Do tattoos hurt?
Pain is often a concern for many people considering a tattoo, but let me assure you, it's typically not as intense as you might imagine. I want to put your mind at ease by sharing some insights from my experience.
Firstly, I want to emphasize that I have never had a client run screaming from my studio, nor have I ever encountered a tattoo that couldn't be completed due to unbearable pain. The most frequent description of tattoo pain is usually that ‘it is hard to describe’ – not very useful!
The needle grouping rapidly impacting the skin creates a sensation that varies from person to person, but for me, a tattoo feels like a sharp and constant irritation rather than intense pain. Areas that are typically ticklish or located near joints such as the elbow, wrist, or ankle may be slightly more sensitive, as are the hands and feet, ribs and middle torso. Just like eyesight or hearing, skin sensitivity varies from person to person and in different parts of the body.
It's important to note that the ink is not ‘injected’ into the skin so there’s no sensation of the needle piercing through it. Instead it is pushed in by a small grouping of pins that are usually called needles by tattooists but are not hollow. As a result, individuals with a fear of needles often find that getting a tattoo is not as problematic as they initially thought.
To put it into perspective, the needle grouping only penetrates your skin between ¼ and ¾ of a millimetre - about the width of two or three human hairs. It feels more like a scratch or a slight warmth. Some areas can be more intense, but rest assuredthat the discomfort is almost always tolerable - and think of it this way: tattoos would not be nearly so popular if getting them was an excruciating ordeal. After the session, you may experience a sensation similar to sunburn for up to 48 hours.
I want to emphasize that it's more important for you to choose a tattoo based on what you truly desire rather than worrying excessively about the pain. Small tattoos don't necessarily hurt less than large ones, and most people can sit being tattooed quite easily for about 2 hours because your body produces endorphins your nerves settle and you get used to the sensation. With my expertise and your comfort as a priority, we'll work together to make the experience of transformation a positive one.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the pain aspect, please don't hesitate to ask. I am happy to provide all the information and support you need to make an informed decision.
