[Closed] Tattoo - how painful?

Lots of my mates have found that drunk is normally the way to go. 😀

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Why not have a large dose of WTFU!

Can they be done under general anaesthetic?

As I understand it, no. It's counted as assault.

Not painful though, obviously dependant on where you get it.

You pussycat! It hurts a bit but it's not agony just uncomfortable. Like a 'will you stop doing that' kind of thing. Anyone who tells you it doesn't hurt is either lying or using Emla cream.

I'm teetotal, oh yes 😆

i gave a mate some moral support once for his first tat...he almost passed out then had to go home from work...it was in the classic tramp stamp area though and its sposed to be very tender theyre..

im not a fan of em at all,seen quite a few cute ones on gals though...one of mates had one done when he was a larger chap...hes since shrunk and so has his tat...very crap!

sorry prob not much help!

I must be odd, as I really don't like them.
Or piercings for that matter ( even though I have pierced ears).

Mine will not be on public display 😉

Stab yourself in the arm very fast 100 times with a needle, by the time you've done that it'll be numbish.
HTH

I'm teetotal, oh yes

Should be cheap then.

a bit ,depends where it is ? what are you getting ?

Have one on my shoulder was ok was a bit leaner then though just scratchy.
Think it depends where ribs=pain under the arm= pain bu most areas are just uncomfortable plus it does depend on how big it is etc.
Im gonna go back soon for one on my calf just trying to find a good place near me.
Bat.

i went "out" with a gal who had a small man pushing a lawnmower once in a "discrete area" raised a smile!

anyone who tells you they don't hurt is lying.
some places hurt considerably more than others.
there is no going back so find a really, really good tattooist and with their help design something you really, really like.

I'm with bunnyhop on that .. what happens when you're old or wrinkly! Look at Cheryl Cole constantly showing of her random tat on her arm! Or go for the "tramp stamp" .. small of back? that's what I've heard not that I have a clue about tatoos as I'm squeamish of needles at the Dr so I stay away.

Oh and isn't it an offence for a tat person (artist!??) to do a tat when someone is drunk??

I am laughing at izakimak comment though 😆

OK, I need to MTFU in life anyway 🙄 No, will not stab myself in the arm cos it won't be there, that's just silly!

Not decided on design yet, could be just a name, could be a guitar, who knows. The only person to see it will be cinnamon_boy when he catches up with me. 😉

I'm old and wrinkly anyway so ... what the hell?

It does hurt although no more than a cat scratch or picking a scab. My inner arm hurt more than my shoulder and upper arm.

Drag a sharp needle across your skin slowly so it sort of scratches a little and go backwards and forwards a few times over the same patch and you'll get the idea.

Then, multiply that feeling of pain by about 5.

Think you should find a good tattoist and get an original design done me thinks!!
Bat.

Thanks for all the replies. 8)

google 'Joolz Denby'. Great tattooist.

While there's absolutely no logical reason that it should be, I have to say that any tattoo is a tramp stamp for me.

Might just check with my daughter, she's had a subtle one done.

She's had labour pains, so I think she'll cope.

When you coming oop North c_g? It would be great to meet up.

Yes painful, usually when it goes across bone just below the skin or in areas with lots of sensitivity such as your wrist. Mine goes across my spine and the pain starts out louder but then becomes regular as the tatt is done... You become sort of used to it as it goes a long. It heightens near bones etc.

In terms of picking a design don't pick it from a book. Find somebody who can draw something unique for you.

Hi Bunnyhop! Up North in June, hoping to make a Bogtrotters ride on my way back down. Yes, would be fun to meet up!

i used to work with a chap who had L T F C across his fingers on the right hand and E S U K across his left ones.

i went "out" with a gal who had a small man pushing a lawnmower once in a "discrete area"

Classy.

Yep what ti pin man said. Starts off painful but then you get kind of used to it. More painful nearer the bone. Mine is a band around my ankle, had just got settled in and comfy and used to it when he got to the back. Yowsa.

Worth it, have never regretted mine even my mum likes it now. Unlike an old boyfriend of mine from back in the day who had Tank Girl all over his back. Oops.

You're barking if you actually would even *consider* having a general anaesthetic for something as trivial as a tat.

Just remembered when my then wayward teenage daughter came home with her lip newly pierced. 😯

It was family dinner time, she then had to attempt to eat with this bit of metal in her mouth. Food was dribbling down her chin, dog was in position to clean up, father's blood pressure was going sky-high with anger. It wasn't a pretty sight. 🙄

Like some of the others say

Sort of a stinging pain
- so more painful in tender places - ribs / up under your arm.
Outline tends to be worse as the area changes

Shading gets a bit numb as there are more needles and works the same area longer.

Some tattooist are better than others - speed of the machine is a factor.

Go to an artist recomended by somebody.

And fully agree about design - make it yours.

It hurts - but not bad - as for LA = no chance !

Stop being a wuss - get it done 🙂

short answer. yes.

long answer - the amount of pain depends on where / how long and most importantly on the style of the tattoo artist. You do get somewhat used to it after a while, especially if you're under the needle for 3+ hours which, if you're having anything substantial / any blockwork, is going to be likely.

can hurt the wallet too. Especially for decent artists who do something 'custom' rather than picking a pattern out of a book. Mine last one ran into hundreds...

Believe it or not but the pain or discomfort is addictive 😉 it is very rare to stop at just one and yes we will look stupid when we are wrinkly but who cares? Live life!

Ooooooooooooh, I'm in a quandry!

Trouble is, I'm after a bikey part too. 🙄

Really ... do I want more pain?

http://www.elixirtattoo.co.uk/main.html

I know Sunderland's dodgy but Mel is VERY good, she's a fantastic artist as well so she can do proper 'custom' stuff.

CG - why not ask the expert?* Who, as it happens, also happens to know the best artists in your area, one if which happens to use rotary machines that don't hurt as much, and would be happy to tag along as tattoo studios can be a bit intimidating for a first timer....?

*Me. 🙂

Believe it or not but the pain or discomfort is addictive

+10

oddly.

Pete - cheers, will natter to you on the Purbecks ride. 🙂

As regards pain and discomfort, I get that everytime I ride!

The first couple of hours are ok, but it gets a bit doggy after that. Up your way, i can highly recommend Jon Nott in Guildford. See you in a couple of weeks and i'll show you some of his work :-).

tats don't hurt that much, under arms near the arm pit is bit tender, lower back can smart a bit and getting your nipples tattooed hurts like hell, but not as badly as having them pierced the old school way with some forceps and glorified hole punch. I have big ones (tattoos that is :wink:) and lots of metal in interesting places, It's all fine you big girlie wuss bag 😀

the main thing is find someone you trust and to get something that is right for you, rather than just a bit "flash" off a wall.

what happens when you're old or wrinkly!

You won't look brilliant with or without ink.

Just got the one. Would like a couple more but Mrs. C isn't keen.

I'm with the girls, not particularly that keen on them. Even if I was on the fence or swayed, the cost would probably have me spending the cash on something more worthwhile/productive.
Sorry 😕

Ive just been under the needle recently, about 6 hours so far, one more sitting to go, maybe!
I commissioned a tattoo artist rather than choose a generic design off the wall.

6 hours? Blimey, I could do an epic ride in that time. 🙄

Mine wasn't at all painful, I know a lot of people say that and it usually seems like total macho bull**** but it just didn't hurt, a warm tingling is how I would describe it. I almost nodded off in the chair But then, mine is pretty minimal and on one of the easiest bits of flesh.

Not all in one go mind, three sittings so far.....as for pain, well its not to bad, two hours at one go is my threshold..

Pretty much as others have described it; the discomfort varies by the location and 'density' of the tattoo (i.e. heavy colours/heavy shadows require more ink for a given area, and hence more needle time!).

I have two, one bikey (derailleur and chain on left shoulder/bicep) and one not (Orca sculpture on back of R shoulder). Both were original designs 'commissioned' by me from ideas/photos/a piece of chain...

I'm getting a bit addicted now; I can see the Orca turning into something bigger on my right arm sometime this year.

You [b]definitely[/b] want to go with a design you like, and with an artist (note that word!) you are comfortable with and can communicate with. My studio (Lifetime in Derby) doesn't have flash on the walls; this (imho) is a good thing - I'm not looking to be put through a tattoo photocopier!

Expect the tattoo artist to want to spend some time talking to you but don't expect to wander in of a Saturday afternoon and have a chat, book a date in the diary. Lifetime in Derby (who've done both of mine) charges £70 per hour of needle time (i.e. the time actually spent tattooing), this price includes their set-up/clean up (which should take and hour each) and design time/consultation etc.

If you're not happy, for whatever reason, walk away. Laser removal (if possible) costs a lot more than a tattoo!

Buy some tattoo mags, go to some tattoo conventions. Become one of us!

they make me sleepy and all relaxed having them done. 🙂

I found the pain was more like a burning feeling, and quite bearable. The back of the top of my arm was pretty tender, but still bearable. Go for it, just make sure you really know what you want done. I'd love more tatts, but funds do not currently permit.

I've got 6, mind you 2 are only the kids names on my chest,the others are in various places from my under arm which stung like hell, my upper arm which was not to bad at all, larger piece going from chest around shoulder and across my back which took 13 hours over a couple of sitting and that stung and bled a lot, but the most painful was by far the devil I had done on my butt cheek.

had two both my little girls names, one down each side of my torso so down the ribs, the first one on the right side honestly didnt hurt just mildly annoying with the vibrations on the ribs, however the second one done on the left side was a different matter, considerably uncomfortable, not painful as such but not far off at times.

Not the biggest help i suppose but what i'm trying to say is it really does depend, one persons pain is anothers pleasure, me, i'm already planning my next one 🙂

I'm heavily tattooed... it hurts like all hell when all the vanilla places have been used and you're on to the more delicate and sensitive areas..
never again..
well... maybe a few more

Dont get one on you lower back
I think they call that one a 'tramp stamp' 😆

None of mine hurt, I agree with Jedi, totally relaxed during and after.

Yes they are addictive.

And each to there own, if you don't like them don't have them........Me I love them!

When I was getting my last one done there was a bloke getting his full body suit finished and he was sleeping, We started laughing as he woke himself up snoaring.

you should have asked me last week cg .i would have told you it does sting a bit !

Yes, they hurt, but not as much as crashing your bike or going to the dentist.

My most recent one took 9.5 hours (over 4 sittings).

My most recent one took 9.5 hours (over 4 sittings).

They hurt but pain is relative. If you re-asses the pain signal and consider it a joy you'll have a really good time. I managed to achieve something between the two.

Its all in the mind - and differenet peoples pain thresholds vary. Mine seems to be 5 hours. Am in the process of having a full sleve right arm - planning it for some years now. Had 3 x 4/5 hour sittings (2 to go!), all fully enjoyable. No discomfort apart from inner arms. Its a throughly enjoyable experience if you have the right tattooist - it funny how chatting about life whilst he/she is doing it removes you from the supposed 'pain'. Very addictive experience.

There is anesthetic creams available (google it, Boots do a specific one but it gets abused by Junkies so its hard to buy now) - they can be rubbed into the area to be tattoo'd prior to the visit. I've never tried them as was warned that they can affect how the skin accepts the ink.

You only live once! - and its a fantastic experience.

Think very wisely about design - a good idea is to have you're design on the wall for 6 months or so. If you still like looking at it after a few months, You will then soon know if you love it enough to have it on you're body!

Enjoy the ride...

ps. 2nd Tazzy MTB - stay well away from 'flash' art

coffeeking - Member
While there's absolutely no logical reason that it should be, I have to say that any tattoo is a tramp stamp for me.

Same here - and our daughter's had three not very subtle ones. In her case, I think that they spoil an otherwise very attractive girl.
When she gets married in a couple of months they'll detract rather from the very expensive dress that we've bought anyway.......

My advice is always "don't bother" - it's not as if there's anything original about the idea anyway. Every man and his dog seems to think that they're a "must have". God alone knows why.

hi [b]CG[/b] i have a lot of tattoo's picked for painfull places, top of the list is my nose. my point is not that im a hardcore pain freak or anything but rather the feeling of getting tattooed is unique and almost medative (for me). if you find a design you really want your excitement about getting the work on you will outweigh the hurt of it and becomes addictive and kind of the reason for getting them. 3 hours plus sessions do start to get rather uncomfortable though.

CG, i feel the same - i've wanted one for years but a bit of a wuss when it comes to pain so still not had one done yet.

oh and drink will thin your blood not a good idea, but i see that wont be a problem. pain creams what not tend to be unhelpfull in letting the skin absorb the ink which means more going over the area so results in more longer hurt... i say hurt because it doesnt really deserve the word pain!

The one near my neck made me feel queezy, nearly fainted. Then realised the vibration was making my vision do odd things. Went away when I laid down with my head on the couch, feel asleep during the rest of it and dribbled on the PVC 😳

Had a big bike related one planned, but things change.

Tom dB - sorry, but I don't have any pics. It was done by Inma at Magnum Opus in Brighton. She took some pics, so she may put them on her My Space or the MO website eventually.

yes we will look stupid when we are wrinkly but who cares? Live life!

Just not sure how having one somehow relates to "living life". Everyone I've known who got one did it out of peer pressure/wanting to be like their mates/thinking they looked cool/hard/unique with it, which seems like a bit of a lack of something in their life. I'm not sure what. I've had a few discussions with a heavily tattoo'd friend who said they were like memories/pictures and markers of times in their life, but that doesn't really hold much water with me - I don't see why you'd want to stick some random drawing on yourself to remember something you could remember without it. Maybe I'm mistaken, but if you're going to mark yourself in a visible way you're doing it to "say something" to the world (who mostly doesn't care but a large percentage won't listen and will find it detracts from you looks-wise, but likewise some love). If you're marking yourself where the world can't see it you're doing it to prove something to yourself or a close person? I'd have to investigate my reasons for needing to prove or show something to people.

But at the end of the day its your body, do what you like to it for whatever reasons you like!

You've had a kid CG? And you're worried about the pain from a needle?

A big old bucket of perspective is needed. 😉

The only difference between people with, and people without tattoos, is that tattoed people don't care if you don't have one......

I'm sure that people have many different reasons for getting tattoo'd, but none of them require justifying to anyone (other than themselves maybe) why they did it.

Maybe people with tats will regret them when they're older, but I always think it's better to regret the things you've done rather than regret the things you didn't do.

Maybe people with tats will regret them when they're older, but I always think it's better to regret the things you've done rather than regret the things you didn't do.

You could use that to justify any number of stupid things that with a little thought you'd realise were better not doing in the first place. Murder, Jumping into shallow water etc.

The only difference between people with, and people without tattoos, is that tattoed people don't care if you don't have one......

Not really, I don't have any and I don't care if you do. Doesn't stop me having an opinion on it though.

Just not sure how having one somehow relates to "living life"

The point I was trying to make, rather unsuccesfully it seems, is that it is your life so live it how you see fit. If you don't like them, then don't have them, if you do then go for it. Yes you are also entitled to your opinion on mine or anyone else's ink but the point is I don't care.

[i]Murder, Jumping into shallow water[/i]

It's true you know, I regret both those things.

The only difference between people with, and people without tattoos, is that tattoed people don't care if you don't have one......

mark yourself in a visible way you're doing it to "say something" to the world

for me this really isnt the case at all and i was suprised at the popular thinking of this. i have a tattoo on my face and i did not expect the amount of attention it brings good and bad. there are two question i hear multiple times everyday of my life. "is that a tattoo?" and "did it hurt?". this 'attention' which according to you i was trying say to the world, is the only regret i have.

Do people not also ask 'whatever possessed you to get a tattoo on your face?"?