Does Getting A Tattoo Hurt? Probably the most common question that gets asked "Does it Hurt & How Much"
Tattoo pain is a feeling like any other feeling which humans have a curtain degree of control over, part of its psychological and part of its psychical and that sensation of pain especially regarding tattoos is relative depending on the persons life experiences, if you are a younger person and you really have not experienced too much discomfort in your life, then it's going to be the most painful thing you've ever experienced, but of course for somebody that has been around a little while and endured some discomfort it probably will not be too bad.
There are some ways around the physical pain, topical anesthetics are sometimes used for cosmetic tattooing and there are some topical anesthetics that can be applied to broken skin that is getting so sore that finishing the tattoo would be unbearable without it, however there are some side affects, most of the after care products contain epinephrine a synthetic adrenaline which can inhibit the blood supply to the area and have an impact on the healing process making it heal longer and harder, you may lose some colour using a topical anaesthetic, also there is a variety of other chemicals in the anaesthetic that could give you a bad reaction, typically your bodies natural anesthetics that your body produces in response to any injury is the best anaesthetic of all, also a lot of it is psychological so being in a good mood and keeping yourself focused and distracted properly is the best way to handle pain.
I have created a chart to give you an idea where the most painful places are to get a tattoo.
Should I Get A Tattoo?
The fact your reading this means that either yourself or someone you know is considering getting a tattoo. Please note however that 1/3 of people that get tattoos regret them. So you have to be very very sure that you want one and what to get. Tattoo removal is very expensive and expect to have a really nasty scar afterwards. Think cafefully where you want to have your tattoo, will it be easy to hide if you want or need to. Getting a tattoo on your neck or hands might be cool when your young to show off to your friends but try to think of what you will be doing in 5 to 10 years time, you may want to work somewhere that might be difficult with tattoos in exposed places.
What Questions Should I Ask The Tattoo Artist?
Tattoo shops can be pretty intimidating the first time you walk into one, the tattoo artist themselves will almost certainly be covered in tattoos, in fact I would be a little worried if they weren't. The shop will have flash images which will be on display but these are just illustrations of tattoos and are usually purchased from other artists.
If they are not busy ask if it's possible to have a chat with them, or arrange a better time to come back.
1. Can I See Your Collection Of Photos?
These will be photos of tattoos that they have done. If you ask this they will probably know straight away that you know a little bit about tattoos.
2. What Tattoos Do You Enjoy Doing?
Most tattoo artists will enjoy and specialise on a certain type of tattoo be it, dragons, portraits etc.
3. How Long Have You Been Tattooing?
Just because they have only been tattooing for a short amount of time does not mean they are not great artists, use your judgement by looking at any photos of tattoos they have done and in most cases you will get a reduced hourly rate from someone still learning, but bear in mind this can be a gamble.
Build a rapport but don't overstay your welcome tattoo artists can be very busy, after chatting with them for a while you should feel comfortable and at ease with them, if not then maybe this isn't the right place for you.
