Getting a tattoo involves puncturing your skin with an ink-filled needle, so it’s natural to wonder how much pain to expect. However, pain tolerance varies from person to person, and it can depend on factors like age, sex, and the area of your body being tattooed. Let’s explore the most and least painful spots to get a tattoo and gain a better understanding of the pain involved.
Most and Least Painful Spots to Get a Tattoo
While most of the information about tattoo pain is anecdotal, there are some general guidelines. According to New York-based tattoo artist Gianna Caranfa, the most painful places to get tattooed are typically bony areas with little fat covering them. To illustrate, Caranfa suggests a simple “pinch test” to understand how pain can vary based on where you’re getting tattooed. Areas that hurt when pinched are likely to be more painful during the tattooing process.
The most painful areas for everyone include the feet, ribs, spine, stomach, fingers, chest, knee, elbow, shin, neck, groin, head, face, and the bony part of the ankle. On the other hand, less painful areas to get a tattoo are parts of the body with thicker skin and more fat, such as the forearm, hands, shoulder, parts of the back, back of the arm, stomach, outer arm, and outer thigh.
How Bad Do Tattoos Hurt?
The level of pain experienced during a tattoo session varies from person to person. Caranfa compares it to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn. The discomfort mainly comes from prolonged tenderness rather than the actual needle. Different individuals have different pain thresholds and nervous system responses, so their experiences will vary.
Other factors that can affect the pain experienced during tattooing include age, sex, and psychological expectations. Aging is thought to decrease pain sensitivity, but more research is needed to understand why. Women may be more sensitive to pain, have a lower pain threshold, and a lower tolerance for induced pain compared to men, although further studies are still emerging. Psychological factors, such as anxiety and pain expectations, can also influence the perceived pain level.
It’s important to note that some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to pain during menstruation.
Insider’s Takeaway
If you’re nervous about the pain of getting a tattoo, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself and make the experience more pleasant. Eating a meal, staying hydrated, and wearing comfortable clothes can all help. Additionally, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your tattoo artist and let them know if you need a break during the process.
If you’re particularly concerned about pain, you may consider using a numbing cream. However, it’s essential to avoid NSAIDs and alcohol before your appointment, as they can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding, making it more challenging for the tattoo artist to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prepare for getting a tattoo?
A: To prepare for getting a tattoo, make sure to eat a meal at least an hour before your appointment, drink plenty of water, and wear comfortable clothing. It’s also essential to communicate with your tattoo artist and let them know if you need a break during the process.
Q: Can I use a numbing cream to reduce the pain of getting a tattoo?
A: Yes, you can use a numbing cream to reduce the pain of getting a tattoo. However, it’s important to avoid NSAIDs and alcohol before your appointment, as they can thin the blood and cause excess bleeding.
Q: Are certain parts of the body more painful to tattoo than others?
A: Yes, some parts of the body are generally more painful to tattoo than others. Bony areas with little fat covering them tend to be more painful, while parts of the body with thicker skin and more fat are usually less painful.
Q: Do men and women experience tattoo pain differently?
A: There is some evidence to suggest that women may experience greater pain intensity, have a lower pain threshold, and a lower tolerance for induced pain compared to men. However, more research is needed to fully understand the differences in pain perception between men and women during tattooing.
Conclusion
Tattoo pain is subjective and can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, sex, and the area of the body being tattooed can influence the level of pain experienced. While some areas are generally more painful than others, everyone’s pain threshold is different. Preparing yourself by eating, staying hydrated, and wearing comfortable clothing can help make the process more pleasant. If needed, numbing creams can be used, but it’s essential to follow the artist’s instructions and avoid blood-thinning substances before the appointment.
