Collecting tattoos has become a hobby for many mortals among us. Whether you’re covered head to toe or have a tiny star on your upper arm, most people agree: getting a tattoo hurts. (All masochists aside. 😅)
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce the pain, for you and your artist (who might struggle with tattooing a body that’s writhing and twitching every few seconds 🥲).
💡 Important reminder: Pain is personal. We’ve seen clients nap through their rib tattoos, and others who struggle with an upper arm piece.
Here’s a list of both practical and mental tips to make your tattoo experience way more chill (and dare we say… enjoyable?)
We know this might be tough for the ✨anxious humans✨ among us, but a good night’s sleep makes a world of difference. Tired = more sensitive to pain.
Yes, even if your stomach’s doing cartwheels from nerves. A solid meal before your appointment helps keep your blood sugar stable and prevents fainting or dizziness.
More life advice than tattoo advice, really. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment- and especially on the day itself. Your skin and your body will thank you.
We’ll spare you the lecture, we promise, but in this case alcohol and drugs thin your blood and increase your risk of complications and might cause extra pain. Best to avoid them for at least 24 hours beforehand.
Yeah, we know… This one might be the toughest one. But caffeine increases your heart rate, which can make you more jittery and sensitive to pain. So maybe skip that flat white just this once.
We’ve written a whole article about this (including opinions from BlackBear Ink artists!). In short: creams with lidocaine can numb the area temporarily. But always check with your artist first—not all skin reacts the same, and it might affect how the ink settles.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) = fine. Ibuprofen and aspirin = big ol’ nope. Those thin your blood and can make things unnecessarily messy.
A clean, cold towel on your fresh tattoo can help ease the pain and reduce swelling.
Slow, conscious breathing really helps. Think simple breathwork techniques or guided meditations on Spotify or YouTube.
Make a good playlist, bring a stress ball, or chat with your artist. Tattooing is an intimate experience and a good convo can ease the pain and strengthen the connection.
Picture a happy place or moment. Your dream vacation, your favorite meal, your best festival memory. Go deep into that scene. Sounds a bit woo-woo, but it honestly helps.
Outer arm, shoulder or thigh = usually easier. Ribs, feet, or inner arm? Ouch. But remember- every body is different and processes pain differently.
A small tattoo first is a great way to get used to the sensation. You can (and probably will) always go bigger later 😉
Your body knows its limits so don’t hesitate to speak up. Your artist will understand, and short breaks are way better than pushing through in pain.
A skilled tattooer works faster, cleaner, and usually with less discomfort. Plus, a good artist will keep you calm and guide you through the process.
Tattoo pain is kind of part of the deal (no pain, no gain and all of that), but these tips can make your session more manageable, relaxed and (dare we say it again…) even enjoyable. For both you and your artist.
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