To ask for your tattooing experiences?

[HopefullyAnonymous]

I’m booked in on Tuesday for my first one and suddenly having an attack of nerves! It’s a largish one on my thigh expected to take a few hours. Any tips? Would it be considered rude to have headphones in as a distraction? Is the pain that bad? I really want it done so trying to rationalise with myself before the anxiety takes over altogether and I cancel the appointment 😬

Wear a loose skirt if you're getting tattooed on the legs. You can just hike it up during the session. It's also good to not have much rub against it afterwards.

I have 3 tattoos wrist, top of foot and spine. Spine was the worst and I am a wuss but I don't find then painful as such. More annoying.

Ribs. Anyone got one on there? I want one just under my breast on the left. About as close to my heart as I can get, but with it invisible with clothes on. I have an absurdly high pain tolerance, but I'm guessing it will hurt there?

I have the numbing cream because I cannot stand the hot feeling from the needle. I also wore headphones. But I was able to sit still for a two hour session.

I fainted 🙈 sorry op!

I've had my elbow tattoo.

I imagine that is top five worst places to have tattooed for pain.

It hurts, but it's bearable. The worst bit is the first 15 minutes where I invariably get very nauseas, very very faint and have to excuse myself to the bathroom.
Every. Single. Time.

After that, I've been known to return and sit for a further 7 hours.

Grit your teeth through the first bit and you'll be fine!

I got a massive one on, The back of my arm. It took 5 hours. First four hours were ok but the last hour was horrendous.
But I have just booked another one of the same size so it wasn’t that bad I suppose!

@Herja I fell asleep having my sternum done.

I’m heavily tattooed and I found my shoulder the worst! Odd isn’t it! So it’s hard to say what’s worst etc. My first one was tiny, I think you’re pretty brave going for a big one straight away.
I’m okay with the actual process, it’s not going to feel amazing but it’s not too bad, the vibration helps I think! I like being tattooed by different people so it’s fun getting to know them.

I’m a sweaty bleeder, you’ll find out what kind of tattoo victim you are 😂

I personally find the rubbing with the wet paper towel after is the worst bit, like flipping sandpaper on an open wound!

My ex passed out and puked up getting our sons name. 4 letters 🙈 everyone’s different!

Your first tattoo, you'll probably be have so much adrenaline from your nerves that you won't feel much pain at all, esp. on your thigh, which is one of the least painful places to get tattooed.

I've racked up a few dozen hours under the needle now and increasingly I find the first ten minutes is always miserable, I'm always thinking "why do I do this to myself" but then the endorphins kick in and it's fine for about 3 hours, then I personally take some ibuprofen (ideally, ibuprofen and codeine) if it's any longer than that.

@Herja I found the tops of my feet the worst and ribs a close second, but neither were unbeatable. I mean, tattoos are not licked on by kittens, but you'll boss it out.

Wear something loose fitting so it doesn't rub. Pain is a funny thing and effects people differently. I am a massive whip and I'm terrified of needles. I have 3, granted they are all small though. I nearly fell asleep, when I had my first one done as I didn't feel it at all. The one on my foot tickled but didn't hurt. The one in my wrist did hurt, but I wasn't very well when I had it done, and Illness can affect pain threshold. I would still love another, just can't afford it.

Thank you so much everyone! So tights and a shirt would be a no? I’m excited but terrified still although pleased to know that thighs aren’t the worst!

I don't think tights would be good because the tattooed area weeps gunge.

If you're that nervous about the pain, I can suggest Emla numbing cream if it hasn't already been suggested. I have used it a few times. I have alot of tattoos, one sleeve included. It's works well, put it on an hour before wrap in cling film and then by the time you're appt comes that area will be completely numb for about 1-2 hours. I used it on places I was told were painful, turns out after the numbing cream wore off it wasn't that painful anyway, I think you just work yourself up and think it's goingnto be worse than what it is, that's the case for me anyway. You can buy it at any pharmacy for about £6. Good luck for it! They're addictive!

Tights and a skirt even 🙄 joggers it is then!

Same as PP have said, everyone is different and has a different pain threshold. I have 2 sleeves and half sleeve on my leg, as well as numerous other pieces. My sternum was by far the worst. Had about 5 hours in one go on my thigh, the first 4 hours were fine but I was so antsy and uncomfortable in the last hour. I wore a jumper dress with leggings so I could pull them down but still keep covered and then they were looser than tights to pull up over it after
Just be honest with them and let them know if you’re feeling restless at any point and they’ll let you have a break, and definitely eat well beforehand as well as taking sugary drinks and something to snack on while you’re there. Good luck!

You’ll be fine, OP. A month ago I sat for 6 hours for my first tattoo, was interesting more than painful watching him working.

@Herja ribs aren’t as bad as people make out, it’s more uncomfortable having to lie in a particular position I found, my foot kept going to sleep because of the way I had to lay down. Top of my foot was probably the worst in terms of pain and I say that with someone who has ink on my ribs and behind my ear lol

OP headphones will be fine, most artists aren’t exactly chatty cathys as they tend to concentrate on the job at hand. Pain varies.

I’m maybe in the minority but every one I’ve had I’ve fallen asleep having it done. I think it might be the warmth and the sound but I always find myself drifting off. If there’s any relaxing music you like, tattoo artists are often quite happy to put your selection on xx

Must add though mine are on my shoulders, back and thigh, quite fatty areas (well, thighs, deffo!) xx