Sharing a couple of Tattoo Pain Hacks: Best Ways to Handle the Pain Like a Pro
Funny? Unbelievable? And yet—it works!
Everyone experiences tattoos differently, and pain tolerance varies from person to person. Nerve endings are distributed uniquely in each body—some people writhe in pain while getting their ribs tattooed, while others just doze off. For some, tattooing is even pleasant!
If you’re one of those who struggle a bit more with pain, I’ve got some tips on what to do (and what not to do) to make the experience more bearable.
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Eat before your session—tattoos hurt more on an empty stomach.
Make sure you’re well-rested. Don’t show up hungover! -
Distract yourself.
A great way to manage pain is to keep your mind occupied. Watch some YouTube videos, get lost in your favorite music, or chat with your tattoo artist—trust me, we don’t bite. -
Use stress balls or fidget toys.
Squeezing something in your hand can help channel pain and reduce tension. Some people find it helpful to keep their hands busy, so if you tend to fidget, bring a small toy, a stress ball, or even a hair tie to twist around your fingers. -
Take fewer breaks.
My clients often say that tattoos hurt more after a break, so I try to keep them minimal. The skin gets a little numb during continuous tattooing, but once you stop, your body registers the pain more intensely. So, the fewer breaks you take, the easier it gets! -
Stay in a good mood!
People in high spirits tolerate pain much better. Browse funny memes or joke around with me—anything that makes you laugh will ease the pain. -
Choose a less painful spot.
If pain is a big concern, avoid the most sensitive areas like ribs, neck, face, hands, and feet. -
Be careful with numbing creams.
There are numbing creams available, but I don’t recommend them. They can interfere with the healing process, making your tattoo fade faster or heal poorly. Plus, when the cream wears off mid-session, the pain can feel even worse than if you hadn’t used it at all. -
Eat something sweet—especially chocolate!
Sugar triggers endorphin release, which helps with pain relief. Chocolate, in particular, is a great choice because it boosts serotonin, making you feel calmer and more relaxed. -
THC makes it worse, not better.
Contrary to what you might think, cannabis can intensify sensations, making the pain feel stronger. My advice? Skip it. -
Give birth!
Studies (and my clients) confirm that pain tolerance increases after childbirth. So, if you’ve had a baby, congratulations—your tattoo will be a breeze! -
Swear like a sailor.
My favorite trick: curse! Scientists at Keele University found that swearing has a pain-relieving effect. In an experiment, students who swore endured pain 50% longer than those who didn’t. -
Stay healthy and rested.
If you’re sick, exhausted, or recovering from an all-nighter, your pain threshold will be lower. Some women also report increased sensitivity before or during their period, saying their whole body feels tender.
Final Thoughts
Pain is part of the tattoo experience, but there are plenty of ways to make it more manageable. Prepare well, keep your spirits up, and remember—you chose this pain, so own it like a badass!
