Small does not equal less pain. That's right when it comes to getting a new tattoo fine lines are more painful than bold traditional. Upside is, most fine line tattoos are smaller. And smaller needle sizes are used mostly for the outline at the beginning of the tattoo, when you are fresh and ready for the pain.
Do fine line tattoos hurt more? While you may experience less pain than getting a thicker tattoo, pain level varies based on the individual. Fine line tattoos may hurt less, given that smaller needles are used, and the groupings of needles are also smaller.
Benefits of Fine Line Tattoos
For one, these tattoos tend to be less painful than traditional tattoos due to the smaller needles that are used. They also heal more quickly and have less risk of infection. In addition, fine line tattoos tend to look more polished and professional than their bolder counterparts.
Fine line tattoos are said to fade more aggressively than regular tattoos, though both tattoo styles will fade with time, and may need touch-ups. The longevity of your tattoo in either style relies on the location of the tattoo, how well you care for your skin, and the excellence of the tattoo artist you choose.
If you're considering a single needle tattoo, you can do a few things to minimize the pain. First, choose a smaller design. The less area that's being tattooed, the less pain you'll experience.
Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt. Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it.
Even if your fine line tattoo fades after 10 years, the delicate lines will be easier and cheaper to fix, or re-work. Most artists will regularly re-work your tattoo for a fraction of the original price. Also, delicate tattoos are a lot easier to get covered up or removed.
As you might expect, smaller tattoos will heal faster, as will those that are placed on areas with thicker skin, like your back or quads. “Thicker skin is more robust and contains more blood vessels, which results in faster healing,” Dr. Love explains.
Those gorgeous, sharp designs you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are fresh fine line designs that will look different one day — but different doesn't always mean bad. “Your tattoo will get a bit lighter or slightly thicker depending on how your body heals it,” Kim says.
Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold. The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Finger & Hand Tattoos
As well, the bones are right up against the skin. The Tattoo ink does not stay on hand and finger skin as easily as on the rest of the body. As a result, tattoo artists may have to go over the same area multiple times. The fingertips are one of the most pain-sensitive locations on the body.
So, if you're thinking of getting a fine line tattoo, expect to pay a little bit more than you would for a regular tattoo. But remember, you're paying for the extra time and skill required to create such beautiful and intricate designs.
Certain tattoo styles that use black and/or grey ink, such as Tribal tattoos, Greyscale tattoos, and American Traditional tattoos (as well as bold lettering or Zodiac tattoos) are known to age well. These different tattoo styles feature bold, detailed linework that is deeply injected into the skin.
Some tattoos are simply too small
Over time, ink tends to bleed, or expand, which can cause small tattoos to become blurry and lose detail.
If the Tattoo Needle Goes Too Shallow…
As we mentioned before, ink deposited here will quickly leave the skin when epidermal cells renew themselves, making for a not-so-permanent tattoo.
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.
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.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
It's not uncommon to feel regret after getting a new tattoo, and they can easily be removed. You can't remove your tattoo until it is fully healed, the healing process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo.