In general, tattoos tend to hurt more than piercings because the needles used for tattoos are larger and go deeper into the skin than the needles used for piercings. However, everyone experiences pain differently, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how much pain you'll feel from a tattoo or piercing.
Stomach tattoos have a low-moderate to moderate pain level, depending on your sex assigned at birth, body shape and fat distribution. There are no bony areas on the stomach, so these tattoos hurt less than more painful placements like a ribcage or hip tattoo.
Overall, getting a tattoo or a piercing are two completely different experiences and it is like comparing apples with oranges. One takes longer and is less intense whilst the other is short and sharp. Whichever way you choose to express yourself, know that you're in good hands with the team at Celebrity Ink™.
The stomach area is also a sensitive spot to tattoo due to the thin and elastic skin. The pain level can vary depending on how close the tattoo is to the belly button, as this area tends to be more sensitive. People who have loose skin around their stomach will probably feel more pain than those who have tighter skin.
In general, tattoos tend to hurt more than piercings because the needles used for tattoos are larger and go deeper into the skin than the needles used for piercings. However, everyone experiences pain differently, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how much pain you'll feel from a tattoo or piercing.
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.
Chatting with your artist, watching TV, or distracting your mind (even with virtual reality, like in this 2021 study) may cause the pain to fade into the background. Scratching pain. Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you.
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.
Least painful to tattoo
The least painful places to get a tattoo are areas of your body with fewer nerve endings. Think outer shoulder, calf, buttocks, and outer arm. While people generally focus on the location on the body, Stanley Kovak, a cosmetic physician, theorizes that pain is more about size.
According to Niki, most people rate navel piercings as a four or five out of 10 on the pain scale. Pain is, of course, subjective and it really does depend on how well trained your piercer is.
It feels a little tight but shouldn't hurt. Most piercers today use a hollow needle to pierce this area, done by hand. "The needle seems a little scary, but it's healthier on the tissue and allows us to get more precise with the piercing," Harris says. "It's also used to connect to the jewelry and guide it in.
Because the cartilage is thinner on the upper ear, helix piercings tend to be the least painful cartilage piercing. They measure around a 4-5/10 on the pain scale and take around 3-6 months to fully heal.
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.
You must always ask your artist first before using a numbing solution. Some artists advise against using numbing creams because it can affect the tattoo process. It is possible that the cream or gel can temporarily alter your skin texture, making the artist's job much harder.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."
For a first tattoo, find an artist who's inspiring, and consider getting a tattoo that is personal in some way. For some people, it could have sentimentality; for others, it could simply be an image they find beautiful. Meaningful quote tattoos and memorial tattoos are both popular choices.
Myth: In reality, getting tattooed does hurt -- but it does not produce the same type of pain as childbirth. The pain of getting a tattoo feels more like scratching a bad sunburn.
Those attracted to women saw a three-way tie between the upper back, shoulder and hips (with a 3.3 rating). The back: a top-rated tattoo location for women and men. The hip: a top-rated tattoo location for women. The upper arm: a top-rated tattoo location for men.
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.