I'm planning on getting a tattoo as a joint Christmas present with a good friend of mine. I've never had a tattoo before, and my family freaked. They're trying to convince me not to get one by telling me just how much it will hurt. I intend to get one nonetheless, but, honestly, just how much DOES it hurt?
It depends on two things: 1) the quality of the needle 2) the gentleness of the artist My first tattoo was hell, but I later found out that the needle was old and rough. My second one actually felt GOOD, almost like a deep tissue massage. Just make sure you hire a reputable artist and check with him or her about the needle quality before starting.
^^^well, needles should never be "old or rough." Make sure the needle is NEW from a package or don't ever let the artist touch you. Occasionally, one of the needle can be bent, which would be uncomfortable, but the artist should notice this immediately and replace it. Most tattooist use multiple needles at a time on all but the finest work. Location is probably the biggest decider of pain. Boney areas(ribs, feet, hands, spine) hurt more. Fleshy areas hurt less. The actual needle part feels like a be sting or paper clip being dragged acros the skin. Also, there is pressure behing the needle, which is often the most uncomfortable part(press down on the area you want tattooed with your finger with the force of writing on paper and move it around a bit to get the idea). Truthfully, there is nothing else like the tattoing sensation. It does hurt, but pain is highly subjective. Also, if it was like sawing off an arm, people would not repeatedly go back to voluntarily put themselves through it. If you truly want the work, the pain is not a consideration. Cheers and good luck
The point I'd like to make is that if you really want a tattoo and it means a lot to you the pain should not even be an issue. half on hour (or however long depending on size) of pain is worth it for something that will last a lifetime. Now, as for the pain I personally don't think it hurts. I think it feels good but I'm also kind of a freak I guess. Do what I did my first time, pop a couple of pills ( I took 2 percs) and then go do it. You won't feel much. Just don't tell the artist you are on anything or they won't touch you! As for your family, they will get over it. You are an adult now (assuming you really are 18) and although they disapprove they will realize it is not the end of the world.
Pill popping is not the best idea. Niether is drinking or taking aspirin. All these have increased risks of bleeding which can adversely affect the tattoo. There's are reason that tattooist don't want you to do them. Anyway, its your choice,but you should know the consequences of each decision. But, yeah, the pain isn't/shouldn't be a consideration
^ the reason is because you may not be making a smart decision, mostly. Like perhaps it's being done on a whim. Percocet does not significantly increase the risk of bleeding, although aspirin does since it is a mild anticoagulent. I don't really advocate this, it's just an idea.
The truth is, gettting Tattoo'd hurts. Some take pain better than others. If it did not hurt, everyone whould have one. Different parts of your body hurt more than others. My 2 back pieces did not really hurt at all. My right shoulder (after 7 hours) hurt like hell. May arm band only hurt on the underside of my arm. I am told over bones like shins and ribs hurt quite a bit, but again, it is all up to how much you can put up with pain.
My tattoo didnt hurt at all. I was nervous before we started, but when he did I was like hmm this is it? I even said to the guy, do you realize that I want a permanent tattoo. He just laughed and was what do you think Im doing it, Im like I dont know but I can barely feel that. It was nothing more than a tingling sensation. I got mine next to the left hipbone, but in a fleshy area.
My rib piece made me want to die, but its so worth it. Its the most beautiful tattoo on my body, and I love it so much.
Hey, thanks for the input. I'm not WORRIED about the pain; the tattoo I'm getting reflects on something that can never change, because it's something that a friend an I have shared; it's far bigger than a short while's pain, but I did want to know what I'm getting myself into.
The truth is that you don't have to read all our fucking opinions because it doesn't mather. There's too much factors involved to give you a clear answer. Get a small tattoo to start with and find out your OWN answer. Just don't get a scratcher, I'm not talking about the ''kitchen wizard''... some shops have scratchers as tattoo artists.
My first tattoo was an om symbol on the back of my neck. I thought it would hurt a lot seeing as how it was right on the bone but it really wasn't that bad. And in the end it was way worth it. I love it.
