Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?

Let’s be real — it’s not a tickle.

If you’re about to get tattooed and find yourself Googling “does a tattoo hurt”… yeah, babe, it does. You’re getting thousands of tiny needle pokes in your skin. It’s not exactly a massage.

But here’s the thing: it’s way more manageable than most people expect. And depending on where you get it, it can even feel… kinda fine?So let’s talk about what actually hurts, what doesn’t, and how to make it suck less.

The Science-y Part

Tattoo machines move a needle anywhere from 50 to 3,000 times per minute, placing ink in the layer of skin called the dermis.Your body reads that as pain, but it also releases endorphins — so after a few minutes, most people find a rhythm.

It’s less “screaming agony” and more “mildly annoying but strangely empowering.”(Unless you’re on your ribs. Then, maybe screaming agony.)

What Hurts (and What Doesn’t)

Pain totally depends on where you get tattooed and how your body’s built.

Placement	Pain Level	Why It Hurts
Outer Arm / Forearm	😌 Chill	Nice thick skin, not many nerves
Thighs / Calves	😎 Pretty easy	Fat = cushion
Upper Back / Shoulder	😬 Manageable	Bony but okay
Ribs / Sternum / Spine	😭 Terrible	All bones, no mercy
Hands / Feet / Ankles	🫠 Ouch	Nerves + bone + movement
Neck / Head / Face	⚡ Extreme	Super sensitive

Basically, if you can feel your pulse there, expect some spice.

How to Survive Your Session

Pain tolerance is different for everyone, but there’s a lot you can do to make it easier.

Before your appointment:

• Eat something filling (no empty stomachs, ever).

• Stay hydrated.

• Sleep. You’ll need it.

• Wear comfy clothes that give your artist access to the area.

Avoid:

• Alcohol or blood thinners before your appointment.

• Caffeine overload (you’ll shake).

• Showing up late, nervous, or hungover — bad combo.

Bring snacks, headphones, and chill energy. Your artist will take care of the rest.

Modern Tattoos = Less Pain (Seriously)

The tools and techniques we use at GRIM Studios make a massive difference.

• Professional numbing sprays are available for big sessions.

• Top-tier cartridges mean smoother needle movement and less skin trauma.

• Barrier film wraps help your tattoo heal faster and reduce post-session irritation.

• Clean, prepped skin equals less sting and better results.

We use industry-standard products (like Electrum) to make sure your tattoo experience is clean, safe, and as comfortable as humanly possible.

The Truth

Yeah, tattoos hurt. But they also heal, and then they become part of you.Pain fades. Art stays.

And if you’re getting tattooed at GRIM Studios, you’re in safe, gentle, ridiculously capable hands.

So breathe. It’s not that bad. And when it’s over, you’ll have something beautiful to show for it — forever.