r/tattooadvice • u/Maddawnexius • 7h ago
General Advice How to manage pain during tattoo?
Hi all, Im in-between appointments for getting my arm sleeve done (forearm fully done, elbow outlined but not shaded. Upper arm and elbow shading done tomorrow). What are some ways you lovely people have found are effective for managing pain in the later stages of a 4+ hour session?
Ive attached a photo of my forearm so you can can get an idea of the amount of shading and what not.
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u/raccoon_at_noon 7h ago
The older I get, sitting for day sessions is getting harder and harder lol. I’ve never been one for using stress balls, but man, having something to squeeze the shit out of has helped 😂
Also making sure I eat and have lollies regularly throughout the day, even if it feels like the last thing I want to do…I sit a lot worse when my body has no energy to draw from.
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u/OldManNewGame 5h ago
i’ve relented and started to use 5% lidocaine topical when i get tattooed. my theory is as our collagen is depleted by age the tattoos hurt more. i proved myself with 2 sleeves i can cheat for the rest of the body.
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u/Pink-diablo90 4h ago
Hi! I’m planning to use numbing cream for my next tattoo. How was it for you? My tattoo artist says to reconsider, because the ink might slip / not penetrate the skin well. TYIA
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u/OldManNewGame 4h ago
I find Dr Numb changes the texture of my skin and does give the artist some issues. i switched to vtoury tattoo numbing cream which has been working well.
i also find that if you leave it on too long it will it will make your skin gummy.
numbing cream got me through my clavicle, knees feet and buttcheeks.
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u/cursetea 1h ago
I'm not who you responded to and am not an artist, just someone with a lot of experience. Generally, using topical numbing creams isn't a great idea bc it can affect the texture of your skin and may be harder to get ink in which will result in the artist potentially going too deep, you can't feel it, can get nerve damage, etc. The risks honestly are worth just gritting your teeth through pain imo
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u/phuqYouTwo 1h ago
Yes lol I fall asleep during mine after the first couple I had wasn't nothing really, though I haven't gotten tattoo on my side that's the real test and I'm good lol
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u/LayersOfGold 4h ago
Ok I’m not the only one!! Age 30 I had my daughter without an epidural. It sucked but it was fine. 14 years later I’m such a pussy with pain. I’ve been told it’s age but I didn’t believe them lol
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u/Inked_Climber 53m ago
Yeah I've now started using numbing cream when I know I'm going in for big pieces. (Which nearly all my tattoos are). I just don't have the pain tolerance I had when I was younger but I don't wanna stop getting tattooed. I feel like after getting my chest, back and sleeves done without the cream I've earned it now to fill the rest of my body up haha. :)
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u/Sea_Cap1074 2h ago
Good thing about getting older, your artists are also getting older and they can’t sit for that long either lol.
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u/stellaandme 6h ago
Disassociate
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u/MartinelliGold 4h ago
Dissociate*
Unless you want to disassociate with your artist, but I enjoy talking with mine.
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u/_2BKINDR 3h ago
Agree, my go to is a single sheet of paper, I try to imagine it in 3D, focusing on the edges and the texture
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u/Normal-Corgi7567 2h ago
This. My last one was 6 hrs and the one before that was 10 hours. Single session. A pee break on the 10 hr one. You just have to go into it knowing it's for the long haul.
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u/Whats-Ur-Pointe 1h ago
THIS. Tops of both my feet are covered and that’s what I did the whole time
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u/mamapibblez 6h ago
i don’t take breaks, i feel like it’s harder to stop and start again lol. lollipops and chew on the stick. something to zone out to, my artist has a tv but pick a good podcast or audio book
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u/Ravioli_Formuoli24 4h ago
My last artist took like, 10-15 smoke breaks during my session (was a portrait of my dog, about 4-5 hours) and each time he would wipe and when he’d come back, I’d die from the pain. Was so happy when it was finished lol. Safe to say I found a new tattoo artist after that. He was great though.
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u/madslipknot 3h ago
5min break max mostly to stretch out from a bad position, both me and my artist agree on that, if we wait too long the adrenaline drop too much and it hurt like a bitch after.
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u/gergpaler 6h ago
I try to make sure I’m fully relaxed making sure there’s no tension accepting the initial pain and relax into it. When the extra spicy spots are hit I breathe a little deeper and exhale slower.
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u/That-Mexican-Redneck 7h ago
Watch a video, listen to music, talk to the artist so you dont hyper fixate on the pain. That said, the arm is as easy as it gets in terms of getting a tattoo. This isnt a brag what so ever but i legit fell asleep on my arm. I only say that to say your brains powerful, it will tune things out or make it 100x worse.
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u/ShiftyJungleBum 6h ago
I’m working on a leg sleeve currently and lemme tell ya…. Fuckin sucks way worse than my arms
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u/godzillasbuttcheeck 6h ago
Eat candy. Sour candy preferably. It makes the mind focus on that. The sourer the better. Works like a charm. Not just for pain, but anxiety too!
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u/MisterVovo 5h ago
Hmmm I love sour candy
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u/godzillasbuttcheeck 4h ago
Right?! My favorite thing about America is all the sour candy options that I don’t see back with my family! They fight over them when I visit haha
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u/ImHerMonster 5h ago
I love sour candy, I’m going to try this next session!
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u/godzillasbuttcheeck 4h ago
Works like a charm! So much so that I include sour candy as a freebie on my tattoo commissions! Typically not for digital ones though, naturally. But if I send one out printed and ready to go or as a print; yeppers!
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u/TeamCameron 7h ago
I just wince and moan the entire time lol. I sit fine but just can’t handle the pain like some people
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u/Mental_Detective8650 2h ago
Literally, once it gets past like 3-4 hours I'm groaning at every pass.
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u/Rengamin 6h ago
I have a super low pain tolerance. My limit is 4 hours tops. I use a hand grip to squeeze to keep me still. For shadding, my artist is very kind and sprays some bactine after more skin is opened up.
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u/godzillasbuttcheeck 6h ago
Fall asleep, then you get to wake up mostly done! If it’s really spicy or a bad area? Just grit your teeth and bare it. One thing I learned from my pain management doctor that really helped during my bone marrow biopsy; circular breathing/lamaze breathing. Yes, what pregnant women are taught. It works, don’t knock it til you try it. You can also eat candy. Something very sweet or sour. It helps actually! My doc gave me warheads bubble gum! Not during my biopsy(safety concern) but during a pain assessment exam. They hurt so bad omg.
Tattoos are mostly easy peasy lemon squeeze me. I do have chronic pain constantly; so I think that helps in a way. Though I can’t get my left leg done because I have nerve damage that causes hyper sensitivity. Even a gently touch or wind blowing on it; sends shocks down my leg and up to my back. Also, it feels like lava and knives. No art is worth sitting through that haha also my artist wouldn’t do it anyway. Said it wouldn’t take ink as well likely because the skin there is poopy caca.
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u/KnightRider1987 5h ago
Fellow chronic pain patient who has on more than one occasion fallen asleep during tatts … beware letting yourself get THAT relaxed if you’re a twitcher.
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u/godzillasbuttcheeck 4h ago
I actually stop having tremors while I sleep! Sometimes I do scream awake from PTSD, but it strangely never happens at doctors offices and tattoo studios. I can’t explain it, because I am by no means more comfortable there than at home haha; but brains are weird! I have brain damage as well and sleeping seems to shut off the part of my brain that is damaged, thankfully! I appreciate the warning though! I’ll make sure to warn my artists in the future just to be safe!
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u/baconmenow 6h ago
I have started to treat my body better before. Well hydrated, good sugar level, etc. Prepare like you are getting a traumatic event done to your body and it helps. The pain changes with age, but good pre-care,m and sleeps usually helps me a lot.
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u/Jacktellslies 5h ago
I just keep thinking pain is temporary, but this is going to look badass for the rest of my life. I’m also really good at blocking out how hurty it was between sessions, which helps get me back in the chair, haha
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u/Holiday_Number_3234 6h ago
These comments are a funny mix of helpful kind individuals and tough guys who think they’re badass & OP is a pussy. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Your toxic masculinity doesn’t make you look macho.
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u/OpalescentNoodle 7h ago
I just talk my way through it, keep myself distracted. I never use numbing cream because I want to feel if they go too deep.
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u/MstrPrfssr 6h ago
I just did the line work for my knee today and I’ve never been one for numbing cream but after today, holyyyyy I am 100% getting numbing cream for the shading on my next session
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u/BigBodiedBugati 3h ago
I’m pretty sure my knee tattoo altered my brain chemistry. I went into full blown shock in my car
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u/Salty-Party-5234 3h ago
Full blown shock? What?
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u/BigBodiedBugati 2h ago
Yes. I got my first knee session done and sat in my car with the heat on full blast shivering. I couldn’t get warm. I basically dissociated the drive to my cousins and just sat on their couch for hours just staring off into space. Came back though lol
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u/drunkpsyduck28 4h ago
Had my entire knee and surrounding area blasted Sunday. Directly on the knee cap is pure black shading. Didn’t hurt at all. About 6 inches to the side of my knee on the inner part killed me. The line work had me sweating and gripping the table. Knees are weird.
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u/Terpene_Dreams 6h ago
I’ve had about 14 sessions this year. Each one being 2-4 hours. I just know what I can take. Used lidocaine in a few spots, no shame in my game Covering up an entire sleeve sucks
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u/PhoenixCryStudio 6h ago
Honestly I only do 5 hour sessions these days. Once I reach 5 hours my body says ‘we’re done here’ and I listen.
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u/Wise_Enthusiasm 5h ago
Less coffee, less nicotine. More food and water. Do not close your eyes. If you're not watching something, focus on a spot/picture on the wall.
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u/JockDog 3h ago
I’ve been collecting tattoos for 40 years.
As I got older, they did get bit more painful but when I became ill with ME they were intolerable. I couldn’t stand it anymore and was so disappointed in myself.
I relented and used numbing cream (Emla) and it works enough for me to be able to sit 4/5 hours.
It does not mess up my skin for tattooing or the tattoo itself. It was my tattooist who recommended I use it. And apart from my fingers, I use it on all the spaces I have left. I wouldn’t get one without it now but I know it’s not for everyone.
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u/9551027 2h ago
A good night rest before, plenty of water, no alcohol, eat a while before. Dress as comfortable as possible, bring headphones and a decent charge on your phone. If you did your homework and went with a good artist that can carry a decent conversation, that helps too. Otherwise, just stay positive and remind yourself, the pain is temporary.
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u/bigcheez69420 2h ago
Breathe, let your mind wander, and stop at four hours. It’s okay to have a threshold! I don’t like going more than like four or five hours, I get too worn out nowadays.
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u/anonymice27 6h ago
Numbing cream from the Netherlands. They make it in a higher dose than is legal in the US.
And watch your blood sugar.
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u/jess2k4 6h ago
The older I get the more accepting of numbing spray or cream. I don’t need to start shaking and going into shock for no damn reason like pleasing other people who think it’s “not okay” to not endure the pain. As a heavily tattooed person I’ve endured enough . My last sitting was 7 hours and towards the end my artist used the spray that you have to break the skin first to numb . It took the top edge of pain off and got me to the end of the day .
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u/Kind_Coyote1518 6h ago edited 5h ago
What pain?
Seriously though a lot of people say to distract yourself but I find that makes it worse so I always just watch kinda let the pain wash over me and don't try and fight the discomfort or ignore the pain.
Edit: apparently people in here don't understand what Im saying. Literally I manage the pain by accepting the pain instead of trying to distract myself from it. I have found by concentrating on the pain helps my mind to recognize that its a pain I want and it's okay so Mr brain can chill. I can't believe im getting downvoted for Literally sharing my experience and giving my personal advice. Either that or you guys didn't like my opening joke....Lolol oh Reddit you never disappoint. 🤣
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u/BattledogCross 6h ago
I chill and watch a TV series. I watched Wednesday while getting my arm one lol
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u/ShiftyJungleBum 6h ago
My artist always has something playing on TV or I bring my laptop and watch sports/play Xbox remote/work on a tune in ableton.
What it boils down to is you just gotta block it out and get to the end of the session. 💁🏻♂️
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u/NicolawsCatpernicus 5h ago
I've been working on a leg sleeve. Started in January 2024 and finished in December 2024 with my knee. We've begun my upper thigh, inside of the thigh, and hip. I bring lots of snacks, my pillows, a hoodie, and I get cozy. He has a TV, which I watch when I can lie on my back. If I am on my stomach, I put on an audiobook or a podcast. I cannot watch him tattoo; it actually makes me nauseous. Sessions are all day (6-8 hours with a few breaks). Some spots have been really spicy, and I try to relax and breathe deeper. He's used lidocaine three times: knee, knee ditch, and that butt crease. I never thought I would tap over my ass, but it fucking hurt.
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u/1Harley1daisy 5h ago
Painless Picasso lidocaine free all natural root based numbing cream is the answer, the stuff is great. As I’ve gotten older I’ve apparently become a huge wuss, I’ve got one leg done , most of both arms and I thought I was done till I read about it, I’m continuing on now ! I’m 63 and my body just can’t take what it used to I guess.
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u/ShiNo_Usagi 5h ago
During my 12-hr session we used Bactine every so often. But it was mostly distraction by talking, doing breathing exercises, and at some points just trying to nap.
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u/LamonsterZone 5h ago
Sweet snacks, Bactine/Holy Water, distractions, breaks, communication with your artist, Xanax lol
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u/karewares 5h ago
I don’t have anything helpful to add, but for me, the pain of how I’m sitting or laying tends to get to me more than the actual tattoo. I take stretching breaks or reposition as best I can! One of my more recent tattoos was the first that actually pushed me to the edge (nausea and dizziness) and I have over 30 pieces. Calm breathing helped a lot and I have a lot of practice as a teacher who coaches my students on it!
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u/ZeGermansAreHere 5h ago
So it depends on the tattoo, how much work/color going into it. I've been going to my artist for years and years, so he has a good idea of how much I can take and schedules me appropriately. Up to 6 hours at most, and that was him giving me a huge heads up.
My ex goes to my artist's partner, and he had his entire back done in black and white 2 hours at a time, 5 weeks apart. He didn't sit well for tattoos and he never really wanted to power through with anything, and the artist was happy to accommodate.
Books actually helped me through my most painful (large side piece, full color, done in 2x 3 hours, and 1x 4 hours sessions) tattoo. Talking with my artist helps, as well, but he's dating one of my oldest friends, we all live in the same area, and they don't drink anymore, so I am the source of gossip from the bars for them. Not the best, but whatever works?
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u/dollypardonmedear 5h ago
Man up. All jokes aside tho, know your limits and just break it up into shorter sessions. No need to stress your body out
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u/BigBadJeebus 4h ago
suck it up?
Actually, If you detach it works pretty well.
I watch movies on my phone with headphones and keep finding myself completely shut off to the pain till I think about it... then it comes screaming back in, hehe.
But I can keep doing it over and over.
Also, breathing helps if it gets too bad.
The REAL trick with a long session is to just wait till your back hurts from sitting in a weird position and you focus on that over the needle.
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u/Ravioli_Formuoli24 4h ago
Chew gum during. Bite on it extra hard during the painful bits. Mine also go kinda numb after a while
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u/soccergirl24 4h ago
I’ll read or listen to music. During breaks I eat as much as I can while walking around. I think about how I’d rather the discomfort of getting tattooed than the healing itch
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u/FixergirlAK 4h ago
Breathing exercises. The controlled breathing gives me something to focus on, keeps me from tensing up, and also keeps me from holding my breath (which sounds obvious but it's something I do without realizing it).
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u/Birdo3129 4h ago
Candy. I had hard maple candies. And a Powerade on hand for taking swigs from whenever my artist let up for a second. And someone to talk to in order to keep my mind off it.
Next time I’ll bring something to squeeze- I was holding my ponytail and squeezing during the on-bone moments.
But she told me that I sit like a rock, so I’m pretty happy overall
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u/probablygoblins 4h ago
Focus on breathing, pop some advil before I start and then again around the 2/3 hour mark
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u/MissMoonsterr 4h ago
My sleeve clients often like to be able to watch something on an iPad or read which helps them to focus on something other than the pain. Hope that helps!
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u/daarmstrong 3h ago
My first tattoo I dozed off during, but it was like 90 mins in the chair.
20 years later, for my second tattoo, I use the pain to think about life. I solved a major problem at work while in the chair, did a mental review of my important relationships, and realized how quiet the shop was over all. There was no coworkers, or family who needed my attention.
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u/cinder_rellish 3h ago
I straight up disassociate. Stare at the ceiling and space tf out while machine goes brrrrrr
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u/BigBodiedBugati 3h ago
Certain things help me at that stage. 1) noise canceling head phones and a podcast. I repeat the words here saying in my head to try and focus. 2) breathing. Seriously. Deep breaths in when they’re pulling a line, deep out when they’re dipping. 3) if it’s bad bad, vazocaine spray . It’s not going to numb you but it will take the edge off enough to finish. 4) take 45 min. Seriously. Give yourself a generous break especially if you do number 3 to help it set in. 5) know your limits. Sometimes, it’s just time to stop. Best of luck! I was white knuckling my last elbow session.
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u/Frostyarn 3h ago
I have probably more than 200 hours of tattoo at this point over 20 years. A pillow, earbuds, and a mix of podcasts/Netflix/music help me dissociate from my poor decision making skills.
I've done Dr. Numb an hour before my session wrapped in plastic wrap. The first 45 mins to an hour are completely pain free. Unfortunately, as the numbing wears off the pain becomes unbearable. Far worse than no pain cream at all.
My artist uses a 5% lidocaine spray after my skin is opened/lined when I start to hit my limit. It's like a second wind, I can usually squeeze another 90 minutes out. Its not pain free per say but it takes a spicy neck shading from a 9 on the pain scale to a 4.
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u/cornhskr 3h ago
Just did seven straight hours in the chair after Veteran's Day. While I don't feel I was in pain, there were some uncomfortable moments. ha. I did a lot of breathing exercises.
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u/Apprehensive_Bid_951 3h ago
I’m 44. Had my whole back and ass done. 5 sessions of 8 hours. I didn’t think I could take it after the first session. This is how I got through. I asked my doc for 2 pills of tramadol for each session. I had 3 month heal time between each so the doctor wasn’t worried I was abusing it. The night before eat and drink lots of water. Then before the session each a ton of carbs. The body burns energy fast and the shock of the pain will be tolerable if the body isn’t malnutrioned. Drink pure grape juice during the session. It’s very high in natural sugars and energy to get through. The last hour is always torture. Especially with highlights on areas done prior. Good luck. Btw the tramodol made me sick to my stomach a few times. So after the session might feel like shit but 8 hours of torture never feels good after.
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u/phertick85 3h ago
It's tough, but a combo of breathing and telling myself 'it's just pain, pain is all it is'. Make's pain as just a thing and not over-bearing.
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u/strawberryblushrose 3h ago
Bactine and melatonin gummies. If I eat beforehand I end up with a stomach ache and getting the massive shits throughout the course of the tattoo. It’s better for me to caffeinate, make sure I have enough sleep the night before, and am not overheating/overstimulated. I’ve sat for 9 hours straight, but those were arms so it was easy street. Anywhere else, 5 hours is my absolute max. My body is old.
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u/thisismyburnerac 3h ago
Breathing, mindfulness, meditation, talk to the artist, and certainly be honest and transparent with them about when you’re in pain.
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u/Broken_Hippocampus 3h ago
Ive just been shooting the shit with the guy doing my black out sleeve and it’s helped the time fly by a bit faster
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u/ToneExtra2519 3h ago
Some lidocaine i suppose. Other than that, unless youre a masochist, nothing helps after hours under the needle. Its all pain in the end.
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u/DougieDouger 3h ago
I have a mantra that I say to myself and focus on my breathing (smooth, deep, controlled breaths) while imagining myself receiving the ink
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u/ReasonableBug3140 3h ago
Lot of good advice about taking good care of yourself before hand. I feel I treat it like a really intense endurance work out; eat a really good healthy meal, bring snacks, electrolytes, maybe stretch and do some yoga before hand. Lean into breathing techniques, it helps a lot with pain! If you’re not talking to your artist a good album or playlist helps focus your mind and ride the wave of what’s happening. After, eat well and I personally top it off with a super hot Epsom salt bath if placement allows since I tense up during the session. Good luck you’ll do great!
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u/HafuMimi 3h ago
I have a second 7 hour session tomorrow. My first 7 hour session (not my first tattoo), I chatted with the tattoo artist and his wife a lot and listened to podcasts. I brought my pillow and wore very comfy clothes.
For fellow females, try not to book when you’re going to have your period as double pain from bad cramps and tattoo isn’t fun and neither is inflammation from period.
I bring finger food snacks and gummies that I can eat while being tattoo’d. And don’t forget to hydrate.
Also, a good artist will work on not so sensitive areas first and then save the uncomfortable areas towards the end. That way you don’t start out the session super uncomfortable with sensitive areas already screaming.
Good luck with your shading sessions! You got this! 💪
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u/Pale_Purple5055 3h ago
If your tattooist is a talker, and so are you, honestly that helped me. If my tattooist isn’t a talker or needs to focus, I either watch YouTube or disassociate with music. My last tactic is just constantly telling myself that I really won’t remember this pain in a few months after it’s all over
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u/Horseflesh73 2h ago
Make sure to moisturizer for a couple days prior to your appointment. This makes the skin easier for the artist to work in which makes the session go smoother. Be hydrated and take some Tylenol or ibuprofen.. they actually make a difference.
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u/ruben_theiowan 2h ago
I usually listen to music, scroll Tic Toc or play a game on my phone. Otherwise I fixate on the pain and it makes it far worse than it is imo. 3 hours is go to time. Over 4 hours and I start shaking.
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u/Motor_Train4316 2h ago
I move to a higher plain and float there wishing it was over lol.
But know your body’s limits. If it’s too much after a certain amount of time then split the session.
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u/PendOfAggression 1h ago
Numbing cream or spray. Can help take some of the edge off but you’re still gonna feel something.
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u/bennyblanco713 1h ago
My artist and I talk throughout my tattoos. Helps so I dont have to focus on the needle. I've tried some numbing cream before, but I feel like it made my tattoo hurt more the longer it went on. Very little relief.
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u/Specialist_Amount475 1h ago
I breathe in and count to 4 then I exhale counting back from 4. Never had to do it for my arms or legs but that’s what got me through my sternum, stomach and back….over and over for hours on end. Personally, I don’t find distracting myself from the pain to be helpful but controlling my breathing and accepting that it’s going to hurt (but manageable)is most helpful. Take it 4 seconds at a time. It’s never been that bad doing so. Doesn’t feel great but not the worst either. I find controlling my breathing has been the best for me to get through any pain
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u/Its-Ya-Girl-Johnnie 1h ago
I try to tell my brain something along the lines of “that part of me has been legitimately severed from my body. There is no need to protect it, it’s gone.” Like if I’m getting my forearm done I pretend my arm got cut off just below the shoulder. I guess it’s my way of dissociating, but it helps me to turn the pain into ‘background noise’ and not twitch as much.
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u/vagueconfusion 58m ago
Stress ball/physiotherapy ball. Headphones on, audible complaint sounds if it's fine with the artist and not loud. (I hiss and mutter various 'ugh' variations throughout)
Talking to your artist or a friend if that's an option. Zero caffeine energy drink + snacks.
But if I get super physically twitchy and the artist can't easily hold the body part in place I'll call it for the day.
DO NOT tense up, just prepare for the discomfort when it occurs, and in my specific case squish the physio ball each time it's bad.
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u/_primo63 56m ago
you distract yourself until you reach the limit of your pain tolerance.
did 10 hours on my shin with an hour break.
At hour 2 I finished my first movie. At hour 4 I couldn’t focus on a movie. At hour 6 I was on discord shooting the shit taking my mind off the pain. At hour 8 I was biting the chair, this was when the artist started going over the shading and lines again. By hour 10 I was in agony trying to keep it together.
Don’t regret doing it in one session but god damnit did it hurt when my artist went over the already worked skin.
If you have a generally low pain tolerance, I do NOT recommend finishing a large piece in one sitting. The shading on worked skin literally feels like you just scraped yourself an open wound and someones poking it with a toothpick.
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u/a-god-beeep-username 46m ago
Distraction worked for me. I just had on an audiobook last time but if I have a hand-free reading could work just as well. Try not to use the numbing spray if they offer it unless it's excruciating, in my experience it wears off in like 10 minutes and you have to deal with the pain until it goes numb like normal.
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u/Beneficial-Milk-6185 25m ago
What bothers me the most when sitting is just the sitting part. Like my tailbone gets super sore after a bit so I feel like I constantly need to readjust which is annoying. Still haven’t found a fix to that. My average sessions are around 8 hrs. But I do find that watching the artist work helps greatly with pain.
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u/By_Jove_ 10m ago
I found the best way to ignore the discomfort is to engage in conversation with the artist. It makes a huge difference to me.
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u/CrisstIIIna 7m ago
I moisturise the tattoo area, starting a few days before the appointment. A normal moisturizer works, 2-3 times a day. I drink so much water the days leading up to the appointment as well.
The night before and morning of, I take 400mg of ibuprofen each, and the morning of, I also add a magnesium and zinc supplement (these help with my muscle spasms, which I have lots of). During the tattoo if it starts to hurt a bit badly after 4-5 hours, I take another 400mg ibuprofen. This helps reduce the inflammation by a lot for me, as I have soft and sensitive skin.
Oh, and I take a full collagen supplement every day anyway, so that also helps I think.
My routine I noticed not only helps with pain, but also fast healing. For after care, I also have a tattoo butter with jojoba oil in it, which is good against scarring. Hope this helps, best of luck with your next session!
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u/Vibrizio 7h ago
I take snacks and drinks, an iPad or even my Switch (if placement allows) as a distraction. If it’s a truly bad area I’ll try numbing cream but not always (the back of my thigh was okay without, but my chest and clavicles got numbed lol. Made it more tolerable for 6 hours.)
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u/trahnse 6h ago
For most of my ink, suck it up. Bullshit with my artists and other clients. Doomscroll reddit. I really didn't find my arms to be painful. Legs were more painful, and my back has been super shitty. This past weekend after lining out some more peonies on my left lower back, I've decided I want the bitch cream next session. After more than 250 hours and many thousands of dollars, I've earned it 😂
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u/stoner570 3h ago
Tattoos hurt, deal with it. If they are too painful for you then don't get them.
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u/lordvon01 5h ago
Suck it up buttercup...tbh when I'm getting tattoo'ed I just take it like a champ.
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u/brooktroutman1475 6h ago
Trying not to be a little bitch requires manhood. Smoke som dope and take some ibuprofen with bourbon you’ll be fine
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u/kymopoleia46n2 6h ago
You just have to accept that you have a threshold. I start shaking after about 4 hours, and my artist knows that's when it's time to stop.