Many people hesitate to get a tattoo because they think it might be too painful. If you are seriously considering getting a tattoo, I'm sure the thought of pain has crossed your mind quite often. Tattoo pain is not as terrible as you expect it to be. The truth is the pain seems more terrible in your mind than it really is.

What is the sensation like?

When the tattoo artist 'traces' the outline of the picture you want onto your skin, there is minimal pain involved. It feels like having a pointed but blunt tool scratching your skin in a continuous line. I'd say you would quickly get used to the feeling and you will be 'numbed' to the pain after a while.

Filling in the tattoo with colors will be the most painful part of getting a tattoo. This is because the tattoo artist needs to go over the same spot repetitively to color it in. However, the pain is not unbearable. It is not great enough to make you cry or feel like screaming. It is a dull sort of pain like your skin being rubbed raw. You will also feel a little pain when your tattoo artist wipes your skin with a hot damp cloth or tissue at the spot he has already tattooed. This is to get rid of excess ink and blood. It is an important process if you want your tattoo to appear clean and flawless.

Is the pain worth it?

Yes the pain is definitely worth it if you have already decided on a beautiful tattoo to place on the right spot. As I said, the pain is not unbearable. You will get used to it after a while. Trust me, I had to sit through 13 hours in one session to get mine done. If I can sit through the pain, you can too. If it gives you any comfort, I fear pain and I nearly chickened out at the last minute when I stepped into the tattoo shop. I'm glad I did not.

Bear in mind though that at some spots, the pain will be greater than the others. These spots are places where your skin is thinner or have more nerve endings like the underside of your arms, fingertips and neck. The bony places are also more painful like your shoulders and spine.

If you are still queasy about the pain, I'd suggest distracting yourself by perhaps reading or anything that can keep your mind focused on something besides the pain. Your tattoo artist will also advise you against using alcohol, painkillers or any chemically induced effect that will reduce your pain. He or she can tell you more about why you should not use these to curb the pain.

Remember, getting a tattoo is a big decision. Always ask for information to be clear of any doubts you have. Don't be afraid to end a session if you cannot stand the pain and reschedule accordingly to ensure your first session wounds are healed properly. Your tattoo artist will know best.