Everyone has an opinion about tattoo pain — usually based on one story from a friend of a friend. Some of it’s true, a lot of it isn’t. Here are the most common tattoo pain myths we hear in consultations, and what’s actually going on.
Myth 1: “You Should Drink Before Your Session to Handle the Pain”
This is one of the most common — and most incorrect — pieces of advice out there. Alcohol thins the blood, which means more bleeding during the session, poorer ink saturation, and slower healing afterward. Most studios, including ours, will decline to tattoo someone who’s been drinking, both for safety and because the result genuinely comes out worse. If you’re nervous, a good night’s sleep and a proper meal beforehand do far more than alcohol ever will.
Myth 2: “Numbing Cream Ruins the Tattoo”
Numbing cream doesn’t ruin a tattoo — but it needs to be used correctly. Over-the-counter numbing products, when used exactly as directed and not overused, are generally fine for many sessions. The key is not relying on excessive amounts or the wrong type of product, which can affect how the skin takes ink. If you’re considering numbing cream, it’s worth mentioning it during your consultation so your artist can advise what works well with their process.
Myth 3: “It Hurts Less the Second Time”
Not exactly — your pain tolerance for tattoos specifically doesn’t really change between sessions. What usually changes is your mindset. First-timers often tense up because they don’t know what to expect, which can make the sensation feel more intense. By the second or third tattoo, most people are more relaxed simply because the unknown is gone — the actual physical sensation is usually about the same.
Myth 4: “Thin People Feel More Pain”
Body fat isn’t really the deciding factor — proximity to bone and nerve density in a given area matters far more. That’s why areas like ribs and ankles tend to be more sensitive across most people, regardless of build, while areas like the outer thigh or calf tend to be more tolerable for almost everyone.
Myth 5: “If It Doesn’t Hurt, the Artist Is Doing It Wrong”
Some people expect real pain the entire session and get suspicious if it feels more like a strange scratching or vibrating sensation instead. That’s completely normal — a lot of tattooing, especially on less sensitive areas, feels more uncomfortable and repetitive than outright painful. Pain level has more to do with placement and duration than how “correctly” the tattoo is being done.
Myth 6: “Bigger Tattoos Always Hurt More”
Size on its own isn’t the main factor — duration and location matter more. A small tattoo on a highly sensitive area (like the ribs) can be more uncomfortable overall than a larger tattoo on a less sensitive area (like the outer arm), simply because of where it sits, not how big it is.
So What Actually Helps With Tattoo Pain?
Rather than myths, here’s what genuinely makes a difference:
- Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand
- Eating a proper meal before your session (never on an empty stomach)
- Staying hydrated
- Choosing a placement you’re mentally prepared for, not just excited about
- Breathing steadily instead of tensing up — tension tends to make discomfort feel worse
Still Have Questions About Pain Before Your Session?
Every consultation is a good chance to ask honestly about what to expect for your specific design and placement — there’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your first (or fifth) tattoo.
📍 TATTOO SHOP, U35 – 7/11 Collaroy Street, Collaroy, Sydney NSW 📞 0452 496 663