Come rested
Tiredness makes you more sensitive. A calm night before helps more than any trick.
Aftercare guide
Pain and placement
What a tattoo feels like, where it is gentler and where more intense, and how to get through your appointment relaxed.
In short
The essentials in 30 seconds
- The feeling is often described as scratching or burning, like a strong sunburn.
- Gentler are areas with muscle and padding, for example the outer upper arm or the calf.
- More intense where the skin is thin and bones or many nerves are close.
- Rested and well fed you will cope much better.
Pain is very personal. The overview below is a rough guide, not a guarantee.
Overview
How does each area feel?
Guidelines based on the experience of many tattooed people. How you feel it may differ.
| Body area | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Outer upper arm, shoulder | gentler | Lots of muscle, well padded. |
| Outer forearm | gentler | Firm skin, not very sensitive. |
| Calf, outer thigh | gentler | Muscle and padding soften it. |
| Shoulder blade, upper back | medium | Bone nearby, usually easy to handle. |
| Inner forearm, inner upper arm | medium | Thinner, more sensitive skin. |
| Wrist, ankle, foot | intense | Thin skin right over bones and tendons. |
| Ribs, sternum | intense | Thin skin over bone, breathing moves the area. |
| Elbow, back of the knee, hands, fingers | intense | Many nerves, thin or very mobile skin. |
Besides the area, duration, technique and how you feel on the day all play a role. Long sessions often get harder towards the end.
Tips
How to get through your appointment relaxed
Fed and hydrated
On an empty stomach you get dizzy more easily. Eat a proper meal beforehand and drink enough water.
No alcohol
Alcohol does not take the pain away but it does increase bleeding. Skip it the day before and on the day.
Breathe calmly
Breathe out slowly and keep your shoulders loose. Holding your breath makes you tense up and feel more.
Speak up
A short break is always fine. Just tell us when you need one.
Numbing cream only if agreed
Numbing creams can change the skin. Only use one if you have discussed it with us first.
Placement
More than pain: what matters when choosing the area
Visibility
Think about whether the tattoo should be visible in everyday life and at work, or whether you prefer to show it only when you want.
Sun
Forearms, the back of the neck and feet get a lot of sun. Sun protection is especially important here later.
Hands and fingers
On hands, fingers and the soles of the feet tattoos often fade faster because the skin renews quickly there and takes a lot of wear.
Size and detail
Fine lines need some space to stay clear over the years. We advise you on the right size for your area.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about pain
Does a tattoo hurt a lot?
Most people find it quite bearable. It feels unusual at first, and after a few minutes the body usually gets used to it. How it feels for you depends on the area, the duration and how you feel on the day.
Which area is good for a first tattoo?
Often the outer upper arm, outer forearm, shoulder or calf. It is usually easy to handle there, and you can show or cover the tattoo.
Can I take a painkiller beforehand?
Some painkillers thin the blood. Do not take anything on your own and ask your doctor if in doubt.
Do long sessions get worse?
Towards the end of a long session the skin becomes more sensitive. For large pieces we therefore sometimes plan several appointments.
Consultation
We find the right placement with you
Not sure which area suits you and your design? In a consultation in Schlanders or Kaltern we look at it together. We tell you honestly how an area feels and how the design will look there over the years.
This guide gives general aftercare advice and does not replace medical advice. Your artist’s instructions always come first.