One of the questions we are asked most often at Motink Tattoo is, without a doubt: how much does a tattoo hurt? This worries first-timers in particular, as tattoos are generally associated with the word pain.
In this article, I, Jon Arenas, realism tattoo artist and founder of the Motink Tattoo Andorra and Motink Tattoo Barcelona studios, will try to explain in detail the 5 factors that affect how much a tattoo hurts. I will also give you some key tips to reduce pain during a tattoo session.
1. Personal pain tolerance
Pain tolerance, that is, how much a tattoo feels like it hurts, varies greatly from person to person. What is a slight discomfort for some can be unbearable for others. So we can say that pain is a personal, subjective perception that depends on factors such as:
- Biological: as a general rule, women have a higher pain threshold than men.
- Genetics: some people are more resistant than others, regardless of sex or age.
- Emotional: if you suffer from anxiety or stress, your perception of pain can also be affected.
2. Tattoo pain areas for women and men
Some parts of the body are more painful than others to tattoo. In general, areas with less fatty tissue and closer to bones or nerves tend to be more sensitive, such as the ribs, ankles or neck. The placement is key to knowing how much a tattoo will hurt.
In the following image you can see a map of the most painful areas for women and men.
How much does a neck tattoo hurt?
The neck is known to be more sensitive to pain because of the nearby nerves and thinner skin. Some people describe the sensation as a very sharp discomfort, while others find it bearable. With the right technique and experience, it is never unbearable.
And where does a tattoo hurt the least?
We have seen the most painful areas of the body for a tattoo. So which are the least painful? Generally, the arms, the front of the thighs, the chest (except the sternum) and the back.
3. Tattoo style
The type or style of tattoo is decisive in how much a tattoo hurts.
You may wonder why.
Well, depending on the tattoo style, the type of machine and the quality of the ink, the needle has to go deeper or shallower into the skin. As a result, the pain can be sharper or milder.
Styles with fill, colour tattoos, traditional, neo-traditional and Maori tattoos are done at a depth of 2-3 mm. In other styles, such as fine line tattoos, Black Work and shaded styles like realism, the needle depth is usually 1-2 mm.
How much does a tattoo hurt?
Jon Arenas’ tip: “Most clients say that during the first two hours, especially with line tattoos, it feels like little pinches and heat. Before they know it, the tattoo is finished”
4. Studio atmosphere, music psychology
It may be hard to believe, but when getting a tattoo it is very important to have a calm, private and bright environment.
A spacious tattoo room with lots of natural light, like the ones at Motink Tattoo, will help you stay calm and feel much less pain.
5. The tattoo artist’s experience
This last point is undoubtedly the most important. An experienced tattoo artist with good technique will achieve a better tattoo than someone with less experience, making fewer passes and always keeping the needle depth perfect.
The result? A tattoo with less trauma, that heals faster, with brighter colours and fine, beautiful lines.
How long does a tattoo hurt for?
Jon Arenas’ tip: “It is normal to feel some discomfort in the tattooed area for a few days. In this article we explain in detail how to heal a tattoo”
In this article we have looked at the 5 key points about how much a tattoo hurts. You have learned which areas are the most painful and, above all, how important it is to choose a good tattoo artist. I hope you found this information useful!
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