5 Ways to Make Traditional Tattoos Less Painful — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

Traditional tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo styles out there. But they can also be some of the most painful, due to the amount of ink necessary to create them. If you're thinking about getting traditional tattoos, but you're worried about the pain, never fear!

There are a few things you can do to make the experience much more bearable. Here are 5 methods for painless traditional tattooing.

1. Use a numbing cream

If you're worried about pain, one of the best things you can do is to use a numbing cream before your tattoo session. There are a variety of numbing creams on the market, so be sure to do your research and find one that's right for you.

Apply the cream generously to the area where you'll be getting tattooed, and wait for it to take effect before starting your session. You should notice a significant decrease in pain once the numbing cream has had a chance to work its magic.

2. Take breaks during your session

Tattooing is a marathon, not a sprint. If you try to power through an entire session without taking any breaks, you're likely to end up feeling overwhelmed and in quite a bit of pain by the end. Instead, take breaks every 20 minutes or so to give yourself a chance to rest and recover.

You can use this time to have a drink of water, take some deep breaths, or just step away from the tattooing area for a few minutes. Trust us, your body will thank you later!

3. Choose smaller tattoos over large ones

If you're really worried about pain, it's best to start small and work your way up to bigger tattoos later on. Not only will smaller tattoos be less painful overall, but they'll also be quicker and easier to heal from.

So if you're looking for a pain-free black and grey tattoo experience, stick with something small and simple for your first go-round. You can always get something bigger later on!

4. Avoid sensitive areas like ribs and ankles

There are some areas of the body that are more sensitive than others, which means they tend to be more painful when tattooed. These areas include ribs, ankles, wrists, and behind the knees—so if you're looking for a pain-free experience, it's best to avoid them altogether. Stick with less sensitive areas like arms, legs, shoulders, or back instead. Your tattoo artist will thank you!

5. Use ice during and after your session

Applying ice both during and after your tattoo session can help reduce swelling and inflammation—and as an added bonus, it can also help numb the area slightly so that you feel less pain overall.

Just be sure not to apply ice directly to your skin—wrap it in a thin towel first so that you don't end up damaging your new ink!

Wrap Up!

Traditional tattoos may be popular—but they certainly aren't painless! If you're considering getting one of these tattoos but you're worried about the pain factor, never fear! There are a few things you can do to make the experience much more bearable—and even enjoyable!

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session!

With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!