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Original poster

talk to me about tattoos

73 replies

thehappyegg · 03/06/2019 16:19

Not whether you like them or not (if you hate them, there are plenty of threads trashing them I'm sure!) - but the pain.

I really want a tattoo, I've wanted one for years, I've just turned 30 and I feel now's the time to do it. But I am SHIT scared of the pain. My pain threshold is low.

Those of you who have them - I know it depends on where you get them and how large they are, but how much does it hurt? I have heard people compare them to being scratched by a cat. I have high tolerance for that as I have two cats with claws sharp as needles who like to knead me painfully at any opportunity.

I don't mind needles, I'm ok with blood tests and injections.

Any tips/experiences welcome!

OP posts:
MiddleClassProblem · 03/06/2019 17:22

Different pain to a Brazilian so can compare but also never found them that bad despite the heavy foliage 😂

SaintEyning · 03/06/2019 17:25

I got two new ones last weekend - I had two already but could not remember much about any pain as they were done 16 and 20 years ago. The ones on my hand and wrist that I just got were fine - bit burny but really nothing that would stop you from chatting away whilst it’s happening. So a bit like waxing or threading I guess!

MitziK · 03/06/2019 17:37

The way I'd describe it is when a cat jumps on you and slips as they're leaping straight back off again - the ones where you swear loudly because it's that bit deeper than their usual clumsiness, but it only draws the tiniest drops of blood. And you're prepared for it happening, rather than having an Idiot Animal suddenly leaping upon you.

You remember those breathing exercises for childbirth that didn't do any good? Breathe in when the gun is lifted, then breathe out slowly, blowing gently as if to not quite blow out a candle whilst the tattoo artist is actually touching your skin. A good one will get in sync with your breathing. I found the outline the most uncomfortable, compared to shading. But not bad, all things considered - five hours, non stop, being aware of very large and tough looking men tapping out all around me (the xcf fucking cried and took himself off for ten minutes and a spliff before he could cope with a teeny tiny one on his upper arm).

It's likely you'll come out in a cold sweat, especially if you're anxious - showering in Dove beforehand means it isn't too stinky or over perfumed. Eat well before, make sure you're not hungover or dehydrated, bring a sugary drink with you. And no drinking afterwards!

I found that my natural endorphins kicked in part the way through, so I actually felt quite chilled and floaty afterwards. The artist reckoned that my doing the breathing helped that happen.

A wax is a sharp shock over a relatively large area. I get threading done on my face regularly - I'd say it's less intense than having the tiny hairs around the edge of the outer lip or any peach fuzz right where your ear joins your cheek, but more than the top of your brows.

Don't grit your teeth or tense, as that makes things hurt more - and could make it harder for the artist, as your muscles will be changing shape and could shake. Do the breathing and, unlike childbirth, it doesn't get any worse.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Beauty General health
Cherylshaw · 03/06/2019 17:41

It depends on the person I have heard it's really painful, not painful and one of my friends even found it quite arousing (she is almost covers in them) 😲 I didn't find mine painful (on my shoulder blade) but fatty areas are less painful. Thin skinned places such as the back of the ear would be more sore.
It felt more of a rough rub if that makes sense

puppymouse · 03/06/2019 18:10

I have semi perm eyeliner tattoo.

I have no idea if it's the same as a tattoo but I'll assume I'm double hard for going ahead with it 😆

DottieLottie1 · 03/06/2019 18:25

I know you said this thread is not about whether you like Tattoos or not but...

I had my tattoo inked at 22 years old so not super young and I was already married at this point. I now wish I hadn't, I wouldn't say I hate it but definitely regret it.

Keeoe · 03/06/2019 19:02

I'm covered in 'em, including ankles, wrists, elbows etc. Worst place I've had done was my elbow ditch - that tickled a bit. But not unbearable by any means. If you ask a man however... 😁

Keeoe · 03/06/2019 19:04

@DottieLottie1 get rid! Lifes too short to have a tattoo you don't like. Laser treatment is so much more affordable than it used to be and if you go to the right practitioner, theres no scarring.

LittleGinBigGin · 03/06/2019 19:12

I’ve found anything on bone is slightly more painful. I have a few on my ankle bones and that’s been the worse but the rest is ok.

To be fair I’ve find a bit like a nettle rash feeling and after a while it’s fine.

DottieLottie1 · 03/06/2019 19:18

I've not looked into removal for years @Keeoe, so maybe I should do a little research.

Don't get me wrong I don't necessarily dislike them on others but definitely not on me!

MalloryLaurel · 03/06/2019 19:24

The artist that did my tattoo was happy with ametop too.

MsCupcake · 03/06/2019 19:45

I have tattoos all of which were irritating rather than painful, shoulder & forearm.

I have microbladed eyebrows that I would have sold my granny to stop - they fucking hurt.....

BelulahBlanca · 03/06/2019 19:53

I have foot and rib and neither were even in the same ball park as child birth.

qazxc · 03/06/2019 20:12

inside of wrist was like being gently pinged by an elastic, not painful.

justthecat · 03/06/2019 20:24

I’ve had 2 - first one I expected the worse and was fine , second I thought ah it’s easy,no, hurt like hell ( same place,different mindset )
My 27 ds full back, chest, arms etc. Wouldn’t last two min of child birth - if possible

Sn0tnose · 03/06/2019 20:30

OP, there’s a magazine called Skin Deep and this month’s issue has an article about what to expect for your first tattoo, which is pretty accurate. Aside from the level of pain, the usual advice is to choose your artist carefully, not all artists are brilliant at all styles, remember you get what you pay for and if you’re not going for a real custom piece, think about whether it will date. There are an awful lot of pocket watches and roses being done at the moment.

I think the pain is completely individual. I’ve got them on bony areas and it was fine. Padded areas were fine. The inside of my forearm and wrist was bloody awful. I’ve never used numbing cream.

Original poster
thehappyegg · 04/06/2019 11:06

Well I've booked my consultation in. Eek!

OP posts:
Elphame · 04/06/2019 11:47

Good luck - I had one on my upper thigh. At worst it was uncomfortable but not really painful (and I'm a wuss and scared of needles).

StarlightLady · 04/06/2019 12:23

Better than having a filling st the dentist in my view.

Avoid anwhere that will go particular baggy/saggy as you get older. Shoulder is reasonable in terms of discomfort but endure it is clear of your bra strap, because it will cut in to a fresh tattoo. Let us know what you go for.

Original poster
thehappyegg · 04/06/2019 12:51

It'll likely be my forearm, upper arm (side) or calf.

OP posts:
Mermaidkisses · 04/06/2019 12:52

I have just had my 18th tattoo (A mandala over my old wedding band tattoo) it wasn't at all painful. For me the worst was across my breastbone area when I had my beautiful sternum tattoo a couple of years ago, sore but it did last 6.5 hours!!

Damntheman · 04/06/2019 13:55

I only have one tattoo and I got it about 15 years ago so my experience may not be that relevant.. It's on the fleshy part of my hip towards the back if that makes any sense. It didn't hurt at all, but the sound of the needle buzzing does get a bit grating.

DuMondeB · 04/06/2019 22:24

None of your potential spots are particularly painful - I’ve got an almost completely tattooed body and the most painful places have been my tits (yes, right up to the nipple) my armpits and the crease between my arsecheek and my thigh.

Anyone who says the bony bits (knees, feet, wrists, ribs) are the most painful spots hasn’t had their arse/thigh crease done 😂

Make sure you see photos of the tattooers actual work and look at the precision of outlines and the smoothness of shading/colour.

DuMondeB · 04/06/2019 22:26

Oh, and it hurts more when you are on, so think about your menstrual cycle when booking in!

unicornsrule · 04/06/2019 22:33

I have 10 small tattoos i am not good with pain they were fine
Have wrist ones, ones on my back
Arm ones