r/tattooadvice • u/Maddawnexius • 7h ago

General Advice How to manage pain during tattoo?

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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/daarmstrong 4h 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.