Tattoos can be painful, but the level of pain can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location of the tattoo on your body, the size of the tattoo, and your own pain tolerance. Some people describe the sensation of getting a tattoo as a sharp, burning sensation, while others say it feels more like a dull ache.
Some areas of the body are more sensitive to pain than others, so getting a tattoo on a particularly sensitive area, like the ribs or the spine, can be more painful than getting one on the arm or leg. If you’re concerned about the pain, you may want to consider taking over-the-counter pain medication before your tattoo appointment or asking your tattoo artist if they offer any numbing creams or other pain relief options.