How badly does getting a tattoo hurt?

Question

I'm considering getting a pretty small one on the left corner of my shoulder blade...how badly and how long does this hurt? What does it feel like?

..aww, this sucks.

Answer 1

Getting a tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain can vary. Because getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. Some people describe the tattoo sensation as "tingling." It all depends on your pain threshold, how good the person wielding the tattoo machine is, and where exactly on your body you're getting the tattoo. Also, keep in mind that you'll probably bleed a little.

Answer 2

I have a small tattoo between my shoulder blades in color. Honestly, it didn't hurt at ALL. You, obviously, feel something going on and no, it doesn't feel the best, you're not going to get an orgasm from it but there were no tears. I felt some twinges now and then but really, all my focus was on being topless in a tattoo shop with people walking by. (It's OK, I have good boobs, I didn't mind.)

It took about 15 minutes and it hurt for the first few showers, sort of like when you have a burn or scab but after that it was fine. The hardest part about getting a tattoo is picking it out.

Answer 3

I have one on each of my shoulder blades and they hurt the least in my opinion. (I have seven total) I always say the easiest way to describe the pain as they are doing the tattoo is if you take a toothpick and rub it over your skin. If you are getting something small then it shouldn't hurt much at all. You brain tells the pain receptors to shut down soon after they start.

Now after it is done the best way to describe it is a sunburn. It feels just like what you would feel the day after you get a nasty sunburn. I'm a total wimp and I'm petrified of needles but I have seven. You will be fine. The yuckiest part to me is not the "pain: of having a tattoo, but the itching that you can't scratch afterwards. That drives me nuts.

My advice.....if you are really scared (and it's normal to be scared....I still get a little scared before each one of mine is done) then take somebody with you to talk to. It's always easier when you can talk to someone to get your mind off of it. (Now keep in mind I was so scared before I got my first one that i offered my husband 100 dollars to take me home...even though I already paid the shop 250 dollars for the tattoo! )

You're gonna be just fine. Remember to breathe!

:)

Answer 4

I have 2 tattoos. The small one on the back of my shoulder didn't hurt too bad. It just felt like little bee stings, sort of. I have a larger one on the back of my neck. That one hurt a little more, but I think that's because it took a lot longer. I've heard mixed (firsthand) answers about the theory that it hurts more having a tattoo done over a bone.

Answer 5

I have five so far and am going to get number six and seven in a week or so. I have one on my shoulder blade. It didn't hurt. I have a good pain tolerance also. General rule of thumb is bone burns and muscle stings. Everyone is different body size, pain tolerance, ect. But any pain is worth a finished product that you will love and enjoy for the rest of your days.

Answer 6

When i got my first tattoo, i described the feeling as someone taking a paperclip and digging it into your skin over and over and over. After my third tattoo, i actually fell asleep on the table while getting it done. It just depends on your tolerance. Just keep in mind it WILL hurt, and then when it doestn feel that bad you wont make yourself pass out lol

If it does hurt then tell yourself "i will have this forever after i pass this point" what is an hour or 2 for a lifetime worth of great art work ?:)

Answer 7

Well I have never had a tattoo before. But it usually depends on how fast the needle is going in your skin. If it is going pretty fast then it will hurt. If the needle is going slow it shouldn't really hurt. Usually the most painful places to get a tattoo is on your back and on your knee cap.

Answer 8

it depends on where you get it. i have one on my right shoulder blade, it stung, not awful though.
i have one on my calf and it didnt hurt at all. i only had a problem when they got next to my shin bone i got that ticklish jerk going on. i couldnt help it
an the one on my lower back, well, i can say that one HURT i had a really hard time with that one. i have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but i still was hurting bad.

they were all worth it, i love my tatoos, and i am currently planning my next. so the pain isnt bad enough to make me stop.

Answer 9

hi, i have 2 tattoos one around my belly button which is supposed to be the most sensitive place to have one and yeah it did hurt a bit but i didnt cry or anything and it is SOOOO worth it in the end, i have since had another one across the bottom of my back which is heaps bigger!
The more you think about the pain the more it will hurt!!

Answer 10

Not a pinch darlin...aww maybe just a little. I have two tats and they are small. It kinda tickles, and later feels like a small sunburn. If you keep it covered and clean, that goes away pretty quickly. I have one right above my left breast, a little too much info maybe? Good luck!