There’s no such thing as a painless tattoo. One can gather as much upon learning that getting a tattoo involves having the skin injected with foreign particles at a rate of 50 to 3,000 times a minute. But apart from individual tolerance, the amount of discomfort or pain one experiences is dependent on many factors. Most of us already know that tattoos on bony areas demand substantial strength of character. But did you know that your pain threshold can change according to your physical, psychological and emotional conditions too?
Now, rather than entrusting the fate of your ink session to numbing cream and a stroke of luck, doing some homework can help. This article zeroes in on the measures one can take before — not during and after — the tattoo appointment to reduce pain. Ahead are 10 reliable tips to make your tattoo appointment more bearable:
Eat Well Before Your Appointment
You’re not just sitting there as your body is being inked. Getting tattooed is a physical process that triggers the release of adrenaline, which depletes your energy and can cause fatigue. Eat about an hour before your appointment to ensure you are fueled up. Turning up for the appointment on an empty stomach can put you at risk of low blood sugar, making you more sensitive to pain, dizziness and faintness. In addition to eating balanced, consider incorporating slow-release carbs for sustained energy to help you power through.
Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping your fluid levels high is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Firstly, dry skin can make receiving a tattoo more uncomfortable and increase the likelihood of excessive bleeding. Another reason for drinking more water is that firm, hydrated skin makes it easier for the needle to penetrate without causing heavy trauma. Your skin will also take to the ink better, contributing to a cleaner and more desirable final look. Make sure to drink before and after the appointment, as well as when you take breaks during the session.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Sleep and pain have a bidirectional relationship, where improved sleep can alleviate pain and facilitate recovery. Conversely, sleep deprivation is observed to elevate our sensitivity to pain, particularly by impairing the brain’s natural mechanism for numbing pain. Therefore, clock in enough sleep, especially the night before your tattoo appointment. A few extra hours can help you manage pain more effectively, increase your tolerance for discomfort, and may even aid in the crucial healing process afterward.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
There’s talk about alcohol helping to mask the pain of tattoos — but it actually does the opposite and thins your blood. On the other hand, caffeine can contribute to increased nervousness and restlessness. These emotions may make you more sensitive to pain and affect your ability to sit still during the process. It’s best to avoid moving around during the tattoo process to prevent unintended damage to the skin or mistakes in the design.
Meditate and Relax
Evidence suggests that meditation can aid in pain management for individuals suffering from chronic pain. Moreover, mindfulness techniques have long been used to promote relaxation, which can be helpful for individuals who are feeling anxiety about their tattoo appointment, especially if it’s their first time. Studies indicate that meditation works by activating brain regions involved in self-regulating pain. These practices can also help soothe your nerves and mentally prepare you for the often challenging tattooing process.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Likewise, breathing exercises, which promote deep and steady breaths while engaging the body, offer an effective way to reduce stress and pain. By triggering a pleasure response, these techniques calm the nervous system, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and diminish pain awareness to provide relief. This makes breathing exercises both beneficial for before and during the tattoo appointment. Some simple and discreet respiratory exercises include pursed lip breathing, which involves slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, and alternate nostril breathing, which entails manually holding one nostril shut while breathing through the other.
Talk or Chew on Something
Distraction shifts your focus away from the discomfort of getting tattooed. There are countless ways to distract yourself, but making conversation is among the most effective methods for keeping your mind off the negative sensation, which is why many tattoo artists engage in light chat during the session. Devoted tattoo collectors may also suggest techniques like counting and deep breathing. Furthermore, eating helps to deactivate your body’s fight-or-flight response, easing your nerves. While these strategies are often used during the appointment itself, it’s worth considering them beforehand as well. They can mentally and physically prepare you, helping you feel more relaxed and less sensitive to discomfort later.
Stay Off Painkillers Before the Appointment
You may have wondered if over-the-counter painkillers can help you get through the tattoo appointment, but it’s best to avoid them. Many common pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can thin the blood, affecting platelet function and blood clotting. Similar to alcohol, this can delay the tattoo process and potentially impede healing. Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking painkillers for about 24 hours before your scheduled session.
Don’t Get Sick
Your body’s natural responses to inflammation, infection and trauma can result in sensations of exaggerated pain. On top of heightened pain sensitivity, many illnesses come with body aches, which can amplify feelings of irritability and discomfort. With that in mind, it might be wise to reschedule your appointment if you’re sick or even on your period, so you don’t push your body’s limits too far. Before the tattoo, always prioritize your health and well-being.
Manage Your Tattoo Like A Champ with Skilled Tattoo Artists
Finally, one of the most foolproof ways to minimize pain during your tattoo is to research the studio and its artists first. Choose a reputable tattoo studio known for not only their quality, but for making clients feel comfortable and supported. Experienced artists tend to work more efficiently and execute a variety of designs with greater precision and care. Moreover, those attentive and accommodating to clients’ needs can significantly influence emotions and pain perception, leading to an overall better experience.
Ink By Finch, an esteemed tattoo studio in Singapore, is known for delivering comprehensive body art services in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Led by a team of skilled tattoo experts, we ensure that all clients who walk through our doors enjoy an experience with minimal pain and maximum satisfaction. With hygiene, your comfort, and top-tier quality as our priorities, we’re dedicated to giving you an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish for years to come. Reach out to Ink By Finch today.