"Does it hurt?" — I've heard this question thousands of times. It's the first thing almost everyone asks. So let me give you the honest answer after 10+ years and thousands of tattoos.
The Short Answer
Yes, it hurts. But probably way less than you're imagining.
Here's the thing — if tattoos were truly unbearable, nobody would have more than one. And most of my clients come back for seconds, thirds, and beyond. The pain is real, but it's manageable. It's temporary. And the result is permanent art on your body.
I named my shop House of Pain partly because of that question. Everyone asks if it hurts, so I figured — why not put it right on the sign? It's honest. It's a bit funny. And it weeds out anyone who isn't serious about getting inked.
What Does a Tattoo Actually Feel Like?
People describe it differently, but here are the most common comparisons I hear from clients:
Common Pain Comparisons:
- "Like a cat scratch on a sunburn" — This is the most accurate one. A hot, scratchy, stinging sensation.
- "Like someone writing on you with a ballpoint pen — hard" — Constant, focused pressure with a sharp edge.
- "Like a rubber band snapping over and over" — Quick, repetitive stinging. More accurate for line work.
- "Like a vibrating bee sting" — For shading and fill work, there's a buzzing, warm sensation.
- "Honestly? Not as bad as I expected" — This is what about 80% of first-timers tell me.
The Real Pain Scale: Tattoos vs. Everything Else
Let's put tattoo pain in perspective. Here's how it stacks up against things you've probably already experienced:
| Experience | Pain Level |
|---|---|
| Paper cut | 2/10 |
| Tattoo (fleshy area — arm, thigh) | 3-4/10 |
| Bad sunburn being touched | 4/10 |
| Waxing | 5/10 |
| Tattoo (bony area — ribs, spine) | 6-8/10 |
| Bee sting | 6/10 |
| Dental filling (no freezing) | 7/10 |
| Stepping on a Lego | 11/10 |
That last one's a joke. Kind of. But the point is — a tattoo on your arm or thigh is less painful than a bad sunburn. Most people are genuinely surprised at how manageable it is.
The Body Map: Where It Hurts Most (and Least)
Mild Pain (3-4/10) — Great for First Tattoos
- ✅ Outer upper arm / shoulder
- ✅ Outer thigh
- ✅ Calf
- ✅ Upper back / shoulder blade
- ✅ Forearm (outer side)
Moderate Pain (5-6/10) — Uncomfortable but Doable
- ⚡ Inner forearm
- ⚡ Chest (away from sternum)
- ⚡ Lower back
- ⚡ Shin
- ⚡ Neck (sides)
Spicy Pain (7-9/10) — Veteran Territory
- 🔥 Ribs
- 🔥 Sternum / chest plate
- 🔥 Spine
- 🔥 Inner elbow (ditch)
- 🔥 Kneecap
- 🔥 Feet / ankles
- 🔥 Armpit area
Why I Called It "House of Pain"
People always ask about the name. Here's the real story.
When I was setting up the shop in Moose Jaw, I knew I wanted a name that was honest. No sugarcoating. Tattoos involve needles, ink, and yes — some discomfort. I didn't want to pretend otherwise.
But there's more to it than that. "House of Pain" is about owning the experience. Every person who walks through my door is choosing to sit through something uncomfortable to get something meaningful. That takes guts. The name respects that.
It's also become a bit of a badge of honour for my clients. "I survived the House of Pain" isn't just a slogan on our merch — it's something people genuinely feel proud of. They earned their ink.
And honestly? The name makes people laugh. It breaks the ice. When someone walks in nervous about their first tattoo and sees the sign, they usually crack a smile. That's the energy I want in my shop — real, honest, and a little bit fun.
The Endorphin Effect: Why Pain Fades Fast
Here's something most people don't know: your body fights back.
Within the first 10-15 minutes of getting tattooed, your body starts releasing endorphins — natural painkillers. This is why the first few minutes are usually the worst, and then it settles into a dull, manageable sensation.
Some clients actually find it relaxing after a while. I've had people fall asleep in the chair. Seriously. The rhythmic buzzing and the endorphin rush can put you in a surprisingly zen state.
Tips to Make It Easier
- Sleep well the night before — fatigue lowers your pain tolerance
- Eat a solid meal 1-2 hours before your appointment
- Hydrate — drink plenty of water the day before and day of
- Skip the booze — alcohol thins your blood and makes it worse
- Bring headphones — music, podcasts, or audiobooks are great distractions
- Wear comfortable clothes — you'll be sitting for a while
- Breathe — steady breathing keeps your muscles relaxed
- Ask about numbing cream — for sensitive spots, it can take the edge off
The Bottom Line
Does getting a tattoo hurt? Yes. Is it unbearable? Not even close.
The vast majority of my clients — including people who were terrified beforehand — tell me the same thing: "That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought."
The pain is temporary. The art is permanent. And if you can handle a sunburn, a cat scratch, or stepping on a Lego, you can handle a tattoo.
If you're thinking about getting your first piece — or your next one — message me on Messenger or call 306-313-5307. I'll walk you through everything, help you pick a good first spot, and make sure you're comfortable the whole way through.
After all, it's the House of Pain — but I promise you'll leave smiling.
— Mike Kuntz
House of Pain Tattoos, Moose Jaw, SK