Do traditional style tattoos hurt more?

Author: Carolyne Torphy  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

American traditional tattoos may possibly hurt more due to the amount of ink used for bold lines and color packing techniques. However the pain of any tattoo is also dependent on its design, size, and placement.

Does a traditional tattoo hurt more?

Traditional tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo styles out there. But they can also be some of the most painful, due to the amount of ink necessary to create them.

What style of tattoos hurt the most?

Different kinds/styles of tattoos can also cause a change in discomfort level. Bold, solid lines may hurt more than dotwork or stick-and-poke tattoo styles. Having a talented artist that can ink your preferred style is the best way to manage discomfort during your tattooing session.

What does a traditional tattoo feel like?

Physically it feels like you are getting poked over, and over, and over with small sharp needles. Your brain can interpret this feeling in very odd ways depending how your nerves fire: Numbness, tingling, burning or heat, stinging, pressure, are all possible.

What is the hardest style of tattooing?

Find the Right Tattoo Artist For Your Realism Tattoo

If you're thinking about getting a realism tattoo, don't shy away because they're hard!

What Are The Most Painful Tattoos?

What is the most overused tattoo?

Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
  • “Carpe Diem” ...
  • Om Sign. ...
  • Anchor. ...
  • “This Too Shall Pass” ...
  • Dreamcatcher. ...
  • Barred Wire. ...
  • Geometric animals. ...
  • Area Code. If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body.

Are traditional tattoos quicker?

"If you are doing a color tattoo that is more the traditional tattoo style where flat solid colors are required, it will be much quicker. If you are doing a more complex realistic style of color tattoo that requires layers of colors and different color gradations, it will take much longer," says Dagger.

What is tattoo pain comparable to?

How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

Do traditional tattoos age well?

Traditional tattoos with strong colors and solid shading usually age well, keeping their shape and clarity over the years.

What is the most painful tattoo spot?

Here are the most painful places on the body to get a tattoo.
  • Head. The head, including the scalp and face, is a highly sensitive area due to the high density of nerve endings. ...
  • Rib Cage and Chest. ...
  • Stomach. ...
  • Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • Face and Ears. ...
  • Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • Neck and Spine. ...
  • Groins and Genital Area.

What hurts more, linework or shading?

Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.

What tattoo style hurts the least?

The outside of the arm, especially the upper arm and outer shoulder, requires less pain tolerance for tattoos. They are large, meaty areas with low sensitivity. Full arm sleeve tattoos are common for arms. Those trying to minimize pain often opt for fine line tattoos.

Do traditional tattoos fade?

The style of the tattoo can also influence how it fades over time. Traditional Tattoos: Traditional tattoos, known for their bold lines and solid colors, generally hold up well over time. The thick lines and heavy saturation of ink help maintain the tattoo's appearance as it ages.

How bearable is tattoo pain?

Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you. Though it's not the most intense pain ever, it might make you wanna hiss – especially if your artist uses multiple needles, like when shading. This also tends to happen away from bony or ultra-sensitive areas. Sharp or stinging pain.

What tattoo style holds up best over time?

Blackwork: The high contrast and simplicity of the designs mean that even as the tattoo ages, the striking visual impact remains. Black and grey: The lack of colour minimises fading, and the detail shading can age gracefully, often looking more refined as the skin changes.

Why do people like American Traditional tattoos?

Rooted in rich history and embodying a rebellious spirit, this style remains timeless and incredibly popular. With its straightforward and striking nature, American Traditional tattoos tell a story of resilience, adventure, and individuality that marks your skin with a legacy as enduring as the ink itself.

What painkiller before tattoo?

With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.

Why do I feel weak after getting a tattoo?

Tattoo flu is essentially your body's reaction to the trauma of getting tattooed, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, chills, and even slight fever. This can be alarming for those new to tattoos, leaving them to wonder if something has gone wrong.

Where do tattoos hurt the least for females?

Getting tattooed on the arm and upper back is only moderately painful compared to the head, armpit, and rib cage. While you should still expect to feel much discomfort, getting inked in these areas is tolerable for most people.

Is traditional tattoo painful?

Traditional tattoos, especially black and gray tattoos, can be particularly painful in areas like the ribs, spine, and behind the knees. The proximity to bone and nerve clusters makes these spots more sensitive. Other painful areas include the wrists, elbows, and ankles, where the skin is thinner.

What is the hardest spot to tattoo?

The Most Challenging Body Parts to Tattoo
  • Ribs. Considered one of the most painful spots to get a tattoo, the ribcage area is a notorious challenge for both the tattoo-ee and the artist. ...
  • Feet. ...
  • Spine. ...
  • Elbows and Knees. ...
  • Hands and Fingers. ...
  • Neck and Throat. ...
  • Armpits and Groin.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

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