How much do tattoos hurt and where is the best place?

[FairyFestival]

I really want to get a tiny tattoo but concerned about the pain. I don’t know what to compare it to ( have given birth twice with no pain relief except gas and air).

I have quite a few tattoos ..... the pain reminds me of when the needle goes in for a blood test

I gave birth with no pain relief and would prefer to give birth again than have another tattoo

But feet are painful for tattoos as are wrists ...

If it’s really tiny then it’ll be done in a matter of minutes.

I have a tiny one on my wrist. It stung but didn’t hurt - felt a bit like when you try to get a splinter out with a needle. It was over in less than 5 minutes!

Mine really haven't hurt much at all. It's like a scratchy rub on the skin rather than a sharp pain. I have a large one on my thigh and a smaller on my calf and chest. The chest was the most poky but only took half an hour so it was fine.

I've a few. Back, ankles, wrists and upper arms are no issue, more scratchy than painful I thought! Anything over the bone, so ribs, knee, foot etc are a bit more of a nip. It does depend on your threshold though, and that sounds like it wouldn't be an issue. My tattooist also said that it's never women who tap out

I have 15 tattoos and my most painful one was my foot, took 2 sessions even though it's not huge (does cover most of my foot though) I have them on my arms, including wrist, ribs, back and my neck. Least painful was wrist and above my elbow. Everyone is different though.

Honestly, i wouldn't bother getting a tiny one.

I know when I had mine done, we had the enforcement officer from the local council watching, I was down to my knickers with him watching (and taking photos)

Yep. That happens every time you go for a tattoo. Standard service.

Tattoo enforcement officer?

I have a big one on my ribs and before I had it done I popped to the pharmacy for some Emla (numbing cream) which I used to numb the area before having it done. It didn't last for the whole duration of having the tattoo done, but as it wore off, it allowed me to ease into the feeling/ pain. I found it was quite sharp/ scratchy. I get teased by my brother for using the cream (he has full sleeves) but I have fibromyalgia and was super desperate to have mine done, so liked having the help! 😂x

Totally depends where you get it.

Most of mine are on my forearms, wrists weren't too bad, I'd say it's more of a burning pain really, but difficult to describe.

Having said that, I did pass out with one of mine, inner elbow area, but I think that was more to do with not having eaten properly. Came round, had some sugar, felt better and he finished it off.

Sounds like you have a relatively high pain threshold so you'll be fine, especially with a little one!

Pain is like a scratching sensation, back was completely fine, I felt really peaceful lying there each time, and is almost completely covered.
Ribs hurt a little more, it’s only a small one, I would definitely need a break a lot sooner than with my back if it was bigger.

A bit, but I hear Brighton is pretty good.

A bit, but I hear Brighton is pretty good.

For a small tattoo, placement shouldn't be too much of an issue. If you were getting a larger one then that is when you have to plan more carefully due to wrapping etc.

Do think about if you would want any more tattoos in the future and if the placement of this one would affect it.

Painwise is all subjective. I am pretty covered and find the majority painless. The ribs and inner arm were pretty dreadful though.

What ideas did you have in mind?

Honestly, i wouldn't bother getting a tiny one.

Rude!

Yes, what on earth is wrong with a small tattoo? I love mine, and it didn't really hurt.

The best place to get a tattoo is where you want it to be! Pain is only temporary but a tattoo is forever. Don’t let pain dictate where it is or you’ll regret the placement.

The pain feels like a cat scratch. You’ll probably wonder why you could have been worried about it. The pain and discomfort from tattoos actually comes from the endurance over time - after the first hour or two of continuous tattooing you start to get swelling and inflammation, and the artist will keep going over that area again and again. That’s when it starts to hurt. For a small tattoo though you’re looking at an hour at most and you won’t get to that stage.

I have a half sleeve which took about 12 hours over four 3 hour sessions. Also have about 8 hours worth of tattooing on my shoulders. Me and tattoo pain are old friends now.

How is it rude 🤔 Either get a proper tattoo, or don't. Don't pussyfoot around testing the water incase it hurts. Tattoos hurt and are noticable.

I have one on my shoulder . TBH , most of the time I forget it's there . Chose that bit of skin as its less likely to stretch and I can cover it or expose it as I chose.

Pain wise , it was more annoying than painful. Bit like falling in the playground and grazing your hands if you want a comparison.

I don't want any more but I might have the colour re-touched some ime .

@Duster12 what size, in your opinion, constitutes a proper tattoo?

That would be anything bigger than tiny.

Have whatever the hell size you want!

I've only got one, and it hurt more than I'd expected to tbh. It felt like burning. I had half done, then had sugar and a drink, and then the other half. It only took about 40 minutes all told.

I'd like another one, but would definitely load up on sugar mid-way!

The thing is Remus I’ve just spent all my money on a cordless vacuum, so can only afford a tiny one. I didn’t even realise I needed a new vacuum before yesterday...