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9 Basic Yet Overlooked Steps to Reducing Tattoo Pain

Overlooked Steps to Reducing Tattoo Pain

9 Basic Yet Overlooked Steps to Reducing Tattoo Pain

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There is no denying that body art is a lovely way to express oneself. However, the most common form of body art, tattooing, is not all glam and self-expression; it also involves pain. And the amount of pain varies depending on the tattoo design and placement. Many tattoo enthusiasts even concede that this pain can be addictive, which is why they return to the tattoo parlor.

Tattoo pain is inevitable; there is no way to avoid it when getting a tattoo. However, the amount of pain varies depending on the location; for example, tattoos on your neck are more painful than your arm. BUT, fret not! There are some very basic yet frequently overlooked steps to reducing tattoo pain. And this is what we’ll be talking about in this post.

Read on to find out…

Table of Contents

  • What should you do to alleviate tattoo pain?
  • 1. Avoid drinking alcohol before the tattoo procedure.
  • 2. Drink more and more water before, during, and after the procedure.
  • 3. Do some breathing exercises.
  • 4. Take a breather.
  • 5. Divert your attention.
  • 6. Don’t panic.
  • 7. Avoid getting a tattoo when you’re sick.
  • 8. Don’t skip your meal.
  • 9. Just relax.
  • Bonus Tip #1: Avoid pain relievers.
  • Bonus Tip #2: Choose a reputable tattoo artist.
  • Bonus Tip #3: Choose a less sensitive part of your body.
  • Bonus Tattoo #4: Get enough rest.
  • Bonus Tip #5: Do not lean on the side where you got your tattoo.
  • FAQs.
  • Closing Thought.

When getting a tattoo, you should be prepared for the pain it will cause. Depending on the person’s pain threshold, some might compare it to an insect bite or a burning pain. However, in areas with less flesh, such as the ankles, neck, or wrist, the pain is more intense than in areas where the area is fleshy.

We already know it’s a painful procedure, so the best way to avoid or reduce tattoo pain is to prepare yourself before undergoing the procedure. Obtaining information and preparing yourself for what to expect helps to avoid anxiety and nervousness, which can exacerbate pain. Believe it or not, changing your mental state or mindset can help you avoid pain to a great extent. This is very BASIC but a very effective way to reducing tattoo pain.

What should you do to alleviate tattoo pain?

Here’s what you should do to reduce tattoo pain: simply follow these 9 basic guidelines:

1. Avoid drinking alcohol before the tattoo procedure.

It is not a good idea to drink alcohol before getting a tattoo or going through the procedure. Never get drunk before getting a tattoo as part of your preparation. Although getting drunk and inked is depicted in movies and stories, it is horrible because it can result in more bleeding. And excessive bleeding eventually causes more pain.

2. Drink more and more water before, during, and after the procedure.

Wondering why?

Keep reading to know why…

Another way to reduce pain is to stay hydrated throughout the process. Professional tattoo artists advise their clients to stay hydrated for at least 36 hours before getting inked. They ask them to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the procedure. Believe it or not, dehydration can cause problems and, at worst, cause you to faint as the procedure progresses. So don’t miss to have water before the process; also, have a ready supply of water to drink during the process.

3. Do some breathing exercises.

Whether you believe it or not, deep breathing can instantly change your mindset. Deep, steady breathing is always a good practice to reduce tattoo pain or avoid it. All you have to do is to take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. You can do it before the procedure starts so that you don’t get scared of pain. Also, you can do it during the procedure, especially when your tattoo is a large intricate body artwork. You can speak with the artist about how he can assist you with this.

4. Take a breather.

Thinking… Why?

It’s very simple – taking breathers between the procedures helps alleviate the pain!

When the pain becomes intense or too much for you, or you believe you can’t handle it any longer, you can always ask the tattooist to take a break and pause for a moment. This is also recommended because lying, sitting, or doing any position can be exhausting.

5. Divert your attention.

This is yet one of the most critical steps when it comes to reducing tattoo pain. Taking your attention off the pain can help you feel less pain than you would otherwise feel. For that, you can try talking to a friend, watching a TV show, listening to good music, or even talking to the artist to divert your attention away from the needle pinching into your skin. But make sure this doesn’t hinder the artist’s work.

6. Don’t panic.

People frequently want tattoos but are terrified of getting them. Panicking in a situation does no one any good; instead, it exacerbates the situation and causes things to spiral out of control. Many tattoo artists admit that it is difficult for them to do their job when their client is in a state of panic. Because in a panicked state, they simply make it difficult for the artist to perform their tattooing task. As a result of this, tattoo artists lose their focus, and even the client ends up having a lot more pain.

7. Avoid getting a tattoo when you’re sick.

This is one of the most crucial steps in reducing tattoo pain. When you’re sick, don’t get a tattoo. If you don’t feel well on the day of your tattoo, reschedule it for another day. Speak with your artist about it. It’s just that being sick makes you more sensitive to pain. Furthermore, if your immune system is weakened, it will take longer for your tattoo to heal.

8. Don’t skip your meal.

You’ve probably heard that low blood sugar makes you more sensitive to pain. In addition, skipping meals prior to the tattoo procedure can result in low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness due to hunger. Therefore, it is critical to eat beforehand to avoid dizziness caused by nerves or hunger.

9. Just relax.

Due to the excruciating pain, you may find it difficult to relax during the procedure. However, you may be surprised to learn that keeping a calm mind during the process can significantly reduce your pain. That is why it is best to remain calm throughout the procedure. In fact, many tattoo artists admit that clients who are calm in their minds are easier to tattoo. They even ask their clients to be relaxed so that the procedure goes smoothly and painlessly for them.

Wondering what’s more?

Here are some BONUS TIPS for you to avoid tattoo pain extensively.

Let’s take a look together…

Bonus Tip #1. Avoid pain relievers.

We often want to get rid of things that irritate us, and tattoo pain is one of them. Many people take pain relievers right after getting a tattoo, which is not a good practice. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided during this time. NSAIDs can thin your blood, increasing bleeding and slowing healing. The outer layer of your skin will usually heal in two to three weeks. Avoid taking a medicine 24 hours before the procedure.

Bonus Tip #2. Choose a reputable tattoo artist.

Tattoo artists who are experienced or reputable usually take less time to complete tattoos than those with no or very little experience. That is why it is critical to meet with the artist prior to getting a tattoo. It will help you understand his knowledge, and you will also get a sense of their personality and the

Bonus Tip #3. Choose a less sensitive part of your body.

You can’t completely control this because some tattoos look beautiful on the ankles, neck, and other sensitive areas, which are also the most painful. However, you can still consult with your artist about placement; he or she may be able to assist you with the proper placement.

Bonus Tattoo #4. Get enough rest.

Whether you believe it or not, a good night’s sleep can do wonders. After a good night’s sleep, one’s ability to deal with pain improves.

Bonus Tip #5. Do not lean on the side where you got your tattoo.

To effectively reduce tattoo pain and avoid complications, avoid leaning on or scratching the side where you got the tattoo. Also, it is not advised to apply balms or creams to the affected area because they can cause irritation, which can lead to infection.

So that’s all there is to it when it comes to reducing tattoo pain. Take a look at some frequently asked questions; they may help you gain a better and more precise understanding.

FAQs

Q.1. Can I take aspirin before getting a tattoo?

No, taking medication before or shortly after getting a tattoo should be avoided at all costs. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs thin the blood, which slows the healing process.

Q.2. Is it a good idea to have water during the process?

Consuming water before, during, and after the process will not only keep you stay hydrated but also help in the reduction of tattoo pain. Staying hydrated benefits dry, damaged skin and also makes you feel better because water combats tiredness.

Q.3. What should I eat before the tattoo procedure?

You can eat any healthy food that boosts immunity and replenishes your antioxidant and vitamin stores. Consider eating oranges, broccoli, blueberries, pineapple, dark chocolate, and other fruits and vegetables. Actually, the idea is to eat healthy foods before getting a tattoo. Eating healthy foods keeps your vitamin and mineral levels balanced. In addition, eating healthy makes you feel relaxed and calm, which aids in combatting tattoo pain.

Q.4. Which parts of the body are the most painful for a tattoo?

Your ankle, neck, nape, and front neck are all the most sensitive parts of your body where you will experience the most pain while getting a tattoo. Because these areas have a very thin layer of skin and are less fleshy, they are more painful.

Q.5. Which are the less sensitive body parts for a tattoo?

Your arms, thighs, calf, tummy, etc., are less sensitive areas in your body where you’ll feel less pain while getting a tattoo.

Closing Thought…

These 9 steps to reducing tattoo pain I just shared here have helped many people, and I’m sure they will help you too. Make sure you follow them religiously prior to getting a tattoo. If you’ve added steps or tips that can help people alleviate tattoo pain, feel free to share them with us. All you have to do is to leave a comment in the comment box. We’ll be happy to have suggestions from you!

Happy Tattooing… ☺ ☺

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