How can I tolerate tattoo pain better?

Author: Roma Beatty  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Proper hydration and nutrition before your tattoo session can help improve your pain tolerance and promote a more comfortable experience. Get Adequate Rest: Ensure you get a good night's sleep before your tattoo appointment, as fatigue can negatively impact your ability to tolerate pain.

How can I increase my pain tolerance for tattoos?

Sleep: Being well rested has a massively positive effect on your pain tolerance. Ever notice how everything hurts more when you are tired? Same goes for tattoos -- big time. Ensure you get at least 8 hours sleep before your tattoo session to maximise your pain tolerance and endurance.

How to reduce pain while getting a tattoo?

Dr. Avaliani recommends taking three or four Ibuprofen tablets an hour before your appointment so that your pain tolerance is higher by the time you feel the needle (which, by the way, looks more like the tip of a pen than a needle, in case that word scares you like it scared me).

How can I ease the pain of a new tattoo?

Wash it and Pat it dry with a paper towel. Wait for it to dry completely then apply a thin layer of aquaphor or even better a cocoa or shea butter based aftercare balm like Hustle Butter. If it gets too dry it's gonna be sore. It's also painful bc it's over your spine and back muscles.

Is there a way to get a painless tattoo?

The BlowDart Tattoo System takes away how much it can hurt to traditionally receive a tattoo. Using air pressure instead of a needle to push ink into the skin for a permanent tattoo is the safe and painless new way to get INKED.

How to MANAGE & MINIMIZE the PAIN WHEN GETTING TATTOOED

What is the best pain relief for tattoos?

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.

What's the least painful place to get a tattoo?

The Least Painful Places To Get A Tattoo
  • Shoulder area - lots of muscle and minimal nerves.
  • Upper thigh - most of us have a little more meat up there to lessen the sting. ...
  • Back - since the skin there is thicker and there's a lot of surface area to work with, too.

Can I take painkillers before a 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.

What draws ink out of a new tattoo?

Salabrasion is the method of removing a tattoo by rubbing salt and water on a tattoo. This method removes the top layers of skin to rub out the ink in a tattoo. This treatment is done multiple times until the ink in a tattoo is gone or can no longer be reached.

What numbing cream can you use for tattoos?

Other options to consider(92)
  • Aspercreme with 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream, 2.7 oz. ...
  • Equate Max Strength Lidocaine Pain Relieving Cream, 2.7 oz. ...
  • Blue-Emu Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream for Muscle and Joint Pain with 4% Lidocaine, 2.7 oz. ...
  • Absorbine Jr. ...
  • WELMATE Pain Relief, 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream, 1oz.

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.

Is there a way to numb your skin before a tattoo?

Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment. Emla can also be used to numb the skin before laser tattoo removal.

How to naturally make tattoos hurt less?

How to make a tattoo hurt less? 11 tips for before, during, and after your session
  1. Choose a professional artist. ...
  2. Stay hydrated. ...
  3. Skip the alcohol, stay sober for at least 24 hours. ...
  4. Avoid aspirin & ibuprofen before AND after your session. ...
  5. Get a full night of sleep. ...
  6. Eat a full meal. ...
  7. Avoid movements. ...
  8. Take breaks.

How to endure tattoo pain?

Here's how to help relieve tattoo pain:
  1. Pick a quality pro. Check their past work, reviews from previous customers, and certifications beforehand. ...
  2. Take breaks. Ask your artist if it's okay to take a break when you're struggling. ...
  3. Stay sober. ...
  4. Get sleep and minimize stress. ...
  5. Consider a numbing product.

How to build pain tolerance?

Raising pain tolerance
  1. Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise, resistance training, and even circuit training may increase pain tolerance in otherwise healthy people.
  2. Yoga. Regularly practicing yoga may make a person more aware of their mind and body, and may decrease some responses to pain.
  3. Biofeedback. ...
  4. Vocalization.

Do tattoos hurt worse high?

Pain Perception: Although some might think that cannabis could help manage the discomfort associated with getting a tattoo, it can actually heighten your sensitivity to pain. It's also important to remember that pain is a vital signal that helps us understand if something is not quite right.

Does Vaseline fade tattoo ink?

The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

What's the best pain relief for a tattoo?

Some tattooists do allow you to take Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen reduces the ability of your body to make prostaglandins, which is a chemical that promotes pain, inflammation and fever within your body.

What drugs not to do before a tattoo?

Avoid the following medications and foods, as their consumption causes an increased likelihood of bleeding problems: Steroids, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Midol).

How bearable is tattoo pain?

You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.

Which style of tattoo hurts 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 is the best first tattoo to get?

Outlines are typically starting points for tattoos. Script or cursive tattoos are also among the best ideas for first tattoos. They are typically meaningful to those who get them and are a great way to start your tattoo journey.

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