Pain of tattoos varies depending on the person, the place, and sometimes the artist. Some people actually enjoy the sensation, and this could be due to higher levels of serotonin in the brain. The serotonin is a pain blocker that can lead to feelings of euphoria. This chemical reaction can lead to elimination of tattoo pain. Then there are some of us who do not have a high pain tolerance and the pain of a tattoo can be more intense. Then there are parts of the body that are very sensitive. These areas include the wrist, the inside of the arm, ribs, spine, shins, hands, buttocks, and feet are all areas that some people say are more painful to tattoo.

Here are some techniques that may help lessen tattoo pain. One thing that has helped me through tattoos is I find a spot on the wall of the tattoo shop maybe a nice picture, a stain or in the case of my shop a moose head. I then just focus on that spot and think about running around in the woods with woodland creatures or other things. Eventually by doing this I find that I go into an almost meditative state and I forget that I am even getting ink.

Another thing that lots of people do is they listen to music while they are getting a tattoo. This goes back to the whole focus on something other than the tattoo pain. Listen to some calming music and it will keep you more relaxed during the sometimes long process. As for the artist, I find the more reputable the artist the better they are at having a softer hand. I made the mistake of going to an artist with a heavy hand and although the tattoo looks great the pain was unbearable at times. The artists I use know knows exactly how much pressure to use and the ink stays just as well as the guy that dug deep.

All in all tattoos are fun and many people enjoy the ritual. I am one of those people I love the sights, smells, sounds, and people at tattoo shops. Other people want tattoos but just can't handle the pain. Hopefully these techniques can be used to at least help you get through the rough spots of your tattoo. On one final note I hear people saying that taking breaks can help get you through the tattoo process let me tell you do not take breaks unless you are about to pass out. Breaks just make the pain last longer it is better to get the tattoo over and done with. When you take breaks it just makes the area more tender and the tattoo process more painful.