How hurt do tattoo and how to reduce the discomfort to a minimum
A Life / / December 19, 2019
Many people have long wanted to make a tattoo, but can not be solved: it is believed that it is very painful. People often say that it is the fear of discomfort stops them.
We will not dissemble: yes will be painful, but as it is - depends on many factors.
There is a theory that people get tattoos at a certain time of his life - when he wants to change themselves, attitude toward themselves and others around the world. Therefore, for him, in fact, it is not so important that it will be a picture on where and how much it would hurt. It is rather an act of self-expression.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 years
We talked to the experts and find out which affects pain and how to minimize them to the coveted tattoo does not deliver more discomfort.
Why do tattoos hurt
Often we can get a scratch or small cut, without feeling any pain. Why is it with the tattoo did not work? In this case, it all depends on the pigment: how it gets under your skin and which way are dye molecules, penetrating into the fabric.
Human skin has two layers:
- The epidermis - the outer skin layer which is less sensitive and is constantly updated.
- The dermis - the second layer which is beneath the epidermis and is not capable of significant upgrade. Dermis contains various glands, hair follicles, blood and lymph vessels, as well as sensory cells and receptors, which are not in the epidermis. They also are responsible for the pain.
When the dye molecules penetrate into the dermis, receptor cells send pain signals to the brain indicating that the body is damaged and our security is threatened. It is a vital function. It is one thing when a single signal (eg, a climber injured his hand, clinging to the rock), and another - when this whole series of 80-150 pulses per second (during tattooing). In the latter case, the brain is evidence of increased danger. And such a state by definition can not be painless for all the body. However, the widespread opinion about the unbearable pain experts say is not entirely justified.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 yearsThe depth of penetration of needle under the skin so small that a tattoo on the degree of severity of injury to the skin can be compared with a scratch in the fall on the pavement. Many women say that hair removal is much more painful.
Where are the hardest to do a tattoo
Each part of the body reacts differently to the tattoo needle. It depends on the characteristics of the skin structure and concentration of nerve endings therein.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 yearsWhen choosing a place for tattoo and seeking to avoid acute pain, usually guided by the principles that apply in everyday life. Painful where the bones and tendons are located closer to the skin surface (ribs, wrists, knees, elbows), or where the skin is more delicate (armpits, the folds of the arms and legs, inner thighs).
Here are the most painful part of the body for a tattoo:
- the ribs and the chest;
- head;
- inner thighs;
- the inner surface of the shoulder near the elbow;
- Feet;
- the inner surface of the wrist;
- fingers;
- armpits.
1. Ribs and chest
Tattooists and tattoo people recognize that this is one of the most painful places. Heightened sense of pain due to the fact that the chest is not large fat or muscles that would mitigate feelings of pricks of the needle.
Another reason for the increased pain - that with every inhalation and exhalation the ribs move slightly. Because of this discomfort intensified every time the needle touches the skin surface, which is not accustomed to the pain after a few shots, like in other parts of the body.
However, the worst after the session begins. While in most cases discomfort pass an hour or two, then they persist much longer. Sometimes people may experience constant pain for six or more hours.
Most painfully on the ribs, nipples, and I think the skull. I have many tattoos, including on the edges under the heart. Hardest it was in this place. I did not tattoo machine, like most people, but the old method - a bamboo stick. From this, too much depends.
Irina Saratov, does tattoos for 15 years
2. Head
The abundance of nerves and small body fat makes the body portion of one of the most painful for the tattoo. Some customers complain salons that creates the feeling that you drill the skull. For those who still want to decorate your head pattern, tattoo masters advise to overcome the psychological and physical pain barriers.
3. The inner surface of thigh
Making a tattoo is painful for physiological reasons: while walking one foot rubs against another, which prevents rapid healing of wounds and causes irritation on the skin.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 yearsContrary to popular belief, most women tolerate pain better than men. Probably affect some mechanisms that help to transfer labor.
4. The inner surface of the shoulder near the elbow
At this point, there are two of the three main nerves of the human body, because of what to do tattoos hurt like hell here. Every time when the needle touches a nerve, pain is felt in the whole hand. In other words, it seems that you are doing a tattoo on the entire surface of it, will drive under the skin of dozens of needles at the same time.
5. Feet
On the feet is not fat and muscle, and in most places the skin fits the bone. As a result - the nerves in this region are exposed and highly sensitive.
6. The inner surface of the wrist
Most people choose tattoo in the form of words or pictures such that require continuous contact of the needle with the flesh. And it's not the most pleasant experience.
7. Fingers
This is one of the most fashionable places for tattoos, but to make even the smallest figure on the fingers have to endure a lot of pain. In the hands many nerve endings as the main purpose of this part of the human body - to feel the world around us.
8. armpits
Here, many people want to have a tattoo, because if you want you can easily hide from the eyes of others, showing picture only when you want. But the problem is that the skin vzdes especially delicate and sensitive, which increases pain.
In desirable to choose one of these places as a first tattoo, as this experience can be sad. Beat a tattoo on the most sensitive parts of the body - it is for tattoo with the experience, which is well aware of what they are. Newcomers better to choose other locations.
Where is the least painful to tattoo
Make a tattoo on the soft spot (talking about your buttocks, of course) - the most comfortable option. But most people are not ready to decorate this part of the pattern of the body, so let's move to the places where the tattoo looks advantageous.
Those who have lowered the tolerance to pain, less painful survive tattoo on the following body parts:
- the outer surface of the thigh;
- forearm;
- caviar;
- back.
1. The outer surface of the thigh
At this point the thick fat layer and a rough skin, which reduces the pain to a minimum.
2. Forearm
Perhaps one of the most popular places for tattoos. Fill pattern on the shoulder did not hurt: to unpleasant sensations quickly get used to, but a process healing wound in most cases takes place quickly and without complications.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 yearsThere is a misconception that small drawings is far less painful than large. I do not agree, since in the former case, the master has to work with a small area, making the skin on it becomes more irritable.
3. Caviar
This body portion is composed entirely of a soft fabric, which acts as a buffer when a needle pricks.
4. Back
The skin on the back fat, and nerve endings are not so much as in other areas. Moreover, while lying on his stomach, the person relaxes, which also reduces the pain during the tattoo session.
Irina Saratov, does tattoos for 15 yearsIf a tattoo involves a small amount of work is in fact a large part of the body is quite tolerant of injections: arms, legs, stomach, back. Here you need to understand that everyone has different pain threshold: That one hurt like hell, for the second - only the easy shot. For me, the least painful place - it is the buttocks, calves and forearms. When I am doing there tattoos, a feeling that this is my cat just slow and tedious to scratch the same location.
How many have to endure the pain of a tattoo on the session
As we mentioned at the beginning, the pain is directly dependent on the time during which the receptor cells send pain signals to the brain. In your best interest to session lasted as little as possible. However, its duration is also influenced by the complexity of the work, qualifications of the master and other external factors.
There are generally accepted rules: professional will not make you a tattoo for more than three or four hours. If you do all the work for this time does not work, he will appoint additional sessions.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo artist, tattoo makes about 20 yearsTattoo - is often longer scared than hurt. During application feeling sharp first 10-15 minutes, then the body gets used to the next three hours and easy enough carries "suffering". Therefore, a session usually does not last longer than four hours, while all individually.
To reduce pain during session time, it is recommended to use analgesics (e.g., TKTX, Dr. Numb, Painless Tattoos Cream). They are suitable if you do the tattoo is large. Before you buy be sure to check with the master - it will tell you which tool is suitable in your case.
Less feel the pain and helps the right mood. During the session, you need to calm down and deep breathe. You can call as a support a friend or listen to your favorite music - all this will help you feel more at ease.
How long after the tattoo session will feel the pain
The most severe pain from the fact that under your skin type special ink, usually lasts during a session of tattoos and a few hours afterwards. Tangible pain may persist for several days (up to a week). After that should be easier.
If after seven days the pain does not subside, and the body part on which there was a tattoo, pulsates and looks reddened - is cause for concern. It should be as soon as possible to seek medical advice to ensure the absence of any infection or allergic reaction and take action if necessary.
Follow these simple guidelines and the process of creating a tattoo is as painless as possible for you.
see also
- What is important to know before making a tattoo →
- Interesting History of Tattoos →
- Laser removal of tattoos: it pays to know before you decide →