Want to make a tattoo hurt less? You’ve got more options than you might think. Most of the things that shape your pain on the day are decided well before the needle starts: what you ate, how you slept, where the tattoo’s going, and how long you’ve agreed to sit.
None of this will make a tattoo painless. Together, though, these habits can be the difference between a hard session and one you actually enjoy.
How to make a tattoo hurt less before you book
Some of the biggest decisions happen at the design stage, so bring pain into the conversation early.
Choose placement honestly. A first tattoo on the outer arm or thigh is a very different experience from one on the ribs or foot. Have a look at the tattoo pain chart to see where your idea sits.
Ask about session length. Skin gets sorer the longer it’s worked, and your tolerance tends to fade with it. Your artist can often split a big piece across several shorter sessions, and many people find that three short sittings beat one long one.
Pick an artist you can talk to. You need to feel comfortable saying “I need a minute”. A good artist will want you to speak up, so a friendly first conversation is a great sign.
The 48 hours before your session
This is where the easy wins are.
- Sleep properly. Being tired makes everything harder. Aim for a full night before the appointment, and don’t rely on making it up the following day.
- Skip alcohol. Drinking the night before or on the day is a bad idea for you and your artist.
- Drink water. Being hydrated won’t numb anything, but dehydration can leave you feeling rough and light-headed.
- Moisturise as normal. Healthy, well-looked-after skin is easier to work on, so keep up your routine in the days leading up to it.
- Check painkillers first. Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking any, since some may affect bleeding.
Plan something nice for afterwards too, as having something to look forward to can really help. If you’re ill, rebook. A cold or a bad flare-up of a skin condition isn’t something to push through, and most artists would rather you moved the date.
On the day
Eat a proper meal an hour or two before you arrive. Low blood sugar is one of the most common reasons people feel light-headed in the chair. Bring snacks and a sugary drink for longer sittings, as a quick boost can really help when you start to flag.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area. If you’re cold or uncomfortable, the session will feel longer and harder.
And think about what you’ll do for those hours. Headphones, a podcast, a playlist or a friend to chat to (if the studio allows them) can all pull your attention away from what’s happening on your skin. Distraction isn’t a trick you’re playing on yourself. Attention really does affect how pain feels.
Ways to make a tattoo hurt less in the chair
Once it’s started, you still have plenty of control.
Breathe slowly. Lots of people hold their breath when the needle hits a sensitive spot, then feel shaky. Try slow, steady breathing and make your out-breath a little longer than your in-breath. It’s simple, and it helps keep you calm.
Keep still, but don’t brace. Tensing every muscle wears you out fast. Do a quick check every so often: shoulders down, jaw loose, hands open.
Ask for breaks before you need them. A short stop for water and a stretch is far better than waiting until you’re flagging. Tell your artist straight away if you feel dizzy or unusually hot.
Talk to your artist. Ask how long is left on the bad bit. Knowing “two more minutes” makes a surprising difference. They may also be able to change the order or take the difficult sections in shorter bursts.
What doesn’t help
A few popular ideas are worth dropping.
- Having a few drinks first. Alcohol isn’t pain relief here, and it can make you harder to work with.
- Squeezing in one last long stretch. “Let’s just finish it” is often when things get hardest. Stopping today is usually better than pushing tired skin and a tired body.
- Comparing yourself with others. One person’s easy spot is another person’s worst. Pain tolerance varies, and it’s not a test.
Would numbing help?
Sometimes these tips are enough by themselves, and sometimes you’d like a little extra help. Numbing products are a popular option, particularly for sensitive placements and long sittings. Many clients say they help them feel relaxed and comfortable, although they work best alongside the preparation above.
Check the complete UK guide before using anything, as it includes what to read first, and find out whether your artist minds numbing cream. If you’re undecided, read is numbing cream worth it? to see how people usually decide.
After the session
Pain doesn’t quite stop when the machine does, so give yourself a little time to recover. Expect the area to feel sore, warm and tender at first, much like sunburn. Following your artist’s aftercare will help it settle. Keep it clean, leave any flakes alone and give it time.
Rest up, drink plenty of water and wear something loose that won’t rub on the area. Your body has done some work, so a quiet evening is a good idea, particularly after a longer sitting. Have a think about what worked once you’ve had a chance to rest. Did the snack help? Did you need more breaks? Those notes will make your next appointment easier. In short, the steps that make a tattoo hurt less aren’t dramatic. They’re mainly about turning up rested, fed, well informed and willing to speak up, and they can make all the difference.
This article is general information, not medical advice.