of the places that you don't have much padding lol, those are the places that hurt the most. Hope that helps...if you want to get a tattoo go for it. Trust me it wont be that bad :o)

Answer 4

I have had two. (on my lower back and hip) I got them done when I was 17 and 18 years old. Yeah, its painfull... but its not unbearable. And I don't know of anyone thats passed out from it. There is a way you can test yourself to see if you can handle it. When you decide to get one, go to your tattoo parlor, and they can put the tattoo needle on you (just like as if they were tattooing you then), but with no ink it in. That will give you an idea of what it will feel like, and there will be no ink, so at least that way if you decide its too painfull, you can stop them without having half of a tattoo. GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

It depends on your pain tolerance. And also it depends where on your body your getting your tattoo.

if your a weak person and bruise easily or any little thing hurts, then yes it will probably hurt you.

But really it does not hurt! Or in my case it did not hurt, i had mine on my lower back and it was fast and not much pain, the only part it was more uncomfortable was when it was being done right over my spine.

Luck, just dont think about it, and make sure you get something you love and wont regret later on.

Answer 6

No, i have two, one on my upper arm and one from my ankle up my leg.....its more like a scorch sensation for the first few mins but after that you don't really feel anything. It can also depend on the area you have tattooed, places with less muscle may sting and I've been told that the top of the foot and the neck are the most painful places to have tattooed. Speak to the tattooist, enquire weather they use numbing gel or not and most importantly...make sure the place is hygienic...you wouldn't believe some of the pics Ive seen of tat's that have become infected.

Answer 7

Tattoos do hurt depending where you get it. I have a nice sized one on my lower back and it hurt pretty bad in some spots. I have not passed out but almost. I was so nervous the first time. You have to consintrate on your breathing because if you don't you hold it and then you will feel like your going to pass out. Talk to someone while your doing it, it makes it better.

Answer 8

It depends on where you get it :) The most painful places that I have read up on are the ankle/foot , rib cage and back of the neck. Anywhere that is close to the bone or tendons.. It feels alright at first kind of just a scratchy feel but after about an hour I was starting to feel it and it was more like an electrical stingy feel but right when you think alright I have had enough they let up and the pain stops and then they start again and it isnt as bad. Hard to explain but It wasnt the during that was the worst for me I had one around my ankle and my foot and ankle was swollen and hurt to walk on for about a week. lol.. I would go with my shoulder :)

Answer 9

it all depends on where you get the tattoo the thinner the skin the more it hurts i've got 5 done in different parts, my belly hurt the least and my foot hurt the most but no matter where you get one it will hurt, just think happy thoughts to forget about the pain and go for some thing small first, hope that helps

Answer 10

I got my first tattoo at 56 years old. I always wanted one but was afraid it would hurt. Trust me, it's not bad at all. I now have 12 tattoo's. The only place it hurts is the top of the foot, don't go there! The ankle, arm, leg, piece of cake.