What to Know Before Getting a Tattoo: Pain, Placement, Aftercare, and More

Everything you need to know before you get inked—pain, placement, healing, and tattoo artist tips.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Everything you need to know before you get inked—pain, placement, healing, and tattoo artist tips.

What Does Getting a Tattoo Feel Like? Pain, Area Differences, and What to Expect

Getting your first tattoo is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if youare never experienced the sensation before. Tattooing involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with a needle to deposit ink, so pain is inevitable. However, the intensity varies significantly depending on your pain tolerance, mental state, andhiefly the area of your body you choose to get tattooed.

Areas with more flesh, such as your upper arm, thigh, or calves, tend to hurt less compared to boniest areas like your ribs, spine, hands, feet, ankles, neck, and the back of the knee. The closer the skin is to the bone, the more painful the tattoo session is likely to be.

Everyone experiences pain differently. Some describe the sensation as a cat scratch,
others as bee stings,
and a few compare it to burning.
Factors like hydration, rest, and even stress can influence your comfort during the session. Drinking water, eating well, and getting a good nights sleep beforehand can all help manage the discomfort.

Where Should You Put Your Tattoo? The Best Placement Guide

Placement is one of the most important decisions youl make before your tattoo. Not only does it affect how much it hurts, but it also influences the tattoos visibility, longevity, and even how often you might need touch-ups.

Bony areas: Ribs, wrists, ankles, hands, and feet are painful but can look stunning if you want something delicate or noticeable.
Fleshy areas: Upper arms, thighs, upper back, and calves are less painful and heal well, making them ideal for large, detailed tattoos.
High-movement areas: Fingers, mouths, and areas that move a lot tend to fade faster and may need more frequent touch-ups.
Hidden spots: Shoulder blades, behind the ear, and hips are perfect for discreet, personal tattoos.

When choosing placement, consider your lifestyle, professional requirements, and how much pain youre willing to tolerate. For example, a wrist tattoo may not be the best idea if you work with your hands a lot, as frequent friction can cause fading and irritation.

How to Prepare for Your First Tattoo: Tips to Before You Go

Preparing for your first tattoo can help you have a better experience and improve your healing process. Here are some helpful tips:

Hydrate and eat: Arriving well-hydrated and having eaten a good meal prevents dizziness and helps your body cope better with stress.
Dont drink alcohol: Alcohol thins your blood, which can make you bleed more during the tattoo session and complicate healing.
Dress appropriately: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
Avoid sunburn: Skin thats already irritated or sunburned should not be tattooed, as it will increase pain and impair healing.
Bring necessities: Bring headphones, a book, or a friend to keep you comfortable and calm during the session.

Finding the Right Tattoo Artist: What to Look For

Choosing the right tattoo artist is crucial to ensure you get a quality tattoo and avoid infections or complications. Heres what to consider:

Portfolio: Review the artists portfolio to assess their style, technique, and consistency.
Hygiene: The studio should be clean, and all needles and equipment should be new and sterile.
Experience: Look for artists with experience in the style you want, whether its fine line, realism, watercolor, or blackwork.
Reviews and recommendations: Check online reviews, ask for recommendations, and even visit the studio before booking.
Click with the artist: You should feel comfortable with your artist, as youll be spending several hours together.

Tattoo Aftercare: Healing Dos and Donts

Proper aftercare is essential for good healing and a beautiful tattoo. Neglecting this step can lead to infection, fading, or scarring.

Keep it clean: Wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap 22 times a day during the first two weeks.
Avoid soaking: Do not soak your tattoo in water for at least a month. Showers are fine, but baths are not.
Moisturize gently: Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer (like Bepanthen or Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Fragrance Free) after drying it with kitchen roll.
Avoid scratching and picking: This can lead to scarring and ink loss.
Stay out of the sun: Direct sunlight can fade your tattoo, especially while its healing.
No swimming or gym: Avoid pools, saunas, and intense workouts for the first 23 weeks to prevent irritation.

Tattoo Aftercare Table

Do	Dont
Wash with lukewarm water & fragrance-free soap	Soak in baths, pools, or hot tubs
Moisturize with unscented lotion	Use towels (use kitchen roll instead)
Let it breathe	Pick or scratch scabs
Wear loose, clean clothing	Apply Vaseline or heavy ointments

What Happens After Healing? Touch-Ups and Long-Term Care

Even with perfect aftercare, some tattoos may need touch-ups. Its common for ink to fade or settle unevenly, especially in areas prone to movement or friction. Most reputable studios offer free or discounted touch-ups within the first year ask your artist about their policy. Wait until your tattoo is fully healed (about 6 weeks) before scheduling a touch-up.

Long-term care includes keeping your tattoo moisturized, protecting it from the sun with high-SPF sunscreen, and avoiding excessive weight changes that can stretch or distort the design.

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Getting a Tattoo

How much does a tattoo hurt?

Pain varies by body area and individual tolerance. Bony areas like ribs and ankles are generally more painful, while fleshy spots like the upper arm or thigh are less so. Most people find the pain manageable and say its more annoying
than unbearable.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Most tattoos heal in about 23 weeks, but full healing under the skin can take up to 6 weeks. During this time, its important to follow aftercare instructions carefully.

Can I drink alcohol before my tattoo?

No. Alcohol thins your blood, increasing bleeding and possibly complicating both the process and healing.

How much do tattoos cost?

Prices vary widely based on size, complexity, artist experience, and location. Shop minimums often start around $50100, and larger pieces can cost hundreds or thousands.

Can I swim after getting a tattoo?

Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and soaking in water for at least a month after getting your tattoo to prevent infection and fading.

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

Signs of infection include excessive redness, swelling, pus, heat, or continued pain beyond a few days. If you suspect infection, seek medical attention immediately.

Do tattoos fade over time?

Yes, tattoos can fade due to sun exposure, friction, and age. Long-term care, such as sunscreen and moisturizing, can help preserve your ink.

Can I get a tattoo if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but inform your artist beforehand. They can do a patch test and recommend extra-gentle aftercare products.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Yes, tipping 1520% is customary if youre happy with the work. Tattoo artists appreciate gratuities for their skill and service.

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Tattoo Journey with Confidence

Getting a tattoo is a meaningful and personal experience, but it requires careful thought and preparation. Understanding pain levels, choosing the right placement, picking a skilled artist, and following strict aftercare routines will help ensure a positive outcome. Remember, your tattoo is a lifelong commitmentd invest the time in research and self-care for a result youll love for years to come.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb