The Tea: Do Piercings Hurt More Than Tattoos? (2024)

FAQs

The Tea: Do Piercings Hurt More Than Tattoos? ›

In general, tattoos tend to hurt more than piercings because the needles used for tattoos are larger and go deeper into the skin than the needles used for piercings. However, everyone experiences pain differently, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how much pain you'll feel from a tattoo or piercing.

- Tattoo pain vs. Piercing Pain: In general, piercings hurt less in the moment, but have a longer commitment to heal time. Tattoos hurt more in the moment (due to the time commitment), but have a shorter commitment to heal time.

First, piercings are relatively low-maintenance; once you have one, you won't have to do much to take care of it. Second, piercings can be very personal and meaningful; they can be used to express your individuality or as a form of self-expression.

Overall, getting a tattoo or a piercing are two completely different experiences and it is like comparing apples with oranges. One takes longer and is less intense whilst the other is short and sharp.

What it feels like to get a piercing. Most piercings, regardless of how painful they are, are most intense for a split second as the needle goes through and the jewelry is inserted. Many people describe it as a sting that quickly subsides. Some piercings might feel sore or raw for some weeks or months afterward.

Needles give better results for ear piercings because they are precise and clean. This means the healing time is shorter and typically they hurt less than other methods.

A standard lobe piercing is widely considered the most common and least painful ear piercing available. It is the lowest maintenance option and has the shortest healing time. Standard lobe piercings rank at around a 2/10 on the pain scale and take 6-8 weeks to heal.

Generally, the motivations for getting tattoos and piercings tend to fall into three categories: (a) a symbol of an important past event, love, or friendship, (b) group membership, and/or (c) a marker of individuality (Antoszewski, Sitek, Fijalkowska, Kasielska, & Kruk-Jeromin, 2010).

Many people partake in them to express their personality or aesthetic. Previous research on tattooed and pierced individuals has linked them to having lower self-esteem and a higher need for uniqueness. Trauma survivors may turn to body modification as a way to overcome past experiences.

"80% of respondents consider belly button piercings to be the most attractive."

What is tattoo pain comparable to? ›

Scratching pain is the most common sensation experienced when you're getting a tattoo. This kind of pain can feel like an intense scratch moving across the tattooed area, as if a cat were dragging its claws across your skin.

“It's a hot, burning sensation, and it feels like someone is scraping your skin.” Nick: “It depends on where you get it, obviously, but I would say it feels like a constant sharp pressure… not unlike the initial needle poke from a shot.”

In general, tattoos tend to hurt more than piercings because the needles used for tattoos are larger and go deeper into the skin than the needles used for piercings. However, everyone experiences pain differently, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how much pain you'll feel from a tattoo or piercing.

Ear lobe piercings are the least painful place to get pierced. It is a fleshy area that needles pierce easily. This is a common piercing, even among children. It's a great spot for your first piercing.

Chatting with your artist, watching TV, or distracting your mind (even with virtual reality, like in this 2021 study) may cause the pain to fade into the background. Scratching pain. Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you.

Pain and Healing Time

Brooks ranks it between a three and four on a scale of one to ten. "For a moment, your eyes will water, but only because your nose bone is connected to many sensory nerves" she says. "Otherwise, it will feel like a bit of a pinch." Expect to feel a soft bruise immediately following the piercing.

According to Niki, most people rate navel piercings as a four or five out of 10 on the pain scale. Pain is, of course, subjective and it really does depend on how well trained your piercer is.