Does a tattoo hurt?

Which areas tend to be more or less sensitive?

As a general rule, areas with more muscle and soft tissue, such as the outer upper arm, the outer thigh or the calf, tend to feel easier. Areas close to bone, thin skin or many nerve endings tend to feel sharper.

Commonly described as more sensitive are the ribs, the spine, the sternum, the inner arm, the inner elbow, the knee and elbow, the ankle, the feet, the hands and the fingers. The neck and the head can also be intense for some people.

This is only a general picture. Some people find the ribs fine and a forearm difficult. If you are unsure, tell us the placement you have in mind and we can talk about what to expect.

• —Often easier: outer upper arm, outer thigh, calf, upper back
• —Often more sensitive: ribs, spine, inner arm, knee, elbow, ankle
• —Often intense: hands, fingers, feet, neck

What changes how it feels

Size and detail matter. A small line may be over quickly, while a larger design takes longer, and a long session can feel tiring even where the area itself is not sensitive.

Your condition on the day matters as well. Being tired, hungry, dehydrated or anxious usually makes pain feel worse. Most studios advise sleeping well, eating a proper meal and drinking water beforehand.

Avoid alcohol before the session. It can thin the blood and make the skin more sensitive. If you take regular medication or have a health condition, speak to your doctor and tell us before the session, and do not start or stop anything on your own.

How to prepare and cope during the session

Arrive rested and fed, wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area, and bring water and a small snack. Keeping your skin moisturised in the days before also helps.

During the session, slow breathing really does help. Tell your artist if you need a pause. A short break is normal, and nobody expects you to stay still and silent if you are struggling.

If you are worried about a placement, a smaller first piece or a less sensitive area is a sensible way to learn how your body responds. Ask us before using any numbing product, as it is better to talk it through with your artist first.

Pain after the session

Once the tattoo is finished, the feeling usually changes to something like a mild sunburn: warm, tender and a little sore for a few days. Many people find this easier than the session itself.

Loose clothing, gentle washing and leaving the area alone are the best comfort. If the pain grows stronger rather than easing, or you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or fever, contact a doctor.

Pain is also quickly forgotten. Many people say that what stays with them is not the discomfort but the tattoo, and the feeling of having done something they had been thinking about for a long time.