Does Getting A Tattoo Really Hurt That Bad or Are Everyone Else Just Babies?

Whenever anyone talks about tattoos, the pain of getting one is usually the first thing people bring up. Some people say that they would like to get a tattoo, but they are too afraid of the pain. Others say that they enjoy the pain of getting a tattoo, while others try to act tough and say it doesn't hurt at all. 

Does getting a tattoo hurt?? Well of course it does! Having a bunch of needles poking in and out of your skin is obviously going to be painful. Is the pain worth it to get a tattoo?

When talking about the pain of getting a tattoo there are a lot of factors that go into the answer. There is not just one answer for this question, either. 

The placement of the tattoo on the body can decide how painful the tattoo is going to be. Places where there is not a lot of fat between the skin and the bone, like the ankle or chest area are going to hurt worse. Places like the calf of the leg or the arm will normally not hurt as much.

The amount of pain also depends on the person getting the tattoo. Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance. What may be very painful to one person, may be just a bit annoying to someone else. Some people can just handle pain better than others. I've personally seen people cry and vomit while getting a tattoo, and I've seen others laugh and even sleep while getting a tattoo. 

Another variable that contributes to the pain level of getting a tattoo is the artist themselves. Some artists have a lighter touch than others. The lighter the touch, the less amount of pain there is likely to be. Some artists have a rough touch and push a bit harder with the tattoo machine than others do. 

The bottom line is, if you really want a tattoo and if it means a lot to you, you will deal with the pain in order to get it. Your body will eventually adjust to the pain and you will become almost numb to it. Whatever you do, do not get a tattoo while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reputable shops will not allow it for your own safety and theirs.