5 Ways to Make Traditional Tattoos Less Painful — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

FAQs

5 Ways to Make Traditional Tattoos Less Painful — Certified Tattoo Studios? ›

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!

Lidocaine can block pain signals, causing you to feel less discomfort when you get a tattoo. It won't be completely painless, but most people find that over-the-counter lidocaine tattoo prep gels and topical anesthetic creams can significantly reduce the pain they feel during a tattoo.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.

American traditional tattoos may possibly hurt more due to the amount of ink used for bold lines and color packing techniques. However the pain of any tattoo is also dependent on its design, size, and placement.

Sometimes we all need a little extra help. Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment.

After analyzing the tests and consultation with the anesthesiologist at Medi Horizon Clinic, the person can undergo a tattooing procedure under intravenous anesthesia. Intravenous anesthesia involves administering sedative and pain-relieving medications to ensure comfort during the tattoo session.

Many artists are happy to use and even provide numbing cream for your session, while others refuse to use it. And their reasoning might surprise you. Artists that are pro-numbing cream argue that it helps them work more efficiently with fewer interruptions. This means less time under the needle for the client.

Factors That Affect Tattoo Pain

Being heavier can make tattoo pain somewhat worse, as excess weight stretches out the skin more, which makes it more sensitive. Age can have a similar effect, making the skin thinner. Skinny people can also experience higher pain levels, as their bones have less padding.

With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.

What is tattoo pain comparable to? ›

Tattoo artist JoJo Roman compares the sensation of getting a tattoo to the feeling of a constant cat scratch (all my cat people out there know what she means). Other people say getting a tattoo feels like someone is continually scratching a hot needle across your skin—because that's kinda what's happening.

As we mentioned before, traditional tattoos age very well. The thick black lines and simple colors hold up over time better than any other tattoo style. If you want a tattoo that will look as good in 50 years as it does today, then a traditional tattoo is the way to go.

Needles used for lining are the least painful. Whereas magnum needles used for shading and coloring have larger tips and can be applied a bit deeper into the skin to get the desired effect.

“Placing an ice pack or ice on the tattoo area will numb the area and make the procedure less painful. Make sure to put a washcloth or towel between your skin and the ice. This will prevent irritation or redness of the skin.” What you do after each appointment matters, too.

"Skin numbing creams can definitely help minimize the pain from tattoo treatment and I do recommend them," says Gee, but she adds two caveats: First, understand that the topicals will decrease but not eliminate pain. Second, opt for a prescription numbing cream applied in the office as they are most effective.

Healing a tattoo fast is all about the scabs. Keeping them on until they are ready to fall off naturally are numbers 1, 2, & 3 at the top of the importance list. Baths, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, and any water you would submerge yourself in will make your scab soft and spongy.