This is probably the most frequently asked questions when it comes to tattooing! The simple answer is, yes it does. However, not as much as some people might think, as after a short period of time your body’s natural painkillers (endorphins), kick in and make things much more manageable. How long these endorphins last usually defines your natural ‘limit’ as to how long a tattoo session you can handle (usually between 2-3 hours), after this time you will tend to become very uncomfortable. The pain of a tattoo is often likened to a mild burning sensation or a cat scratch. However, the real factor as to how much a tattoo hurts is really down to where you intend to get it. Any area directly over bone will be particularly sensitive; this includes ribs, feet, hands, head, and pelvis to name a few. Add to this the number of nerve endings in an area and this defines the most painful places. If you are looking for a less painful spot, then you should consider a less sensitive area protected by a large muscle, such as the forearm, upper-arm, shoulder, calf and thigh. Everyone’s pain threshold varies, so there are no hard and fast answers to this question.

When it comes to tattooing, you get what you pay for. Don’t expect a good artist to come cheap, and if that’s the way you go, you could end up spending a great deal more further down the line, when you have to pay for a large cover-up or laser tattoo removal. Save your money until you can afford what you really want! Don’t settle, just because you are impatient to get some ink, this decision will be with you for a long time.

Please make sure you have had something to eat and drink (NOT alcohol) about an hour before your appointment. During the tattoo, your body behaves in a way very similar to going into shock, as it generates endorphins to deal with the attack on the skin. This can cause a drop in blood sugar, resulting in light-headedness, and sometimes nausea or fainting. Having a meal and consuming natural sugars, such as orange juice can help to prevent this. If you feel faint during your tattoo, let your artist know immediately, and they will help you through it. Don’t be ashamed of telling them. Think about what you are going to wear. While tattoo ink will generally not stain clothes, and your artist will do everything they can to keep your clothing clean, there is always the possibility of getting ink on your clothes so dark clothing is preferred. If you do need to remove tattoo ink from your clothing, you will need to do so on a very hot wash. Other things you may want to consider bringing might include a sugary drink and a distraction for example a book, your phone & headphones, some people like to chat with the tattooist, others like to sit in silence, others prefer a distraction like the things mentioned above.

Tattooing is not a quick process, nor should it be rushed as you will be living with the results permanently. An averagely complex piece of work about the size of the back of your hand, usually takes about two hours to complete. Larger or more complex pieces can take tens of hours and will require several sittings to complete. but some smaller pieces may only require a thirty-minute appointment. A full sleeve could take anything from ten to fifty hours of work to complete depending on complexity.