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Tattoo Pain Truth: What It Really Feels Like (Pain Chart Included!)

By Adarsh Sachan

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Tattoo Pain Truth: What It Really Feels Like (Pain Chart Included!)

Are you planning to get a new tattoo? Excitement must definitely be high! You might have searched for designs on Pinterest for hours, might have even saved some of your favourite designs, and might have even finalised the artist.

Tattoo Pain Truth: What It Really Feels Like (Pain Chart Included!)

But one question must be constantly circling your mind:

“How much pain does it take to get a tattoo?”

Brother, I have experienced all this myself. My skin has become a living canvas – from small 30-minute tattoos to long sessions of 6-7 hours sitting on a tattoo chair. And honestly speaking, the anxiety before the tattoo and the confidence after it – both are at a different level of experience.

Tattoo pain? Neither it is absolutely zero, nor it takes life!
Brother, don’t listen to those people who say:

And also ignore those over-dramatic people who say:

“Tattoo will take life!”

What is the truth pain while getting tattoo?

The truth is — it hurts. But it is manageable. It is a weird combination: pain, itching, and a little burning-type feeling.

💥 How does getting a tattoo feel?

It depends on the area. These are some sensations that people commonly feel:

  • Mild scratches – like a cat has lightly scratched you.
  • Sharp stings – as if someone has poked you lightly with a safety pin.
  • Buzzing heat – constant vibration of the needle which feels like heat.
  • Throbbing pain – especially during shading when the same area is worked on repeatedly.

Tattoo Pain Chart – with Real Experience

Come on, now I will explain to you according to the pain chart – level-wise.

🔹 Level 1–3/10: Easy Peasy Zones (best for beginners)

Pain is minimal at these places. Chill out and get a tattoo.

🔹 Level 1–3/10: Easy Peasy Zones (best for beginners)

Here the pain feels like a slight buzz or scratch.

🔸 Level 4–6/10: Medium Pain Zones (Little patience required)

These are slightly sensitive and bony areas. The pain is manageable, but is felt.

🔸 Level 4–6/10: Medium Pain Zones (Little patience required)

🔴 Level 7–8/10: High Pain Zones (Breathing techniques are a must)

This is the place where pain will definitely be noticed. A little mind control is required.

🔴 Level 7–8/10: High Pain Zones (Breathing techniques are a must)

☠️ Level 9–10/10: Brave Hearts Zone (Hardcore pain!)

Getting a tattoo done in this place requires both heart and soul.

☠️ Level 9–10/10: Brave Hearts Zone (Hardcore pain!)

This is the place where getting a tattoo shows real bravery!

🔍 Other things that affect pain

The pain of tattoo does not depend only on the body part, brother. There are other things as well:

The pain of tattoo does not depend only on the body part, brother. There are other things as well:

✅ Pro Tips: How to avoid Tattoo Pain (or reduce it)

  • 🟢 Take full sleep time, rest
  • 🟢 Eat good food 1-2 hours before the session
  • 🟢 Stay hydrated – drink water
  • 🟢 Avoid alcohol and caffeine (24 hours before)
  • 🟢 Do deep breathing during session
  • 🟢 Listen to music, podcast or audiobook – mind distraction helps
  • 🟢 If you want to take a break, tell me, no problem
  • 🟢 Use numbing cream – but definitely consult the artist

❓FAQs – Common Tattoo Pain Related Questions

Q1. Which one hurts more – Outline or Shading?

👉 Outline has a tingling, sharp pain.
👉 Shading has a burning/dragging feeling – mentally tiring.

Q2. Does the color of the ink affect the pain?

👉 No, the pain is caused by the needle itself, not by the color.
👉 But in light colors like white or yellow, the artist has to work on the same spot multiple times, which can make it feel more painful.

Q3. Can one take a painkiller before the tattoo?

👉 Absolutely not!
Ibuprofen/aspirin thins the blood – bleeding is more, ink can also fail. Artist faces problems.

Q4. Does weight have any bearing on the pain?

👉 This depends on the location.
Bony area = more pain
Muscle/fatty area = less pain

Q5. What is the best spot for getting your first tattoo?

👉 Outer thigh and forearm – both are beginner-friendly.
Less nerve, good padding, and easily accessible for aftercare.

🔚 Final Words –

It is painful, but it is a memorable pain

Bhai, getting a tattoo is not just about making a design – it is a journey.

Every kiss is a story, every line is an emotion.

Don’t be afraid of pain. This moment lasts only for a few minutes…
But the swag of that tattoo is life long.

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