what exactly does a tattoo feel like? is the first question that pops into almost everyone’s brain when they start thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time, and it’s an important one! Not only is getting tattooed a bit scary from a pain perspective, but it’s also a really important decision. if you take your time and do your research, getting a tattoo shouldn’t be a big deal (seriously, I’m speaking from experience). conversely, if you go into the tattoo process blindly and impulsively, for example getting a matching tattoo with your best friend after an aggressive happy hour on spring break, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with some regrets. big…and pay for rounds of laser tattoo removal for years to come.
So, to answer all your questions about the tattoo process and help you avoid ending up with a design you hate, I’ve created this helpful tattoo guide packed with information and expert advice. Go ahead, exactly what a tattoo feels like, how to prepare for your tattoo appointment, how to find the right tattoo artist, and how to care for your new tattoo so it heals properly.
meet the experts:
- jojo roman is a tattoo artist and co-owner of chronic ink tattoo studios based in canada.
- michelle henry, md, is a board certified dermatologist at skin & manhattan cosmetic surgery, a dermatology and dermatologic surgery practice in nyc.
- joshua zeichner, md, is a board certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at mount sinai hospital in nyc.
- dendy engelman, md, is a board-certified dermatologist at the shafer clinic in nyc who has previously spoken with cosmo about the best sunscreens for tattoos.
how does a tattoo feel?
Most importantly first: what does it really feel like to get a tattoo? Tattoo artist Jojo Roman likens the feeling of getting a tattoo to the feeling of a constant cat scratch (all my cat people know what he means). other people say that getting a tattoo feels like someone is continually scratching a hot needle across your skin, because that’s what’s happening.
About 15 minutes into your tattoo appointment (FYI, tattoo sessions can last as little as 30 minutes or take place over several days), your adrenaline will kick in and help control some of the pain, but if you’re getting a bigger piece, roman says pain can come in waves.
what is the least painful place to get a tattoo?
The size of your tattoo and where it’s located on the body will influence how painful the tattooing process is, Roman says. In general, small tattoos or fine line tattoos on the fleshiest parts of the body will hurt the least. Roman also says that wrist or forearm tattoos tend to be pretty easy places to start, but a pinch test (yes, literally pinching yourself with your fingernails) is a good indicator of which areas of your own body may be more sensitive. what others. .
While everyone experiences pain differently, you can expect tattoo pain to be worse in ribs, hips, feet, ankles, neck, back of the knees or the inside of the elbows. (Editor’s note: As someone with a rib tattoo, I can confirm that shit is painful.) really, any part of your body that is bony or not very fat and/or has a high level of nerve endings is going to be a painful place to get tattooed.
so if you were planning on getting a tattoo in one or all of those areas, be prepared. or take some tylenol (not ibuprofen, aspirin, or even a quick shot of tequila, as they all thin the blood and can make the process dangerous). Larger tattoos, colorful tattoos, or tattoos with intricate designs that have a lot of shading and detail work also tend to be more painful as they take a lot longer to execute.
how do you deal with tattoo pain?
how do I get this right? you’ll just have to hold on. As tempting as a numbing agent sounds, Roman does not recommend them because they can affect the texture of the skin and therefore make it harder for the ink to settle. if it is absolutely necessary to use numbing cream, talk to your artist beforehand and make sure they are okay with what you are using.
In general, treat the night before a tattoo like you would (or should) before a big exam: get a good night’s sleep, eat a full breakfast, stay hydrated, and don’t show up hungover or drunk. Roman says all of these things could ultimately affect how you handle pain, even if it’s not a particularly sensitive area of the body. roman’s last tip is to bring some sort of distraction, like snacks, netflix, a friend, a book, anything to keep your mind off worried and make the pain a little more manageable.
how does a tattoo feel afterwards?
It’s totally normal if your skin is swollen, red, inflamed, or tender afterward (kind of like a bad sunburn), but try not to constantly press or rub too hard. According to dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, the most worrisome adverse reaction is pain that gets worse by the day, which could be an indication of infection. in which case, see your doctor as soon as possible.
When deciding on the location, you’ll also want to consider the healing process and how it will affect your daily existence. a tattoo on the back of the thigh, for example, can make sitting down for the first few days a bit tricky, while a tattoo under the breast can interfere with wearing a bra for a week. try to plan ahead and accommodate those things to avoid further shaking up the area.
what should you avoid before getting a tattoo?
I’ll say it again in case you missed it: alcohol. roman says that having a few drinks right before you get your tattoo not only dilutes the blood, which can cause you to bleed more during the tattoo (which is risky), but excess blood can dilute the ink and spoil the final result.
You’ll also want to avoid the sun beforehand. Remember how I said that a tattoo can feel like a sunburn? yes, the last thing you want to tattoo is sunburned or dry, peeling skin. oh, and if you’ve never shaved a particular area you want tattooed and you’re not sure how to do it, just don’t. It’s best to have your tattoo artist help you or do it for you so that you don’t risk a lot of burns that could interfere with the tattoo.
what do I need to know before getting a tattoo?
Getting an idea of the design you want (may I suggest a beautiful moon tattoo?) and where you want it to be placed is important to know beforehand, yes, but choosing your tattoo artist is just as key to getting a tattoo. I will be happy with check that the place looks clean, has good art on the walls, and that the staff is giving you a good vibe, then schedule a consultation with the artist to discuss pricing and any questions you may have. Also: If you have dark skin and want a tattoo, check out your artists’ ig to make sure they also have experience tattooing people with your skin tone.
You can also (and should!) ask to see the artist’s state tattoo license to make sure they’ve completed any necessary requirements (such as a web-based tattoo safety course). the blood). pathogens trust—it’s important). And if the artists aren’t wearing single-use gloves and needles, run. fast.
what are some risks of tattoos?
Reactions to tattoos are not common, but when they do occur, they are difficult to treat. dr henry says that red dye is one of the most common dyes to which allergies are reported, so if that’s the color you want to use, be sure to talk to your dermatologist about your concerns first. And if you’ve previously had allergic reactions to cheap hair dye, jewelry, or fragrance, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says you might be at higher risk of developing a reaction, so again, talk to your doctor.
what should you do after getting a tattoo?
stay away from any body of water for two weeks after your tattoo is completely finished. during that time, shower (don’t bathe!) and stay away from saunas, hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, ponds—you get the idea—to prevent infection. You’ll even want to avoid strenuous activity that can cause a lot of sweating, like exercising.
As for tattoo aftercare, Roman says for the first few days, keep it clean and dry. Wash twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, pat dry, and allow to air out. After those first few days, you will notice the tattoo dry. , squeeze and it stings a bit, but don’t scratch! scratching the scab and skin can also remove some of the ink. instead, continue to wash twice daily with your gentle cleanser and add light layers of fragrance-free lotion or tattoo lotion to treat itchiness and keep skin hydrated.
Once your tattoo has fully healed, you’ll need to slather that sucker with sunscreen forever to keep the colors from breaking down and fading. Look for sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or higher, dermatologist Dendy Engelman previously told Cosmo. “When it comes to sunscreen, more is more, you can’t go overboard,” she says. if your tattoo is new, dr. Engelman suggests starting with a higher SPF, such as SPF 50, as skin has recently been needled and is more sensitive to sun exposure. And keep in mind that the amount of sunscreen you use is really important. if you have a three- or four-inch tattoo, you should use a small, dime-sized amount of sunscreen to fully cover and protect it, she says. Try one of these top-rated tattoo sunscreens below:
how long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
After two weeks, your tattoo should be completely healed if you cleaned it properly, moisturized it with a fragrance-free lotion, and otherwise left it alone. If a part of your design did not heal properly or faded along the way and you want to touch it up, visit your artist. He or she will likely be more than happy to fix any blemishes for free (if the mistake was their fault) or for a nominal fee (if you’re getting a touch-up).
how much does a small tattoo cost?
a good tattoo is not cheap, and a cheap tattoo is usually not good. the price of a tattoo depends on the size, the area of the body you wish to cover, the artist and the minimum of the shop, but in general, one will cost you anywhere from $50 for a tiny tattoo… up to a few months’ . rent for more elaborate art. Yes really. in most places, prices are non-negotiable, and note that you should also factor in a 20 percent tip.
the takeaway:
Getting a tattoo is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Doing your research, properly preparing for your appointment, and diligently caring for your new ink once you leave the tattoo studio are keys to a good experience. And if you’re still obsessed with pain, well, don’t be. yes, getting a tattoo hurts, but dealing with the temporary pain and discomfort of something that lasts forever is worth it, in my opinion.
