Before getting their first tattoo many people wonder whether or not it is painful to get a tattoo. Well the simple answer is yes, having your skin pierced by a needle hundreds of times a second does hurt. To most people thought it feels more irritating than anything. But I suppose the real question they are seeking the answer to is how much will it hurt? And then they wonder if they will be able to tolerate the pain.

Pain is a relative issue. A perfect example to show that is child birth, every experience is unique and even a mother who has had multiple children will tell you the pain varies with each child as the pain will vary with each tattoo. Part of it is based on your own personal pain tolerance level. If you can handle large amounts of pain, a tattoo may seem like nothing. If a single needle withdrawing blood hurts like hell to you, a tattoo could be the most painful experience of your life. Part of your bodies defence mechanism though is to release endorphins and these endorphins help you to cope with the pain of the tattoo.

Another defining part of the pain associated with your tattoo would be the placement. Dependant on where you decide your tattoo will be placed on your body will change the typical pain level associated with the application. Places that have more meat and fat to them are typically less painful; whereas, places that have bones close to the surface, like the collar bone, feet, hands are all quite painful. Another part of placement is also the amount of nerve receptors in the area. Places around the pubic bone and inside the lip are very painful due to the amount of nerves located there.

Psychological mind frame has a lot to do with it as well. If you prepare yourself for the pain you are to endure, it will not be such a shock to your system. Being aware of the possible pain and realizing you are volunteering for this procedure will help to cope. Being relaxed and at ease also makes it an easier less painful process. If you are stressed and upset your body tenses in natural response and a tense body is going to be more painful to have a tattoo applied to.

Pain is a definite in the tattooing process. How painful getting a tattoo is, is completely dependant on the person and the decisions they have made in regards to placement, colouring and mental attitude at the application time. Bing calm and relaxed and prepared for that which you are about to endure makes it a better experience and will almost always result in you being ready for your next tattoo.