Do Finger Tattoos Hurt? Here’s All You Need To Know

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In the world of body modification, finger tattoos are a relatively new invention – despite what you may have seen in action movies. In fact, finger tattoos were only introduced as a mainstream body decoration option less than 10 years ago. There are many questions about this type of ink, not least of which is: “How bad do finger tattoos hurt?”

In this article, we’ll explore how finger tattoos work, what they look like and whether or not they hurt.

What is a finger tattoo?

A finger tattoo is a regular tattoo done on the top of your finger. Sometimes, when getting a small piece, it can be placed on one joint. However, most people get them done in several segments across their fingers.

Finger tattoos are usually small and done using a tattoo machine that is smaller than those used for larger projects. Typically, no more than an inch from top to bottom is covered with ink. Finger tattoos can be done using traditional or nontraditional tattoo styles, but most people opt for simple designs that don’t cover the fingers’ entire surface area.

In order to have your finger tattooed, you need to find a  reputable professional who specializes in this type of project. Although the cost of having the procedure done will vary from artist to artist, finger tattoos cost even more than a traditional tattoo due to the added intricacy of this type of work.

However, before getting one you might be wondering: are finger tattoos painful?

Let’s take a look.

Are finger tattoos painful?

Yes, finger tattoos definitely can hurt. Some people experience more pain than others and some “tough guys” even try to convince people that finger tattoos aren’t painful at all. The fact is that they can be quite painful if you have a low threshold for discomfort.

Finger tattoos hurt less than larger projects because the pain is concentrated on a smaller area. However, the skin of your finger is very sensitive and more prone to pain than the skin of other parts of your body.  Also, because your fingers contain dense bones and blood vessels, the pain is more intense than it would be on an area that doesn’t have as many blood vessels or bone tissue.

So, how much do finger tattoos hurt?

The amount of pain you experience will vary depending on your pain tolerance, how skilled your tattoo artist is and what style you choose. 

For instance, some people insist the most painful styles are biomechanical tattoos or dotwork tattoos. Other people say they experienced less pain when they chose blackwork styles, but again, everyone is different.

What can you do to prepare for a finger tattoo?

In addition to your regular pre-tattoo research, as with any project you want to have done, you should prepare yourself for this type of procedure before going in, especially when it comes to controlling finger tattoo pain. Here are a few tips.

First, if you’re diabetic or have any other medical issue that affects the way your body reacts to pain, talk with your tattoo artist and doctor about how they can work together to ensure a safe experience for you. You don’t want anything to interfere with the healing process afterward.

Also take ibuprofen about an hour before getting a finger tattoo so it will take effect by the time your appointment is over. This will reduce swelling and the amount of bruising that occurs after having this kind of project done. In fact, you may want to take some ibuprofen the night before so your fingers are already less swollen on the day of your appointment.

If you have a high tolerance for pain, but this is still new to you, talk with your artist about how long it will take and what type of pain you can expect during the process. This way you’re not worrying about whether or not it’s going to hurt more than expected – which will distract you from getting the best results possible.

Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest before your appointment so you’ll be at full strength when they begin working. Tired people are likely to experience more discomfort because they won’t have as much energy to keep themselves focused on their breathing exercises.

Should you use numbing cream when getting a finger tattoo?

Some people ask about using numbing cream for finger tattoos. First, you should talk with your tattoo artist before applying any type of substance to the area because some creams interfere with the process.

If it’s okay to use an “over-the-counter” product like Emla or Dr. Numb (which are similar to ice cubes, but made specifically for this purpose), take care not to get the product anywhere near the needle. This will stop them from working properly and may even cause problems during healing afterward.

Also realize that pre-applying a topical cream is only effective if you do it hours ahead of time so there’s enough time for it to begin numbing your skin before they start working on you. The longer you leave it on, the more effective it will be. However, if you wait until they’re about to begin working on your tattoo, it won’t do anything for you.

Please remember that even with a topical cream, what you feel may not entirely depend on the pain coming from the needle itself. For many people, having an artist work on their skin can cause discomfort in and of itself – no matter where they place the needle.  Again, everyone is different, so one person’s experience may be vastly different from another’s when getting a finger tattoo.

In Conclusion

I hope this article satisfied your curiosity on the scary question of: “Does it hurt to get a tattoo on your finger?” 

But if youŗe determined to have a finger tattoo, a bit of pain is nothing compared to the end result – a one-of-a-kind tattoo that not many have.

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