The Pain Scale of Tattooing: Where It Hurts the Most and Least.
Of course, you are curious.
A tattoo is created by piercing the epidermis (the first layer of skin) and depositing the ink on the dermis (the second layer) with multiple needles that are 1.5 millimeters deep and poke 50 to 100 times per second (with a tattoo machine).
That sounds terrifying! But the desire to get the body tattooed always wins.
You are aware that getting tattooed is quite painful; nevertheless, the intensity of agony will vary depending on a number of factors, particularly the location picked.
Why is it more painful to get a tattoo in specific places?
The nerve endings are what cause some parts of the body to hurt more than others.
As you might expect, we do not all have the same number of nerve endings in our bodies. In reality, their number might fluctuate, making some places more susceptible to pain than others.
Another aspect is the existence of fatty tissue between the skin and the nerves. The more fat there is in between, the less pain there is, and vice versa.
As in the case of the forearm, the fatty tissue in the area may be almost nonexistent. Your client’s pain must be unbearable, right? No, not at all! Because there aren’t many nerve endings in this area, it won’t hurt too much.
It is not as it appears!
Where does it hurt the most, and where does it hurt the least?
Using the previous information, we will divide the commonly chosen areas based on the level of pain.
Mild Pain: You will tolerate it without issue.
Arm, forearm, thigh, and calf
Because the pain is minimal, it is common for your clients to get their first tattoo in one of these locations. Of course, it may vary based on the individual, but in general, the session will be easy and pleasant.
When the needles penetrate the armpit, the crook of the arm, the inside of the arm, or even the inside of the thigh, the pain increases.
Moderate Pain: You will most likely want the session to finish as soon as possible.
Chest, tummy, inner thighs, arms, and back
You know, the pain gets worse here. These areas are especially sensitive, either because of a lack of fatty tissue or because of nerve ending accumulation.
The main thing is that you have more control over your body. It is advised that you divert your attention away from your annoyance by listening to music or talking to your artist or friends. In any case, it’s not all that bad.
In fact, this is usually why these regions are chosen.
Strong Pain: You will almost certainly want to unplug the equipment and run away.
Head, neck, armpits, elbows, knees, hands, feet, genitalia, and ribs
I believe we overstated a little in the title! Or perhaps not…
All of the unpleasant causes congregate here: numerous nerve endings, a lack of fat, and skin patches that are too close to the bone! You must have seen multiple people go through it, and you must be aware that the pain is a living nightmare.
The advice is obvious: use everything you have at your disposal to ensure that you can tolerate getting tattooed as well as possible.
It will be a tense situation, but you will get through it. Despite your hardships, tattoos in these areas are excellent. This will inspire you to persevere.
Some people choose anesthesia in these situations, but that is another tale, which we have already discussed.
a representation of the tattoo’s low, mid, and high pain zones.
Other things that can have an impact
I’ve already discussed why tattoos can hurt more or less, but I should also emphasize that there are other important elements that influence the intensity of discomfort.
Which ones are they?
The depth of the needle insertion
It is critical that, as a professional, the tattoo artist use the technique correctly — not too much, but also not too little. As previously said, it should be roughly 1.5 mm.
The size and level of detail of the tattoo
A little tattoo with few details will not be the same as a large tattoo with many details. It will take much longer for the latter, and your client’s pain tolerance will drop.
Pain tolerance and threshold
The pain threshold is the lowest level of intensity at which a stimulus is deemed painful. The highest level of pain that a person can tolerate is referred to as “pain tolerance.” These two elements vary from person to person, resulting in varying reactions from your clientele.
Body comfort during the operation
It is critical that you sit or lie in a comfortable position that will not create discomfort during the session. Otherwise, the pain from the punctures will be exacerbated.
Nutrition is essential.
It is advised that you consume protein-rich foods before the session, as proteins enhance the body’s energy level, allowing it to better resist discomfort. It will also limit the possibility of decompensation.
Always remind them that “the pain is only temporary, but the tattoo will last forever.”
