Tattoo Pain Explained!

James Withee
21 Nov 201714:39
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRJames, owner of Dark Horse Tattoo Company, addresses the common question of tattoo pain, explaining that it varies based on individual pain tolerance, tattoo location, and session length. He details the most and least painful body areas, noting that ribs, sternum, and collarbone are particularly sensitive. James also discusses the pain progression during a session and offers tips to manage discomfort, such as getting a good night's sleep, eating well, and considering numbing products. He emphasizes the importance of staying still for the best tattoo outcome.

Takeaways
  • 😎 The pain of a tattoo is subjective and varies from person to person, described as a scratching sensation with a needle.
  • πŸ“ The most painful areas for tattoos are the ribs, sternum, and collarbone, while the least painful is typically the upper outer arm.
  • πŸ” Pain tolerance can be influenced by the location of the tattoo on the body, with extremities tending to be more sensitive near joints.
  • ⏱ The size and duration of the tattoo session can affect the level of pain experienced, with longer sessions generally being more painful.
  • πŸ“‰ The pain curve during a tattoo session tends to increase as the session progresses due to skin irritation and a burning sensation.
  • 🌑 Personal pain tolerance plays a significant role in the tattooing experience, with some people able to endure longer sessions with ease.
  • 🀰 Pain tolerance can be relative to life experiences; those who have gone through significant pain may find tattoos less distressing.
  • πŸ›Œ To reduce pain during a tattoo session, it's recommended to be well-rested and have eaten a substantial meal beforehand.
  • 🚫 If feeling faint or lightheaded during a tattoo, it's crucial to inform the artist to prevent passing out and potential injury.
  • πŸ’Š Tattoo numbing products containing lidocaine can help reduce pain, though they don't eliminate it entirely.
  • πŸ”’ Despite the pain, it's essential to remain still during the tattoo process to ensure the best possible outcome for the design.
Q & A
  • What is the main topic of the video by James from Dark Horse Tattoo Company?

    -The main topic of the video is discussing the pain associated with getting a tattoo, including factors that affect the level of pain and how to manage it.

  • How does James describe the sensation of getting a tattoo?

    -James describes the sensation of getting a tattoo as feeling like someone is scratching you with a needle, with some people comparing it to a sharp cat scratch.

  • What are the top three most painful areas to get a tattoo according to James?

    -The top three most painful areas to get a tattoo, according to James, are the ribs, sternum, and collarbone.

  • What is the least painful area to get a tattoo as suggested by James?

    -The least painful area to get a tattoo, as suggested by James, is the upper outer arm, like the half sleeve area on the body.

  • Why does James believe the extremes of each body segment tend to hurt more when getting a tattoo?

    -James theorizes that the extremes of each body segment hurt more because there may be more nerves closer to joints, which are important areas from an evolutionary standpoint.

  • How does the size of a tattoo affect the pain experienced during a tattoo session?

    -The size of a tattoo affects the pain experienced as a larger tattoo means a longer session, which can lead to increased skin irritation and a burning sensation, making the session more painful.

  • What is the relationship between the length of a tattoo session and the pain felt according to James?

    -According to James, the longer the tattoo session, the more the tattoo hurts, with a significant difference in pain felt after three or four hours compared to the beginning of the session.

  • What is the most important factor to consider in reducing pain during a tattoo session, as suggested by James?

    -The most important factor to consider in reducing pain during a tattoo session, as suggested by James, is to sleep well and eat a big meal before the appointment.

  • Why does James recommend starting small and on an easy location for first-time tattoo recipients?

    -James recommends starting small and on an easy location to test the waters and build confidence in one's ability to sit through a tattoo session, especially if they are concerned about their pain tolerance.

  • What is the role of tattoo numbing products in reducing pain during a tattoo session?

    -Tattoo numbing products, which often contain lidocaine, are topical products that numb the skin during the tattoo session, significantly decreasing the pain felt without completely removing it.

  • What advice does James give about maintaining stillness during a tattoo session, and why is it important?

    -James advises maintaining stillness during a tattoo session because moving around can lead to mistakes by the tattoo artist, prolong the session, and affect the quality of the tattoo, which is permanent.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“Œ Tattoo Pain: Perception and Variables

James, owner of Dark Horse Tattoo Company, discusses the common inquiry about tattoo pain. He explains that pain is relative and suggests describing the sensation rather than quantifying it. He compares the feeling to a needle scratch and emphasizes that most people can endure the pain during the tattooing process. James then outlines three main factors affecting tattoo pain: location on the body, with ribs, sternum, and collarbone being the most painful; individual differences in pain tolerance; and the size and duration of the tattoo session, noting that pain tends to increase as the session progresses due to skin irritation.

05:02
πŸ” Personal Pain Tolerance and Preparation for Tattooing

James explores the concept of personal pain tolerance, suggesting that it is relative and can be influenced by one's life experiences. He theorizes that those who have experienced significant pain in the past, such as mothers who have given birth or individuals who have had intense physical experiences, may find tattooing less painful. He advises clients to be aware of their own pain tolerance and to prepare well for their tattoo appointment by getting a good night's sleep and eating a substantial meal to maintain energy and blood sugar levels, which can help prevent fainting during the session.

10:02
πŸ›‘ Strategies for Managing Tattoo Pain

The video script concludes with James offering advice on how to manage and reduce tattoo pain. He recommends starting with a small tattoo in a less sensitive area to gauge one's ability to handle the process. Additionally, he mentions the use of numbing products containing lidocaine to alleviate some of the discomfort. James also stresses the importance of staying still during the tattoo session to prevent mistakes and ensure a quality result. He encourages clients to maintain composure, reminding them that the pain is temporary while the tattoo is permanent.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Tattoo Pain
Tattoo Pain refers to the discomfort experienced during the process of tattooing. It is central to the video's theme as the host, James, discusses the varying degrees of pain associated with different tattoo locations and sizes. For instance, he mentions that the ribs, sternum, and collarbone are among the most painful areas to get tattooed, while the upper outer arm is the least painful.
πŸ’‘Pain Tolerance
Pain Tolerance is an individual's ability to withstand discomfort or pain. In the context of the video, James emphasizes that personal pain tolerance greatly affects the tattooing experience. He suggests that people with higher pain tolerance, such as those who have experienced significant pain in their lives, may find the tattoo process less daunting.
πŸ’‘Tattoo Location
Tattoo Location is the specific area of the body where the tattoo is applied. The video explains how different locations have varying levels of pain associated with them. For example, James describes the ribs and spine as particularly sensitive and painful areas for tattoos, while the upper outer arm is less sensitive.
πŸ’‘Tattoo Size
Tattoo Size refers to the dimensions of the tattoo design. The video script explains that larger tattoos generally require longer sessions, which can increase the level of discomfort. James illustrates this by noting the pain curve during a tattoo session, where the pain intensifies as the session progresses due to skin irritation.
πŸ’‘Tattoo Session
A Tattoo Session is the period during which a tattoo is applied. The video discusses how the length of a session can influence the pain felt, with longer sessions typically causing more discomfort due to skin irritation and fatigue. James describes the initial shock of pain that lessens as one acclimates to the sensation, only to increase again after several hours.
πŸ’‘Numbing Products
Numbing Products are topical creams or ointments containing ingredients like lidocaine that reduce the sensation of pain. In the video, James recommends these products as a way to alleviate some of the pain during tattooing, noting that they can significantly decrease discomfort, though not entirely eliminate it.
πŸ’‘Adrenaline Spike
Adrenaline Spike refers to the initial burst of adrenaline one might experience at the start of a tattoo session, which can affect the perception of pain. James explains that the initial shock of the tattoo needle can be startling, but as the session progresses and the adrenaline spike subsides, the pain becomes more manageable.
πŸ’‘Skin Irritation
Skin Irritation is the reddening, burning, or discomfort of the skin due to the tattooing process. James mentions that as a session goes on, the skin can become irritated, leading to a burning sensation that can increase the pain felt towards the end of the tattooing process.
πŸ’‘Body Segment
A Body Segment refers to a specific part of the body, such as the forearm or the deltoid. The video explains that the extremities of body segments, like the wrist or elbow, tend to be more painful for tattoos compared to the middle sections, which have fewer nerves and are thus less sensitive.
πŸ’‘Tattoo Artist
A Tattoo Artist is the professional who applies the tattoo. In the video, James, as a tattoo artist, discusses the importance of the client's role in maintaining stillness during the session to allow for precise application and to avoid prolonging the process due to corrections needed from movement.
πŸ’‘Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the body's state of internal balance. James advises against getting a tattoo when one's body is not in a state of homeostasis, such as after a night of heavy drinking, as it can exacerbate discomfort and affect the overall tattooing experience.
Highlights

James Witty, owner of Dark Horse Tattoo Company, discusses how much tattoos hurt.

Pain is relative, making it hard to quantify; it's better to describe what it feels like.

A tattoo feels like being scratched with a needle, similar to a cat scratch.

The most painful tattoo locations are the ribs, sternum, collarbone, spine, and top of the foot.

The least painful area to get a tattoo is the upper outer arm, such as the half sleeve area.

Pain varies within the same body segment; extremes of each body segment hurt more than the middle.

Larger tattoos and longer sessions cause more pain, especially after 3-4 hours.

Pain tolerance varies among individuals; some can sit for long sessions without much trouble, while others find it challenging.

Experienced pain, like childbirth or skateboarding injuries, often leads to higher pain tolerance during tattoos.

To reduce pain during a tattoo session, sleep well and eat a big meal beforehand.

Feeling hot, sweaty, or thirsty can be signs of low blood sugar or potential fainting during a tattoo.

Start with a small tattoo in an easy location if concerned about pain tolerance.

Tattoo numbing products containing lidocaine can help reduce pain.

Stay still during the tattoo process to avoid mistakes and prolonging the session.

Pain is temporary, but the tattoo lasts forever; it's important to maintain self-control.

Transcripts
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