Pain is synonymous to getting a tattoo. The larger the tattoo and the more intricate the design, the more pain to endure. But, getting a permanent and symbolic body art is something that any amount of pain is worth enduring for. If it is your first time to get inked, talk to people who’s been through the process or to a professional Brisbane tattoo artist. Try to discern the experience and ask for pointers on how to make the process less painful. Here are some tips that could help you better cope with pain;

Consider the location of your tattoo

People have different levels of pain tolerance. Pain from tattooing is generally tolerable. However, some areas of the body are more painful to tattoo. Areas near bones like knees, hands, feet, head, neck and ribcage are more sensitive. The least painful areas to tattoo are buttocks, arms, thighs and shoulders where the bone is amply padded with flesh.

Wear loose clothes

Try to wear less and choose to wear loose and thin clothing for the session, especially if the tattoo is going to be covered. You will be more comfortable and will leave the new tat uncovered. If you’re going to be inked on your upper shoulders, wear sleeveless or tank tops. If the tattoo is going to be on your thigh, wear short shorts or a loose skirt.

Drink lots of water

Make sure that you are well-hydrated before, during and after the session. A well-hydrated skin is easier to work on and will hasten the process, cutting short the painful part of getting a tattoo.

Stay sober at least 24 hours before the session

Flush out alcohol from your system before heading out to your tattoo session. Most, if not all tattoo artists in Brisbane will refuse a drunk customer trying to get a tattoo. Tattoo is a big commitment, and drunken decisions are not known to be the wisest. Alcohol also thins the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding, which you would want to avoid.

Schedule for a morning session

Mornings are when our adrenalin level is at its peak. Adrenalin is a pain-masking hormone that can help increase your pain tolerance level. Pain-blocking endorphins flood after a good night sleep. Take the rest of the day off and refrain from engaging in any active and wet activities.

Go in with a full stomach

People pass out because of hunger. People pass out due to extreme pain. Put hunger and pain together and you will have double the chances of passing out. Avoid hunger pangs and up your chances of holding up to the pain by eating a hearty meal before getting inked.

Take a non-aspirin pain reliever

You can take an NON-aspirin pain reliever half an hour before the session. Aspirin is a blood thinner and taking it immediately before a procedure is hazardous.

Find a diversion

Plan an activity to occupy you during the tattoo session. Some would watch a movie, read comic books or a book, play games or talk on the phone. Or start planning your next holiday or compose your bucket list. Anything to keep your mind off the needles and the pain.

Listening to your favourite music can get you into Zen. Prepare a playlist of your favourite tunes.

Avoid too much movements while the artist is working

Avoid too much movement or wiggling while the artist is at work. Too much movement will distract tattoo artists from their work, thus lengthening the session, and the increasing the pain. Think twice before placing your tat in an especially tickly area of your body.

Relax

Lie down, put your feet up, get comfortable. Breath in and breath out. Think of a luxurious spa or falling asleep at the beach. Relaxed muscles and skin are more pliable and easier to work on than tensed and stiff skin.

Ask for breaks

It is totally normal to ask for breaks. If the pain becomes too unbearable, do not hesitate to ask for a respite. Any professional tattoo artist in Brisbane will understand and will give you few minutes’ break. For bigger and more complicated tattoos, plan for a multi-session arrangement with the artist.

Watch your tattoo come to life

If the location is within your easy range of vision and if you can see through the blood, it is also fun to watch your body art unfold. Watching the design come to life is fascinating and captivating. It will surely make you forget about the pain.

Go with a friend

Chatting with a friend can help pass the time and you to forget you’re under the needle. A word of caution – artists would prefer peace and quiet while working, so keep try to avoid too much excitement. Also, it is in bad taste to bring a horde to the tattoo studio, just bring one friend.

Follow the aftercare regimen

Listen when the tattoo artist gives you aftercare instructions, it is for your own good. Follow the medication regimen, avoid water and the sun and keep your new tat clean and aired. Oh, and the pain from infection is a lot more horrible than from the tattoo session.

Always choose a professional tattoo artist

Never risk your wellness with a neophyte tattooist. Always choose an experienced and licensed professional tattoo artist in Brisbane to create your body art. They are more skilled, knowledgeable and the years of practice have given them the light hand touch. Sessions with an expert are faster, the pain is less and the work brilliant.

15 Strategies to Better Cope with Tattoo Pain