All You Need to Know about What Getting a Tattoo Feels Like

Tattoos have existed for thousands of years and are a popular form of body art today. Tattoos are a way for people to express themselves and can have significant personal meaning. While it's easy enough to get a tattoo, many people who want one often refuse because of the pain that comes with it because the tattooing process requires a needle to puncture the skin repeatedly.

It's worth noting that it's nothing like getting punctured with a syringe because the tattoo needle does not penetrate as deeply into the skin. Instead, it only reaches the second layer of skin, called the dermis, to deposit the ink. Few people know what getting a tattoo feels like, so we will discuss the details in this article.

How Tattoo Equipment Works

Tattoo equipment includes a tattoo machine, needles, ink, and other necessary supplies. The tattoo machine has a motor, a needle bar, and a grip. The needle bar contains the needles that will be used to inject the ink into the skin. Before starting the tattoo, the artist will clean and disinfect the area of the skin where the tattoo will be placed to prevent the risk of infection. The artist will then begin the tattooing process by dipping the needles into the ink and creating the design on the skin. The needles move up and down rapidly, puncturing the skin and depositing the ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin.

The artist will periodically wipe away excess ink and blood during tattooing, which is necessary to prevent infection and ensure that the ink is appropriately deposited. Once the tattoo is complete, the artist will clean the area again, apply a protective ointment or bandage, and give the client instructions on how to care for the tattoo in the coming days and weeks.

Tattoo Placements

Where you get a tattoo on your body factors into how painful the process will be. Some areas of the body are relatively painless to tattoo, but others can be excruciatingly painful, including:

Ribcage

The ribcage is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo due to the thin layer of skin covering the bones. The skin is also sensitive and prone to bruising, making the tattooing process even more uncomfortable. Breathing deeply can also be difficult during tattooing, making the experience even more uncomfortable.

Foot

The foot is another painful area to get a tattoo due to the thin layer of skin covering the bones. This area is also prone to swelling and can take longer to heal than other areas of the body. The constant movement of the foot can also make the tattooing process more difficult and painful.

Least Painful Areas to Get a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo can be painful, but the good news is that certain areas are less painful than others. These include:

Upper Arm

The upper arm is one of the least painful areas of the body to get a tattoo. This area has a thick layer of skin and muscle, which can make the tattooing process less painful. The upper arm is also less sensitive to pain than other areas of the body, making the experience more tolerable.

Thighs

The thighs are another area that is less painful to tattoo. This area has a thick layer of skin and fat, making the experience more tolerable and less painful.

Forearms

The forearms are a popular area for tattoos because it is one of the least painful areas of the body to get a tattoo. Aside from having a thick layer of skin, the forearms are also less sensitive to pain than other areas of the body, making the experience more tolerable.

Managing Tattoo Pain

If you plan to get a tattoo, there are several ways to manage the pain and make the experience more comfortable. The best thing you can do to manage tattoo pain is to choose an experienced and skilled tattoo artist. A professional tattoo artist can work quickly and efficiently, minimizing the time you spend in discomfort.

As for aftercare procedures, you must follow all instructions given to you by your tattoo artist, and most say to keep the tattoo clean and dry because it prevents infection. If you must wash it, gently do so with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel. You must also apply a healing ointment to moisten the tattoo and promote healing.

You must also avoid wearing tight clothing that can rub against the area. Otherwise, this can cause the tattoo to become irritated and can also slow down the healing process.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is painful, so you must do everything possible to hasten the healing. Even if you get a tattoo in a painful area, all it takes is following all aftercare instructions given to you by your artist to achieve this goal. This way, you can look forward to seeing a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo you can be proud of.

If you’re looking for a tattoo parlor in Atlanta, Atlanta Ink is for you! Our experienced tattoo artists can help you get the best ink on your body, whether it’s realism, lettering, or traditional styles. Call us today at (404) 907-4718 to schedule an appointment!